When foreigners are sometimes asked what seems most strange about American society, somewhere on the top of the list will be the fact the average citizen is allowed to possess guns. Although it is true that many people carry guns legally in the United States, it is also known that many who possess guns carry illegally. Others, who don't have guns, feel that guns can be acquired quite easily. A recent survey indicated that many high school students, especially in the inner cities, can acquire gun with little difficulty. Although most people would never want to own a gun, others have taken up hunting as a sport and enjoy hunting wild game in season. Hunting for deer and duck in fall and winter is very much a part of the American culture. Also, some farmers in rural areas who raise cattle and sheep feel they need to protect their animals against wolves that attack their herds and flocks at night. To defend and support their rights to possess firearms the National Rifle Association (NRA) was founded in 1871. The main importance of this organization has been its efforts to prevent strict gun control legislation. The NRA has great political support in small towns and rural areas, especially in the West and the South, where hunting is especially popular. Those who favor the right to possess guns insist that the Constitution provides the right of people "to keep and bear arms". They believe that gun control laws will not solve the problem of crime and violence in America. Recent events in America, however, have shown that the question of gun possession is now out of control and strong voices have called for immediate action to be taken. In seemingly peaceful schools students have gone into classrooms and opened fire upon their classmates. America has been shocked by such incidents which seem to occur with greater frequency. The periodic deaths of innocent citizens and even foreign visitors from guns have forced legislators to pass laws to stop these senseless killings. The day may not be far off when America will be transformed from a gun culture to one which controls their use and possession.
单选题
What is most unusual about American society?
【正确答案】
B
【答案解析】解析:本题的答案在文章的第一段中,正确答案为B。“When foreigners are sometimes asked…”意为“当一些外国人被问到在美国社会什么事情在他们看来最不寻常时,经常性的回答是为什么普通的美国人都可以持有枪支。”其中most unusual与most strange同义。
单选题
Some Americans defend their possession of guns by arguing that________.
【正确答案】
C
【答案解析】解析:本题的答案在文章的第三段中,正确答案为C。其中“Although most people would never want to own a gun,others have taken up hunting as a sport and enjoy hunting wild game in season.Hunting for deer and duck in fall and winter is very much a part of the American culture.”意为“尽管多数美国人并不愿意持有枪支,但是其他一些美国人则认为持枪狩猎是一种运动。在秋冬季节,这种活动已经成为美国文化的一部分。”
单选题
The National Rifle Association was established to________.
【正确答案】
C
【答案解析】解析:本题的答案在文章的第四段中间部分,正确答案为C。通过句子“To defend and support their rights to possess firearms the National Rifle Association(NRA) was founded in 1871.The main importance of this organization has been its efforts to prevent strict gun control legislation.”我们可以知道该组织存在的主要目的是来保护美国人拥有枪支的权利。
单选题
Gun possession has become a hot issue in the US because it is________.