1．Which of the following best describes British novels in the 18th century?

A．They were difficult to understand.

B．They were popular among the rich.

C．They were seen as nearly worthless.

D．They were written mostly by women.

【答案】　C　细节理解题。

根据文章第一段最后一句"Novels，for the most part，were looked upon as silly，immoral or just plain bad."可知，那时多半的小说被认为是没头没脑的、有悖道德的或糟糕透顶的。故C项"它们被认为几乎是没有价值的"与原文相符。A、B、D三项无中生有，文章并未提及A项"那时的英国小说很难理解"、B项"英国小说在富人当中很流行"和D项"它们大多由女性创作"。

2．Dickens is compared with the Mona Lisa in the text to stress ________.

A．his reputation in France

B．his interest in modern art

C．his success in publication

D．his importance in literature

【答案】　D　推理判断题。

根据文章第二段最后一句"Removing him from the pantheon of English literature would make about as much sense as the Louvre selling off the Mona Lisa."可知，把他从英国文学的名人堂移除就跟卢浮宫廉价出售《蒙娜丽莎》的感觉一样，可见狄更斯在英国文学史上的重要性，由此可推知D项正确。A、B、C三项无中生有，A项"他在法国的声誉"、B项"他对现代艺术的兴趣"以及C项"他在出版领域的成功"均与题意无关。

3．What is the author's purpose in writing the text?

A．To remember a great writer.