奇速英语官网—英语在线学习平台_让学英语更快乐_更快速

①　Selective colleges and universities in the U.S. are under fire for being too elite and too expensive, and for not training graduates for the world of work. Such charges ignore the fact that these institutions continue to prepare students for success in their work, for thoughtful engagement in civic life, for lifelong learning, and for understanding the world and those with whom they live.

②　These colleges and universities must be doing something right. Applications are at record highs, and their financial aid programs make them more accessible than ever. This model of education has long played a central role in creating opportunity, driving economic growth, and spurring innovation.

③　Yet, there is growing skepticism about the value of this model. The recent tax reform bill is a wake-up call that our strongest colleges and universities are under assault by some in government. The initial proposals would have made education unaffordable for many by taxing tuition waivers for graduate students and ending deductions for student loan interest. Thankfully, these provisions were ultimately stripped from the bill, but lawmakers let stand a new tax on the investment income of some colleges and universities.

④　While these attacks are motivated by misguided ideas, we need to do a better job of explaining why these claims are false and why what we do is valuable. We cannot take for granted that any of this is obvious.

⑤　It is often said that elite colleges and universities do not train students, particularly those who study the liberal arts, for the workforce. But this can be refuted by scholarly research. The data are clear: a liberal arts education is great career preparation, both for excellent lifetime earnings and for satisfaction with the work. This education develops the skills of critical thinking, rigorous analysis of data and facts, communication with the written and spoken word, understanding of cultural differences and issues, and the ability to keep learning. In fact, liberal arts graduates do extremely well in every imaginable field.

⑥　Access to an education at selective colleges and universities is now more available than ever to low-and middle-income families. We have built endowments from donations by alumni (校友) and parents who understand and appreciate our mission to provide access and opportunity, and a significant portion of the returns from these endowments is used to fund financial aid.

⑦　Ironically, the new tax on endowments drains financial aid funds from the very schools most able to offer opportunity to those who have earned a spot but cannot otherwise afford this education. Beyond the virtue of access to those who have earned a place at these schools, the diversity of economic backgrounds enhances the education and experience of all of our students.

1.1. What fact does the author emphasize concerning selective colleges and universities?

A They have been ignoring the training of graduates for the world of work.

B They have been doing well in ensuring their students a successful future.

C They have been constantly attacked for being too elite and too expensive.

D They have been actively engaged in civic life beyond the school campus.

解析：选B。B 细节理解题。由题干中的selective colleges and universities 定位到第一段。文章第一段第二句提到,对这些择优录取学生的大学的指责忽视了这样一个事实:它们一直在为学生取得事业成功、积极参与公民生活、终身学习、了解世界以及周边人做好准备,由此看出,它们在确保学生未来取得成功方面表现良好。故答案为 B。

2.2. What does the author say in arguing for the model of education in the U.S.?

A It has contributed substantially to the nation’s overall development.

B It has succeeded in maintaining sustainable financial aid programs.

C It has given priority to innovative programs for graduate studies.

D It has played a central role in attracting international applicants.

解析：选A。A 细节理解题。由题干中的 the model of education in the U.S.定位到第二段。文章第二段第三句提到，长期以来,美国这种教育模式在创造机会、推动经济增长和激励创新方面发挥了重要作用,由此看出，它对国家全面发展做出了巨大贡献。故答案为A。

3.3. What do we learn about the initial proposals concerning the recent tax reform bill?

A They would have stripped many students of life’s chances.

B They would have deducted graduate student loan interest.

C They would have added to many students’ financial burden.

D They would have increased the number of tuition waivers.

解析：选C。C 细节理解题。由题干中的 initial proposals concerning the recent tax reform bill定位到第三段第三句。文章第三段第三句指出,根据最初的提案,将对研究生学费减免征税,并取消扣减学生贷款利息,这样一来,许多学生将负担不起教育开支。故答案为C。

4.4. What do the data show about elite colleges and universities?

A Their graduates lack the rigor required for doing statistical analysis.

B Their students prove to be inadequately prepared for their future careers.

C Their focus on research is conducive to developing students’ critical thinking.

D Their liberal arts education enables graduates to excel in whatever field they are in.

解析：选D。D 细节理解题。由题干中的data和elite colleges and universities定位到第五段。第五段最后一句提到,事实上，文科毕业生在任何可以想象到的领域都做得非常好。故答案为 D。

5.5. What is an advantage of providing financial aid for students?

A Every student can choose the institution they wish to attend.

B All students can benefit from a diversified student population.

C All students will be able to earn a place on university campus.

D Less privileged students will be more competitive at elite schools.

解析：选B。B 推理判断题。由题干中的 advantage 和 financial aid 定位到最后一段。最后一段指出,除了让已经在这些学校获得一席之地的学生有机会接受到这种教育外,经济背景的多样化也提高了所有学生的受教育水平,丰富了他们的经验。由第六段可知,在当前教育模式下,来自校友和家长的捐赠基金使中低收入家庭的学生能够更容易进入择优录取学生的大学。由此可知,这种教育模式使学生多元化,所有学生都能从中受益。故答案为B。