Question

【题目】 It may not come as a surprise but the world as a whole is getting richer. Some people have more disposable(可自由支配的)income to spend on luxuries such as holidays, cars, TVs and smart phones. Recent data has shown that the number of people living in extreme poverty has halved in recent decades. So should we celebrate the fact that more of us now have a better standard of living?

Maybe not. While the gap between the rich and the poor in some countries is narrowing, there is still a lot of inequality in other places-some people have a lot of money and opportunities and others don't. A recent report by Oxfam and Credit Suisse revealed how divided many of us are when it comes to wealth. A lot of the money in the world is in the hands of very few people. In fact, 48% of global wealth is owned by the richest l% of the population.

But some countries are attempting to reduce this inequality and make the poor, less poor. According to David Bryer from Oxfam, Brazil has been taking "some really sensible measures--measures around having more progressive tax, around investing in a higher minimum wage and investing in central public services." Having a higher minimum wage can help people eat better and seek a better education. And more people with more money buy more things-and factories can produce more. In turn, a factory which produces more will need more workers. So, more jobs are created.

Other wealthy individuals are doing their bit to help reduce inequality. Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft, earned a lot of money from his company but when he retired, he and his wife Melinda, created a foundation to help the poor. He thinks that rich people should, of course, pay their taxes but he also advises that they should all "look at taking their wealth and being philanthropic (乐善好施的 ) , both in their own country and to help the global poorest."

Bill Gates feels that giving money to help poor people is "fulfilling". But if other super-rich people don't want to experience this fulfillment then, according to Oxfam, very soon the wealthiest l% will soon own more money than the rest of the world's population. Do you think that is fair?

【1】The first two paragraphs mainly tell us _________.

A.the poverty and inequality in a richer world

B.some sensible measures to make the 'poor less poor

C.the increase of global wealth in recent decades

D.the narrowing gap between the rich and the poor

【2】What is the government in Brazil doing to the minimum wage?

A.Limiting it.B.Increasing it.

C.Making it lower.D.Setting it free.

【3】What do Bill and Melinda Gates think very rich people should do with some of their money?

A.Spend it on their luxuries.B.Give it to help the poor.

C.Invest it in their business.D.Hand it over to their children.

Answer 1

【答案】

【1】A

【2】B

【3】B

【解析】

本文是议论文，是一篇调查报告，近年来，虽然人们的生活水平有了很明显的提高，但是报告显示大多数的财富仍然掌握在少数人手里，许多国家致力于减少贫富差距，并且许多富人也在尽力帮助穷人，例如比尔盖茨等。

【1】主旨大意题。根据第一段的中心句It may not come as a surprise but the world as a whole is getting richer. 这也许并不令人惊讶，但整个世界正变得越来越富有。Recent data has shown that the number of people living in extreme poverty has halved in recent decades. 最近的数据显示，近几十年来，生活在极端贫困中的人数减少了一半。第二段中心句In fact, 48% of global wealth is owned by the richest l% of the population. 事实上，全球48%的财富由最富有的l%的人口拥有。前两段叙述了富裕国家的贫困和不平等。故选A。

【2】细节理解题。根据第三段Brazil has been taking "some really sensible measures--measures around having more progressive tax, around investing in a higher minimum wage and investing in central public services巴西一直在采取“一些真正明智的措施——提高累进税、投资提高最低工资标准和投资中央公共服务”。故选B。

【3】细节理解题。根据Bill Gates feels that giving money to help poor people is "fulfilling"比尔·盖茨认为捐钱帮助穷人有一种“满足感”。故选B。