B Barack Obama defeated John McCain in the longest and most costly presidential campaign in American history. The election results were widely seen as a strong statement by voters on economy. A public opinion study reported by the Wall Street Journal found that about sixty percent of voters considered the economy as the top issue. Mr. Obama faces the deepest economic crisis since the Great Depression of the 1930s. The Dow Jones Industrial Average of leading stocks has lost nearly thirty of its value. The government seized the nation’s two largest home financing companies, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. It also took control of the huge insurance company, A. I. G. The government is now a share holder in nine of the country’s largest banks. That will expand to small banks , too. The amount spent on these rescue plans has been close to one trillion dollars. That amount could increase. Another problem the new administration faces is the budget deficit(赤字). Some experts predict the deficit for next year’s budget could be close to one trillion dollars. Some observers predict that the deficit will limit speeding in economic programs. Barack Obama has promised a tax cut for middle income Americans. He is seeking fifty billion dollars in aid for states and job creation programs. Mr. Obama has put forward a health care reform plan that costs fifty to sixty-five billion dollars. Obama is also seeking to spend one hundred and fifty billion dollars on new energy technologies over the next ten years. In addition, Mr. Obama has been discussing a program worth one hundred billion dollars. It includes spending in public works projects and aid to American states, cities and citizens. 41. According to the passage, the election results suggested ___________________. A. how fierce the presidential campaign was B. the significance of the election in American history C. Obama promised to devote himself to economic development D. how much money was spent during the presidential campaign 42. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is mentioned to show _________________. A. how serious the economic crisis is B. the value of all America’s stocks C. the economy was considered as the top issue D. what percentage of shares Obama has in leading stocks 43. We know from the passage that _______________________. A. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are insurance companies B. the government will become a share holder in small banks C. money spent on the government’s rescue plan will be decreased D. the budget deficit will not affect the economic programs 44. Which of the following statements does NOT belong to Obama’s rescue plans? A. Cutting taxes for middle income Americans. B. Seeking money for job creation programs. C. Putting forward a health care reform plan. D. Stopping spending on new energy technologies. 45. The passage mainly tells us ____________________________. A. the deepest economic crisis in the 1930’s B. the result of the presidential election C. America tries to save the country’s economy D. how Americans think of the newly-elected president |