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.
bcafde B.
cbfdae C.
bcfaed D. cbfaed
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.
C. Merkel is a well-known leader all over the
world.
D. She is outstanding because of her calmness.
4. What is the best title for the passage?
A. An excellent lecturer B.
Germany’s iron lady
C. The change of a scholar D.
The youngest chancellor
