大學英語閱讀材料

1、精選優(yōu)質文檔-傾情為你奉上Read the two passages and do the True and False exercises.Paasage ISilver LiningJulia Cartwright uncrossed her legs and set her teacup on the breakfast table. Life didnt always turn out the way she wanted it to. Drawing her sheer housedress around her shoulders, she stood and strol

2、led to the bay window that overlooked the train station and Gretas bakery. The glow from the streets light posts dimmed as dawn gave way to the morning. Passengers milled about, some clinging to love ones, while others stood in line for a taste of Gretas scrumptious pastries. If nothing else, she wo

3、uld miss the endearing scene below. Lowering her eyes, wet lashes rested against her cheeks. So many wonderful memories now tainted by the stabbing death of Mrs. Monroe.A shudder raced through her as she turned from the window and surveyed the cardboard boxes lined along the brick wall. Considering

4、her neighbors horrific fate two nights before, her unemployment and move to a smaller place paled in comparison. What weighed most on her mind was doing something for the old womans family, even if it was just to sit and comfort them. Maybe she could purchase something from the bakery and take

5、it to the family this afternoon. Yes, thats what she would do.“Excuse me, Julia. Do you have a moment?”The baritone voice brought her out of her reverie. Julia looked up to see the detective assigned to Mrs. Monroes case in the doorway. “Sure, come in.” When his dark gaze moved down her chiffon, sil

6、k gown, her stomach fluttered, as it did whenever he was near. Instinctively, she drew the satin sash tighter.He cleared his throat. “Your sister let me in, but I can always come back later.”Julias warm cheeks matched her tinted hair. “No, please make yourself comfortable while I change.” She h

7、urried from the room. Her sister had stayed over to help with her move, and she planned to strangle her as soon as he left. How dare she allow him to come back while she was indecent? Having met the detective on two previous occasions, she couldnt deny her attraction to him. His jet black hair and i

8、nquisitive eyes left her nearly breathless. Fanning herself, she browsed through her closet several minutes before deciding on a soft, blue cotton dress. She changed and returned to the sunroom.“Can I get you coffee or tea, detective?” Julie asked, not missing his appreciative glimpse at her dress.“

9、No, Im good. Please call me Will.”She sat in a chair across from him, noticing for the first time the dry rose which fell from her fireplace mantel, now lay in the center of the table. It was a gift shed bought herself last Valentines Day. She chose to ignore it. “Okay, Will, how can I help you?”Wit

10、h pen and pad before him, his expression turned serious. “I wanted to go over this again. You said you heard a scream at two oclock, Tuesday morning. Is that correct?”“Yes, thats correct.” With his head inclined, he scribbled notes. Her gaze followed the movement of his strong hand.“How can you be s

11、ure of the time?”“My favorite television show came on when the scream rang out.”He cast a curious glance in her direction. “And what show is this?”How embarrassing. At twenty-five, she not only bought herself roses but carried on a romance with the television. “The Dating Game.”His

12、60;full lips tilted at the corners. After a few unspoken moments, he continued. “I know you called the police. What did you do after that?”“Just as Ive told you on two other occasions, I ran to the window, and thats when I saw the guy on the fire escape.”“You were adamant about him being a black mal

13、e. How can you be sure when its night?”She wrapped her slender fingers around the teacup shed left on the table earlier. Lifting it to her lips, she sipped the lukewarm liquid and set the cup back on the saucer. “The area was well-lit, and he wasnt wearing a face mask. Youve asked me most of these q

14、uestions before. Are you hoping Ill change my story?”He closed the notepad and folded his hands on the table, drawing her attention to his well-defined forearms.“Youre the only witness who has come forward, so Im trying to get as much information as possible.” He smiled, showing even, white teeth.Wa

15、rmth swept through her lower abdomen. What was it about him that affected her this way? Looking away, she sipped her tea.“Julia.”The sound slid over her skin like oil. She looked up into his midnight eyes. “Yes?”A sigh resonated throughout the room as he leaned back against the chair. “I have to be

16、honest about why Im really here. I remembered that your movers were coming today, and I wanted to see you before you left. I would like to stay in touch.”Trying to steady her hands so he wouldnt hear the cup clinking against the saucer, she let him continue.“I would like to take you out. Is that pos

17、sible?”“Wont this compromise the case?”“Absolutely not. Youre not a suspect.” His gaze still held hers. “Maybe Im moving too fast, but Im totally taken by you.”Since fainting was not an option, Julia took a much needed breath. “I would like very much to see you again.”“Is the offer still good for a

18、cup of coffee?” Will asked.“Yes, Ill be right back.” She stood and turned to leave.“Before you go. Is there a story behind this rose?” He twirled it between his fingers.“Not one youre going to hear from me, detective.”Julia could hear his laughter behind her as she went into the kitchen. Closing her

19、 eyes, she wrapped her arms around her waist. Although shed lost her sweet neighbor and job, better days were ahead. From now on, she would focus on the positive and look for the silver lining. Passage 1 1. Julia Cartright was more concerned about her unemployment and move to a smaller place than he

20、r neighbors death. 2. Julia seemed to be swept off her feet by the detective assigned to her neighbors case though she had got her valentine.3. Julia felt embarrassed to reveal her secret love of a dating program on TV. 4. The detective came to question Julia for the third time because she might hav

21、e committed the murder of her neighbor. 5. With the detectives offer to ask Julia out, she will focus more on the positive side of life and be more optimistic in the future.Paasage IIHome Is Where the Heart Is“Ill see you Thursday night, Jess,” Jack Maguire said to his wife. He wiped a smudge of bab

22、y food from her cheek before pressing his lips to hers.It was their usual Sunday night routine. Saying goodbye.Their youngest, baby Ella, bounced in her mothers arms until her dad leaned over and planted a raspberry on her cheek eliciting squeals of delight.Jessicas lips curled despite the heaviness

23、 in her heart.As a pharmaceutical sales person, travel was a part of Jacks job description that shed grown to accept. But it didnt make saying goodbye any easier.After smothering their other two kids in hugs and kisses, Jack hopped into the waiting hired car with a wave and a smile. Jessicas stomach

24、 clenched as she thought about how exciting his life on the road must bebusiness meetings with doctors, dinner at new restaurants every evening, nights spent in luxurious hotels.After their oldest, Connor, was born, Jessica made the decision to quit her job as a nurse and stay home full time. Now wi

25、th three kids under five, she still loved every moment of her time at home. But that was her. Whenever she said goodbye to Jack she couldnt help wondering if he found their home life dull compared to his travels.Did he look forward to getting back on the road?Jessica felt a tug on her pant leg pulli

26、ng her back from her worries.“Can I have a drink?” asked three year old Zoë.“Of course, Sweetie,” Jessica replied as she patted the girls curly blonde head. She grabbed three plastic cups from the cupboard, and as she poured a round of apple juice for the masses her concerns about Jack were qui

27、ckly forgotten.On Monday night, the phone rang at precisely six oclock. Jessicas heart pounded with anticipation. Whenever he traveled, Jack always managed to sneak away and call home at the same time. No matter what.When she picked up the phone, Jessica could barely hear him over the raised voices

28、and clinking of silverware on dishes. He was at dinner with clients.The kids jumped at her legs anxious to talk to Daddy. After each had their turn, Connor passed her the phone. “Its your turn, Mommy.”But as soon as she raised it to her ear, she heard Jack say, “Sorry, hun. Gotta go.”  He was p

29、ractically shouting to be heard. “Dr. Watts is about to leave, and I havent gotten a commitment from him yet. Ill call you tomorrow. Love you.”She let out a heavy breath but told herself she could wait until tomorrow to tell him about Zoes attempt to dress the cat in a princess gown and tiara.But on

30、 Tuesday evening, Jessica returned home at six-ten following what was supposed to be a quick stop at the grocery storean impossibility with three kids in towto find a message from Jack.“I wont be able to call back tonight,” his voice rang out. “The only time Dr. Bryson can meet with me is this eveni

31、ng. Kisses and hugs to everyone.” He sounded distracted, as though he was in a hurry to get off the phone.Her heart sunk.The tiara story really isnt that exciting anyway. On Wednesday evening, six oclock came and went with no phone call. Even though she knew he was due home the next night, disappoin

32、tment weighed heavy in her chest. Her first instinct was to worry. Hed never missed a call before. Had something happened?Calm down. Hes probably busy with a client, her common sense told her.But then that meant hed gotten too busy or just forgot to call.Either option caused her heart to tighten unc

33、omfortably. But she tried to ignore the sensation as she joined in the kids lively dinnertime conversation.A few hours after the kids were asleep Jessica heard a noise at the front door. Her heart thudded in her chest. Who could it be? She wasnt expecting anyone.Wiping her dish soapy hands on a towe

34、l, she walked cautiously to the front window to check it out.But before she reached the foyer, the door swung open and Jack walked into the house. Jessicas breath caught in her throat, and she rushed to her husband throwing her arms around his neck.“Youre early!” she mumbled into his shoulder. Her h

35、eart sped like crazypartly from surprise but mostly due to the thrill of seeing Jack.“I couldnt stand the thought of being away for another night, so I squeezed all of my appointments into three days. Thats why Ive been so busy.”And he couldnt call tonight because hed been on a plane, she realized. A pang of guilt gripped her stomach. How could she have doubted him?He dropped his small suitcase and returned her embrace with both arms. “Ive had enough stuffy business dinners and lo