Question

【题目】 Abraham Lincoln, a self-taught lawyer, was elected 16th president of the United States in November 1860, shortly before the outbreak of the Civil War. Lincoln proved to be a smart military strategist and a competent leader: His Emancipation Proclamation (解放宣言) paved the way for slavery’s abolition, while his Gettysburg Address stands as one of the most famous speeches in American history. In April 1865, with the Union on the brink of victory, Abraham Lincoln was killed; his untimely death made him a hero to the cause of liberty, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest presidents in U.S. history.

On January 20, 1981, Reagan took office. Only 69 days later he was shot by a would-be killer, but quickly recovered and returned to duty. His grace and wit during the dangerous incident caused his popularity to soar.

At the end of his two terms in office, Ronald Reagan viewed with satisfaction the achievements of his innovative program known as the Reagan Revolution, which aimed to motivate the American people and reduce their reliance upon Government. He felt he had fulfilled his campaign pledge of 1980 to restore “the great, confident roar of American progress and growth and optimism.”

When George W. Bush, at the age of 54, became the 43rd president of the United States, it was only the second time in American history that a president’s son went on to the White House. John Quincy Adams, elected the sixth president in 1824, was the son of John Adams, the second president. While John Adams had brought up his son to be president. George Bush, the 41st president, insisted he was surprised when the eldest of his six children became interested in politics, became governor of Texas, and then went on to the white House.

Barack Obama served as the 44th President of the United States. His story is the American story—values from the heartland, a middle-class upbringing in a strong family, hard work and education as the means of getting ahead, and the belief that a life so blessed should be lived in service to others.

With a father from Kenva and a mother from Kansas, President Obama was born in Hawaii on August 4, 1961. He was raised with help from his grandfather, who served in Patton’s army, and his grandmother, who worked her way up from the secretarial pool to middle management at a bank.

【1】Of the four presidents, who is regarded as an excellent public speaker?

A. Abraham Lincoln.B. Ronald Reagan.

C. George W. Bush.D. Barack Obama.

【2】When Donald Reagan left the White House, he felt that ________.

A. he regretted having been elected President

B. he still had much to do for the country

C. he had kept his promise to the people

D. he was becoming more popular with the people

【3】Which of the following presidents took office first?

A. George W Bush.B. John Adams.

C. John Quincy Adams.D. George Bush.

【4】Of the four presidents, who successfully realized his American Dream?

A. Abraham Lincoln.B. Ronald Reagan.

C. George W. Bush.D. Barack Obama.

【5】Of the four presidents, who was not able to finish his term of service?

A. Abraham Lincoln.B. Ronald Reagan.

C. George W. Bush.D. Barack Obama.

Answer 1

【答案】

【1】A

【2】C

【3】B

【4】D

【5】A

【解析】

这是一篇说明文。介绍了四位美国总统的生平事迹。

【1】推理判断题。根据第一部分中His Emancipation Proclamation (解放宣言) paved the way for slavery’s abolition, while his Gettysburg Address stands as one of the most famous speeches in American history.可推断Abraham Lincoln的葛底斯堡演说是美国历史上最著名的演说之一，即可知Abraham Lincoln被认为是一位出色的演说家。故选A。

【2】细节理解题。根据第三段最后一句He felt he had fulfilled his campaign pledge of 1980 to restore “the great, confident roar of American progress and growth and optimism.”可知当Donald Reagan离开白宫时，他觉得自己已经实现了1980年的竞选承诺，故选C。

【3】细节理解题。根据第四段第二句John Quincy Adams, elected the sixth president in 1824, was the son of John Adams, the second president.可知1824年当选美国第六任总统的约翰·昆西·亚当斯是第二任总统约翰·亚当斯的儿子。可知John Adams为第二任总统，是下列四位总统中最先上台的，故选B。

【4】细节理解题。倒数第二段第二句His story is the American story—values from the heartland, a middle-class upbringing in a strong family, hard work and education as the means of getting ahead, and the belief that a life so blessed should be lived in service to others.可知Barack Obama的故事就是美国的故事，他成功地践行了美国人的价值观，实现了他的美国梦。故选D。

【5】细节理解题。第一段最后一句In April 1865, with the Union on the brink of victory, Abraham Lincoln was killed可知1865年4月，当联邦处于胜利的边缘时，亚伯拉罕·林肯被杀了，因此没有完成他的任期。故选A。