单选题 What was the only use of trains before the 20th century?
A. The use for short-distance transportation.
B. The use for day to day transportation.
C. The use for long-distance transportation.
D. The use for transportation of precious things.

【正确答案】 C

【答案解析】[解析]
Before the 20th century, the horse provided day to day transportation in the United States. Trains were used only for long-distance transportation.
Today the car is the most popular sort of transportation in all of the United States. It has completely replaced the horse as a means of everyday transportation. Americans use their car for nearly 90 percent of all personal trips.
Most Americans are able to buy cars. The average price of a recently made car was $ 2050 in 1950, $ 2740 in 1960 and up to $ 4750 in 1975. During this period American car manufacturers set about improving their products and work efficiency. As a result, the yearly income of the average family increased from 1950 to 1975 faster than the price of cars. For this reason purchasing a new car takes a smaller part of a family's total earnings today.
本题的关键句是：Before the 20th century，trains were used only for long distance transportation. 答案是短文中的原话，听清楚即可选出。答案为[C]。

【正确答案】 A

【答案解析】只要听懂"Today the car is the most popular sort of transportation”就能选对答案。答案为[A]。

【正确答案】 B

【答案解析】短文中可连续听到三个年代和三个价格：$2050 in 1950，$2740 in 1960，$4750 in 1975。需仔细听才能辨清哪个价格属于哪个年代。答案为[B]。