When the famous dancer Fred Astaire was interviewed for a job by a Hollywood producer, the movie “expert” turned him down, saying, “Can't sing. Can't act. Dances a little.” Here's another stupid mistake. When the great scientist Albert Einstein was at school, his teachers considered him rather dull. And a final story, the famous Polish pianist Paderewski was told by a teacher that he'd never be a success as a performer because the middle finger on each hand was too short.
What lessons can be drawn from these three experiences? First, true genius(天才) cannot be suppressed(压抑). For some reason or other it works its way out. Second, early judgements of a person's abilities may be unfair or just wrong. Third, when there is a real determination to succeed, obstacles fall by the wayside.
The famous motto “ad astra per aspera” can be translated as “To the stars through hardships.” Astaire, Einstein and Paderewski proved their critics wrong.
45.Which of the following best expresses the main idea of the passage?
A.Fred Astaire was a famous dancer.
B.True ability will always make itself known.
C.Some people never get discouraged
D.Albert Einstein proved his teachers wrong.
46.When Paderewski's teachers told him he'd never be a success, they were ______.
A.being humorous B.cheerful, though concerned
C.somewhat hesitant D.seriously mistaken
47.“Ad astra per aspera” is used in the passage ______.
A.as a motto for the three men's lives
B.to show the value of Latin
C.to send the reader to the dictionary
D.to point out that genius is always recognized early
48.The writer of the passage thinks that the reader ______.
A.knows that the three men were successes
B.someday dreams to become like one of the men
C.sympathizes with(同情) the poor teachers of the three men
D.knows that Fred Astaire was an actor famous for performing
Shakespeare's plays
