But something I read last week in Charles Duhigg's “The Power of Habit” changed my mind. According to Duhigg, making your bed every morning is connected with better productivity and sticking to a budget. It has also been suggested that making your bed promotes happiness. My interest was attracted.

According to Duhigg, making your bed is something called a keystone habit. Changing or forming keystone habits helps yodevelop other good habits.

I figured that I was the perfect test case for the Make Your Bed to Achieve Happiness Theory and that it was worth a try. So far I've made my bed for 10 days in a row. And here's what I've noticed: Making my bed inspires my children to make their beds, clean their rooms and do the laundry and the dishes.

Karen Miller, author of “Hand Wash Cold”, explains: “The state of your bed is the state of your head.” I think she is on to something. When I leave my bed in a heap (一堆), I leave the bedroom feeling defeated by my bed, my alarm clock, and my general sleepy mood. I'm reluctant to get the day started.

But when I look at my freshly made bed, I have to admit it: I smile a little. I feel just a bit more motivated. Productive, even. But sticking to a budget? That part is still up for debate. I just bought some beautiful pillows for my freshly made bed. I can't leave that beautiful bed half-dressed, can I?

24. The author decided to make her bed _____.

A. to create a good impression B. to form some keystone habits

C. under the influence of a book D. at the request of her family

25. After watching the author making her bed, the author's children _____.

A. got up very early B. felt happier at home

C. began to share the housework D. loved her more than before

26. Which of the following can best replace the underlined word “reluctant”?

A. Curious. B. Regretful.

C. Lucky. D. Unwilling.

27. How does the author feel about the habit of making her bed?

A. It is a waste of time. B. It helps save money.

C. It promotes communication. D. It makes a difference in life.

C

Since 1984, Philadelphia has been cleaning up its act. One by one, graffiti-covered walls are being changed into outdoor art. So far, more than 1,800 murals (壁画) have been painted.Philadelphia now has more murals than any other American city.

The walls that were once ugly with graffiti (涂鸦) are now covered with beautiful pictures of historical heroes and modern art, thanks to the Mural Arts Program (MAP). Its work makes schools and public places attractive, and its citizens very proud. The program began as part of Philadelphia's Anti-Graffiti Network. Jane Golden is the MAP's artistic director. “When people ask me what our program is about，” she says, “I answer them with one word: hope”. Each year, the MAP offers youth art programs and workshops. Some one-time graffiti writers even help paint MAP murals.

The MAP's work, says Golden, is all about developing a sense of community (社区). When a neighborhood requests a mural, the MAP works with the people there to develop a message. Some messages have been “Safe Streets”， “Love and Care”， and “Peace Walk”.

The MAP receives up to 50 requests for murals each week. Last year, the workers painted 140 murals.

“The making of a mural enters people's collective memory as an extraordinary, pleasant moment in neighborhood history.” says Golden, who began as a muralist in Los Angeles.

28.What can be the best title for the text?

A.Hope, One Wall at a Time

B.Jane, an Excellent Mural Artist

C.MAP, a New Company in Philadelphia

D.Love, from Graffiti Writers to Muralists

29.What is the Mural Arts Program in Philadelphia aimed at?

A.Attracting more visitors.

B.Fighting against graffiti.

C.Protecting the neighborhood.

D.Helping the young find jobs.

30.How does the MAP decide on the message for a mural?

A.By studying the history of the city.

B. By learning from the young graffiti writers.

C.By seeking advice from the city government.

D.By having discussions with people in the community.

31.Which of the following words best describes the work of the MAP?

A.Successful. B.Dangerous. C.Experimental. D. Difficult.