I talk to strangers for a living and love the challenge of getting their stories published in newspapers.I've been married for years，but until six months ago，I could be a typical absent—minded husband.Often l was just nodding when l was supposed to.When my wife asked，“Did you even hear what I just said?”1 would defensively say，“of course I did!”
In January，I began to lose my voice.Doctors told me I needed surgery，or my throat would be permanently damaged.Total silence would be required for the first few weeks of my recovery.
Two hours after the surgery，my eyes filled with tears as my two-year-old son looked puzzled because l wouldn’t answer his questions.I wanted to talk but couldn’t.Luckily，I'd recorded myself reading some of his favorite books.That would come in handy the next couple of weeks.
It had never left.I'd just stopped noticing.I found myself understanding her better on topics I'd previously dismissed as “things I just don’t get as a guy”.I also realized my son wasn’t just talking nonstop but that he often had thoughtful things to say.Even while walking my dog in the woods near our home，I began hearing pleasant patterns in birdsongs.Before my surgery，I'd have spent those walks on my phone.
After several weeks，I was fully recovered. Conversation in our house is better now，not because I'm talking more.I’m just listening better and becoming less and less surprised that I like what I hear.
According to the passage, the author is most likely a .
journalist
doctor
driver
Teacher
由第一段第一句“I talk to strangers for a livin9...getting their stories published in ‘papers.”可知，作者最有可能是一位新闻工作者.
What does the wife mean by asking "Did you even hear what I just said?" in Paragraph l?
You didn't have to nod while you were listening.
You should tell me what I said just now.
You should listen to me.
You didn't want to talk with me.
由第一段最后四句可知,作者在家里听家人说话时总是心不在焉,所以当他的妻子问“你听到我刚才说什么了吗”时,他意思是,你应该听我说,故选C.
What is true of the author after the surgery?
He was required to keep silent for the first few months
He was worried about his recovery after the surgery.
He was unable to communicate with his son.
He was unwilling to talk to his wife.
由第二段最后一句及第三段可知，作者手术后被要求头几个星期不能议 以他想与他的儿子交流却做不到。B项符合题意，故选B。
What did the author realize after the surgery?
His dog liked pleasant birdsongs.
His son didn't like talking.
His wife was a talkative woman.
His house was full of pleasant talks.
由最后一段最后两句。Conver in our house is better now…I like what Ihear 知，作者手术后更喜欢倾听家里人的谈话了． 也充满了愉快的谈话，故选D。