The quality of citizens, the progress of culture, the prosperity of a country, and the advancement of social affairs are all determined by education. The persons who are responsible for achieving this great target are teachers who are being described as “the architect of human spirit”.

It is, by no means, an over-statement that teaching profession is the noblest profession. However, what is shocking is that teachers are losing their status day by day in today’s society. Nowadays, only those who cannot find a job elsewhere have no other choice but to be teachers.

As far as I can remember, when we were students, we had to greet our teachers whenever and wherever we met them. Teachers were trusted by parents and society and were regarded almost as saints (圣人). Nevertheless, in a short span of a decade, these “privileges (特权)” seem to have disappeared like bubbles. Some students treat their teachers as strangers the moment they leave the classroom.

The reasons why teachers’ status is low in the present society are complex (复杂的). No matter how “sacred” a profession is, there are certainly some black sheep in it. They are the ones who have spoilt the good reputation of teachers.

Another reason is that Eastern traditional virtues and manners are being destroyed. Thus, students no longer pay great respect to their teachers.

It could also be due to the little chance of promotion that teaching profession offers. This directly affects the quality of teachers. In the eyes of the public, teachers are those who graduated with average or even poor results while those who came out with flying colors are always unwilling to teach.

Teachers’ status has some connection with the success of education and education has much to do with the future of the nation and individuals. Therefore, it is our immediate task to upgrade the teachers’ status.

1. In this passage the author mainly talks about ______.

　　 A. teachers’ quality 　　　　　　　　　　B. teachers’ education　

　　 C. teachers’ reputation　 　　　　　　　　　 D. teachers’ status

2. How many reasons are mentioned for the falling of teachers’ status in the passage?

　　 A. Three.　 　 B. Four.　　 　　　C. Five.　　　　 　 D. Six.

3. The underlined part “come out with flying colors” in the last but one paragraph probably means _______.

　　 A. prefer color painting B. change jobs often

　　 C. graduate with honors D. have high intelligence

4. In the author’s opinion, _______.

　　 A. none of teachers should be respected by students and their parents

　　 B. it is “the black sheep” of the teachers that have spoilt teachers’ good reputation

　　 C. students don’t need to gain knowledge from their teachers

　　 D. people should pay no attention to the teachers’ status being low