阅读理解D Because of its extremely rich natural resources, the United States appeared to be a land

阅读理解D 
    Because of its extremely rich natural resources, the United States appeared to be a land of plenty where millions could come to find what they wanted. Therefore, immigrants have traditionally come to this land, hoping to make a fortune. Of course, most immigrants did not get rich overnight, and many of them suffered terribly, but most of them were finally able to improve upon their former standard of living. Even if they were not able to achieve the success they wanted, they could be very certain that their children would have the opportunity for a better life.
The phrase “going from rags to riches” became a slogan for the “American Dream”. Because of the huge riches of the North American Continent, the dream came true for many of the immigrants. They achieved material success and many got tied to material things. Material wealth became a value to the American people.
Americans have paid a price, however, for their material wealth. The North American Continent was rich in natural resources when the first settlers arrived, but all these resources were unexploited. Only by hard work could these natural resources be changed into material things, allowing a more comfortable standard of living. Hard work has been both necessary and rewarding for most Americans throughout their history. Because of this, they came to see material things as the natural reward for their hard work.
Most Americans still believe in the value of hard work. Most believe that people should hold jobs and not live off welfare payments (福利金) from the government. There have been many efforts to reform the welfare system so that people would not become dependent on welfare and stop looking for jobs to support themselves.
However, as the United States has shifted from an industry-based economy to one that is service-based or information-based, there has been a fall in high- paying jobs for factory workers. Additionally, with it competing in a global economy, many workers are losing their old jobs and finding that they must now work longer hours for less money and fewer benefits.
42．What attracted immigrants to come to America?
A．The natural beauty in America.
B．The dream of becoming famous.
C．The wish of improving their lives.
D．The idea of experiencing different traditions.
43．What does the underlined word “unexploited” in Paragraph 3 probably mean?
A．Undervalued. B．Undeveloped. C．Unprotected. D．Unchecked.
44．What may most Americans agree?
A．People depend too much on government welfare. B．One should support himself through hard work.
C．Welfare payments make sure people live better. D．Everyone should hold a job whoever he is.
45．What does the last paragraph mainly talk about?
A．Why working hours are longer.
B．What affects the global economy.
C．What causes workers to quit jobs.
D．Why life is harder for workers.
【答案】42．C43．B44．B45．D
【解析】