IN the office of the German Chancellor (总理) Angela Merkel, there is a picture of Catherine the Great, the legendary Russian Empress. When asked why she has the picture, Merkel says, “She was a strong woman”. Many say the same of Merkel.
The most powerful woman in the world, according to US Forbes (福布斯) magazine, was in China last week. She came to discuss trade and environmental issues with China’s top leaders.
Germany’s first woman leader is known as a brave and down-to-earth statesman . Even since her time at school, she had the habit of getting everything in order. Every day before doing her homework she would clean the desk and think about what to do next. “I prefer a long time for full preparations to make my decision. But once I decide, I will stand up for what I believe,” Merkel said.
Perhaps it was good habits that helped her do well in her studies. At 32, she got a doctorate (博士学位) in physics and then she worked as a researcher.
However, the life of a scholar (学者) couldn’t put her off a love of politics. While working in labs, Merkel took time off to read political books and at last join a political party. “Her calmness helped her stand out in the party. She could always find a way out while others felt hopeless,” said one of her old friends. In her first big political job as Minister for the Environment in 1994, her scientific background proved very useful. In 2005 she became Germany’s youngest chancellor since World War II.
Now half way through her four-year term, the 53-year-old woman has made a name for herself both in Germany and abroad. At the EU summit (峰会) in 2005 when France quarreled with Britain over the EU budget , some people believed the EU was close to breaking down. But Merkel didn’t give up. She shuttled (穿梭) between the heads of the two powers and got them to compromise (妥协). “Many people say I am a strong woman. But I would rather say I have perseverance ,” said Merkel.
1. Angela Merkel _____.
A. used to be a Russian Empress
B. Admires Catherine the Great ,very much
C. is now Minister for the Environment of Germany
D. once worked for France and Britain
2. A full term of Angela Merkel’s position is _____.
A. Two years B. Three years
C. Four years D. About ten years
3. When Angela Merkel took the position as Germany’s chancellor, she was ____.
A. 32 years old B. 51 years old
C. 53 years old D. the youngest chancellor in Germany.
4. The best title for this passage
A. Germany's Iron Lady B. A Kind and Warm-hearted Woman
C. A Famous President D. Germany’s Youngest Chancellor
BCBA
A. Profits enlarging B. Technology developing C. Education investing D. Benefits transferring E. Dominance disappearing F. A nation rising |
The following is an imaginary diary entry written by US president. This diary is part of Global Trends 2025, which was written by the US National Intelligence Council
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The
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The
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Global wealth and economic power will shift from West to East.
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The transition from old fuels to new will be slow, as will the development of new technologies that present feasible alternatives to fossil fuels or help eliminate food and water problems. All current technologies are inadequate, and new ones will probably not be commercially possible by 2025