1 . The way people decorate their homes can tell a lot about themselves. Obviously the way we decorate our homes is very personal. And while many of us have plenty of options, there are always people who go that little bit further. So, when it comes to minimalism (极简主义) and maximalism (极繁主义) , which one appeals to you more?

Minimalism was an art movement that started in the 1950s. Its basic principles come from a concept of less is more, reducing things to their most basic. Some people took that art style and used it as a way of living. Their houses are usually decorated in simple colors, often just black and white. For some, especially maximalists, it may seem a bit boring or depressing. However, living in this way is seen by many as more organized and practical.

Maximalism started in the 1970s. It embraces the core ideals that “more is more”. While minimalism centres around the principle of removing, if it’s easy to imagine that a maximalists’ home is piled with items—but that’s not the basic idea. It’s more about making the most of the area. Organized excess and bright colors combined with mixed patterns is what you will see in a home like this. For a minimalist, being used to more simple designs, it could be uneasy. But for those who embrace it, those things give a space personality.

The way you have your home is up to you! But, if you choose maximalism, you may need to prepare for a bit more dusting.

1. What may maximalists think of minimalists’ lifestyle?

A．Interesting.

B．Practical.

C．Amazing.

D．Dull.

2. What can we learn about maximalism?

A．It was an art movement at first.

B．It focuses on using the space fully.

C．It is criticized for wasting resources.

D．It dates back to as early as the 1950s.

3. How is the text mainly developed?

A．By making comparison.

B．By explaining causes.

C．By giving examples.

D．By listing facts.

4. According to the passage, how will you choose between minimalism and maximalism?

A．Love me, love my dog.

B．Whatever you like depends on yourself.

C．Birds of a feather flock together.

D．Cut your coat according to your cloth.

2 . Given the high price of housing, many of us are living in smaller space than we’d like. However, living in a small space is not that bad; it has some advantages.

It’s cheaper to decorate. It can take thousands of dollars worth of decoration simply to make large space look inviting.     1     Instead of many pieces of large, expensive furniture, you need only a few to make your style sing. You’ll have plenty of money left for other things.

It’s easier to clean. This must be one of your favorite things about living in small space. The bigger the space, the longer it takes to organize and tidy up.     2     That’s why small space is welcomed by those who like being surrounded by order and cleanliness and don’t want to spend a ton of time and energy in keeping them that way.

    3     It takes a lot to pay for heating, cooling and electricity, which can also cost much energy. When you compare the electricity bill of someone living in 500 square feet with that of someone living in 3,000 square feet, the difference can be great. We use less energy and produce less waste when we live in a small space.     4    

It’s easier to personalize. Ever have you walked into a large home that feels more like a museum than the small home of someone you know? It’s usually not the most familiar or welcoming atmosphere.     5     It is much easier to decorate a small home in your own style.

A．It’s more organized and comfortable.

B．No one wants to spend hours just cleaning.

C．Living in a small homes makes your life in mess.

D．It’s financially and environmentally friendly.

E．So it also does good to our beloved Mother Nature.

F．Actually, you want your home to show your personal style.

G．Small space, however, makes decorating more simple and affordable.