Here’s a surprising fact: Of the 1.1 million firefighters in the United States, about 780,000 are volunteers. Roughly a third of the population is 41 by mostly- or all-volunteer fire departments.
Also 42 , perhaps. Sometimes they have to pay for their own gear.
I 43 this because I volunteer as a firefighter in Durango, Colorado. I responded to more than 50 calls in 2014, everything from 44 to car accidents. In that period, I spent close to $1,000 on optional gear not supplied by my 45 , things like higher-quality flashlights, knives, and better gloves, which make my 46 easier.
Yesterday, a 47 was introduced in Congress that would give a significant tax break to those who volunteer their time as 48 responders. I hope it passes, not because it will put some money in my pocket ( 49 , hey, that’ll be nice) but because it will ease the financial burden on volunteers and acknowledge their time commitment. I believe it will 50 more people to help.
And we 51 that.
In 52 areas where population density is low and calls for fire and EMS services are relatively rare, it just doesn’t 53 to have career firefighters on the staff 24/7 (全天候). 54 , volunteers are used to fill in the 55 . We are ready to put our regular lives aside to help someone on what is the 56 day of their life. We have likely never met before, and might never again, but it doesn’t 57 in a crisis. Without volunteers, the whole system would collapse.
There’s a T-shirt that’s popular among us, reading “For Pride, Not 58 .” We volunteer because we know our 59 need us. We don’t need a small tax break. Without one, we’ll still put on our gear when the alarm goes off without any 60 . But we’d appreciate one, and if it encourages more people to join us, it’s worth it.
41. A. taught B. inspired C. supported D. protected
42. A. surprising B. amusing C. pleasing D. worrying
43. A. appreciate B. know C. prove D. analyze
44. A. wildfires B. wars C. lightning D. embarrassments
45. A. company B. department C. team D. family
46. A. manner B. life C. project D. job
47. A. guest B. politician C. bill D. word
48. A. wise B. proud C. same D. first
49. A. so B. when C. though D. because
50. A. encourage B. persuade C. invite D. allow
51. A. neglect B. need C. predict D. admit
52. A. dark B. rural C. dirty D. cold
53. A. end up B. stand out C. work out D. make sense
54. A. Recently B. Quickly C. Instead D. Besides
55. A. time B. hole C. form D. gap
56. A. busiest B. hottest C. worst D. shortest
57. A. matter B. pass C. exist D. happen
58. A. Satisfaction B. Pay C. Strength D. Education
59. A. communities B. neighbors C. children D. patients
60. A. disappointment B. trouble C. hesitation D. anxiety
41-45 D A B A B 46-50 D C D C A
51-55 B B D C D 56-60 C A B A C