四、阅读理解
You’re often served by young people at restaurants. But Forget Me Not Cafe in Shanghai is different.
The cafe has eight elderly employees (雇员) with cognitive impairments (认知障碍) who take turns working with other waiters to help customers (顾客).
They often provide basic services for guests, such as pouring water, serving and taking orders.
“The guests are very kind to us, though sometimes we make mistakes,” said Zhu Caiping, one of the elderly employees at the cafe.
Sometimes, they are also invited to take part in other activities organized by volunteers, such as baking, dancing and learning English.
“These activities are important to me. They reactivate my brain,” the 73-year-old said. “What old people like us worry about most is that our brain stagnates (停滞) because of being inactive.”
Because of memory loss, Zhu writes down all the information she wants to remember on sticky notes, such as the names of the volunteers and the teacher as well as English words.
“But I really became happy and confident because of being here,” she said.
In addition to the job chances for the elderly, information about cognitive impairments and Alzheimer’s disease (阿尔茨海默病) is posted on a board outside the restaurant to help people recognize symptoms (症状) and look for treatment as soon as possible.
Zeng Rong, a co-founder of the restaurant, says the cafe has had a great influence on elderly people with cognitive impairments.
A 58-year-old woman from Jiangsu Province, whose husband brings her to the restaurant, is an example.
“When she came here for the first time, she seldom said a word and was indifferent. I told her that she must communicate and gave her homework every time with rewards,” Zhu said.
The woman comes to the restaurant every Friday, and after several months, her condition has improved.
“She started to comment that the food was delicious and speak with others. Moreover, she began to hug (拥抱) me every time,” Zhu said.
“Helping more people like us is the purpose... and what I am eager (渴望的) to do most,” added Zhu.
Encouraged by their kindness, many young people like to come and enjoy the warm atmosphere (氛围) of the shop.
(
D
) 1. Why is the 58-year-old woman mentioned in the article?
A. To show a rise of cognitive impairment among people.
B. To describe how people with cognitive impairment act.
C. To show the popularity of the cafe among the elderly.
D. To give an example of how the restaurant makes a difference.
(
A
) 2. What does Zhu think of the job in the cafe?
A. It is meaningful. B. It is worrying.
C. It is promising. D. It is tiring.
(
C
) 3. What’s the main purpose of the article?
A. To tell us something about cognitive impairments.
B. To recommend a restaurant in Shanghai.
C. To share the story of Forget Me Not Cafe.
D. To introduce people of cognitive impairments.
