In the office of the German Chancellor Angela Merkel, there is a picture of Catherine the Great, the legendary Russian Empress.When asked why she has the picture, Merkel says,“She was a strong woman”.Many say the same of Merkel.
The most powerful woman in the world, according to US Forbes magazine, was in China last week.She came to discuss trade and environmental issues with China's top leaders.Germany's first woman leader is known as a brave and practical statesman(政治家).Even since her time at school, she had the habit of getting everything in order.Every day before doing her homework she would clean the desk and think about what to do next.“I prefer a long time for full preparations to make my decision.But once I decide, I will stand up for what I believe,”Merkel said.
Perhaps it was good habits that helped her do well in her studies.At 32, she got a doctorate(博士学位)in physics and then she worked as a researcher.
However, the life of a scholar couldn't put off her love of politics.While working in labs, Merkel took time off to read political books and at last joined a political party.“Her calmness helped her stand out in the party.She could always find a way out while others felt hopeless,”said one of her old friends.
In her first big political job as Minister for the Environment in 1994, her scientific background proved very useful.In 2005 she became Germany's youngest chancellor since the second World War.
Now half way through her four-year term, the 53-year-old woman has made a name for herself both in Germany and abroad.At the EU summit in 2005 when France quarreled with Britain over the EU budget(预算), some people believed the EU was close to breaking down.But Merkel didn't give up.She shuttled(穿梭)between the heads of the two powers and had them reached an agreement.
“Strength comes from composure(镇定)and courage.Many people say I am a strong woman.But I would rather say I have perseverance,”said Merkel.
(1)
Why does Merkel put a picture of Catherine the Great on the wall of her office?
[ ]
A.
Because Catherine the Great is beautiful.
B.
Because Merkel wants to be a strong woman too.
C.
Because Merkel likes the drawing skill of it.
D.
Because it is very expensive.
(2)
What is the correct order of the following events?
a.became the German Chancellor
b.got a doctorate in physics and then she worked as a researcher
c.join a political party
d.visit China
e.take part in the EU summit
f.as Minister for the Environment
[ ]
A.
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B.
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C.
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D.
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(3)
Which statement is NOT true according to the passage?
[ ]
A.
Merkel usually is hurry to make a decision when facing difficulties.
B.
At the EU summit in 2005, the relationship between French and Britain was in tension.
Student Date of Birth:19/08/1988 Department of Education and Training
International Students Centre
Hong Xue 827-839 George Street PO Box 707
60 Waratah Street Broadway NSW 21007
Croydon Park NSW 2133 Phone:(612)9217 4801 1300 302 456
Fax:(612)9212 6721
http://www.tafensw.edu.au/international/
WARNING LETTER
Dear Hong Xue,
As you are aware, your student visa regulations set out a number of conditions applying to your visa.It has come to our attention that you are failing to meet the following conditions:You must maintain accommodation, support and general welfare arrangements that have been approved by your education provider if you:
●have not turned 18; and
●are not staying in Australia with:
-a parent
-a custodian(监护人); or
-a relative who has been nominated(指定)by your parent or a custodian, is aged at least 21 and is of good character.
Note:You must not change those arrangements without the written approval of your education provider.
You must obey the following rules:
1.During term time you must:
a)remain in your homestay during the school term;
b)come home every night; and
c)inform your guardian at all times of your whereabouts.
2.On weekends you must:
a)have your guardian's permission to stay with friends; and
b)inform your guardian of the name, address and phone numbers of people you are visiting.
3.You must return your guardian's telephone calls.
This will be your only warning.If you continue to breach(违反)your student visa regulations we will report you to the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs.Such action may lead to the cancellation(取消)of your student visa.Please contact me on(612)9217 4801 or fax(612)9212 6721 if you have questions about your enrolment.
Yours sincerely
Tracey Carlon
Student Advisor
International Students Centre
NSW Department of Education and Training
(1)
What's the purpose of writing this letter?
[ ]
A.
To remind the recipient of the conditions for applying for a student visa.
B.
To warn the recipient not to do anything against his student visa regulations again.
C.
To tell the recipient how to contact his student advisor.
D.
To inform the recipient of the student visa regulations.
(2)
What can be learned about the recipient from this letter?
[ ]
A.
He is under 18 and studies in Australia with his parents.
B.
He is required to come home every night according to the rules.
C.
He can stay with his friends on weekends if permitted.
D.
His student Visa has been cancelled.
(3)
To which address should the recipient reply if he feels like answering the letter?
[ ]
A.
Hong Xue at 60 Waratah Street, Croydon Park NSW 2133.
B.
Tracey Carlon at the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs.
C.
Hong Xue at NSW Department of Education and Training.
D.
Tracey Carlon at 827-839 George Street, PO Box 707, Broadway NSW 21007.
阅读理解
Once upon a time the colors of the world started to quarrel.Green said,“Clearly I am the most important.I am the sign of life and hope.I was chosen for grass, trees and leaves.Without me, all animals would 1 .”
Blue interrupted,“You only think about the 2 , but consider the sky and the sea. 3 the water that is the basis of life and drawn up by the clouds from the deep sea.Without my peace, you would all be 4 .”
Yellow chuckled(笑道),“You are all so serious.I bring laughter, fun, and 5 into the world.”
Orange started next to blow her trumpet,“I am the color of health and strength.I may be 6 , but I am precious for I serve the needs of human life.When I fill the sky 7 , my beauty is so striking that no one gives another 8 to any of you.”
Red could stand it 9 and he shouted out,“I am the ruler of all of you.I am the color of danger and of bravery.I am willing to 10 truth.I am also the color of passion and of love.”
Then came Purple and Indigo(深蓝)….
The colors went on boasting, each convinced of his or her own 11 .Their quarreling became louder and louder.Suddenly there was a startling flash of bright lightening thunder.Rain started to pour down 12 .The colors crouched(蜷缩)down 13 , drawing close to one another for comfort.
In the midst of the clamor(叫嚷), rain began to speak,“You foolish colors, fighting 14 yourselves, each trying to dominate 15 .Don't you know that you were each made for a special purpose, 16 ?Join hands with 17 and come to me.”
Doing as they were told, the colors 18 and joined hands.They formed a colorful rainbow.From then on, whenever a good rain 19 the world, a rainbow appears in the sky.They remember to 20 one another.