From the health point of view we are living in an amazing age. We are free from

From thehealth point of view we are living in an amazing age. We are free from many ofthe most dangerous diseases. A large number of once deadly illnesses can now becured by modern medicine. It is almost certain that one day medicines will befound for the most stubborn remaining diseases. The expectation of life hasincreased greatly. But though the possibility of living a long and happy lifeis greater than ever before, every day we witness the unbelievable killing ofmen, women and children on the roads. Man vs the motor-car! It is anever-ending battle which man is losing.

   Thousands of people all over the world are killed or horribly killed each yearand we are quietly sitting back and letting it happen.

   It has been rightly said that when a man is sitting behind a steering wheel(方向盘), his car becomes theextension of his personality. There is no doubt that the motor-car oftenbrings out a man’s very worst qualities. People who are normally quiet andpleasant may become unrecognizable when they are behind a steering-wheel. Theysay, they are ill-mannered and aggressive, willful as two-year-olds andcompletely selfish. Their hidden angers and disappointments seem to be broughtto the surface by the act of driving.

   The surprising thing is that society smiles so gently on the motorist and seemsto forgive his behavior. Everything is done for his convenience. Cities areallowed to become almost uninhabitable because of heavy traffic; towns are madeugly by huge car parks; the countryside is ruined by road networks; and thedeaths become nothing more than a number every year, to be easily forgotten.

   It is high time a world rule was created to reduce this senseless waste ofhuman life. With regard to driving, the laws of some countries are unbelievablelenient(宽容的) and eventhe strictest are not strict enough. A rule which was universally acceptedcould only have an obviously beneficial effect on the accident rate. Here are afew examples of some of the things that might be done. The driving test shouldbe standardized and made far more difficult than it is; all the drivers shouldbe made to take a test every three years or so; the age at which young peopleare allowed to drive any vehicle should be raised to at least 21; all vehiclesshould be put through strict tests for safety each year. Even the smallestamount of alcohol in the blood can damage a person’s driving ability. Presentdrinking and driving laws(where they exist) should be made much stricter. Speedlimits should be required on all roads. Governments should lay down safetyspecifications for car factories, as has been done in the USA. All advertising stress power and performance should be banned. These measures may notsound good enough. But surely nothing should be considered as too severe if itresults in reducing the number of deaths. After all, the world is for humanbeings, not motor-cars.

1.Whatis the main idea of this passage?

 A. Traffic accidents are mainly caused by motorists.

 B. Thousands of people all over the world are killed each year.

 C. The laws of some countries about driving are too lenient.

 D. More strict traffic laws can prevent accidents.

2.Whatdoes the author think of society toward motorists?

 A. Society laughs at the motorists.

 B. Huge car parks are built in the cities and towns.

 C. Victims of accidents are nothing.

  D. Society forgives their rude driving.

3.Whatdoes the author mean by saying “his car becomes the extension of hispersonality” in

Paragraph 3?

A. Driving can show his hidden qualities.

B. Driving can show the other part of his personality.

C. Driving can bring out his character.

D. Driving can represent his manners.

4. Whichof the following is NOT mentioned as a way against traffic accidents?

 A. Perfect the road network.

 B. More strict driving tests.

 C. Test drivers every three years.

 D. Raise age limit and lay down safety specifications.

5. Theauthor’s attitude towards the traffic situation is ______.

 A. confused        B.discontented       C.appealing       D. doubtful

试题答案

【答案】

1.D

2.D

3.A

4.A

5.B

【解析】

试题