题目内容
"Opinion" is a word that is used carelessly today. It is used to refer to matters of taste, belief ,and judgment. This casual use would probably cause little confusion if people didn't attach too much importance to opinion. Unfortunately, most attach great importance to it. "I have as much right to my opinion as you to yours," and "Everyone has the right to express his opinion, " are common expressions. In fact, anyone who would challenge another's opinion is likely to be branded intolerant (不容异己的,偏执的).
Is that label accurate? Is it intolerant to challenge another's opinion? It depends on what definition of opinion you have in mind. For example, you may ask a friend "What do you think of the new Ford cars?" And he may reply, "In my opinion, they're ugly." In this case ,it would not only be intolerant to challenge his statement, but foolish. For it's obvious that by opinion he means his personal preference, a matter of taste. And as the old saying goes, "It's pointless to argue about matters of taste."
But consider this very different use of the term. A newspaper reports that the Supreme Court has delivered its opinion in a controversial (有争议的)case. Obviously the justices did not share their personal preferences, their mere likes and dislikes. They stated their considered judgment ,carefully arrived at after thorough investigation and consideration.
Most of what is referred to as opinion falls somewhere between these two extremes. It is not an expression of taste. Nor is it careful judgment. Yet it may contain elements of both. It is a view or belief more or less casually arrived at, with or without examining the evidence.
Is everyone free to express his opinion? Of course, this is not only permitted, but guaranteed .We are free to act on our opinions only so long as, in doing so, we do not harm others.
49. Which of the following statements is TRUE according to the author?
A. Everyone has a right to hold his own opinion.
B. Free expression of opinions often leads to confusion.
C. Most people tend to form their opinions carelessly.
D. Casual use of the word "opinion" often causes quarrels.
50. According to the author, who of the following would be regarded as intolerant?
A. Someone who turns a deaf ear to others' opinions.
B. Someone who can't put up with others' tastes.
C. Someone who values only their own opinions.
D. Someone whose opinion harms other people.
51. The new Ford cars are quoted as an example to show that ______.
A. it is foolish to criticize a famous brand
B. one should not always agree to others' opinions
C. personal tastes are not something to be challenged
D. it is unwise to express one's likes and dislikes in public
52. Considered judgment is different from personal preference in that ______.
A. it is stated by judges in the court
B. it reflects public like and dislikes
C. it is a result of a lot of argument
D. it is based on careful thought
ABCD