Plato believed that men are divided into three classes: gold, silver and bronze. Vilfredo Pareto, an Italian economist, argued that “the vital few” contributed to most progress. Such viewpoints are taboo (禁忌) today in public life. Politicians avoid talking of a “leadership class” or “the vital few”. School recruitment turns away from picking winners. Universities welcome the masses: more people now teach at British universities than attended them in the 1950s.
In the private sector, things could hardly be more different. The world’s best companies struggle tirelessly to find and keep the vital few. They offer them fat pay packets, extra training, powerful instruction and more challenging assignments. Private-equity (私人股权) firms rely heavily on a few stars. Firms in emerging markets are desperate to find high-flyers who can cope with rapid growth and fast-changing environments competently.
Few people know more about how companies manage talent than Bill Conaty and RamCharan. Mr. Conaty led the human-resources department at General Electric (GE) for 14 years. Mr. Charan has spent the past few decades presenting proposals to some celebrated entrepreneurs. Their recent book, The Talent Masters, provides a nice mix of portraits of well-known talent factories, such as GE and Procter & Gamble (P&G宝洁).
Successful companies make sure that senior managers are involved with “talent development”. Jack Welch and A. G. Lafley, former bosses of GE and P&G, claimed that they spent 40% of their time on personnel. Andy Grove, who ran Intel, a chipmaker, obliged all the senior people, including himself, to spend at least a week a year instructing high-flyers. Nitin Paranjpe, the boss of Hindustan Unilever, recruits people from campuses and regularly visits high-flyers in their offices.
Elitism (精英主义) has its own drawbacks. In their rush to classify people, companies may miss potential stars. Those who are singled out for special treatment can become too full of themselves. It may also lead to social inequality and the concentration of power. Since elitism tends to focus only on the interests of a few, they may ignore the needs and voices of the majority, leading to discontent and resistance in society.
1. The change that occurred in British universities reflects that .| A．more students enroll for schools | B．people of today are much cleverer |
| C．UK attaches importance to education | D．elitism in public organizations declines |
| A．Potential clients. | B．Faithful employees. |
| C．Capable managers. | D．Celebrated politicians. |
| A．By listing examples. | B．By classification. |
| C．By analyzing causes. | D．By describing a process. |
| A．Discrimination in workplaces will get more serious. |
| B．Famous companies’ elitism management is worth trying. |
| C．The talented masters offer advice to some leading bosses. |
| D．Elitism may get some potential talented people excluded. |
相似题推荐
【推荐1】Earth is home to around 7 ， 000 languages ， around half of which are expected to disappear by 2100．
Languages disappear for many reasons． Sometimes younger generations stop learning a language because parents want children to fit in．
The United Nations ranks endangered languages according to their risk level．For example ， a " critically endangered " language is one that even grandparents don ' t speak often． New York ' s Onondaga language is an example with only 50 speakers left． An " extinct" language has no speakers． It is gone forever． Alaska 's Eyak language is one example．
The Endangered Language Alliance wants to save languages from disappearing．
| A．The last person who spoke it died in 2008． |
| B．Why should we save endangered languages |
| C．Various animals and plants benefit our environment． |
| D．With just 5 speakers left ， it is absolutely endangered． |
| E．Can a language with zero native speakers come back to life |
| F．Sometimes societies force minorities to give up their language． |
| G．The non﹣profit group finds native speakers and records their stories． |
【推荐2】If you have a chance to talk with a historical figure, who would you like it to be? What would you like to know about the past or share from today? China in the Classics, a new TV show based on Chinese classics started by China Central Television (CCTV) in February, is exploring such possibilities.
In the first episode, the host of the show, Sa Beining, meets ancient Confucian scholar Fu Sheng, who interpreted Shangshu — The Book of Documents. Regarded as one of the five classics of ancient Chinese Confucianism masterpieces, the book records many firsts in the country. Even the expression zhongguo (China) is used there first.
The episode ends with the host bringing Fu to today’s modern society, where the scholar is happy to find children learning the same things he had learned in his childhood. It increased the rating of the series with viewers giving it 9 out of 10 on Douban, a film and TV show reviewing website popular among young people.
The success of China in the Classics doesn’t surprise Shen Haixiong, head of the China Media Group. Shen said in an article in the journal Qiushi, “We are happy to see the program is popular among the public, but we are prouder to find that innovative interpretation of Chinese classics is arousing young people’s interest in Chinese culture.”
Therefore, TV channels have been making bold attempts in recent years to attract today’s younger generations. The Nation’s Greatest Treasures, CCTV’s cultural show in 2017, showcased China’s history and culture through antiques in the top-class museums, and fired up the audience. The treasures include the 3,300-year-old Yinxu Ruins in Henan Province and the 1,300-year-old Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region.
CCTV should make a variety of programs showcasing classics and cultural traditions to appeal to the young generation’s aesthetics, said Zhou, a professor at the School of Arts and Communication, Beijing Normal University.
1. Why is The Book of Documents mentioned in paragraph 2?| A．To introduce a historical figure. | B．To inform us of the host. |
| C．To show the popularity of the show. | D．To describe a new TV show. |
| A．Surprised. | B．Confused. | C．Satisfied. | D．Neutral. |
| A．Chinese treasures. | B．Another TV programme. |
| C．Yinxu Ruins in Henan. | D．Young Chinese audience. |
| A．CCTV Produces Some Famous TV shows | B．TV Shows on Chinese Classics Grow Popular |
| C．Scholars Focus Attention on Chinese Classics | D．China in the Classics Fires up the Audience |
【推荐3】As a result of trade, travel and migration, different cuisines have spread across the world. Many recipes, chefs and restaurants try to announce that their food of a country or region is the most authentic (正宗的). But is this a good thing?
People care about authenticity because food traditions are closely linked to identity (身份), particularly for migrant communities. Sociologist and professor of food studies, Krishnendu Ray, explains that home cooking is often the last way that communities can show their identity. British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver was accused of trying to take advantage of positive feelings about Jamaica. His ready meal product had a Jamaican name, but was unlike real Jamaican cooking.
However, food consultant Sara Kay asks whether there are problems with the idea of authenticity. She stresses that these ideas often come from the expectations that majority cultures have about minority cultures and their food. These can be restricting (限制的) — restauranteurs have complained that people expect Asian food to be cheaper than that from European cultures. Expectations can also give people a false idea of what is authentic. While large cities are full of eateries representing different countries — China, India, Italy, Mexico and more — these labels can oversimplify the reality of food from these countries. Stephanie Elizondo Greist is surprised by the recognition(认识) that foods in Mexico are more authentic than what she ate growing up as a Mexican-American in Texas, because she feels that both are authentic examples of Mexican food.
A more controversial (有争议的) view of authenticity was stated by American Chef Andrew Zimmern, who claimed that he could bring in Chinese dishes in a more authentic way than existing restaurants — many of which are owned by Chinese-Americans. Writer and food podcaster Ruth Tam points out that while these restaurants altered their menus to suit local tastes, so does Zimmern. So, while food and identity are closely linked, and failure to respect authenticity can cause offence, could there be problems with the whole idea of authenticity?
1. Which of the following factors causes people to care about authenticity?| A．Taste. | B．Tradition. | C．Culture. | D．Identity. |
| A．Eateries in different countries contribute to the authentic problem. |
| B．Expectation about authenticity may cause problems. |
| C．Asian food is cheaper than European food. |
| D．You can enjoy the traditional taste of Mexican food both in Mexico and America. |
| A．There can be only one authentic taste in a country. |
| B．What she eats in Texas means nothing to her. |
| C．Every person can have his or her own recognition of authenticity. |
| D．The regional specialities (特色菜) should be the same in a country. |
| A．changed | B．kept | C．tricked | D．pressed |
【推荐1】Historical heritages are human beings’ wisdom. Cultural relics, however, as time goes by, suffer different degrees of erosion (侵蚀). People used to protect cultural relics by hand work combing photographing and rubbing techniques. Although this method can keep the basic information, many important details are still ignored.
3D scanning technology features in fast measurement speed and accurate catching capacity. It’s good at collecting enough and accurate 3D data from different angles, which is beneficial to the restoration of cultural relics when coming into accidental damage. Experts can also virtually restore the heritages through the computer, and finish assistant researches via accurate 3D models.
For cultural relics’ protection, 3D printing contributes to displaying cultural relics. It provides people with more chances to get to know cultural relics and better understand human beings’ history.
Yucheng Museum has dug out a new collection of cultural relics in April 2019. One of the most important issues for archaeologists is data storage. Invited by Quimbaya ArtxTech, ScanTech conducted 3D scanning immediately on these relics by the 3D scanner. This handheld 3D ray scanner carries a big weight in acquiring very accurate 3D data and brings great convenience for further restorations and researches.
To avoid any damage, Yucheng Museum combined with 3D printing technology based on 3D data to reproduce 1:1 3D model of cultural relics for exhibition, which aims to make more people get close to history and pass on these precious cultural heritages.
Time flies and many thousand-year cultural treasures have gradually disappeared from our sight due to technical problems. However, 3D scanning and 3D printing technologies put forward very effective 3D solutions for cultural relic display and protection.
1. What is the disadvantage of the method people used to protect cultural relics?| A．It eroded cultural relics in a degree. |
| B．It made the research of cultural relics inconvenient. |
| C．It damaged the restoration of cultural relics. |
| D．It took no notice of many important information. |
| A．Gather the data of cultural relics efficiently. |
| B．Restore a damaged cultural relic on a computer. |
| C．Evaluate the original looks of cultural relics. |
| D．Restore cultural relics in the real world. |
| A．To emphasize the value of cultural relics. |
| B．To compare the two 3D technologies. |
| C．To show the application of 3D digitalization. |
| D．To draw more attention to cultural museums. |
| A．Scientifle ways of restoring cultural relics. |
| B．The rapid development of3D technologies. |
| C．3D technologies for protecting cultural relics. |
| D．Many effective functions of 3D technologies |
【推荐2】Have you ever envied Harry Potter for being able to fly around on a broomstick? Well, for you and the rest of us in this world who can’t practice magic, it is impossible to make it. Nevertheless, the sport, called Quidditch, has flown off the pages of J. K. Rowling’s books and into schools around the world.
Muggle Quidditch was invented by Xander Manshel and Alex Benepe, two American students. Fifteen years on, the game proves to be popular among youngsters.
The rules are similar to those used in the magical world of the books. Each team of seven is made up of chasers, beaters, a keeper and a seeker. Of course, the game takes place on the ground rather than in the air. Participants play one-handed with a broom-stick between their legs. The game combines rugby, dodgeball and basketball.
English teacher Steven Dowdle started a Quidditch club at his school in 2016. His students are excited about playing the game made by the world’s favorite wizard.
As well as keeping children fit, the game can help build-self-esteem (自尊) as it gives them an opportunity to extend their social circles. Just like the original game in the books and films, Quidditch is a mixed-gender sport. Steven says that the sport helps teach gender equally: Girls often tell him that being able to play with boys makes them feel welcome in a way that other sports don’t.
Introducing the game to school is not without challenges, however. The biggest one is to get students to take Quidditch seriously. After all, it is hard not to feel a bit silly when they are pretending to ride a broomstick.
Yet Cooper David, a P. E teacher says that part of the game’s charm is that it requires a sense of humor. “During game time, people compete against each other,” he explains. “But you have to take step back. After all, people are riding a broom and the sport is called Quidditch. It’s more fun.”
1. Which of the following descriptions of Muggle Quikditch is true?| A．The game was invented in 2016. |
| B．Each team of the game has four members. |
| C．People play the game in the same way as those in the Harry Porter books do. |
| D．During the game, players can use only one hand to handle the balls. |
① keep fit ② make friends ③ become humorous
④ understand gender equality ⑤ learn the science behind magic
| A．①②④ | B．②③④ |
| C．①②⑤ | D．①②③④ |
| A．silly | B．simple |
| C．inclusive | D．challenging |
| A．Some boys consider it embarrassing to compete against girls. |
| B．Students may find it silly to ride a broomstick to play the game. |
| C．Most students want to be seekers and few students want to be beaters. |
| D．Students have to learn rugby, dodgeball and basketball before playing the game. |
【推荐3】How good are you at maths? Some people love the challenge of algebra (代数) or enjoy working out number puzzles such as Sudoko. Maths is all around us, from working out how to split the bill after a meal, to calculating your household bills. But many dread the moment when they have to deal with numbers and figures and feel a real sense of worry and confusion. It can seem discouraging, but this “maths anxiety” is perfectly normal, and you’re definitely not alone. And anyway, our worries and fears don’t necessarily reflect our ability.
The problem really starts in childhood, at school. Research has found that maths teachers who are nervous about teaching the subject can pass on their anxiety to the pupils, and girls may be more likely to be affected. The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) found around 31% of 15 and 16-year-olds across 34 countries said they got very nervous doing maths problems, 33% said they got tense doing maths homework, and nearly 60% said they worried maths classes would be difficult. Shulamit Kahn, a professor from Boston University’s Questrom School of Business, said she believes giving students, particularly girls, good role models is “critical, especially at a young age”. She thinks the key is to get people, especially women who loves maths, to younger children.
Writing for BBC Future, David Robson says “It’s not clear why maths arouses so much fear compared to geography. But the fact that there’s a right or wrong answer — there’s no room for tricks — might make you more worried about underperforming.” And once we assume we’re not a “maths person” , we avoid solving things that we probably could do.
Psychologists have been trying to work out why mental arithmetic (算术) can bring us out in a sweat. That seed of fear may come from many sources, but some suggest that expressing your fears can loosen their hold on you, and encourage children to see a maths test as a challenge, not a threat. Ideally, we need to think positively about maths and give it a second chance.
1. What does the underlined word “dread” in Paragraph 1 mean?| A．Take. | B．Fear. | C．Expect. | D．Enjoy. |
| A．All girls thought maths classes more challenging. |
| B．Many pupils had chances to have maths anxiety. |
| C．Some teens felt stressed in doing maths homework. |
| D．Few students could solve maths problems confidently. |
| A．It is quite uncommon for people to have maths anxiety. |
| B．Experts have worked out what caused our maths anxiety. |
| C．We are unable to solve maths problems because we do not like maths. |
| D．We keep away from maths problems because we doubt our maths ability. |
| A．Speak out your maths anxiety. |
| B．Leave maths homework alone. |
| C．Try twice more in maths tests. |
| D．Turn to math teachers for help. |
