1 . Clara Barton packed her things at the office and went to her boss. “It’s been a pleasure working with you, but I’m leaving my job,” she turned and left.
“Why do you get home so early?” asked her sister Sally.
“The Civil War is taking its toll on the Union soldiers. I need to help them.” Sally looked around the room. “I’m going with you.” The two volunteered at a hospital where soldiers received treatment.
After several months, Clara became worried. “Sally, this isn’t enough. I need to help the soldiers in the field and on the front line. I’m leaving in the morning.”
Sally looked surprised. “Clara! You can’t. It’s too dangerous!”
“The front-line soldiers who need help are in greater danger.”
Clara got donations (捐赠物) from wherever she could and used her own savings to buy things that soldiers need. She also organized men to give help, carry water, and prepare food for the wounded.
Months later, Clara eventually made it to the front line. The wounded soldiers were so thankful for what she had done; she was regarded as the Angel of the Battlefield.
After the Civil War ended, Clara went to Europe to rest her body and mind. So many years of helping soldiers and their family had worn her down.
While visiting Switzerland, Clara learned of the International Red Cross. Its aim of helping the victims (受害者) of war around the world created interest and excitement in Clara. It also encouraged an idea. When she returned home, Clara worked to start an American Red Cross. She even met with President Hayes to discuss it. Finally, on 21 May 1881, the American Red Cross was formed. A month later, Clara was made president of the organization.
1. What does the underlined phrase “taking its toll on” in Paragraph 3 probably mean?
| A．Calling for. |
| B．Taking control of. |
| C．Having a bad effect on. |
| D．Making an impression on. |
2. What is the right order of the events?
①Clara paid a visit to Switzerland.
②Clara officially started the American Red Cross.
③Clara learned about the International Red Cross.
④Clara went to the front line to help wounded soldiers.
⑤Clara quitted her job to volunteer at a hospital for soldiers.
| A．⑤④③①② | B．⑤④①③② |
| C．④⑤③①② | D．④⑤①③② |
3. Which of the following can best describe Clara?
| A．Kind and smart. |
| B．Honest and generous. |
| C．Strict and narrow -minded. |
| D．Brave and warm -hearted. |
4. What is the author’s purpose in writing the text?
| A．To describe how cruel the Civil War was. |
| B．To tell how the International Red Cross was formed. |
| C．To explain the role that women played in the war. |
| D．To introduce an important woman in American history. |
