A
Clara packed her things at the Patent Office and went to her boss. “It’s been a pleasure working with you, but I’m quitting my job.” She turned and left.
“What are you doing home so early?” asked her sister Sally.
“The Civil War is taking its toll on the Union soldiers. I need to help them.”
Sally chewed her lips and looked around the room. “I’m going with you.”
The two volunteered at the Washington Hospital. After several months, Clara became unsettled. “Sally, this isn’t enough. I need to help the soldiers in the field and on the front lines. I’m leaving in the morning.”
Sally’s brows rose into her forehead. “Clara! You can’t. It’s too dangerous.”
“The front line soldiers who need help are in greater danger.”
Clara got donations where she could and used her own savings to buy supplies. She traveled from battle to battle with three army wagons. She also organized men to give first aid, carry water, and prepare food for the wounded.
After many months of battlefield after battlefield, Clara told her friend Rachel. “I finally received official permission to bring supplies to battlefields. The wounded soldiers are so appreciative of all I do, they’ve named me the “Angel of the Battlefield.”
“That’s wonderful,” said Rachel. “You certainly deserve the recognition. You’re one of the bravest women I know.”
After the Civil War ended, Clara went to Europe to rest her body and mind. So many years of helping soldiers and their families had worn her down.
While visiting Switzerland, Clara learned of the International Red Cross. Its mission to help war victims around the world aroused Clara’s interest and excitement. It also sparked an idea.
When she returned home Clara worked to establish an American Red Cross. She even met with President Hayes to discuss it. Finally, on May 21, 1881, the American Red Cross was formed. A month later, Clara was elected president of the organization.
1. Where did Clara first volunteer to help the Union soldiers?
A. Switzerland. B. The Patent Office.
C. The front lines. D. The Washington Hospital.
2. Which of the following words best describes Clara’s character?
A. Fearless and devoted. B. Generous and energetic.
C. Humorous and brave. D. Considerate and confident.
3. What is the text mainly about?
A. The suffering brought by the Civil War.
B. The development of the American Red Cross.
C. Women’s contributions to the American peace.
D. A great woman who introduced Red Cross into USA.
【答案】1. D 2. A 3. D
【解析】
这是一篇记叙文。文章讲述了Clara Barton是一名勇敢的女性，她在内战时帮助受伤的士兵，最后还建立了美国红十字会。
【1题详解】
细节理解题。根据第五段中The two volunteered at the Washington Hospital.可知两人在华盛顿医院做志愿者。由此可知，Clara一开始在Washington Hospital帮助北方军的。故选D。
【2题详解】
推理判断题。根据第六段Sally’s brows rose into her forehead. “Clara! You can’t. It’s too dangerous.”(Sally皱起了眉头。“Clara!你不能去。太危险了。”)和第七段“The front line soldiers who need help are in greater danger.”(“需要帮助的前线士兵处境更危险。”)由此可推知Clara不顾危险，要前往前线帮助士兵，说明她是个无畏的人；以及第八段Clara got donations where she could and used her own savings to buy supplies. She traveled from battle to battle with three army wagons. She also organized men to give first aid, carry water, and prepare food for the wounded.可知Clara在力所能及的地方募集捐款，并用自己的积蓄购买用品。她带着三辆军用马车从一个战场赶到另一个战场。她还组织了一些人给伤者进行急救、挑水和准备食物。由此可推知，Clara是个有奉献精神的人。综上，故选A。
【3题详解】
主旨大意题。根据最后一段When she returned home, Clara worked to establish an American Red Cross. She even met with President Hayes to discuss it. Finally, on May 21, 1881, the American Red Cross was formed. A month later, Clara was elected president of the organization.可知回到家后，Clara努力建立了一个美国红十字会。她甚至会见了Hayes总统讨论这个问题。最终，在1881年5月21日，美国红十字会成立。一个月后，Clara被选为该组织的主席。结合本文主要讲了Clara勇敢地帮助受伤的士兵，最后建立了美国红十字会。由此可知，这篇文章的主要内容是一位把红十字会引入美国的伟大妇女。故选D。
