高考英语真题阅读（6）

“You can use me as a last resort (选择) , and if nobody else volunteers, then I will do it.” This was an actual reply from a parent after I put out a request for volunteers for my kids’ lacrosse (长曲棍球) club.

I guess that there’s probably some demanding work schedule, or social anxiety around stepping up to help for an unknown sport. She may just need a little persuading. So I try again and tug at the heartstrings. I mention the single parent with four kids running the show and I talk about the dad coaching a team that his kids aren’t even on ... At this point the unwilling parent speaks up, “Alright. Yes, I’ll do it.”

I’m secretly relieved because I know there’s real power in sharing volunteer responsibilities among many. The unwilling parent organizes the meal schedule, sends out emails, and collects money for end-of-season gifts. Somewhere along the way, the same parent ends up becoming an invaluable member of the team. The coach is able to focus on the kids while the other parents are relieved to be off the hook for another season. Handing out sliced oranges to bloodthirsty kids can be as exciting as watching your own kid score a goal.

Still, most of us volunteers breathe a sigh of relief when the season comes to a close. That relief is coupled with a deep understanding of why the same people keep coming back for more: Connecting to the community (社区) as you freely give your time, money, skills, or services provides a real joy. Volunteering just feels so good.

In that sense, I’m pretty sure volunteering is more of a selfish act than I’d freely like to admit. However, if others benefit in the process, and I get some reward too, does it really matter where my motivation lies?

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1.What can we infer about the parent from her reply in paragraph 1?

A She knows little about the club.

B She isn’t good at sports.

C She just doesn’t want to volunteer.

D She’s unable to meet her schedule.

解析：选C。推理判断题。根据第一段You can use me as a last resort, and if nobody else volunteers, then I will do it.和第二段the unwilling parent可知，这位家长不愿意做志愿者的工作，故选C。

2.What does the underlined phrase “tug at the heartstrings” in paragraph 2 mean?

A Encourage teamwork.

B Appeal to feelings.

C Promote good deeds.

D Provide advice.

解析：选B。词义猜测题。根据前一句She may just need a little persuading.以及the unwilling parent speaks up, “Alright. Yes, I’ll do it.”可知tug at the heartstrings意思为“打动(她)”，故选B。

3.What can we learn about the parent from paragraph 3?

A She gets interested in lacrosse.

B She is proud of her kids.

C She’ll work for another season.

D She becomes a good helper.

解析：选D。细节理解题。根据第三段Somewhere along the way, the same parent ends up becoming an invaluable member of the team.可知，这位家长后来成为社团里的一名有力帮手，故选D。

4.Why does the author like doing volunteer work?

A It gives her a sense of duty.

B It makes her very happy.

C It enables her to work hard.

D It brings her material rewards.

解析：选B。细节理解题。根据第四段Connecting to the community as you freely give your time, money, skills, or services provides a real joy. Volunteering just feels so good.可知，做志愿者使作者很快乐，故选B。