Ⅰ.阅读理解
Saahil Mehta, a 40-year-old Indian living in the United Arab Emirates, believes in gifting his two children, Yuvraj, 8 and Alisha, 6, experiences rather than material possessions to celebrate special occasions. This could be in the form of a visit to a theme park or a staycation in a new hotel.
“As a result, their desire to buy things has gone down. This is our way of addressing their basic needs,”said Mehta.
In December 2019, Mehta took the family to visit the Indian city of Dharamshala where they spent time with poor children in a school. This was an eye-opener for Alisha and Yuvraj, as they realized that what was normal for them was a treat for those kids.“For those kids, it is a blessing to be able to attend school. This experience taught my kids to count their blessings,”said Mehta.
During the holiday, the Mehta family gave away pens and pencils to 250 children. This helped Alisha and Yuvraj understand the cost difference in schooling.“They notice how much we spend on their education. The difference in costs helped them make a comparison,”explained Mehta.
Back home, the kids are encouraged to do basic housework like making their beds,opening curtains, etc. But Mehta never gives them money for doing those things. This way, they are taught that everyone has to chip in to keep the household running. When they do other tasks beyond the essentials, like massaging the mother's shoulders, etc., Mehta pays them a small amount.
Pointing out a weakness in the education system, Mehta said children don't get any experience in financial literacy (知识) until they attend university. The father is planning to introduce the concept of a family bank to his children. He also wants his children to pay attention to financial pitfalls such as spending beyond their means, too much use of credit cards, etc.He has set a plan on how money will be spent on some needs. It's up to his children to use the money carefully.
语篇解读:本文是说明文。文章讲述了一位父亲在生活中是如何教孩子合理消费、管理金钱的。
1.What do we know about Mehta's way of gifting his children?
A.It isn't really to their liking.
B.It changes the way they buy things.
C.It allows him to connect with them.
D.It teaches them about spending money wisely.
解析:选D 细节理解题。由第一、二段可知,Mehta在庆祝一些特殊的日子时,不会送孩子们物质的东西。他可能会带孩子们去主题公园游玩或者在家附近新开的酒店度假。他的这种做法让孩子们没那么看重物质的东西。
2.What did Mehta's children learn during the visit to Dharamshala?
A.They should appreciate what they have.
B.They should make friends with the poor.
C.They should cut the cost of their education.
D.They should treat different people differently.
解析:选A 推理判断题。由第三段中的“they realized that what was normal for them was a treat for those kids”及 Mehta所说的话可知,这次旅行让Mehta的孩子们意识到他们拥有很多东西,他们应该感恩。
3.Why did Mehta refuse to pay his children for doing housework?
A.To warn that they must work hard to make money.
B.To show that it's what they're supposed to do.
C.To encourage them to be selfless and careful.
D.To force them to develop a good habit.
解析:选B 细节理解题。由倒数第二段中的“This way, they are taught that everyone has to chip in to keep the household running”可知,他这样做的目的是让孩子们意识到自己是家庭的一员,有义务去做家务。
4.What is the problem with the education system according to Mehta?
A.It doesn't prepare children for money management.
B.It doesn't suggest the importance of saving money.
C.It doesn't encourage children to pay with cash.
D.It doesn't teach children ways to make money.
解析:选A 细节理解题。由最后一段第一句可知,在当前的教育体制下,孩子们从小理财知识匮乏。