高中英语话题阅读理解材料
随着时间的流逝，已经不是很清楚什么时候开始英语阅读理解的训练了，只知道注意到的时候，紧张的又让人期待的高中开始到来了。今天小编给大家带来高中英语话题阅读，希望大家喜欢并且能够有所收获。
高中英语话题阅读(一)
Germany's iron lady
IN the office of the German Chancellor (总理) Angela Merkel, there is a picture of Catherine the Great, the legendary (传奇的) Russian Empress. When asked why she has the picture, Merkel says, “She was a strong woman”. Many say the same of Merkel.
The most powerful woman in the world, according to US Forbes (福布斯) magazine, was in China last week. She came to discuss trade and environmental issues with China’s top leaders.
Germany’s first woman leader is known as a brave and down-to-earth statesman (政治家). Even since her time at school, she had the habit of getting everything in order. Every day before doing her homework she would clean the desk and think about what to do next. “I prefer a long time for full preparations to make my decision. But once I decide, I will stand up for what I believe,” Merkel said.
Perhaps it was good habits that helped her do well in her studies. At 32, she got a doctorate (博士学位) in physics and then she worked as a researcher.
However, the life of a scholar (学者) couldn’t put her off a love of politics. While working in labs, Merkel took time off to read political books and at last join a political party. “Her calmness helped her stand out in the party. She could always find a way out while others felt hopeless,” said one of her old friends.
In her first big political job as Minister for the Environment in 1994, her scientific background proved very useful. In 2005 she became Germany’s youngest chancellor since World War II.
Now half way through her four-year term, the 53-year-old woman has made a name for herself both in Germany and abroad. At the EU summit (峰会) in 2005 when France quarreled with Britain over the EU budget (预算), some people believed the EU was close to breaking down. But Merkel didn’t give up. She shuttled (穿梭) between the heads of the two powers and got them to compromise (妥协).
“Strength comes from composure (镇定) and courage. Many people say I am a strong woman. But I would rather say I have perseverance (恒心) ,” said Merkel.
Merkel’s love of the ‘beautiful game’
There are many sides to the Hamburg-born woman. For example, did you know she is a football fan? Last year a leading German sports magazine interviewed her. Her answers left no one in doubt about her passion (热情) and knowledge of the game. She could even explain the offside (越位) rule! She also said she likes to have company when watching football. During EURO 96, when she was Minister for the Environment, she went into a pub to watch games on TV.
高中英语话题阅读(二)
Do you prefer the British or American accent?
MANY English learners have difficulty deciding what kind of English accent they want to have. A US accent, perhaps modeled (模仿) on the way a Hollywood star speaks? Or maybe you want to imitate (模仿) the British accent of a BBC newsreader?
Young British people find the US accent attractive while young US people like a British accent. Especially when the person speaking is of the opposite sex! Let's listen to what they have to say.
Stephen Yang, 17, from London, UK:
A US accent is cute, especially when a girl speaks it. Whether it's Jessica Alba speaking or the girl-next-door, the way US girls speak has a sweet tingle that is really sassy (时髦). A girl from Texas recently moved into our neighborhood. Her Texan twang (鼻音) had all the boys here on their knees within seconds of meeting her.
To me, accents reflect (反映) the attitudes, characteristics and lifestyles of the people.
Jennifer Sun, 14, from New Jersey, US:
From watching English actors like Daniel Radcliffe, my friends and I have developed a soft spot for British men. Some are attracted to the qualities of English males, while others admire their sense of style.
Everyone, however, agrees that the most appealing (有吸引力的) aspect of an English man is his accent. For example, many American girls watch Harry Potter movies over and over again just to listen to the actors speak.
The English accent seems almost like art.
