阅读理解

　　The trend towards globalization began in earnest in the early 1970s when the system of fixed exchange rates, set up after World War Ⅱ, was dismantled, This meant that the value of currencies would now be determined by the markets instead of individual governments. Over the next two decades, countries slowly began to remove their exchange controls. By 1990, nearly all world’s major economies had got rid of restrictions on how much money could be moved in and out of their countries.

　　Other factors contributing to the rise of globalization are new communications technologies, and better transportation systems. These have enabled companies to grow into multinationals (跨国公司) producing goods on one side of the planet and selling them on the other. Lower costs have also helped the price of telephone calls, for instance, is cheaper now than at any time in history.

　　But adjusting to this new“economic order”is proving difficult. In the developed world, and in particular the European Union, globalization is facing widespread public resistance. Critics complain that, without the protection of trade barriers, jobs are being lost to workers in poorer countries, and wages for employees in rich countries are falling. Opponents in the European Union point to the effects that globalization has had in the US and Britain. In those countries, wages are stagnant (停滞不前) except for a privileged few and taxes and welfare benefits have been reduced to help companies compete with industries in the developing world.

　　Opponents of globalization also point to its effects on workers in poorer countries. They agree that multinationals may be helping to reduce unemployment in the developing world but they argue that the jobs are hardly worth having since they are low-paid and exploitative. Those in favor of globalization accuse their critics of being short-sighted protectionists. They claim a more intergrated global economy will ultimate benefit everyone because it will enable countries to specialize in those areas where they perform best.

1．What does the passage mainly talk about?

[　　]

A．The system of fixed exchanged rates.

B．Globalization.

C．The European Union.

D．Computer.

2．According to the passage, what enabled many companies to grow into multinationals?

[　　]

A．Globalization.

B．Better transportation systems.

C．New communications technologies.

D．Both B and C.

3．What does the new“economic order”in paragraph 3 refer to?

[　　]

A．Producing goods on one side of the earth and selling them on the other.

B．Earning less money in the developed countries.

C．Unemployment in the developing countries.

D．Globalization.

4．In which of the following countries is globalization facing widespread public resistance?

[　　]

5．Why are some people in the developed countries against globalization?

[　　]

A．The workers in their countries lose their jobs and their wages are lower.

B．They don’t like the people form the developing countries.

C．This makes their countries poorer.

D．The society is not safe.

John was dismissed last week because of his____attitude towards his job.

A．informal    B．casual    C．determined     D．earnest

Tracy Caulkins is known as the first American to set an American record and win an American title in each of four swimming strokes（泳姿）: breaststroke, butterfly, backstroke, freestyle.

Tracy Caulkins was born in Minnesota and lived in Iowa until she was six. She began swimming when she was eight, after the family had moved to Nashville, Tennessee. While unwilling at first to swim in cold water or get her face wet, she began to train in earnest (认真地) as her talent became clear. Though her father worked for the public schools, the family sent her to a private school when the public schools could not accommodate (适应) her training schedule.

At age 13, Tracy Caulkins took part in the trials(选拔赛) for the 1976 Olympics, but did not make the team. She continued to win national and international titles, and was disappointed in 1980 when the U.S. didn’t attend the Moscow Olympics. She continued to train and compete.

In 1981, Tracy Caulkins began college, graduating in 1985. In college, she continued competing and training, though she had slowed down from her peak (顶峰) years.

Caulkins trained especially hard for the 1984 Olympics, and not only made the team, but was captain of the swim team and at Los Angeles, won three gold medals and was named Sportswoman of the Year by the U.S. Olympic Committee. After that she retired from swimming, and was a commentator (解说员) for swimming events as well as taking advantage of her fame to do business.

Tracy Caulkins married Australian swimmer, Mark Stockwell, in 1991, their romance having begun at the 1984 Olympics when he jumped into a warm-up pool to introduce himself. They married in Nashville and moved to Australia, where they had three children. Caulkins continued to be professionally involved in sports.

1.Tracy Caulkins was sent to a private school because _____.

A．the schedule of the public school wasn’t suitable for her

B．her parents had to work in the school

C．her family had moved to Nashville, Tennessee

D．she showed strong interest in swimming

2.Which Olympic Games did Tracy Caulkins attend?

A．The 1976 Olympic Games.                 B．The 1980 Olympic Games.

C．The 1984 Olympic Games.                 D．The 1992 Olympic Games.

3.Give the correct order of the following events in Tracy Caulkins’ life.

a. She was named Sportswoman of the Year.

b. She became a commentator.

c. She got married.

d. She went to college.

e. She attended the Olympics.

A．d; e; a; b; c                            B．d; e; c; b; a

C．d; a; e; c; b                            D．d; e; a; c; b

4.When was Tracy Caulkins born?

A．In 1963           B．In 1953           C．In 1960           D．Not mentioned

To son, Cecil,
Just a quick note before I start in earnest. When I wrote this, you were 8, still a little boy. In 2002, I was called to active duty in the Marine Corps in the war on Terrorism (恐怖主义). On the 11th of September 2001 when America was attacked, I knew that I would eventually(最终) have to go and I was filled with a deep sense of sadness. That night as you and Keiko were asleep, I looked at your little faces and couldn’t help but fight the tears. I knew it would be hard for you because I had a similar experience. When I was a little boy aged 6, my dad, your Grandpa Cawley, was sent to Vietnam during the war there. I remember how much I missed him, too. But now unfortunately I have come to realize just how difficult it must have been for Grandpa to be away from his children for a year. Thinking about this, I wanted to put my thoughts and feelings down for you and your sister. I am so sorry that I had to leave for such a long time. There is no place I would rather be than with you and Keiko. You two are the lights of my life. I have known no greater joy than in the few years since you two were born. I hope to have many more years with you. If this doesn’t happen, then know that I love you more than words can express. If for some reason I don’t make it home, I will need you to take care of your little sister and your Mom. You will be the man of the Cawley family. Be good my son and God will watch over you as he has me. I will be waiting impatiently for the time when we can all be together again.
【小题1】The writer of the letter may be ______.