阅读理解
Freedom of the press is rightly protected in most societies,
yet it is just this protection that sometimes allows this freedom to be made
bad use of. The press has a strong influence which can bring about significant
changes to the lives of ordinary people. The story of the first quintuplets(五胞胎) in America clearly showed the power
of the press.
There was a poor family living in Aberdeen, a small town in
the U. S. A. Raising five children was already a struggle for the poor parents
of this family. When the mother learned that it was another four girls and one
more boy that were on the way, she and her husband were shocked beyond belief.
Without a doubt, they were going to face even more urgent money problems.
However, this event changed their lives in ways they had
never expected. The day after the birth of the five babies, there were sixty
reporters and photographers waiting outside their door. The couple soon made
national headlines, for they had become the parents of the first quintuplets in
America.
The family gained fame and money overnight. Newspapers and
magazines offered them huge sums of money for the rights to publish their
stories as well as their photos. Gifts poured in not only from unknown people,
but also from baby food and soap manufacturers who wanted to advertise their
products. Though their lives were indeed improved, reporters kept pressing for
interviews, which forced the family to hire lawyers to act as spokespeople for
them at news conferences.
Moreover, the birth also brought great changes to Aberdeen.
A new highway had been developed, since this town was likely to attract
thousands of visitors. Even the name of the town on the road signs was changed
to "Quint-City, U.S.A." Locals also discussed the possibility of
setting up a "quint museum" to satisfy the curiosity of the public
and to protect the family from gossipy visitors at the same time.
While the babies were still quietly sleeping in the
hospital, their parents began paying the price for fame. It would never again
be possible for them to lead normal lives. The town itself received so much
attention that almost each of the locals there was affected more or less. This
was the power of the press, but such power could easily be misapplied.
(1)
How did the parents feel when they knew the oncoming quintuplets?
A . Unbelievable.
B . Disappointed.
C . Proud.
D . Confident.
(2)
Which of the following was the result of the event?
A . The museum became popular.
B . Transportation to Aberdeen improved.
C . The production of baby food increased.
D . More newspapers and magazines came out.
(3)
What is the author's attitude towards the power of press applied to this event?
A . Unconcerned.
B . Puzzled.
C . Supportive.
D . Sceptical.
答案: A
B
D