Over the past ten years, we have made some big steps forward in our common struggle for development, security and human rights. Aid and debt relief have increased, making the world economy somewhat fairer. At last, the world is taking action against HIV/AIDS. There are fewer wars between countries than there used to be; and many civil wars have ended. More Governments are elected by, and responsible for, the people whom they govern. And all States protect people from war crimes, racial cleansing and crimes against humanity.

But there is so much that still needs doing. The gap between rich and poor continues to grow. Many people still face serious crime, discrimination, and racial conflict. Nuclear weapons require urgent attention. Terrorism, and the reaction to it, is spreading fear and suspicion. It seems that we don't even agree which threats are most important. Those who live on small islands may see global warming as the biggest danger. Those who live in a city that has suffered terrorist attacks, like New York, or Mumbai, or Istanbul, may feel that fighting against terrorism is more urgent. Others again may cite poverty, disease, or genocide. The truth is, these are all global threats. All of us should be concerned about all of them. Otherwise, we may" not succeed in dealing with any of them.

At this time of all times, we cannot afford to be divided. I know that you, the peoples of the world, understand this. Thank you for all the support and encouragement you have given me throughout these ten difficult but exciting years.

Please urge your leaders to work with my successor, and make the United Nations ever stronger and more effective.

Long live our planet and its peoples. Long live the United Nations!

72. The first paragraph mainly describes______________.

A. the fact that the United Nations has become stronger

B. the achievements that the United Nations has made

C. the threats that the United Nations has come across

D. the steps that have been taken to help developing countries

73. From the second paragraph we learn___________________.

A. which problems are the most important

B. the task to improve our world is not so difficult

C. we still have a long way to go to achieve world peace

D. the future of the world is not certain

74. According to the text, which of the following is not true?

A. Islanders care more about terrorism than global warming.

B. More leaders are voted for by the people for. whom they are responsible, whom they govern.

C, The speaker has spent almost all his professional life working for the United Nations

D. People around the world don't agree which threats are most important,

75. The speech must have been made by the_________________.

A. Secretary-General of the UN           B. president of the US

C. prime minister of the UK              D. president of the PRC