1. (2023九上·温州开学考) 阅读选择

Sixteen is the age in the United States when teenagers can begin driving. It's a special age. There's often a special celebration for a girl's 16th birthday— a big party called her "sweet 16". It is like a wedding reception.

About a month before the party, the girl's family sends out invitations to the guests. They must buy a special present for the birthday girl and the girl guests find good dresses to wear. A "sweet 16" present usually costs $40 to $60. This is about $20 more than the usual cost of a birthday present.

The party itself is not held at someone's house. The hostess rent a reception hall for the event. Food cake and a DJ are provided. Around 6 o'clock, guests arrive and greet the birthday girl. Then the girl and her father have a special father-daughter dance. After that, guests dance for about 30 to 45 minutes.

Then there is the most important part of the "sweet 16" party, the candle-lighting ceremony. The "sweet 16" hostess stands behind 16 unit candles, and dedicates（献给）each candle to her friends, family, and anything that she feels is important to her. A lot of crying and hugging goes on at this time.

Afterwards, people sit and eat. Most guests begin leaving around 11 o'clock.

This school year. I have been to two "sweet 16". I am one of the youngest students in my grade. I'll have to wait another year before I can have my own special "sweet 16" party. I can't wait for it!

1. （1） Why is the 16th birthday special for a girl in the US?

   A . Because she can drive since that day. B . Because there is often a big birthday party. C . Because it is the happiest moment for her. D . Because she can attend a wedding reception.
3. （2） What does the writer want to tell us in Paragraph 3?

   A . The girl's family pays great attention to the party. B . The birthday girl gets along well with her family. C . The birthday presents are very expensive. D . The party guests have to buy new clothes.
5. （3） Which is the correct order of the following events?

   a. Food, cake and a DJ are provided. 

   b. The candle-lighting ceremony takes place.

   c. The girl and her father have a father-daughter dance. 

   d. Guests greet the birthday girl. 

   e. Guests dance. 

   f. Guests eat.

   A . b-a-c-d-e-f B . d-b-e-c-a-f C . a-d-c-e-b-f D . a-d-e-c-f-b
7. （4） What can we infer from the last paragraph?

   A . The writer has celebrated her "sweet 16". B . The writer is 15 years old. C . The writer doesn't want to be 16 years old. D . The writer hopes to become an adult.