In 1943,when George Patton took over the duties of commander,he soon discovered that the discipline of the 2nd army was really poor.Then he gave the orders:all the officers and soldiers should be through with breakfast before 7:30;no one should be late for work in the morning;soldiers with moustache should shave daily.He required that every soldier should wear the helmet and necktie.Patton also set up a punishment system.Officers would be fined 50 dollars and soldiers 25 dollars if they broke the rules.
Patton’s rigorous measures brought great shock to the whole army at once.Three days later,the 2nd army staff brought open their dislike of Patton and soldiers complained strongly because the arrival of Patton put an end to their comfortable life.But Patton ignored this.
Further,he gave the order that “The military rank(军衔) should be shown on the helmet”.A senior colonel(上校) believed that this rule meant to provide a firing target for the enemy.He argued with Patton,“I often go to the battleground.If I were dead,I could no longer serve you and my soldiers.”
Patton smiled after hearing that and said,“Colonel,get on my car and we’d have a tour on the front line.”When they reached there,the colonel found Patton’s helmet,shoulders,collars and even the jeep all had three stars.As a result,the soldiers recognized the general in the jeep was Patton,so they laid down what was in the hand and stood at attention and showed respect to him,cheering.At this moment,Patton said to the colonel,“The soldiers depend on you leading them.They have to realize who their commander is.Commander ought to lead in front of the soldiers,even if it means to die.Then wear your military rank mark.”This colonel was completely convinced:“You are correct,General.”
Just one week later,Patton achieved obvious effect.This fact proved Patton’s statement that he was able to make any army in high spirits in less than a week.
21.What is the text mainly about?
A.Patton’s great organizing abilities.
B.Patton’s effective management of army.
C.Patton’s courage shown in the battlefield.
D.Patton’s friendly relationship with soldiers.
答案:B
解析:主旨大意题。巴顿将军是二战期间美国的著名将领。本文讲的是他从严治军、在一周内迅速提高军队士气的故事。B项准确地概括了文章的主题。
22.The underlined word “rigorous” in Paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to “ ”.
A.strict B.simple
C.strange D.effective
答案:A
解析:词义猜测题。根据第一段内容可知,巴顿上任伊始,就开始大刀阔斧地整顿军纪,颁布了各种严格的规定和措施,故可推断,rigorous与strict含义最接近。第二段中士兵的不满情绪也是提示。
23.At first,what was the colonel’s attitude to Patton’s rule about helmets?
A.Tolerant. B.Doubtful.
C.Uncaring. D.Dissatisfied.
答案:D
解析:推理判断题。根据第三段内容可知,巴顿规定军衔必须在头盔上显示。这位上校认为这意味着向敌人暴露目标。也就是说,军官容易被敌人攻击。由“HearguedwithPatton”可以推断,他反对巴顿的这项规定,对此不满。
24.Why did Patton ask the colonel to go to the front with him?
A.To test the colonel’s courage.
B.To give the soldiers confidence.
C.To show his power over the army.
D.To explain the reasons for his rule.
答案:D
解析:推理判断题。根据第四段末巴顿的话可知,巴顿让那位上校一起去前线是为了说明为什么那样规定。
