A
The cost of living in countries like the U.S., Britain, Australia or France has skyrocketed(飞涨) in recent years. However, if you are willing to leave your country and explore life in other areas, there are many countries boasting an extremely cheap and low cost of living. Check out the following countries when planning your next move.
Ecuador
Ecuador is similar to the United States in many ways, and as a result has become a popular American getaway. They even use the U.S. dollar for their currency. In this country, it is cheaper to eat out every day than cook for yourself on a budget in the U.S. You can even buy a property for around $50,000 and hire someone to tend to it while you are away.
Mexico
Although the country is known for its poverty-ridden streets, there are many wealthier areas that provide every facility you might need. You can live off a mere $700 to $800 a month in Mexico, and this includes rent for a nice place, facilities, food, and any sightseeing.
Argentina
Argentina has been a popular tourist destination for many years. It has great restaurants, a rich history, and many places to explore. Not to mention, it is not very expensive to live there. A decent sized home can cost around $139,000, which is relatively cheap in relation to homes in the United States.
Vietnam
Vietnam has also become a popular tourist destination in recent years. There are many million dollar luxury homes by the beach, but you can find a modest flat or small home for around $25,000 to $50,000 if you search in the right areas.
1. How much does it take at least to live in Mexico for six months?
A. About $4,200. B. About $8000.
C. About $8,400. D. About $9,800.
2. What does Argentina and Vietnam have in common?
A. They both have great restaurants.
B. The cost of living in them is both expensive.
C. People are all fond of travelling to the two countries.
D. The middle-sized homes both cost around $139,000.
3. In which country did the purchaser probably pay extra money after he left?
A. Ecuador. B. Mexico.
C. Argentina. D. Vietnam.
【答案】1. A 2. C 3. A
【解析】
【分析】
本文是一篇说明文。近年来，生活在美国、英国、澳大利亚或法国等国的成本猛增。文章介绍了厄瓜多尔、阿根廷、墨西哥和越南的生活成本。
【1题详解】
细节理解题。根据Mexico部分的You can live off a mere $700 to $800 a month in Mexico, and this includes rent for a nice place, facilities, food, and any sightseeing.可知，在墨西哥一年的生活成本大约是$8400到$9600之间,半年就是$4200。故选A。
【2题详解】
细节理解题。根据Argentina部分的Argentina has been a popular tourist destination for many years.和Vietnam部分的Vietnam has also become a popular tourist destination in recent years.可知，阿根廷和越南都是受欢迎的旅游目的地。故选C。
【3题详解】
细节理解题。根据Ecuador部分的You can even buy a property for around $50000 and hire someone to tend to it while you''re away可知，在你厄瓜多尔甚至可以花大约5万美元买一处房产，在你不在的时候雇个人照看它。因此推断，在这里购买房产以后还要额外花钱请人照顾。故选A。
【点睛】阅读理解所设试题主要考察细节查找，做题关键是找出原文的根据，认真核查选项和原文的异同，常犯错误有：绝对化语言，范围扩大或缩小，以偏概全，张冠李戴等。考生首先要浏览短文后的小题题干，标出关键词（组），带着问题去阅读，能够做到心中有数，目的明确；然后再仔细阅读短文，完整了解信息，准确把握细节信息，并在标出能得出答案的有效信息。如第2小题，What does Argentina and Vietnam have in common?要求我们找出阿根廷和越南的共同点是什么？通过Argentina部分的Argentina has been a popular tourist destination for many years.和Vietnam部分的Vietnam has also become a popular tourist destination in recent years.可知明显看出，阿根廷和越南都是受欢迎的旅游目的地，这就是它们的共同点。
