文章大意:本文是一篇记叙文。文章主要讲述了20年前作者开出租车送一位80多岁的老太太去临终安养院的故事。作者关了计价器,慢慢载着这位老太太经过了许多有回忆的地方,给了这位老太太一些慰藉,通过这件事作者意识到一些微不足道的善意也能给别人带来光明。
Twenty years ago, I drove a taxi for living. One night, I took a fare (出租车乘客) at 2:30 AM. When I arrived to collect, sanding on the side way was a small woman in her 80s with a big suitcase.
After I helped her into the taxi she gave me an address and asked, “Could you drive through downtown?” “It is not the shortest way,” I answered quickly. “I don’t mind,” She said, “I’m in no hurry. I’m on my way to a hospice (临终安养院).” I looked in the rear-view mirror (后视镜). Her eyes were wet. I quietly reached over and shut off he meter (计价器). “What route would you like me to take?” I asked.
For the next two hours, we drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newly married. She had me stop in front of a shabby house, where she had gone dancing as a girl. Sometimes she asked me to slow in front of a particular building and sat staring into the darkness, saying nothing. At last, she said, “I’m tired. Let’s go now.”
We drove in silence to the destination. It was a grey low building.
“How much do I owe you?” She asked, reaching into her purse. “Nothing,” I said. Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held on to me tightly and whispered a “Thank you”. I squeezed her hand and walked into the dim morning light. Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life.
I didn’t pick up any more passengers, but drove aimlessly, lost in thought. What if that woman had come across an impatient driver? What if I had refused to drive through downtown? Great moments often catch us unaware, beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one.
4. What caused the author to shut off the meter?
A.His distrust of the fare. | B.His pity for the woman. |
C.The breakdown of the meter. | D.The cold weather at midnight. |
5. What was the aim of the women’s ride downtown?
A.To find a place to settle down. |
B.To reach the destination on time. |
C.To kill time before the hospice opened. |
D.To see the city for last time. |
6. What can we learn from the story?
A.Giving is always a pleasure. |
B.People should respect elderly people. |
C.A small act of kindness brings people great joy. |
D.Strangers are family you haven’t known yet. |
7. Which of the following describe the author best?
A.Positive and energetic. | B.Helping and humorous. |
C.Sensitive and patient. | D.Kind-hearted but demanding. |
8. Which of the following is a suitable title for the text?
A.A taxi ride I will never forget |
B.My strange driving experience |
C.The ending of an old woman’s life |
D.An old woman passenger and her life |