Directions:Read the following passages carefully. Each passage is followed by some quest

ions or unfinished sentences. For each of them there are four choices marked A, B, C, and D. Choose the best answer to each question.

Questions 41 to 45 are based on the following passage.

Best known as an author of fairy tales, Hans Christian Andersen was also an actor, a singer, and an artist: He was so good at the unusual craft of paper cutting. Paper cutting was not a well-known craft in Denmark during the 1800s. Andersen usually used white or brightly colored paper. He never drew outline first but simply made quick cuts with a design that existed only in his imagination. Sometimes he used a flat piece of paper. Other times he folded the paper, made some cuts, opened the paper, and then refolded it in a different way before cutting again. When at last he unfolded the finished paper cutting, an elegant design could be seen.

Andersen had many reasons for making his paper cuttings, but the main one was to entertain. Andersen loved to tell his amazing stories to anyone who would listen. As he spoke, he would take out his scissors and create a remarkable paper cutting to illustrate his words.

Audiences remained fascinated as they awaited the end of the tale and the outcome of the mysteriously changing piece of paper. Books, especially those other than instructional, were not very common at the time. People who enjoyed hearing a story purely for the sake of entertainment valued Andersen’s unique skill as a storyteller and anartist.

Andersen also found that his paper cuttings helped bridge a communication gap between himself and others. Although he’s an awkward and shy man, Andersen still loved an audience. His stories and paper cuttings helped him to communicate when he would have otherwise felt uncomfortable. He loved to travel and always took his scissors along. When encountering those who spoke different languages, Andersen found he could always make a connection by demonstrating his beautiful paper creations.

The paper cuttings also became unique gifts for friends and family. Sometimes Andersen would present the cuttings to the children of relatives. Other times they were given as symbol of appreciation to hosts and hostesses. When his writing brought him fame, these gifts were even more valued.

41）What does the first paragraph of the passage want to tell？ ()

A . Paper cutting was not a well-known craft during the 1800s.

B . Andersen usually used white or brightly colored paper.

C . Andersen’s paper cutting was the result of his inspiration.

D . Andersen used different ways to make paper cutting.

42）Which one best describes Andersen’s unique way of paper cutting？ ()

A . He could keep audiences fascinated while cutting paper.

B . He would create a remarkable paper cutting to illustrate his words.

C . He loved to tell his amazing stories to anyone who would listen.

D . He loved to travel and always took his scissors along.

43）Based on the reading, which of the following is most likely to happen？ ()

A . Andersen’s paper cuttings will be preserved for many years.

B . The museum will replace the paper cuttings with other objects.

C . Interest in Andersen’s books will diminish because of his paper cuttings.

D . Andersen’s paper cuttings will become more treasured than his writings.

44）What is the main purpose of this reading passage？ ()

A . To illustrate the importance of having a variety of skills.

B . To compare entertainment of the past to that of the present.

C . To illustrate how a person used art to overcome shyness.

D . To explore a lesser-known talent of a famous writer.

45）Which of the following would make this passage easier to understand？()

A . A picture of one of Andersen’s paper cuttings.

B . An excerpt from one of Andersen’s fairy tales.

C . A quote from someone who owns one of Andersen’s paper cuttings.

D . An explanation of what inspired Andersen to write fairy tales.