1 . At a comedy night at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland, members of the school's comedy(喜剧) club bring lots of laughter to their classmates with funny speeches and humorous body movements. These college student comedian’s humour entertains busy, young people and eases their stress.
Yet the club member Ariella Shua says comedy is serious work. Every comedy starts as an individual project-- each member writes their own material. Then they try it out in weekly club meetings where all club members read the material, going joke by joke and seeing what works and what doesnt. Nothing unsatisfactory will be compromised(妥协). In this way comes a satisfying comedy.
Ariella joined the club last year. Now she does not go anywhere without bringing something on which she can take notes. ''Whenever I just have a thought in my head or when I see something or overhear someone saying something in the library, I just put it down, '' Ariella explained. ''when I'm trying to write my own set, I go through that…to see if there is anything in there that I can use. ''
Club president Nicholas Scandura finds writing one of the many skills he has developed since joining the club. ''Writing jokes takes a lot of critical thinking.'' he said. The club gives its members a sense of community. When they meet, they share funny experiences. tell jokes and laugh.
Harry Kuperstein discovered the club was a natural fit. Noticing the funny qualities of different situations improved his way of looking at the world. Becoming an active member also helped him work on the future skills he'll need as a medical doctor. ''Having jokes ready to go might help smooth these interactions and make you a better public speaker, '' he said.
1. What can a successful comedy be described as?| A．A group effort | B．A personal project |
| C．A satisfying task | D．A compromised result |
| A．Creating her own style. |
| B．Going to the library regularly |
| C．Taking notes in class |
| D．Becoming a good observer |
| A．By easing his stress of being a doctor |
| B．By preparing the ground for his career. |
| C．By changing his way of communication |
| D．By developing his interest in public speaking |
| A．Laughter Is Serious Work |
| B．Humor Is an Edge in Jobs |
| C．Comedy Comes with Learning |
| D．Clubs Influence One's World View |
2 . In high school I was very shy, content to hang around with my small group of friends and to concentrate on my courses. I was quickly labeled a "brain." I did so well that by the end of senior year I had perfect grades and enough college credits to give up an entire quarter of coursework.
But in early June of senior year, the principal called me into his office. He asked me to give a speech at graduation. I was surprised to look at him, my heart thumping. This was the reward for my hard work? I murmured something and fled the office, blaming myself for staying away from physics, a subject sure to have broken up my perfect record.
I finally agreed to a compromise. I would share the honor with five other students. I agreed to introduce my friend Judy, who would then give her own, full-length speech.
Graduation day soon arrived, I’d been practicing my speech for days, and I had it memorized. The first half hour of the ceremony passed in a blur, and then my moment came. My name was announced. I managed to reach the stage without falling down. I faced my classmates. My voice trembled a little, but mostly it was clear and strong. But within seconds, I was done and heading back to my seat. I accomplished something I’d never dreamed of — I spoke in front of hundreds of people.
Although I didn’t realize it at the time, the successful completion of that speech gave me the confidence to take part in class at college, to give oral reports, and to eventually break free of my shyness. I never would have chosen to give a speech at graduation — or ever. But I’m glad I did. I no longer hesitate when I’m faced with the prospect of doing something I feared. I know it may very well turn out to be one of my shining moments.
1. Why was the writer called a "brain"?| A．She was the most intelligent student. |
| B．She was the head of her small group. |
| C．She was a bookworm all the time. |
| D．She did more coursework for good grades. |
| A．She ruined her health by studying hard. |
| B．She got the reward as was expected. |
| C．She was grateful for giving a speech. |
| D．She wasn't good at physics at school. |
| A．Excited. | B．Moved. |
| C．Scared. | D．Embarrassed |
| A．She had nothing to fear in life, |
| B．She won enough college credits. |
| C．She got rid of her sense of shyness. |
| D．She desired to become a speaker. |
