Every year on May 12th, people around the world celebrate International Nurses Day to honor the hard work and kindness of nurses. While doctors are important, nurses play an equally vital role in healthcare. They care for patients daily, ensuring their safety, comfort, and recovery, often working long hours in stressful environments.
Nurses are skilled professionals who spend years learning to handle various medical tasks. They check patients’ conditions, give medicine, set up medical equipment, and keep records. Beyond technical skills, they comfort worried families and support patients during difficult times. Imagine being sick in a hospital — nurses are the ones bringing blankets, listening to your concerns, and cheering you up. Their job requires both knowledge and a caring heart.
May 12th was chosen as International Nurses Day because it marks the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. Born in 1820, she became famous during the Crimean War by organizing care for wounded soldiers. She worked tirelessly to improve hospital conditions and train nurses. In 1860, she opened the world’s first nursing school in London, which still exists today as part of King’s College London. Her efforts not only saved lives but also helped women gain more opportunities in healthcare.
There are simple ways to show gratitude to nurses. A heartfelt “thank you” or a handwritten note can mean a lot. Some people bring small gifts like chocolates or flowers to nurses who helped them. Those recovering from serious illnesses sometimes share treats like pizza with the entire medical team. Even a smile or kind words can brighten a nurse’s day. Remember, nurses care most about seeing their patients get better — your recovery is their greatest reward.
Next time you meet a nurse, think about their dedication. They face challenges daily but continue to serve with patience and courage. Let’s use May 12th to recognize these everyday heroes who make our world healthier and kinder.
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1.1. What does the underlined word “they” refer to?
A Doctors.
B Patients.
C Nurses.
D Families.
解析：选C。C 词意指代题。在第二段中，“Beyond technical skills, they comfort... and support...”承接上文“Nurses are skilled professionals who spend years learning to handle various medical tasks.”，由此可知“they”指代的是护士。故选C。
2.2. What can we infer about Florence Nightingale?
A She invented new medicines.
B She improved hospital conditions.
C She opened many nursing schools.
D She disliked teaching nurses.
解析：选B。B 推理判断题。根据第三段中的“improved hospital conditions”可知，南丁格尔改善了医院条件并于1860年建立了第一所护理学校，由此可推断她致力于提升医疗环境。故选B。
3.3. What is Paragraph 4 mainly about?
A Nurses’ daily challenges.
B Patients’ recovery stories.
C History of medical care.
D Ways to thank nurses.
解析：选D。D 段落大意题。第四段主题是“如何向护士表达感谢”，列举了写感谢卡、送小礼物等方式。故选D。
4.4. What is the purpose of the last paragraph?
A To list nurses’ challenges.
B To show nurses’ rewards.
C To encourage gratitude to nurses.
D To introduce nurses’ dedication.
解析：选C。C 推理判断题。最后一段“Next time you meet a nurse, think about their dedication... Let’s use May 12th to recognize these everyday heroes who make our world healthier and kinder.”表明，本段主要目的是鼓励大家对护士心怀感激，认可护士们的付出。故选C。
