Nowadays, using entertainment to feel better, relax, and escape from stress is common, and holiday movies are a popular choice for this purpose. Many media companies have noticed this trend and are creating more holiday “feel-good” movies. Why? Holiday movies make us happy.
Psychologists explain happiness in two ways: Hedonic happiness is what we get from feelings of pleasure and enjoyment. It tends to be more transitory, like eating chocolate. Eudaimonic happiness, however, comes from experiences that create a sense of meaning and purpose and tends to be with us longer.
Holiday movies can give us both kinds of happiness. They make us feel good with humor, love stories, beautiful settings, likable actors, and happy endings. And they also remind us of important things like hope, love, and being connected to others, which adds deeper sense of meaning.
Although holiday movies are well-known for being predictable or simple, that’s part of what makes them comforting. They are guilty pleasures that make us feel good — we don’t expect critical praise. We just want to make sure that the world will be put right. The characters face challenges. A disappointed hero struggles, makes great efforts, and finally achieves not just happiness but the true meaning of the holiday spirit through love or family support.
The predictability also provides comfort. No matter how unbelievable or simple it is, the plot touches real emotions. The predictability means we also enjoy re-watching favorite holiday movies, because the familiarity feels good and safe, knowing everything will end well and feeling connected to “home” on holidays. These movies can refresh memories and shared experiences that make the holidays more meaningful.
So, if you feel guilty about liking holiday movies next time, don’t be! They combine happy and emotional moments, which are good for both your mind and body. They help us laugh, feel empathy, and enjoy the holiday spirit.
18. What does the underlined word “transitory” in paragraph 2 mean?
A. Short and quick.B. Real and deep.
C. Thrilling and artistic.D. Emotional and strong.
19. Why does the author call holiday movies “guilty pleasures”?
A. They show fake happiness.B. They avoid real problems.
C. They are only about feelings.D. They are simple but enjoyable.
20. How does the familiarity of holiday movies affect viewers?
A. It creates unrealistic holiday expectations.
B. It helps to connect with shared memories.
C. It encourages viewers to focus on meaning.
D. It makes the predictable plots less attractive.
21. What does the author think of holiday movies?
A. They rely on predictable plots.
B. They lack creativity and depth.
C. They focus on perfect holiday stories.
D. They provide comfort and emotional value.
【答案】18. A 19. D 20. B 21. D
【解析】【分析】本文是一篇说明文。主要讲述的是节日电影通过提供短暂与持久的幸福感,以娱乐、放松和逃避压力的方式,满足观众的情感需求,并探讨其带来的心理慰藉和意义。
【18题详解】词义猜测题。根据划线单词前的“Psychologists explain happiness in two ways: Hedonic happiness is what we get from feelings of pleasure and enjoyment.(心理学家从两个方面解释幸福:享乐型幸福是指我们从愉悦和享受的感觉中所获得的满足)”可知,享乐型幸福是从愉悦和享受的感觉中所获得的满足,结合划线单词后的“like eating chocolate.(就像吃巧克力)”可知,这里用吃巧克力来比喻享乐型幸福,而吃巧克力带来的幸福是短暂而又快速的,由此可推断,划线单词的意思应与“短暂而又快速”意义相近。故选A项。
【19题详解】推理判断题。根据第四段中的“Although holiday movies are well-known for being predictable or simple, that’s part of what makes them comforting. They are guilty pleasures that make us feel good — we don’t expect critical praise. We just want to make sure that the world will be put right.(尽管节日电影以可预测或简单而闻名,但这正是它们令人感到舒适的原因之一。它们是一种让我们感觉良好的“有罪的快乐”——我们并不期待获得批评界的赞誉,只是希望世界最终会变得美好如初)”可知,作者认为假日电影虽然简单但能给人带来愉悦,这种愉悦感让人觉得是一种“有罪的快乐”,因为我们知道这些电影并不是为了获得批评家的赞誉,而是为了让我们感觉良好。故选D项。
【20题详解】细节理解题。根据第五段中的“The predictability also provides comfort. No matter how unbelievable or simple it is, the plot touches real emotions. The predictability means we also enjoy re-watching favorite holiday movies, because the familiarity feels good and safe, knowing everything will end well and feeling connected to “home” on holidays.(这种可预测性也提供了安慰。无论情节多么难以置信或简单,它都能触动真实的情感。因为熟悉感让人感到舒适和安全,知道一切都会有个美好的结局,并且在节日里感受到与“家”的联系,所以我们乐于重温最喜欢的节日电影)”可知,熟悉度使观众感到舒适和安全,并且与共享的记忆产生联系。故选B项。
【21题详解】推理判断题。根据尾段“So, if you feel guilty about liking holiday movies next time, don’t be! They combine happy and emotional moments, which are good for both your mind and body. They help us laugh, feel empathy, and enjoy the holiday spirit.(所以,如果你下次因为喜欢节日电影而感到内疚,不必如此!它们融合了欢乐和情感的时刻,对身心都有益处。这些电影帮助我们开怀大笑,感受同理心,并享受节日氛围)”可知,作者认为假日电影提供了舒适和情感价值,它们有助于我们笑、感受同理心以及享受节日氛围。故选D项。
