One of America's best-known and most-loved authors is Louisa May Alcott. For over a hundred years, her works have been popular among both adults and children. How did Alcott become a famous writer?
Born in 1832, Alcott grew up in Massachusetts with her three sisters. When she was very young, she loved to write. She would think up wonderful stories that she turned into plays. Alcott and her sisters acted out the dramas. Alcott always played the most exciting parts: ghosts, bandits, and evil queens. She also loved playing and wandering outdoors.
Alcott's family was poor. At the age of fifteen, Alcott decided to help out. However, it was not easy for women to find work in the 19th century. Alcott did any job she could find. She took care of babies, taught and did the laundry for other people.
Alcott's love for writing was always an important part of her. She wrote from her own life experiences and from her imagination. During the Civil War, Alcott volunteered to work as a nurse. She wrote about this work in her book Hospital Sketches. She also wrote thrillers(惊悚小说) that were full of suspense. When her publisher asked her to write a book for girls, Alcott turned to her own life.
It was then, in 1868, that she wrote what was to become her most popular book, Little Women. The novel is set in New England during the Civil War. It tells the story of four sisters growing up. The family is very similar to her family. The book's main character, Jo, is based on Alcott herself. Like Alcott, Jo is a determined young woman with a mind of her own. The book was an instant success. It is still popular today and has been made into films. Alcott also wrote children's books with boys as the main characters.
Early in her career someone once told Alcott that she should give up writing and "stick to teaching". It is lucky that Alcott paid no attention to it. She knew what she wanted to do with her life and she did it!
( )37. How does the author begin the passage?
A. By asking a question.
B. By quoting a saying.
C. By showing opinions.
D. By listing numbers
()38. In what order did the following things take place in Alcott's life?
a. She became famous because of the book Little Women.
b. She worked as a nurse and finished her book set in the hospital.
c. She showed her love for writing and turned her stories into plays.
d. She made money for her family by working as a babysitter.
A. d-c-b-a B. d-b-a-c C. c-a-b-d D. c-d-b-a
()39. What is the most likely reason why the author writes the last paragraph?
A. To explain why some people should not give advice.
B. To advise readers to read more about Louisa May Alcott's life.
C. To show that Louisa May Alcott got what she wanted out of life.
D. To encourage readers to write stories about their own experiences.
()40. What would be the best title for this passage?
A. Modern women writers
B. Putting together life and writing: Alcott
C. Novels and movies: Little Women
D. The complete works of Louisa May Alcott