1. (2019高一上·泰州期末) 阅读理解

    TOASTMASTERS

    Toastmasters is an international organization, designed to develop effective speaking and listening skills. It was set up in 1924 by Ralph Smedley and it's headquartered in California. It has a double purpose: the personal growth and strong effective communication skills.

    Who is Toastmasters open to?

    Many people think Toastmasters is open only to those who wish to be professional speakers, but that is not true. Toastmasters is open to the public at large. Any person who wishes to improve his public speaking is welcome. And also, those who just want to increase their overall self-confidence are encouraged to attend.

How can Toastmasters help you?

    Joining Toastmasters, a person will learn different methods of communicating what he really wants to say, and equally important, he will learn what the audience expects so he can send that message to them in an organized way. Some people are comfortable around friends, but when they appear before a group they don't know, they get nervous. The organization helps its members to get calm and organize thoughts, and express them in an effective way.

    Most often, people assume that when one is listening, he is also paying attention. This is not always true. Many times people are waiting for their turn to speak and are not really listening at all. Toastmasters can develop a person overall in organizing their thoughts, getting information from others and receiving effective feedback（反馈）.

    How does Toastmasters train people?

    Toastmasters has a way of learning by doing. The Toastmasters International Organization provides a menu called the basic menu because it gives a guideline for the development of speeches. These speeches can meet different purposes. For example, one might need voice training; another might be to organize his thoughts or develop use of humor in speeches. There is an eight-week program for young people and also an eight-week speech course offered for adults. As a person continues to give speeches and improve, he progresses from the point of being fearful to stand before a group to the point where he can speak to any group of people with confidence.

1. （1） Which of the following is true according to the passage?

   A . Toastmasters was set up in 1924 by Ralph Smedley. B . Toastmasters is a club only for professional speakers. C . Toastmasters was originally set up to train speaking skills. D . Toastmasters is a local organization headquarter in California.
3. （2） Why in many cases people aren't really listening at all?

   A . Because they are too nervous. B . Because they are organizing their thoughts. C . Because they are not interested in the talking. D . Because they are waiting for their turn to speak.
5. （3） What is the purpose of the passage?

   A . To offer some tips on giving speeches. B . To call on people to join Toastmasters. C . To give a general introduction to Toastmasters. D . To show the benefits of effective speaking skills.