Women are on their way to holding more than half of all American jobs. The latest government report shows that their share of non-farm jobs nearly reached fifty percent in September, 2009. The job market continues to suffer the effects of last year's financial crash. On the one hand more women have entered the labor market over the years, and on the other hand the economic recession has hit men harder than women. In October the unemployment rate for men was almost 11% compared to 8% for women. Industries that traditionally use lots of men have suffered deep cuts. For example, manufacturing and building lost more jobs last month. But health care and temporary employment services have had job growth. Both of those industries employ high percentages of women. Thirty years ago, women earned sixty-two cents for every dollar that men earned. Now, for those who usually work full time, women earn about eighty percent of what men earn. And a recent study from the University of California, Davis, reveals that women hold fifty-one percent of well-paid management and professional jobs. Yet the study also shows that men still hold about nine out of every ten top positions at most companies. The results have remained largely unchanged for five years. Also, a new research paper in the journalSex Roleslooks at the experiences of women who are the main earners in their families. Rebecca Meisenbach at the University of Missouri in Columbia interviewed fifteen women. She found that they all value their independence and many enjoy having the power of control, though not all want it. But they even feel more pressure and worry. That is partly because of cultural expectations that working women should still take care of the children. Also, men who are not the main earners may feel threatened. Which of the following is a reason why women have a larger share of jobs? A) Women workers are paid less than men. B) More women now have higher education than men. C) The economic recession has affected men more than women. D) Industries that traditionally use lots of men now need more women.
C
You may have heard the term "the American Dream".In 1848, James W.Marshall found gold in California and people began having golden dreams.That 19th century "American Dream" motivated the Gold Rush and gave California its nickname of the "Golden State". The American Dream drove not only 1800s gold-rush prospectors but also waves of immigrants throughout that century and the next.People from Europe, and a large number of Chinese, arrived in the US in the 19th century hoping that in America they would find gold in the streets.But most.instead, worked as railroad laborers.They created the oldest Chinatown, in San Francisco, and gave the city a Chinese name "the old gold hill". In the 20th century, some critics said that it was no longer possible to become prosperous through determination and hard work. Unfair education for students from poor families and racial discrimination almost made the American Dream a nightmare . Then, in the 1990s, California saw a new wave of dreamers in Silicon Valley.People poured their energy into the Internet. This new chapter of the American Dream attracted many business people and young talents from China and India to form start-ups and seek fortune in America. Better pay, a nice house, and a rising standard of living will always be attractive.However, the new American Dream .is no longer just about money.It encourages Americans to consume wisely to protect the environment, improve the quality of life, and promote social justice(,). The Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger has become the model of the new American Dream.After years of hard work, he grew from a poor young man from Austria into a super movie star and then a governor. Many people and give California a brighter future. It can be inferred that _ . A) America' s golden dream could never be realized B) America's golden dream had bought great fortune to Chinese immigrants C) different times have different themes of the American dream D) determination and hard work are the best way to realize the American dream
C
Q: Gavin Joseph, a teenager with Asperger's Syndrome, was beaten up by a group of people for just being different. Asperger's Syndrome is a developmental disorder that affects a person's ability to socialize. But instead of putting them into prison for what they did to him, Gavin offered them a chance to become more tolerant and understanding. On Thursday night, some kids were talking about how "it's weird " that he is always by himself, attending events alone and watching people, and it was "creepy" that he wanted to be friends with people he didn't know. On Friday night, another kid that overheard that conversation decided to take matters into his own hands and become judge and jury, and this is the result of that. He didn't ask questions, didn't get to know Gavin, never met him, and didn't give him a chance to leave. Gavin was called to meet someone, surrounded by people he didn't know, choked, punched , and left lying on the pavement so he would "learn his lesson". Gavin emerged from the attack with a concussion , a fractured nose, a bruised esophagus and some damage to his eyes, but thankfully, none of the injuries resulted in permanent damage. But here's the truly amazing part -- Gavin refused to press charges against the people who did this to him. Instead of wanting to see them punished, he wants to see them educated. Gavin asked that his attackers do community service that is disability-related. According to his mother, Gavin also asked that they watch a 20-minute video statement he taped while their families were present so they could see the damage they did and hear the event from his perspective. "If you are reading this, I hope you talk to your teens," his mother wrote. "Tell them about disabilities you can't see, teach them to be tolerant of people that are different, teach them that if they continuously see someone alone that maybe it is not their choice to be alone, remind them to ask questions first and get to know one another." Why was Gavin beaten by a group of people? A) He hurt some kids before. B) He is different from normal people. C) He refused to make friends with a kid. D) He didn't take school lessons seriously.
A: B
Q: There are two types of people in the world. Although they have an equal degree of health and wealth and other comforts of life, one becomes happy, while the other becomes unhappy. This arises from the different ways in which they consider things, persons and events and the resulting effects upon their minds. People who are happy fix their attention on the convenience of things. They enjoy all cheerful things. Those who are unhappy think and speak only of unpleasant things. Through their remarks, they _ , offend many people, and make themselves disagreeable everywhere. If this turn of mind is founded in nature, such unhappy people should be pitied. The intention of criticizing and being disliked is perhaps taken up by imitation . It grows into a habit, unknown to its possessors. The habit may be strong, but it can be cured when those who have it realize its bad effects. Although this attitude is mainly an act of the imagination, it has serious results since it brings on deep sorrow and bad luck. If such people aim at getting some advantages in social position or fortune, nobody wishes them success. Nor will anyone speak a word in favor of their hopes. If they are criticized, no one will defend or excuse them, and many will join in criticizing their wrong doings. So they should change this bad habit and stop worrying needlessly about themselves and others. If they do not, it will be good for others to avoid any contact with them. Otherwise, they will have a disagreeable time, especially when someone becomes mixed up in their quarrels. The phrase "sour the pleasure of society" probably means " _ ". A) have a good attitude towards social life B) make others unhappy C) tend to scold others openly D) enjoy the pleasure of life
A: B