Some people argue that the pressures on international sportsmen and sportswomen kill the spirit of sport: the pursuit (追求) of personal excellence. Children kick a football around for fun. When they get older and play for local school teams, they become competitive but they still enjoy playing. The sportsman representing his country cannot afford to think about enjoying himself, he has to think only about winning. He is responsible for an entire nation’s hopes and dreams.
A good example is the football World Cup. Football is the world’s most important sport. It is even more important now that the United States is seriously taking it up. Winning the World Cup is perhaps eh greatest of international sporting success. Mention “ Argentina ” to someone and the chances are that he’ll think of football. In a sense, winning the World Cup “ put Argentina on the map ”.
Sports fans and supporters get quite irrational about the World Cup. People in England felt that their country was somehow important after they won the World Cup. Last year thousands of Scots sold their cars, and even their houses, and spent all their money traveling to Argentina, where the finals were played.
So am I arguing that international competitions kill the idea of sport? Certainly not! Do the Argentineans really believe that because eleven of their men proved the most skillful at football, their nation is better than all others? Not really. But it’s nice to know that you won, and that in one way at least your country is best.
【小题1】What is mainly discussed in this passage is _________.

Some people argue that the pressures on international sportsmen and sportswomen kill the spirit of sport: the pursuit (追求) of personal excellence. Children kick a football around for fun. When they get older and play for local school teams, they become competitive but they still enjoy playing. The sportsman representing his country cannot afford to think about enjoying himself, he has to think only about winning. He is responsible for an entire nation’s hopes and dreams.

   A good example is the football World Cup. Football is the world’s most important sport. It is even more important now that the United States is seriously taking it up. Winning the World Cup is perhaps eh greatest of international sporting success. Mention “ Argentina ” to someone and the chances are that he’ll think of football. In a sense, winning the World Cup “ put Argentina on the map ”.

Sports fans and supporters get quite irrational about the World Cup. People in England felt that their country was somehow important after they won the World Cup. Last year thousands of Scots sold their cars, and even their houses, and spent all their money traveling to Argentina, where the finals were played.

So am I arguing that international competitions kill the idea of sport? Certainly not! Do the Argentineans really believe that because eleven of their men proved the most skillful at football, their nation is better than all others? Not really. But it’s nice to know that you won, and that in one way at least your country is best.

1.What is mainly discussed in this passage is _________.

A. why international sport is necessary

B. what international sport is like

C. how international sport goes on

D. what disadvantages international sport has

2.Those who are against international competitions think that ________.

A. sport should not be so popular           B. sport should not be competitive

C. sport should be for personal purpose     D. sport should be made easier

3.We can infer from the passage that the underlined word “ irrational ” means_________.

A. against reasonable behavior          B. having much knowledge

C. unable to understand                 D. eager to know

4.What does the writer mean by saying that winning the World Cup “ put Argentina on the map”_____

A. Argentina has the best football player

B. Argentina has become world-famous for football

C. Football is very popular in Argentina

D. Argentina has begun to pay much attention to football

　　　 Have you ever gone to work to find that one of your coworkers is coughing and sneezing all day long? You do your best to keep a safe distance and wonder: Why did he or she come to work when they were ill? The reality for many Americans is that they do not have enough paid sick time each year to afford them the luxury of staying home because they don’t feel well.

　　　 This problem doesn’t just affect the working employees who are sick，though. In an article by James Warren for Bloomberg Business Week, a second-grade school teacher, Stilli Klikizos shares about the sick children that must stay in school all day long because their parents can’t get off work to come and get them. In the past school year, she had several children who were unable to be picked up at school who were later diagnosed with H1N1.

　　　 There is a movement called the Healthy Families Act in Congress that would change this situation for many Americans. The Healthy Family Act would require employers with 15 or more employees to provide 7 paid sick days a year for their workers. These days could be used not only for days when the worker is sick, but the time can also be used when caring for others, or going to routine doctor’s appointments.

　　　 Those who are against the Act argue that many businesses are struggling to make ends meet owing to recession (经济衰退), and point out that this is the wrong time to force employers to add an additional expense.

　　　 Those who support the Healthy Families Act say that our nation can’t afford to not take these measures. When an individual goes to work sick, they are possibly infecting their coworkers, clients and customers.

　　 According to a report by Katie Couric on the CBS evening news, three fourths of low wage earners get docked when they are sick. Those individuals include daycare workers and restaurant workers, whose health can affect the health of many.

41. Why do many Americans still come to work when they are sick?

A. They often ignore the illness if not serious.

B. They work in high spirits.

C. The cost of staying home is great.

D. The cost of medical treatment is high.

42. In the article mentioned in this passage, James Warren intends to say ______.

A. children need more thoughtful and considerate care

B. teachers are responsible for taking good care of children at school

C. parents shouldn’t leave the sick children at school

D. adults’ not having enough paid sick time may be bad for children

43. According to the Healthy Families Act, ______.

A. all the employers are required to provide 7 paid sick days a year for their workers

B. the employees can use the paid sick days to take care of their sick children

C. the employees could demand their companies pay for their medical bills

D. the employees can use the paid sick days to take a trip so as to relax themselves.

44. Why are some people against the Healthy Families Act?

A. Many companies’ financial situations are not so good due to the recession.

B. Companies have no such duty to provide paid sick time.

C. The nation can’t afford to do as the Act requires.

D. Usually one’s illness won’t infect his coworkers and customers.

45. The term "get docked" (Para 6) probably means"______ ".

A. get fired B. get paid C. lose their health　　　　 D. lose part of wages