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Is there clear boundary between science and the liberal arts as a major for college students? The question of whether our government should promote science and technology or the liberal arts in higher education is not an either / or proposition (命题), although the current emphasis on preparing young Americans for STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths) -related fields can make it seem that way.

The latest congressional report acknowledges the critical importance of technical training, but also stresses that the study of the humanities (人文学科) and social sciences must remain central elements of America’s educational system at all levels. Both are critical to producing citizens who can participate effectively in our democratic society, become innovative (创新的) leaders, and benefit from the spiritual enrichment that the reflection on the great ideas of mankind over time provides.

Parents and students who have invested heavily in higher education worry about graduates’ job prospects (前景) as technological advances and changes in domestic and global markets transform professions in ways that reduce wages and cut jobs. Under this circumstances, it’s natural to look for what may appear to be the most “practical” way out of the problem. “Major in a subject designed to get you a job” seems the obvious answer to some, though this ignores the fact that many disciplines in the humanities characterized as “soft” often, in fact, lead to employment and success in the long run. Indeed, according to surveys, employers have expressed a preference for students who have received a broadly-based education that has taught them to write well, think critically, research creatively, and communicate easily.

Moreover, students should be prepared not just for their first job, but for their 4th and 5th jobs, as there is little reason to doubt that people entering the workforce today will be called upon to play many different roles over the course of their careers. The ones who will do the best in this new environment will be those whose educations have prepared them to be flexible. The ability to draw upon every available tool and insight - picked up from science, arts, and technology - to solve the problems of the future, and take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves, will be helpful to them and the United States.

1.What does the latest congressional report suggest?

A. Higher education should be adjusted to the practical needs of society.

B. The liberal arts in higher education help enrich students’ spiritual life.

C. STEM-related subjects help students find jobs in the information society.

D. The humanities and STEM subjects should be given equal importance.

2.What does the author say about the so called soft subjects?

A. They are essential to students’ healthy growth.

B. They improve students’ communication skills.

C. They broaden students’ range of interests.

D. They benefit students in their future life.

3.What is the main concern of students when they choose a major?

A. The academic value of the courses.

B. Their interest in relevant subjects.

C. Their chances of getting a good job.

D. The quality of education to receive.

4.What advice does the author give to college students?

A. Try to take a variety of practical courses.

B. Prepare themselves for different job options.

C. Adopt a flexible approach to solving problems.

D. Seize opportunities to tap their potential.

Success is often measured by the ability to overcome adversity. But, it is often the belief of others that gives us the courage to try.

J. K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter book series,began writing at the age of 6. In her biography, she remembers with great fondness when her good friend Sean, whom she met in secondary school, became the first person to encourage her and help build the confidence that one day she would be a very good writer.

“He was the first person with whom I really discussed my serious ambition to be a writer. He was also the only person who thought I was bound to be a success at it, which meant much more to me than I ever told him at the time.”

Despite many setbacks, Rowling persevered in her writing, particularly fantasy stories. But it wasn't until 1990 that she first conceived the idea about Harry Potter. As she recalls,it was on a long train journey from London to Manchester that the idea of Harry Potter simply fell into her head.“To my immense frustration (沮丧), I didn't have a functioning pen with me, and I was too shy to ask anybody if I could borrow one. I think, now, that this was probably a good thing, because I simply sat and thought, for four (delayed train) hours, and all the details bubbled up in my brain, and this scrawny, black?haired, bespectacled(戴眼镜的) boy who didn’t know he was a wizard became more and more real to me.”

That same year, her mother passed away after a ten?year battle with multiple sclerosis, which deeply affected her writing. She went on to marry and had a daughter, but separated from her husband shortly afterwards.

During this time, Rowling was diagnosed with clinical depression. Unemployed, she completed her first novel in area cafes, where she could get her daughter to fall asleep. After being rejected by 12 publishing houses, the first Harry Potter novel was sold to a small British publishing house.

Now with seven books that have sold nearly 400 million copies in 64 languages, J. K. Rowling is the highest earning novelist in history. And it all began with her commitment to writing that was fostered by the confidence of a friend !

1.Rowling first came up with the idea about Harry Potter________.

A. at the age of 6

B. on a train journey

C. after her mother’s death

D. in her secondary school

2.It can be concluded from Paragraph 5 and 6 that Rowling is________.

A. open?minded B. warm?hearted

C. good?natured D. strong?willed

3.The text mainly tells us________.

A. hardship makes a good novelist

B. the courage to try is a special ability

C. you can have a wonderful idea everywhere

D. encouragement contributes to one’s success

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