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84.

Americans are proud of their variety and individuality, yet they love and respect few things more than a uniform, whether it is the uniform of an elevator operator or the uniform of a five-star general. Why are uniforms so popular in the United States? Among the arguments for uniforms, one of the first is that in the eyes of most people they look more professional than civilian(百姓的) clothes. People have become conditioned to expect superior quality from a man who wears a uniform. The

television repairman who wears a uniform tends to inspire more trust than one who appears in civilian clothes. Faith in the skill

1. It is surprising that Americans who worship variety and individuality （ ）

A. still judge a man by his clothes

B. hold the uniform in such high regard C. enjoy having a professional identity

D. will respect an elevator operator as much as a general in uniform

2. People are accustomed to think that a man in uniform . （ ） A. suggests quality work B. discards his social identity C. appears to be more practical

D. looks superior to a person in civilian clothes

3. The chief function of a uniform is to . （ ） A. to provide practical benefits to the wearer B. make the wearer catch the public eye C. inspire the wearer’s confidence in himself D. provide the wearer with a professional identity

4. According to the passage, people wearing uniforms . （ ） A. are usually helpful

B. have little or no individual freedom C. tend to lose their individuality D. enjoy greater popularity

5. The best title for this passage would be . （ ） A. Uniforms and Society

B. The Importance of Wearing a Uniform C. Practical Benefits of Wearing a Uniform D. Advantages and Disadvantages of Uniforms 85.

Economics is concerned with many of the most basic decisions we make as producers, consumers and members of the society. The decisions made by different segments (部分) of a society such as governments, corporations, and consumers are based on a given economic environment and have an impact on people’s lives. The present

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pandemonium (喧嚣，混乱) in the world is a result of the changing technological as well as social conditions. Thus, if you want to make any sense as to what is happening and why, you have to understand the underlying economic forces that are causing these changes. Because of the multiplicity （多样性）of forces that affect economic decisions taken by different units of the economy, it is difficult to predict the outcome of these changes. Nevertheless, by taking courses in economics you may not be able to solve

1. The decisions made by different segments of a society such as governments, corporations, and consumers are based on . （ ） A. your own conditions and desires B. the political environment

C. the given economic environment D. the social environment

2. The author attributed the present pandemonium in the world to . （ ） A. the ups and downs of the business cycle B. the wrong decisions made by economists C. the changing technical conditions D. the changing economic conditions

3. Why is it difficult to predict the outcome of the changes? （ ） A. Because they changed too quickly.

B. Because there are too many factors involved in the changes.

C. Because different units of economy have various forces to effect economic decisions.

D. Because the economists are not sure in what condition these changes took place. 4. In the passage, why did the author cite that the Bank of Canada increases or decreases interest rates? （ ）

A. He wants to tell us that the increase or decrease of the interest rates will affect the value of dollar on the international market.

B. He wants to tell us why governments are preoccupied with deficit reduction. C. He wants to tell us why we should take economics. D. He wants to tell us how to solve the economic chaos.

5. From the passage, we can infer (推断) that economics can help us . （ ）

A. understand that you are caught up in a world of explosive change

B. understand a little better what’s happening to all of us, and how, and why, and perhaps you will gain some insight into its future development. C. See with any certainty where the world is going D. A and B. 86.

“Opinion” is a word that is used carelessly today. It is used to refer to matters of taste, belief, and judgment. This casual use would probably cause little confusion if people didn’t attach too much importance to opinion. Unfortunately, most do attach great

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importance to it. “I have as much right to my opinion as you to yours,” and “Everyone is entitled to his opinion,” are common expressions. In fact, anyone who would challenge another’s opinion is likely to be branded intolerant.

Is that label accurate? Is it intolerant to challenge another’s opinion? It depends on what definition of opinion you have in mind. For example, you may ask a friend “What do you think of the new Ford cars?” And he may reply, “In my opinion, they’re ugly.” In this case, it would not only be intolerant to challenge his st

1. Which of the statement is TRUE, according to the author? （ ） A. Casual use of the word “opinion” often brings about quarrels. B. Most of people tend to be careless in forming their opinions. C. Free expression of opinions often leads to confusion. D. Everyone has a right to hold his own opinion.

2. According to the author, who of the following would be labeled as intolerant? （ ）

A. Someone whose opinion harms other people. B. Someone who values only their own opinions. C. Someone who can’t put up with others’ tastes. D. Someone who turns a deaf ear to others’ opinions.

3. The new Ford cars are cited as an example to show that . （ ） A. it is foolish to criticize a famous brand

B. personal tastes are not something to be challenged

C. it is unwise to express one’s likes and dislikes in public D. one should not always agree to others’ opinions

4. Considered judgment is different from personal preference in that . （ ）

A. it is based on careful thought B. it is stated by judges in the court C. it reflects public likes and dislikes D. it is a result of a lot of controversy

5. As indicated in the passage, being free to act on one’s opinion . （ ）

A. doesn’t mean that one has the right to charge others without evidence B. B. means that one can impose his preference on others C. doesn’t mean that one has the right to do things at will D. means that one can ignore other people’s criticism 87.

Henry Ford, the famous U.S. inventor and car manufacturer, once said, “The business of America is business.” By this he meant that the U.S. way of life is based on the values of the business world.

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Few would argue with Ford’s statement. A brief glimpse at a daily newspaper vividly shows how much people in the U.S. think about business. For example, nearly every newspaper has a business section, in which the deals and projects, finance

1. The U.S. is a typical country . （ ） A. which encourages free trade at home and abroad B. where people’s chief concern is how to make money C. where all businesses are managed scientifically

D. which normally works according to the federal budget

2. The influence of business in the U.S. is evidenced by the fact that . （ ）

A. most newspapers are run by big businesses

B. even public organizations concentrate on working for profits C. Americans of all professions know how to do business D. Even arts and entertainment are regarded as business

3. According to the passage, immigrants choose to settle in the U.S., dreaming that . （ ）

A. they can start profitable businesses there B. they can be more competitive in business C. they will make a fortune overnight there D. they will find better chances of employment

4. Henry Ford’s statement can be taken negatively because . （ ） A. working people are discouraged to fight for their rights B. there are many industries controlled by a few big capitalists

C. there is a conflicting relationship between big corporations and labor D. public services are not run by the federal government

5. A company’s efforts to keep expenses low and profits high may result in . （ ）

A. reduction in the number of employees B. improvement of working conditions

C. fewer disputes between labor and management D. a rise in workers’ wages 88.

New technology links the world as never before. Our planet has become smaller. It’s now a “global village” where countries are only seconds away by fax or phone or satellite link. And, of course, our ability to benefit from this high-tech communications equipment is greatly enhanced by foreign language skills.

Deeply involved with this new technology is a breed of modern businesspeople who have a growing respect for the economic value of doing business abroad. In modern markets, success overseas often helps support domestic business efforts.

Overseas assignments are becoming increasingly important to advancement within executive ranks. The executive stationed in another country no longer need fear being “out of sight and out of mind.” He or she can be sure that the overseas

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