文章大意：本文是一篇议论文。文章论述了现代社会将等待行为商品化的现象。作者认为等待的能力是一个文明社会的基础，并且能增强对某物的欣赏。作者认为等待是一个重要的功能，能让我们更好地与他人一起参与生活。
10 . Lining up to board a plane has become an evident indicator of how our society has commodified (使商品化) the very act of waiting. The more you pay, the sooner you can get on the plane and the less likely you will have to check a bag. It’s not just airlines, it’s also museums, online purchases and amusement parks where VIP status can help you avoid lines. When did the act of waiting get such a bad reputation?
The very act of waiting can enhance our appreciation of something. We enjoy the anticipation like a child waiting for Christmas or summer vacation. Perhaps the person waiting in line to see his favorite singer perform in concert relishes the night more because of the time invested in getting into the venue.
As our world has sped up, this desirable balance between instant and delayed satisfaction conflicts with the current expectations of many people. When we denigrate (诋毁) the act of waiting, we risk losing an important part of our shared humanity. Having to wait is taken as a sign of being less well off or “not in the game”. It encourages privileged impatience and disdain (鄙视) for those who are caught waiting.
But the capacity to wait is a foundational part of a civilized society and thus an important skill to have. If we lose our ability to stand in line or to wait our turn, we suffer from the stress of a changing world. If we label people who wait as “losers”, we release strong urges to grab what’s ours at any cost with no concern about those we leave behind. We see the people in line as “other”, not like us, and that dehumanization (非人化) is dangerous.
Of course, we should not have to wait patiently for everything. For example, there are times when injustice deserves immediate action. Asking people to wait can be a calculated obstacle to change. In a larger context though, all of us are supposed to understand the act of waiting not only as a necessary evil but also as an important function which allows us to participate fully in life alongside our fellow travelers.
1. What is the author’s purpose of writing paragraph 1?
| A．To draw a conclusion. | B．To explain a new rule. |
| C．To raise a hot issue. | D．To propose a suggestion. |
2. What does the underlined word “relishes” mean in paragraph 2?
| A．Values. | B．Memorizes. | C．Hates. | D．Ignores. |
3. What will happen if we lose our ability to wait according to the text?
| A．Our society will fall into depression. | B．We will fail to achieve success. |
| C．Our society will see less civilization. | D．We will suffer from mental illness. |
4. What is the author’s attitude toward the act of waiting?
| A．Favorable. | B．Intolerant. | C．Objective. | D．Doubtful. |
