Question

    Jerry wanted to continue his studies through college after his graduation from high school; so every morning he never failed to read the classified ads in the newspaper. He scanned even the smallest ad, hoping to find one company needing the services of a high school graduate.

His patience paid off for early one morning he read an ad which said: “An executive wants boy to assist him in his office. He should at least be a high school graduate.”

Jerry cut the ad and quickly took a bath. He put on a clean suit, brushed his short hair neatly, and after asking permission from mother, he proceeded to the office which advertised the ad. When he reached the place, he saw that it was filled with young people. His heart beat faster for he felt he had a very slim chance to be selected.

Very soon the office became empty and Jerry found himself being briefed by the executive. He was asked to report at eight o’clock the following morning. After Jerry left the office, the manager asked the executive, “What made you select that boy who did not have a single recommendation?” “That is where you are mistaken,” explained the executive. “Before entering this office, he wiped his feet and closed the door quietly. It shows he is careful. I noticed that he stood instantly and offered his seat to an old man who entered the office. His act shows that he is kind and considerate boy. He took off his cap when he entered the room and answered my questions promptly indicating that he is polite and gentlemanly.”

“Do you know that I purposely laid a book on the floor to find out what these applicants will do?” the executive continued. “This boy picked it up and placed it on the table while the rest stepped on it. Does this not show that this boy is orderly? While the others pushed and jostled each other in their desire to be interviewed first, this boy waited quietly instead of pushing and crowding as the rest did. I noticed, when I talked to him, that his clothes were clean. Of course, he had no letter of recommendation, but the things that he did counted more than a dozen letters of recommendation. Furthermore, I really do not believe in written recommendations. I judge a person’s character by the way he behaves spontaneously, because I believe that the training of a person will always show in whatever he does and in whatever place he is.”

“Now, I hope you are convinced why I selected that boy among the other applicants even if he does not have a single written recommendation.”

1.What did Jerry feel when he arrived at the office?

A.He was completely disappointed.

B.He was quite astonished by what he saw.

C.He was afraid he wouldn’t be admitted.

D.He felt empty because he didn’t have a recommendation.

2.How can the character of a person be shown according to the executive?

A.By one’s recommendation. B.By his actions.

C.By others’ comments on him D.By his determination.

3.What words can best describe Jerry?

A.Responsible and well-mannered B.Polite and strong-willed

C.Ambitious and gentlemanly D.Thoughtful and spontaneous

4.What is the best title of the passage?

A.Never Judge a Book by Its Cover B.Observation Is the Best Teacher

C.Seeing Is Believing D.The Best Recommendation

Answer

1.C

2.B

3.A

4.D

【解析】

本文为记叙文。讲述了Jerry在众多求职者中胜出的经历，原来是主管通过观察他的自发行为来判断他的性格，从而Jerry成为没有书面推荐信而成功入职的人。

1.细节理解题。根据第三段When he reached the place, he saw that it was filled with young people. His heart beat faster for he felt he had a very slim chance to be selected.可知，当他到达那里，他觉得自己被选中的机会非常渺茫。故选C。

2.推理判断题。根据executive的描述，I judge a person’s character by the way he behaves spontaneously, because I believe that the training of a person will always show in whatever he does and in whatever place he is.可知，一个人的性格可以通过根据他的自发行为来判断，故选B。

3.推理判断题。根据executive对男孩行为的描述，当他故意把一本书放在地板上，看看这些申请人会做什么的时候，这个男孩This boy 把它捡起来放在桌子上，说明他做事负责（Responsible）；他一进屋主动让座给老人，脱帽回答问题，很有绅士风度，表现出他很有礼貌（well-mannered）的一面。综上，故选A。

4.主旨大意题。本文讲述了讲述了在众多求职者中，Jerry没有书面推荐信而成功入职，可见最好的推荐就是本人的自发行为，故最佳题目应该是The Best Recommendation。故选D。