Like many teens his age, 16-year-old Eric Kilburn Jr. From the USA enjoys spending time with family and friends, balancing sports and video games in his free time. However, Eric quite literally stands out from the crowd. He holds the record for the largest feet on a living teenager, with his feet measuring an impressive 34.30 cm. His shoes are an American size 23. That’s significantly larger than the average shoe for an adult male, which typically ranges from 8.5 to 9. Eric’s hands are equally extraordinary: measuring an amazing 23.20 cm. The size far exceeds the average for his age, which stands at 19.04 cm.
Eric first became aware of his exceptional size in kindergarten, noticing that he was “much taller and larger than his friends.” As he grew older, the difference only became more pronounced, and his large hands and feet have affected his everyday life on several occasions. The teenager recalls that he hasn’t been able to shop for shoes in a store “since around fifth grade”. Soon, shopping for gloves also became a challenge.
With no choice but to order custom-made orthopaedic (矫形的) shoes that cost over $1,500 for a single pair, Eric’s mother Rebecca began to wonder if his remarkable size might qualify him for a world record. She thought that, perhaps, having Eric’s unique measurements acknowledged with a record would, in turn, attract companies willing to produce shoes that would fit his unique measurements. With the help and encouragement of his mum and a family friend, Eric applied for his record titles when he was 14 years old. As Eric’s story gained attraction online, major companies like Puma and Under Armour stepped in. The companies offered him custom-made shoes and boots for free, bringing an unexpected but welcome change into his life.
Looking at the future, Eric hopes to get involved with The Big Shoe Network: the nonprofit organization founded by his mother. The teen says he appreciates his mother’s resilience and strength. He is inspired by her ability to care for others while working toward her own goals. “She’s shown me that you can achieve anything, even during tough times,” he adds.
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1.1.What does the underlined sentence mean?
A Eric is good at sports.
B Eric is an excellent teenager.
C Eric has significantly large feet.
D Eric has broken many world records.
解析：选C。句意理解题。根据划线句子后面的“He holds the record for the largest feet on a living teenager, with his feet measuring an impressive 34.30 cm.”他的脚长34.30厘米，是健在的青少年中脚最大的记录保持者，即划线句子表达的是埃里克有巨大的脚。故选C。
2.2.Which word has the closest meaning to the underlined word “pronounced”?
A Obvious.
B Similar.
C Invisible.
D Attractive.
解析：选A。词义猜测题。根据划线词前文，埃里克在上幼儿园的时候发现自己与别的小朋友不同，他的手脚比别人的更大；再结合划线词后文，他的大手和大脚多次影响到他的日常生活，由此可知，随着年龄增长，他的与众不同越来越明显。故选A。
3.3.Why did Eric’s mother think of applying for his world record titles?
A To earn him international fame.
B To order more shoes that fit his feet.
C To attract companies to do business with him.
D To save money on ordering custom-made shoes.
解析：选D。推理判断题。根据第三段第一句可知，一双特别定制的鞋需要1500美元，价格昂贵；结合“attract companies willing to produce shoes that would fit his unique measurements”吸引愿意生产符合他独特尺寸的鞋子的公司以及“The companies offered him custom-made shoes and boots for free, bringing an unexpected but welcome change into his life.”这些公司为他免费提供定制的鞋子和靴子，给他的生活带来了意想不到但可喜的变化。由此可知，埃里克的妈妈为他申请吉尼斯世界纪录是想节约为他定制鞋子的钱。故选D。
4.4.What is Eric’s attitude towards his mother?
A Uncaring.
B Admirable.
C Doubtful.
D Critical.
解析：选B。推理判断题。根据最后一段中最后三句：这位少年说，他很欣赏母亲的坚韧和力量。他被她在为自己的目标而努力的同时关心他人的能力所鼓舞。他补充说：“她告诉我，即使在艰难时期，你也可以取得任何成就。”由此可推断，埃里克非常佩服自己的妈妈。故选B。
