1. Though Mr. Hummer had now become famous, he was not interested in fame.

2. The woman journalist was full of confidence before she went to visit Mr. Hummer. She did not expect the interview would turn out to be so difficult.

3. During the whole interview, Mr. Hummer was not very cooperative and he was reluctant to answer the girl’s questions.

4. Since Mr. Hummer was a painter, he enjoyed going to art exhibitions.

5. Mr. Hummer was a man who was more interested in eating than in painting.

6. Though outwardly Mr. Hummer appeared a little strange, underneath he was a charming person.

1. Mr. Hummer painted quietly for over 50 years, achieving little fame. So it is unreasonable .

A) to expect him to understand the world outside his little house

B) to ask him questions about modern art

C) to expect him to adjust quickly to sudden fame

D) to demand an explanation of all his paintings

2. We can learn from the passage that Mr. Hummer was, on the one hand, easy and pleasant to talk to, on the other, .

A) he was unwilling to meet strangers

B) he was sharp and serious

C) he was a little strange and did not like to be bothered

D) he was shy and didn’t like to talk with women

3. When asked whether his role as an artist was to teach or entertain, Hummer .

A) didn’t say anything but invited the girl to drink some whisky

B) laughed at the question, but said nothing

C) started to talk about eating octopus

D) said he would like to let the public form their opinions about his pictures

4. Hummer felt painting was like coal-mining: it filled the space between cradle and grave. From this we can see Hummer .

A) did not enjoy talking about ideas

B) had his particular views on art

C) could not be expected to answer difficult questions

D) did not see the importance of painting

5. The whole interview was awkward because .

A) the journalist was inexperienced

B) the journalist was nervous

C) Hummer didn’t know much about painting

D) Hummer didn’t like to be interviewed

1. Hummer asked himself why people wouldn’t leave him alone.

2. Hummer could hardly be seen for a forest of paint-brushes in pots of water.

3. The girl asked him what purpose in society he fulfilled as a painter.

4. Hummer asked scornfully what she thought the point of such visits would be.

5. Suddenly his face brightened wonderfully.