考试两篇阅读

Part 2 Skimming and Scanning (Multiple Choice+Blank Filling)

(每小题：1 分)

Directions: Read the following passage or passages and then answer the questions. For the first 7 questions in each passage, choose the best answer from the four choices marked A, B, C and D. For the remaining 3 questions in the same passage, complete the sentences with the information given in the passage.

Questions 1 to 10 are based on the same passage or dialog.

Building Solid Foundations

When it comes to the construction (建造) of a building, few people would argue about the importance of establishing a strong foundation. It's not different in building a business, a family, or a life.

In 2000, we watched the failure of many Internet-based companies. One of the reasons for this is that these companies were built without solid foundations. A company needs more than just money and material to satisfy its basic needs; it also requires a firm base from which to build.

The emphasis (重点) today is on instant satisfaction. But if we want to build something of value, something that will last, we must build a foundation that will support our goal. It takes effort and it takes conviction, but the rewards are worth it.

Keep Your Eyes on What You're Building

There was once a man passing by a construction site. He stopped and asked one of the tradesmen what he was doing. The worker replied simply, "I'm laying bricks(砖), can't you see that?" The man watched a while longer and then asked another worker what he was doing. "I'm just earning a living," he replied. A third time the man asked a worker and the response was much different, "I'm building a beautiful church."

No doubt the personal happiness and the quality of the work from the last man was much better than from the first two.

And what about us? Are we just collecting a pay check, doing hard dull work — laying bricks? Or are we building churches?

By staying focused on what we're building and seeing the task at hand as accomplishing that purpose, we'll gain greater satisfaction, our work will be lighter, and we'll create more excellence.

Foundations Take Time

I recently watched a building being built. (I must admit I was tempted to ask some of the workers what they were doing.) For months, there seemed to be little progress. There was plenty of dust, lots of activity, but very few signs that anything was really happening.

That's because they were building the foundation—the foundation to support a great structure. And that takes time.

The engineers, the head builders, and the owner certainly weren't standing around saying, "Where's the building? Why can't I see more progress?" They knew that a majority of the time to construct the building would be spent in laying the groundwork.

Once the foundation is ready, the rest of the construction happens at fast speed. Even mistakes made in the superstructure (上层建筑) can be corrected without too much difficulty. But faults in the foundation CANNOT be easily repaired and will threaten the entire structure.

And why should what we build be any different? We need to put strong foundations under our dreams, our businesses, and our relationships. I believe that this is where many people struggle. They're too focused on the rewards and don't give enough attention to the hard work and careful planning required in building the substructure (基础建筑). They want to start putting up walls and bringing in the business too soon. And in the end, most fail because there is not the right support.

A strong foundation, built with good materials and a great deal of effort, will make your structure one that stands up to all attacks and fully supports your efforts.

547 words)

1. In creating something, it's important to ________________.

A. have a strong foundation

B. have the support of family

C. have few people to argue

D. have a firm construction

2. Many internet companies failed, because people thought ________________.

A. failing was impossible

B. having money and material was enough

C. satisfying themselves was basic

D. having a firm base came first

3. Our focus today is on ________________.

A. supportive foundations

B. instant conviction

C. immediate satisfaction