名人教英文：懂得读 reading comprehension
to be proficient in the use of english, it is important to understand the basic skills in reading comprehension so as to be able to read independently any type of material written in english. we read for knowledge; we read for pleasure and some of us read specifically to pass tests and examinations of one kind or another.
reading sounds easy and yet, at whatever level and for whatever purpose, we all need to improve our reading skills in independent reading (自读), top-down reading (直读/导读) or interactive reading (互相交流之读法).
basic skills in reading comprehension should comprise the following essentials:
1.an adequate vocabulary (掌握适当字汇)
2.an understanding of basic grammar (认识基本文法)
3.a good grasp of idiomatic and figurative expressions (认识各种词采)
4.some literal comprehension skills (了解字面上的意思)
5.some inferential comprehension skills (推断文字暗示的意思)
why is reading comprehension so important?
it is important because good reading comprehension helps us understand what we read. it also enhances the reader's:
1.ability to distinguish between the theme or topic of the reading material from its main and original ideas (认识如何分辨主题与文章的独特构思);
2.broad understanding of the differences between fact and fiction, or facts and opinions expressed (识分辨事实与意见); and, above all,
3.capacity to read the mind of the author and detect attitude and intent of the author not only literally but also inferentially (能够从作者明显的或暗示的用字中，了解作者的观点与角度及意向).
with these qualities, a skilled reader will be able to read the author's mind and discover from the clues given in the words and phrases not only the obvious meaning of the passage but also the hidden meaning as well.
■passage of the week﹕stable companion
appointments to civil service posts have traditionally assumed a mysticism, which people accept in the droning consciousness that there is precious little they can do about them - just as the movements of stars in the firmament are beyond the comprehension or control of the common man.
"promotion is based on merit, ceteris paribus," says an official to soft-soap the people.
"on merit?! my foot! it is ma fong policy (马房政策) more likely!"
ma fong policy instantly conjures up a picture of a close and cozy relationship between officials. steeped in the pragmatic cynicism of guanxi (关系), people are naturally suspicious and often jump to the conclusion that the old boy's network is at play. from thanks for the memories 1997
■questions
1. the tone of the above passage can best be described as:
a sarcastic
b gloomy
c explanatory
d joyous
2. the phrases "ma fong policy" and "guanxi" are:
a analogous
b respectful
c disjointed
d mysterious
3. the reference to promotion being based "on merit" is regarded as:
a funny
b facetious
c traditional
d factual
4. ceteris paribus means:
a other things being equal
b to be honest
c to tell the truth
d quite obvious
5. the author intends to:
a demolish the system
b compare the perceived chinese tradition with the system in hk
c uphold the system
d decry the practice