肥城第二高级中学高三英语模拟试题

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　　My grandparents actively practiced simplicity. They both grew up in very large families and lived through the Great Depression. Saving for a rainy day and avoiding superfluous consumption were their life philosophy. Rather than seeking fulfillment through material items, they chose to spend really simple life together, with family and in nature.

　　Over the years my grandparents noticed dramatic changes in their community. Every year more farmland was destroyed to build larger and larger homes. As real estate prices rose, many of their neighbors sold their little homes and land. Soon theirs was the only small house on the block, surrounded by a sea of mansions. My grandparents built and lived in a small 600-square-foot cottage for most of their adult lives. Lots of family members encouraged my grandparents to expand their little old house. But they didn’t want a bigger one. They loved their little house and were content with what they had.

　　My grandparents avoided a consumptive (浪费的) lifestyle by painting and

　　repairing the house themselves. They lived in a small home, but had a huge garden. They loved gardening and planting because it reduced their grocery bill, improved their health, and gave them an excuse to be outside. They also reused and recycled everything. For instance, they had driven the same car for over 15 years and didn't buy a new one until the old Chevrolet was worn out.

　　From my grandparents, I learned an important lesson: it is possible to live a simple and fulfilling life. My grandparents taught me that living a simple life isn't about self-deprivation. Instead，it's about giving yourself the time，freedom，and money to pursue your dreams.Becoming debt free，downsizing to a smaller home，and going car-lite(减少用车频率)are a few ways to take control of your life and start pursuing your dreams.

　　44.The community's changes include all the following EXCEPT that________.

　　A. people built more farmland B. the neighbors sold their houses

　　C. the houses became more expensive D. many mansions were built there

　　45.The author's grandparents didn't expand their house because________.

　　A. they didn't accept the family members' advice

　　B. their house was really new and large enough

　　C. they were satisfied with the house they lived in

　　D. they were too old to do any house-building job

　　46.Which of the following is a consumptive lifestyle in the author's grandparents' opinion?

　　A. Repairing the house themselves. B. Planting vegetables in the garden.

　　C. Reusing and recycling things. D. Changing cars in a short time.

　　47.The author thinks his grandparents' lifestyle is________.

　　A. unacceptable

　　B. approvable

　　C. unreasonable

　　D. understandable