2017年全国英语等级考试三级阅读理解冲刺练习（2）
Education is vital to a nation which holds the reins of economy over the world, so it is to an individual who strives for better livelihood in a highly competitive society like the Americans.
New technology and automation create opportunities as well as challenges to the American people. Machines now take the sweat out of labor, and computers perform tedious mental chores. They have eliminated many of the menial, dirty, or dull jobs, but also entail challenges that can be met only by a better prepared work force. More education and more skill will be the chief requisite for a job.
In the United States, primary schools and high schools offer a broad education to provide a sound foundation in English, mathematics, arts and physical and social sciences. Subordinate to the broad education, both college preparatory and vocational courses are taught under one roof in the comprehensive high schools. Academic, business and technical courses are taught in the 2-year community and junior colleges. Many of their graduates decide they need more schooling and go on to regular colleges and universities. Skill centers in many large cities provide trainings and retraining for youngsters who leave high school and want to qualify for skilled occupations in industries or subprofessional and technical jobs in service fields. Vocational high schools provide “marketable skills” to young men and women who will never go to colleges. Also there are technical institutes under federal sponsorship and a vast range of in-school and on-the-job training programs financed by labor departments and industries.
6.What does better education mean to the American people?
A.Education making them learn how to use modern machines.
B.Education making students be able to communicate with foreigners.
C.Education including English, mathematics, arts, and physical and social sciences.
D.Education making a person get well-paid job.
答案C。见原文第三段第一句。由于当今美国的新技术为从业者带来了更多的挑战，在小学和中学里，开设了一系列的教育课程。C项所述与原文意思相符，故本题的正确答案为C.
7.What have advanced technology and automation done to Americans?
A.Created chances and challenges to the Americans.
B.Forced them to get high position in their work.
C.Made them manage to earn much more money.
D.Given them chances to communicate with foreigners.
答案A。参见原文第二句。新技术的开发为美国人创造了机会，同时也带来了挑战。A项与原文相符，B、C、D 三项所述不符合原文意思。故本题应选A.
8.What courses are available in a comprehensive high schools?
A.Academic courses.
B.Mathematics.
C.Technical courses.
D.Vocational courses.
答案D。见原文第三段第二句。在美国综合性中学里也讲授附属于普及教育的大学预科和职业课程。D项符合原文。
9.What trainings are available to young people who do not go to colleges after they graduate?
A.Trainings in junior colleges.
B.Trainings in skill centers.
C.Trainings in work.
D.Trainings in community colleges.
答案B。见原文第三段第九至十二句。许多离开中学的年轻人想成为企业中熟练工种的或服务行业中次专业和技术工作的合格人才。许多大城市的技术中心为他们提供训练与再训练的机会。B项符合原文。
10.Which of the following is the major requirement for a job?
A.More education.
B.More skill.
C.More chances.
D.Both A) and B).
答案D。见原文第二段最后一句。受过良好教育以及具有较多技能是当今美国人找工作时必须具备的主要条件。D项符合原文;A.B两项有失偏颇;C项与原文不符。
