Jay Kohl, an American student, posted an online advertisement two weeks ago searching for a Chinese family to stay with so that he can learn the language and culture.
“I’m a clean, non-smoking, and warm-hearted American man looking for a homestay in the Wudaokou area to improve my Chinese language skills,” he wrote. “I’m willing to offer help with English tutoring(家教) and even can help you with applying to foreign universities.”
He still hasn’t found a suitable home.
“Most of the families that contacted me seem to be interested in doing business instead of cultural exchange,” he said. “I think I might have to rent an apartment in the end.”
Kohl isn’t the only foreigner finding it difficult to find a homestay in Beijing. Michael Benson, who wants to come to Beijing in September, has also faced the same problems.
Why is finding a homestay family so difficult? Beijing Today consulted a Chinese teacher, Jessie Xi, who has been teaching foreign students at the University of International Business and Economics for more than six years.
Xi has accepted many homestays, and from her own experience and what she’s been told, she said there were four major problems visitors may meet when applying for homestays.
Problem 1: Having too high expectation for language improvement.
Problem 2: Considering oneself as a guest instead of a family member.
Problem 3: Not making clear what a family’s rules are beforehand.
Problem 4: Overly(過分) high demands for the living environment.
【小題1】Kohl wanted to look for a homestay in China because he ________.
| A．hoped to learn Chinese language and culture further |
| B．wanted to do a research on the Chinese daily life |
| C．would like to make friends with Chinese families |
| D．was interested in Chinese food |
【小題2】The reason why Kohl hasn’t found a suitable home yet now is that he ________.
| A．can’t be an English tutor in home stays |
| B．can’t help apply to foreign universities |
| C．might expect too much for language improvement |
| D．might refuse to do housework in home stays |
【小題3】Most of the families that contacted Kohl might be interested in ________.
| A．English tutoring | B．cultural exchange |
| C．foreign universities | D．making money |
【小題4】Which of the following statements is NOT true according to the passage?
| A．Foreign visitors can do something helpful for their homestays. |
| B．Foreign visitors usually have problems with their homestays. |
| C．Foreign visitors should know clearly about the rules of their homestays. |
| D．Foreign visitors should consider themselves as the members of their homestays. |
【小題5】 The underlined word “
consulted” in the passage means “________”.
| A．gave advice to | B．discussed ideas with |
| C．wanted information from | D．raised questions for |
【小題6】The best title of the passage might be ________.
| A．A few things to know about the local families |
| B．Suggestions for renting apartments in Beijing |
| C．How to search for a Chinese family to stay with |
| D．Why to find a homestay in Beijing so difficult |
