Unit 5Nelson Mandelaa modern hero.阅读理解US author Henry Rollins once wrote:“Loneliness adds beauty to life.It puts a special burn on sunsets and makes night air smell better.”Indeed,in the eyes of artists,loneliness never seems to go out of style.There are paintings that portray loneliness,songs that are inspired by loneliness,and many works of literature that center around this theme.In the eyes of UK economist Rachel Reeves,however,loneliness is far from romantic (浪漫的).Instead,its a “giant evil” thats become a serious problem in the country.So just how serious is it?On Jan.17,UK Prime Minister Theresa May appointed politician Tracey Crouch as the countrys very first “Minister for Loneliness”.Her job is to tackle (处理) the loneliness that the countrys been feelinga problem which,according to UK government research,is affecting more than 9 million people in the country,and is more harmful to ones physical and mental health than smoking 15 cigarettes a day.And the problem hasnt just appeared recently.Back in 2014,the UK was given the title of the “loneliness capital of Europe” by The Telegraph.A survey carried out by the newspaper found that British people were less likely to get to know their neighbors or build strong relationships with people than those from other European countries.“There is something British about wanting to deal with problems yourself,”Christian Guy,director of the Centre for Social Justice think-tank (智囊团),told The Telegraph.But this doesnt mean that the problem only affects Britons.In fact,were all suffering from loneliness now more than ever,in spite of most of the world now having access to the Internet,which has enabled us to be more connected than ever.What we need,according to Kim Leadbetter,sister of the late UK politician Jo Cox,is to have “proper human connections”.“Our lives nowadays are so busy.We spend the vast majority of our time on our phones,on our laptops.We need to press pause on that and actually sit down and speak to human beings,”Leadbetter said at an event last year.But the first steps toward fighting this problem are to accept its existence and not be ashamed or intimidated (吓倒) by it.After all,without loneliness,many beautiful paintings,songs,and literary works wouldnt even exist.And “evil” or not,being lonely is simply part of the experience of being human.1.What can we learn about the UKs loneliness problem?A.The government is working to solve the problem.B.More than half of British people suffer from loneliness.C.The UK became the loneliest country in the world in 2014.D.British people communicate less with their neighbors than ever.2.According to the text,social loneliness .A.does more harm mentally than physicallyB.didnt attract the publics attention until recentlyC.is mainly caused by the wide use of the InternetD.has become a problem worldwide3.What does Leadbetter suggest doing to cope with loneliness?A.Making more phone calls to our friends.B.Stopping the use of electronic products.C.Interacting with the people around us face to face more often.D.Accepting its existence calmly.4.Which of the following would the author probably agree with?A.Loneliness is a giant evil of society.B.Only artists can appreciate the beauty of loneliness.C.Loneliness is just a normal part of our life.D.It is hard to find a solution to social loneliness.语篇解读:本文是一篇说明文,介绍了英国流行的一种病,名叫孤独。答案及剖析:1.A细节理解题。根据第三段第二、三句可知,政府派一官员去处理这一个问题。2.D细节理解题。根据倒数第四段可知,这个问题不仅仅影响英国人。3.C细节理解题。根据倒数第二段Kim Leadbetter所说的话可知,应对这个问题的关键是要多和人面对面交流。4.C细节理解题。根据文章最后一段最后一句可知,孤独是人生经历中的一部分。.七选五With the summer holiday just around the corner,it seems like everybody is busy planning their vacations.Here are some tips that can help you enjoy your holiday without emptying your pocket.Travel off-seasonGo to your desired destination while the demand is low and take advantage of huge discounts.During the peak season,the hotel and flight prices increase quickly,and youll likely spend more of your vacation time standing in line due to the rush of tourists.1.2.Websites can help you find discount hotel rooms.Look for places that do not charge extra for children if they use the existing bedding.Stay with the locals.If you and your family are going to stay for a longer period,renting a small apartment is a good choice.Eat like a localWhy eat at big chain restaurants when you can experience something new? Planning your meals is another way to reduce your travel costs.During your family trip,try new food where the locals eat.3. For smaller meals and snacks,avoid restaurants and try street food or other takeout.Dont hesitate to bargainTourist-heavy places are known for overcharging for just about everything.Clothes,travel goodies,souvenirs,etc.are very expensive at these places.For this reason,you shouldnt feel ashamed to ask for bargains.4.Choose local transportationAs a tourist,avoid taking taxis whenever