阅读理解一篇

泰国一向被誉为“亚洲最具异国风情的国家”，除了本身传统及丰富而多元化的古迹外，还具有奇特和变化无穷的优美景色，下面让我们从海外学子的一封信中体会一下。

April 20

Dear Liz,  

My stay in Thailand has certainly been the experience of my life.

Life is busy and hectic（忙碌的）. Bangkok is just like any other big city with a population of 10 million and chaotic traffic. I’m very lucky because my host family lives in a nice quiet area outside the city. There are Mr. and Mrs. Phairat, their son Sanan, who is 18, Chinda, the daughter, who is 16, and Grandpa and Grandma.

Mr. Phairat has an import-export business and travels a lot. Mrs. Phairat works in the business, too, and she can speak several languages.

I go to an international school with Sanan and Chinda. The school teaches about 70 percent in English, and 30 percent in Thai. I’m picking up the spoken language, but Thai writing is very difficult. Cooking classes are my favorite. I’m learning all about Thai food and culture. People don’t use chopsticks here, but spoons and forks. When I come back, I’m going to cook you guys a genuine（名副其实的） Thai meal.

Last weekend we drove to Pattaya beach near Bangkok. I thought it was GREat, but Sanan and Chinda say that next month they’re taking me to Phuket Island, where the beaches are even more beautiful. During vacation, we’re going to travel to the north of Thailand. The Phairats own land there, and they have two elephants. The mahouts (handlers) use the animals to pull logs. I’m going to ride those elephants and even wash them. Sanan and  Chinda say it’s really fun.

I’m fascinated by everything in this country, but especially by the elephants. Elephants are an important part of Thai culture and way of life. They have been a traditional symbol of  Thailand for many years in times of war and peace. In the seventeenth century, a Thai king trained 20,000 elephants for battle.

I’ll tell you all about my  Thai boxing lessons next time I write.

                                                                            Love,

                                                                             　 Mandy

Check the correct meaning according to the reading.

1. chaotic   a. confused and bad  b. organized but noisy  c. slow and tiring

2. chopsticks  a. tools for eating       b. sticks for walking c. sticks for eating chops

3. handler  a. a kind of animal    b. a trainer                 c. an owner

参考答案:1.a 2.a3.b