Question

The United Kingdom has voted to leave the European Union, a historic decision that will reshape the nation^ place in the world and is already upsetting governments across the continent. The surprising turn of events caused a fall in the financial markets, with the value of the British pound and stock prices falling.

The campaign to leave the EU won by 52 percent to 48 percent. More than 17 million people in the UK—made up of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland — voted to sever ties with the EU, a Political and economic partnership comprising 28 countries across Europe. About 16.1 million voted to remain.

The result raises serious questions about the future of the EU. The British go out from the union-nicknamed Brexit — is just the latest in a series of crises to annoy the EU. The alliance is already dealing with economic bad results from the global financial collapse of 2008, along with a record arrival refugees to Europe due in part to Syria’s civil war.

Some British citizens believe the EU has too much influence over Britain’s authority and that the country’s industries would be more profitable on their own. Others want Britain to reclaim control of its borders and reduce how many people enter the country to work They say the EU’s open-border policy allows unlimited numbers of immigrants to come in from poorer nations—and that those people take jobs from British workers. Those who campaigned to stay in the EU, meanwhile, argued that the UK and its economy is stronger within the alliance.

Now the UK will become the first nation to leave the European Union. The decision is a huge blow the alliance because Britain is one of its most powerful members. “The main impact will be massive disorder in the EU system for the next two years,” said Thierry de Montbrial, of the French Institute of International Relations. “There will be huge political change costs on how to solve the British exit.” The decision could also have a domino effect, he warned, with other countries following the UK’s lead and exiting the EU.

1.What does the underlined word “sever” mean?

A. Settle down.    B. Take over.

C. Break off.    D. Build up.

2.Most British wanted to leave the EU because they believe      .

A. they can help immigrants to create more job chances

B. they expect the EU to have an open border policy

C. they want to set up their own authority

D. they will lead a better life on their own

3.What did Brexit make Thierry worry about?

A. More countries will do as the UK does.

B. Scotland win their independence from the EU.

C. The EU will pay back more money to the UK.

D. The economy in the EU will suffer loss.

4.What might be the most suitable title for the passage?

A. The UK Wins Independence with Votes

B. The UK Votes to Leave the European Union

C. The UK Makes a Historic Decision Again

D. The UK Remains Separated from the World

Answer

1.C

2.D

3.A

4.B

【解析】文章讲述了在英国，由各国家组成的联合国，包括英国、苏格兰、和北爱尔兰在内，共有超过1700万人投票决定断绝与欧盟的关系，这是一个历史性的决定，这一决定导致金融市场下跌，英镑和股票价格下跌。同意这个决定的人认为欧盟对英国的权威有太大的影响，而且该国的产业将更有利可图。而另一些人则认为英国及其经济在联盟中更为强大。法国国际关系研究所认为在英国退出欧盟之后，其他国家也会产生多米诺效应，这一决定会产生巨大的政治变革成本。

1.词义推测题。阅读“More than 17 million people in the UK—made up of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland — voted to sever ties with the EU,”可知，“在英国，由个国家组成的联合国，包括英国、苏格兰、和北爱尔兰在内，共有超过1700万人投票决定断绝与欧盟的关系，”所以sever 意为断绝，A. Settle down意为定居；（使）安静下来；平息；落到地面上来； B. Take over意为接管； 带;；帮…学习；在…上花费；C. Break off意为（使）分离；（使）脱离；停止；断交； D. Build up意为逐步建立； 增进； 盖满了建筑物； 宣扬；故选C。

2.细节理解题。由“Some British citizens believe the EU has too much influence over Britain’s authority and that the country’s industries would be more profitable on their own. ”可知一些英国公民认为，欧盟对英国的权威有太大的影响，而且该国的产业将更有利可图。所以他们认为脱离欧盟后他们将自己过上更好的生活。故选D。

3.细节理解题。由“There will be huge political change costs on how to solve the British exit.” The decision could also have a domino effect, he warned, with other countries following the UK’s lead and exiting the EU.”可知在英国退出欧盟之后，其他国家会产生多米诺效应，这一决定会产生巨大的政治变革成本，所以他担心的是其他国家也会效仿英国退出欧盟。故选A。

4.主旨大意题。由首句“The United Kingdom has voted to leave the European Union, a historic decision that will reshape the nation^ place in the world and is already upsetting governments across the continent.”英国已经投票决定退出欧盟，这是一个历史性的决定，它将重塑世界上的国家地位，已经让整个大陆的政府感到不安。“More than 17 million people in the UK—made up of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland — voted to sever ties with the EU,”在英国，由个国家组成的联合国，包括英国、苏格兰、和北爱尔兰在内，共有超过1700万人投票决定断绝与欧盟的关系。“ the British exit.”英国退出可知，全文讲的是英国决定退出欧盟。故选B。