阅读理解
Most people agree that the direct, assertive(过分自信的) American personality is a virtue, but it sometimes surprises foreigners. In many cultures, respect for older people or those in positions of authority keeps others from expressing their true feelings. But in the U.S., children often argue with their parents, students may disagree with their teachers, and citizens may express opposition to the actions of the government. If the soup has anything in it or the meat is too tough to eat, the diner can complain to the waiter; if the boss makes a mistake, an employee will politely point it out. Some straight talk about the American character must include the admission that Americans have their faults. The extremely competitive nature of Americans is probably their worst fault. Of course, competition isn't always bad. As a matter of fact, it promotes excellence by encouraging individuals and businesses to try to do their best. But the desire to get ahead of others sometimes causes people to do things that are unkind and even dishonest. Also, Americans admire what is practical, fast, efficient, and fresh. Sometimes they fail to understand and appreciate practices that have greater respect for more traditional, leisurely ways of doing things. On the other hand, people from other cultures may dislike the practical, challenging American lifestyle. Despite culture differences, most foreigners give Americans credit for their virtues. Americans are generally viewed as friendly, adaptable, energetic, and kind-hearted. Most newcomers to the U. S. like Americans, and the feeling is usually mutual. Perhaps the greatest American virtue is a deep interest in new ideas and new people. In a nation of immigrants, the foreigner does not remain an outsider for long.
单选题
The first paragraph tells us that Americans______.
【正确答案】
A
【答案解析】推理判断题。由第一段最后两句“But in the U．S．，children often argue with their parents，students may disagree with their teachers…an employee will politely point it out．”可推知，美国人很坦率。故选A。
单选题
One of the faults in the American character is______.
【正确答案】
D
【答案解析】事实细节题。由第二段第二句和第五句“The extremely competitive nature of Americans is probably their worst fault．”“But the desire to get ahead of others…”可知，美国人性格中最大的缺点是极为争强好胜。故选D。
单选题
It can be inferred from the passage that______.
【正确答案】
C
【答案解析】推理判断题。由第三段第二、三句“Americans are generally viewed as friendly，adaptable…Most newcomers to the U．S．like Americans…”可推知，美国人十分友善，可以和移民相处融洽。故选C。
单选题
The last sentence of the passage implies that foreigners in America______.
【正确答案】
C
【答案解析】推理判断题。由第三段最后两句“Perhaps the greatest American virtue is a deep interest in new ideas and new people…the foreigner does not remain an outsider for long．”可知，美国人对新思想和新来的人十分感兴趣，外国人可以很快地融入美国。由此可推知，外国人很快就会有宾至如归的感觉。故选C。