Section III Reading Comprehension(45 points) 阅读理解
Text 4
　　I remember the way the light touched her hair. She turned her head, and our eyes met, a momentary¹ awareness² in that raucous³ fifth grade classroom. I felt as though I’d been struck a blow under the heart. Thus began my first love affair. Her name was Rachel, and I mooned my way through the grade and high school, stricken at the mere⁴ sight of her, tongue-tied in her presence. Does anyone, anymore, linger in the shadows of evening, drawn⁵ by the pale light of a window—her window—like some hapless summer insect? That delirious⁶ swooning, asexual but urgent and obsessive⁷, that made me awkward and my voice crack, is like some impossible dream now. I would catch sight of her, walking down an aisle⁸ of trees to or from school, and I’d become paralyzed.

　　She always seemed so poised⁹, so self-possessed. At home, I’d relive each encounter, writhing¹⁰ at the thought of my inadequacies. We eventually got acquainted and socialized as we entered our adolescence¹¹, she knew I had a case on her, and I sensed her affectionate tolerance¹² for me. "Going steady" implied a maturity¹³ we still lacked. Her Orthodox Jewish upbringing and my own Catholic scruples¹⁴ imposed an inhibited¹⁵ grace that made even kissing a distant prospect¹⁶, however fervently¹⁷ desired. I managed to hold her once at a dance—chaperoned, of course. Our embrace made her giggle¹⁸, a sound so trusting that I hated myself for what I’d been thinking. At any rate, my love for Rachel remained unrequited. We graduated from high school, she went on to college, and I joined the Army.

       When World War II engulfed¹⁹ us, I was sent overseas. For a time we corresponded, and her letters were the highlight of those grinding endless years. Once she sent me a snapshot of herself in a bathing suit, which drove me to the wildest of fantasies. I mentioned the possibility of marriage in my nest letter, and almost immediately her replies became less frequent, less personal. Her Dear John letter finally caught up with me while I was awaiting discharge. She gently explained the impossibility of a marriage between us. Looking back on it, I must have recovered rather quickly, although for the first few months I believed I didn’t want to live. Like Rachel, I found someone else, whom I learned to love with a deep and permanent commitment that has lasted to this day.

56、According to the passage, how old was the author when his first love affair began?
A. Before he entered his teens.
B. In his early teens.
C. In his middle teens.
D. When he was just out of his teens.
（本题分值：1.5分）【正确答案】A

57、How did the author behave as a boy in love?
A. His first love motivated him toward hard study.
B. His first love evoked²⁰ sentimental²¹ memories.
C. He was overpowered by wild excitement and passion.
D. He fulfilled his expectations and desires.
（本题分值：1.5分）【正确答案】C

58、According to the passage, what held them back from a loving kiss?
A. Her Jewish origin did not allow it.
B. His Catholic adherence²² forbade it.
C. They were not sure whether it was proper or ethical²³ to kiss in line with their religious decorum.
D. Kissing was found to be inelegant or even distasteful.
（本题分值：1.5分）【正确答案】C

59、According to the passage, what was Rachel’s response to the author’s tender affection before the war?
A. She recognized and accepted his love affectionately.
B. She thwarted²⁴ his affection by flatly turning him down.
C. She fondly permitted him to adore her without losing her own heart to him.
D. She didn’t care for him at all and only took delight in playing with his feelings.
（本题分值：1.5分）【正确答案】C

60、Which of the following best describes the organization of the passage?
A. Statement and example.
B. Cause and effect.
C. Order of importance.
D. Linear description.
（本题分值：1.5分）【正确答案】D