Ⅳ.阅读理解
David Gill might be the richest man in Sebastopol, California. The semi-retired health care officer is banking the most valuable currency(货币) in the world—TIME. Gill has 480 hours saved at the local time bank.
In short, a time bank does with time while other banks do with money: It stores and trades it. “Time banking means that for every hour you give to your community, you receive an hour credit(积分),” explains Krista Wyatt, a director of the nonprofit TimeBanks Org., which helps volunteers set up local time banks all over the world.
Nobody knows the exact number, but thousands of time banks with several hundred thousand members have been set up in at least 37 countries, including China, Malaysia, Japan, Senegal, Argentina, Brazil and Europe, with over 3.2 million exchanges. There are probably more than 40,000 members in over 500 time banks in the US.
In Sebastopol, 250 local people have time bank accounts(账户) where they save and withdraw hours as needed. For example, Gill likes to offer his advice and help with computer programming, editing and financial(经济的) planning. In return, he asks for help when he needs a ride to the airport or someone to transport heavy furniture. The time banks are building social capital(社会资本). “I've made wonderful friends I wouldn't have met otherwise and we now invite each other to our garden parties,” says Gill. “It's about making community and being a part of the community. You can't put a price on that.”
David Gill came to the time bank like most of his neighbours. He doesn't remember where he first heard about it a few years ago, but he immediately thought it was a great idea. He signed up, started using it, and when the founders asked for help, he stepped up. He gets paid in the currency he values most: hours.
Time banks are a valuable resource for building social capital and supporting aging populations(人群). They allow people to help with their community and receive help in return, creating a stronger, more connected society.
1. 语言能力推断能力 Why does the writer mention David Gill in Paragraph 1?
A. To show his wealth.
B. To announce the news.
C. To present his new job.
D. To introduce the time bank.
2. 语言能力归纳能力 What does Paragraph 3 mainly talk about?
A. The popularity of time banks.
B. The safety of bank accounts.
C. The importance of bank members.
D. The rules of time exchanges.
3. How does David Gill get credits from the time bank?
A. By giving free rides to the airport.
B. By transporting heavy furniture.
C. By offering financial planning advice.
D. By keeping the old people company.
4. What is probably the best title for the passage?
A. Enjoying the Best Time: Old Age
B. Living in the Greatest City: Sebastopol
C. Working with the Richest Man: David Gill
D. Banking the Most Valuable Currency: Time