Question

For his eleventh birthday, Lin was given a gift that would shape his life. On that day his father took him to the Children’s Activity Centre and said he could choose any course that interested him. There was just one requirement: Lin would have to promise to study it for at least one year.

To that point Lin had had many hobbies, but none kept his interest for more than a week or two. His mum once gave him a bag of stamps to encourage stamp collecting. That hobby lasted a week. Then his father got him some paints hoping that Lin's artistic side would shine through. Those paints were now under his bed, still unopened. This time Lin’s parents would let him decide.

Lin's eyes moved down the noticeboard that listed all the courses on offer. He stopped at "Photography". He liked the idea of taking beautiful pictures but the notice said that each student needed their own camera. Although Lin's family weren't poor, they weren’t rich either, and a camera cost a lot of money. He continued looking.

The next course to catch his eye was "Language Art". He didn’t even know what that meant. His father explained that it taught people how to make public speeches. Lin, a shy boy, could think of nothing worse.

Then he saw it. "Cooking" sounded like something he'd like to do. It was inexpensive and convenient, it could be done alone and it was also creative.

Based on Lin’s hobby history, his dad had doubts, but he agreed. Much to his parents' surprise, Lin kept his promise. He studied cooking at the Centre every Saturday, and practised at home, making delicious meals for his family. Everyone looked forward to birthdays, when they could eat his cakes. Lin got great satisfaction from the pleasure his food brought to others.

The months turned to years but his hobby never changed again.

Now Lin is an adult and runs a successful restaurant. When customers say they enjoy his meal, he still gets the same pleasure he did as a child, and remembers the special gift he received all those years ago.

1.Why didn't Lin choose to study photography?

A.It was too expensive.

B.He had no interest in it.

C.He was not very creative.

D.It was not offered that term.

2.The underlined expression "catch his eye" in Paragraph 4 means “ ”.

A.make him excited

B.cause him surprise

C.get his attention

D.help him see clearly

3.Which of the following best describes Lin's interest in cooking?

A.It only lasted for a short time.

B.It seemed to match his character.

C.It was forced on him by his parents.

D.It developed slowly over many months.

4.Why did the father have doubts about Lin's choice of cooking?

A.Lin wasn't good at cooking.

B.Cooking wasn't very convenient.

C.He didn’t think Lin would continue.

D.Cooking wasn't a good hobby for a boy.

5.What's the best title for the passage?

A.A Strict Father

B.A Changeable Boy

C.The Fun of Cooking

D.The Birthday Gift

Answer 1