IN the office of the German Chancellor (总理) 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 (福布斯) 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 down-to-earth statesman . 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 (学者) couldn’t put her off a love of politics. While working in labs, Merkel took time off to read political books and at last join 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 World War II.
   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 (峰会) in 2005 when France quarreled with Britain over the EU budget , 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 got them to compromise (妥协). “Many people say I am a strong woman. But I would rather say I have perseverance ,” said Merkel.

1. Angela Merkel _____.

    A. used to be a Russian Empress   

B. Admires Catherine the Great ,very much

    C. is now Minister for the Environment of Germany

    D. once worked for France and Britain

2. A full term of Angela Merkel’s position is _____.

    A. Two years                      B. Three years 

    C. Four years                     D. About ten years 

3. When Angela Merkel took the position as Germany’s chancellor, she was ____.

    A. 32 years old                   B. 51 years old    

C. 53 years old                   D. the youngest chancellor in Germany.

4. The best title for this passage

A. Germany's Iron Lady            B. A Kind and Warm-hearted Woman

C. A Famous President             D. Germany’s Youngest Chancellor

In the office of the German Chancellor(总理) Angelar Merkel, there is a picture of Catherine the Great, the legendary(传奇的) 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 several weeks ago. She came to discuss trade and environmental issues with China’s top leaders.

Germany’s first woman leader is known as a brave and down-to-earth stateswoman. Even since her time at school, she has 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(博士学士) in physics and then she worked as a researcher.

However, the life of a scholar couldn’t put her off a 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 World War Ⅱ.

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, 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 got them to compromise(妥协).

“Strength comes from composure and courage. Many people say I am a strong woman. But I would rather say I have perseverance,” said Merkel.

1．Why did Angela Merkel come to China last week?

       A．To strengthen the relationship between China and Germany.

       B．To negotiate on some business cases between China and Germany.

       C．To discuss trade and environmental issues with China’s top leaders.

       D．To advise the new ways to keep the world peace.

2．What may NOT be helpful for Angela Merkel in her political career?

       A．Her good habit of keeping everything in order.

       B．Her excellent scientific background.

       C．Her special personality as a politician.

       D．Her talent in science.

3．What does the underlined phrase mean in “…the life of a scholar couldn’t put her off a love politics.”?

       A．take her off                                         B．move her away from

       C．postpone or cancel a meeting                D．make her more interested in

4．What kind of person is Angela Merkel according to the story?

       A．She is one who has dreamed of working on politics since a child.

       B．She is full of love and ready to devote her life to poor people.

       C．She is very decisive and always supports what she believes.

       D．She thinks she has the power to control the world.