1 . An Olympic Village is a place that houses Olympic competitors. It is a place where they prepare for what might be the most important moment in their life. But we want to know more about this mysterious place: What really happens in the village?
We asked swimmer Natalie Coughlin, a three time Olympian and 12 -time medalist. She says, “People think it’s a lot more attractive and interesting than it is. It isn’t. It’s like a huge college campus, including a bank, a salon, a post office, and a huge cafeteria- except that everyone is anxious, getting ready for their biggest event under unbelievably high pressure (压力).”
But some other Olympians look differently at their campus. “It’s like the first day of college,” water polo player Tony Azevedo says. “You’re super excited. Everyone s meeting people and trying to socialize with others,”
Coughlin says the best spot to be in the village is the cafeteria. Not only does it provide a place to talk with the rest of the athletes from your country but it’s a great chance for people watching. One of her favorite games was to tell what sport someone in front of her took based on their body type.
Living in the same village means athletes run into one another all the time. Coughlin shares this story: While in London in 2012, at one point applause (欢呼) broke out at the arrival of someone. Coughlin thought it was one of the British royals (王室成员), but it ended up being Jamaica’s Usain Bolt (the world’s greatest runner alive). Runner Allyson Felix— a winner of six gold Olympic medals— has also had her run-ins. In 2008, she came across the world-famous U. S. men’s basketball team, including Anthony, Bryant, Wade and other top players.
It’s “a pretty wild scene, the biggest melting pot— a place where large numbers of people, ideas, and cultures are mixed together— you’ve been in,” said swimmer Eric Shanteau. Felix agrees, saying, “You get to meet people from other countries that you wouldn’t even come into contact with. To me that’s the coolest thing.
1. What does Coughlin say about the Olympic villagers?| A．They spend most of their time relaxing. |
| B．They enjoy the village very much. |
| C．They like to make friends. |
| D．They are very nervous. |
| A．She often tried guessing a person’ s sport. |
| B．She often tasted food from other countries. |
| C．She often listened to other athletes’ stories. |
| D．She often spent time with basketball players. |
| A．Why Olympians are so popular. |
| B．Why the Olympic Village is mysterious. |
| C．How they met superstars in the village. |
| D．How they communicated with other players. |
| A．Spending time with some old foreign friends. |
| B．Mixing with people from around the world. |
| C．The positive influence of the Olympic spirit. |
| D．The competitive atmosphere in the village. |
2 . Ellie was a skilled gymnast（体操运动员）. But she liked showing off（炫耀））. At the gymnastics tryout（选拔赛）, she put on a perfect performance. "See who can do that! " she said proudly.
The next Friday, the list was posted announcing who had made the team. Ellie's name wasn't on it. "It's unfair. I'm better than all the other girls! " she said. She went to see the coach.
"You are quite talented, but your attitude is terrible, " the coach said. "Making the gymnastics team isn't just about gymnastics. It's also about being on a team. " That night Ellie complained to her parents. Her mother was angry, but her father said that the coach had a point. They had a big argument. Ellie couldn't sleep. She kept thinking about what the coach had said.
Ellie couldn't stay away from the gym, so she practiced alone. One day, after watching Ann fall off the parallel bars（双杠）again and again, Ellie ran to her and explained to Ann what she was doing wrong. Ann did as Ellie suggested and improved. Ellie didn't notice the coach was looking at her. Over the next few months, Ellie always helped the other girls. They did better and better. "We couldn't have done this without Ellie's help, " the girls said.
The following year, Ellie tried out for the gymnastics team again. This time, she was modest. When the girls praised her, she just smiled and thanked them. When the coach posted the list of who had made the team, her name was on it. Ellie and the other girls were all very happy.
1. How did Ellie feel when she went to see the coach?| A．Angry. | B．Happy. | C．Proud. | D．Nervous. |
| A．she slept too much in the afternoon |
| B．she had an argument with her mother |
| C．she was worried about the gymnastics tryout |
| D．she was thinking about the meanings of the coach's words |
①Ellie practiced alone. ②Ellie's parents argued.
③Ellie coached other girls. ④Ellie showed off at the gymnastics tryout.
| A．③①④② | B．③④②① | C．④②①③ | D．④①③② |
| A．A serious coach | B．A gymnastics team | C．Gymnastics tryouts | D．Gymnastics competitions |
