阅读理解。
It's not uncommon in America for a person to belong to some kind of volunteer group. Donating
one's time and services is very much a part of the American way of life. Most charitable activities are
organized by churches and groups around the nation and even encouraged by the government. The
helping hand is extended to the poor, the homeless and the disabled. Some people work to teach
youngsters how to read. others open up soup kitchens to feed the homeless. Volunteers also take care
of the disabled by making reading tapes for the blind and working in orphanages (孤儿院) to help
children without parents.
High school students are often encouraged to become volunteers and many school club activities
center around volunteer services. Students may work with disabled children during a summer program,
or participate in a club activity which helps to bring meal to senior citizens who are shut-ins. With their
sense of idealism (理想主义) students are often eager to donate their spare time. They see such
activities as a way of becoming involved in the community and the adult-world. Social action for them
becomes as important as their academic studies.
In a like manner, throughout the year, fund raising drives are also conducted by schools and
community groups to raise money for a worthy cause. They may respond to a recent earthquake in a
foreign country, a flood somewhere within their own, or another natural disaster which has left people
destitute and homeless. They may organize drives to collect food, clothing and medicines to serve an
immediate need. Today even the Halloween custom of 'trick or treat' has become an occasion to collect
money for a charitable cause.
This call to help those less fortunate than themselves arises from the humble origins of the American
nation. Those immigrants who were poor and downtrodden (受压迫的) became dependent on the
kindness of their neighbors to make a new life for themselves.
American volunteers work throughout the world in less developed countries. They volunteer by
serving as a champion of goodwill both at home and abroad, which no doubt enriches both his life and
those whom he serves.
1. Which of the following charitable activities is not mentioned in the passage?
A. Some people open up soup kitchens to feed homeless people.
B. Some students bring meals to old people who can't go out easily.
C. Some people collect money to help a foreign country with a recent earthquake.
D. Some students donate books to children in mountainous areas.
2. Why are American high school students eager to do voluntary work?
A. Because they want to participate in some social activities.
B. Because they want to go to better universities.
C. Because they can get higher scores at school.
D. Because they can realize their dream sooner.
3.The underlined word "destitute" in Paragraph 4 probably means .
A. lifeless
B. penniless
C. useless
D. valueless
4. American charitable activities started because .
A. Americans are always ready to share with others
B. Americans are mostly kind
C. poor immigrants needed help badly
D. poor Americans couldn't live on without help
5.What's the best title of the passage?
A. The Call from the Poor
B. Voluntary Work in the US
C. Ways to help the Poor
D. American Volunteers Around the World
