2011年12月英语六级考试阅读冲刺模拟题八
|
Debates among candidates are rare in most countries. But they have become a staple1 of American politics, particularly during the last 25 years. Americans like debates because the candidates can be compared in an unscripted, live performance. The candidates don’t know what questions will be asked, nor what their opponent might say. History indicates that a bad performance, particularly a telling gaffe2, can badly damage a candidate in the polls. The debates are a “ key test” of the strength and abilities of the candidates, says CNN analyst Jeff Greenfield. A candidate cannot package himself in debates the way he can in party advertisements but must be quick on his feet3 to respond to unanticipated4 questions and criticisms, he adds. The potential of debates to damage a vulnerable presidential hopeful is one reason why some candidates, particularly frontrunners10, are reluctant to risk their chances in such an uncontrolled environment--and the fewer debate rules there are,the less control the candidates have.But broadcast presidential debates,both in the primaries and in the general election,are now routine and expected by the American people. Since 1987, the presidential debates have been organized by the bipartisan17 organization, the Commission on Presidential Debates. Its purpose is to sponsor and produce debates for the presidential and vice presidential candidates of the two major parties. In Election 2000, the commission set a threshold18 for the participation of third party candidates in the debates. They must show they have the support--as evidenced in a number of opinion polls--of at least 15 percent of the population. Whatever the quality of the debates in Election 2000, they are unlikely to equal the most famous political debates in American history which occurred long before the invention of radio and television. In 1858, Stephen Douglas debated Abraham Lincoln for a U.S. Senate seat. The debates were held at seven sites throughout Illinois, one for each of the seven congressional districts. Douglas, a pro-slavery Democrat,was the incumbent19.Lincoln was anti-slavery. “ Honest Abe,” as he was endearingly called, lost the Senate race, but two years later was elected the first Republican president of the United States. The Lincoln Douglas debates are still heralded20 for the quality of the discourse at a crucial time in the nation’s history. Questions 1 to 5 are based on the passage above. 1. According to the first paragragh,why do Americans like debates among candidates? A.The quality of the debates is heralded. B.A telling gaffe may make candidates awkward. C.Debates are rare in other countries. D.They can make comparison among candidates. 2. We know from the passage that one of the reasons for some candidates dislike debating is that_____. A.it is difficult to control the circumstance in debating B.the American people don’t expect it C.it is impossible to make debate rules needed D.they don’t want to hurt their opponents 3.In 2000,the presidential debates were organized by_____. A.third party candidates B.the Commission on Presidential Debates C.Democrats and Republicans D.Non-government Organization 4.The Lincoln-Douglas debates are spoken highly of because_____. A.Lincoln was the first Republican president of the US B.the historic speeches made by Lincoln were excellent C.Stephen Douglas was the incumbent at that time D.Abraham Lincoln was anti-slavery 5.In the eyes of the author,the debates in Election 2000_____. A.has become the best debates in American History B.were the worst nightmare of any presidential hopefulwｗw.ExamＷ.CoM C.could not be as good as the Lincoln-Douglas debates D.had close relationship with the Lincoln-Douglas debates 相关资料 |
