A proverb allegedly (据说) from ancient China was widely spread in the West：“If you want to be happy for a few hours，go to get drunk;if you want the happiness to last three years，get married：if you want a lifetime happiness，take up gardening.”The reason for the last option is this：Gardening is not only useful;it helps you to identify yourself with nature，and thus brings you new joy each day besides improving your health.

　　A research of a US university that I've read gives a definition of happiness as what makes a person feel comfortably pleased. To put it specifically, happiness is an active state of mind where one thinks one's life is meaningful, satisfactory and comfortable. This should be something lasting rather than transitory.

　　Lots of people regard it the happiest to be at leisure. But according to the study, it is not a person with plenty of leisure but one at work that feels happy, especially those busy with work having little time for leisure. Happiness does not spell gains one is after but a desire to harvest what one is seeking for. People often do not cherish what they already have but yearn for what they cannot get. That is somewhat like a man indulging in dreams of numerous lovers while reluctant to settle down with the woman beside him.

　　Happiness is a game balancing between two ends -- what one has and what one wishes for, i.e. one's dream and the possibility to realize it. The study comes to this conclusion: A happy man is one who aims high but never forgets his actual situation; one who meets challenges that tap his ability and potentiality; one who is proud of his achievements and the recognition given to him. He has self-respect and self-confidence; treasures his own identity and loves freedom. He is sociable and enjoys wide-range communication with others; he is helpful and ready to accept assistance. He knows he is able to endure sufferings and frustrations; he is sensible enough to get fun from daily chores. He is a man capable of love and passion.

　　1.Gardening can bring lifelong happiness because

　　A.it is a profitable business.

　　B.it can improve a gardener's ability to remake nature.

　　C.a gardener can enjoy a very happy relationship in marriage.

　　D.nature is an unexhausted source of joy

　　正确答案:D

　　2.The research of the US university found that most people feel happy when they

　　A.are at leisure.

　　B.take the job of gardening.

　　C.are after their goals.

　　D.own great properties.

　　正确答案:C

　　3.Why does the writer mention "a man indulging in dreams of numerous lovers" (Lines 5 --6, Para. 3)?

　　A.To demonstrate the problem in marriage in modern society.

　　B.To illustrate a radical way to achieve happiness.

　　C.To criticize those who do not value what they already have.

　　D.To indicate that happiness covers something besides the desire to gain

　　正确答案:D

　　4.What kind of person is more likely to be unhappy according to the study?#p#分页标题#e#

　　A.The one who has self-respect and confidence.

　　B.The one who is ambitious without consideration of his actual situation.

　　C.The one who can take pleasure in communicating with others.

　　D.The one who are ready to render help and accept help from others.

　　正确答案:B

　　5.What is happiness?

　　A.A transitory state of mind.

　　B.Getting everything what one desires.

　　C.An all-working and no-leisure life.

　　D.A desire based on our actual situation.

　　正确答案:D