文章大意：本文是一篇记叙文。文章讲述了年轻的雕塑家维尼·瑞姆向美国总统林肯提出要为他做塑像的故事。维尼展现了自己的决心和才华，最终说服了总统接受她的提议，并得到了展示她技艺的机会。
1 . “They tell me that you’d like to make a statue (塑像) of me — is that correct, Miss Vinnie Ream?” The President’s deep, gentle voice helped calm the nervous girl as he showed his doubt.
Asking for the help of the President (总统) of the United States was no casual matter, especially for a seventeen-year-old girl.
“Yes, sir,” she replied, her dark eyes meeting his. “I wouldn’t have dared to ask you, but my teacher, Mr Mills, says I am ready. I plan to make it in an admirable manner.”
President Lincoln smiled. “Painters, sculptors — they’ve all tried to make the best of this ordinary face, but I’m afraid there’s not much hope. What did you have in mind, Miss Ream? A bust (半身像)?”
Before Vinnie could say yes, the President hurried on, a shade of apology in his voice. “Of course — I shouldn’t have asked. A full-length pose would be much too big a project for a young woman your size.”
Vinnie’s face turned red. She realized she looked like a child, with her tiny figure. “Small does not mean weak, sir,” she defended herself. “I was born in the country of Wisconsin. I’ve driven teams of horses and carried water. Making a full-length clay (粘土) figure would not exhaust my strength — and that is what I intend to do!”
The President’s eyes, brightened at her show of spirit. “Sorry, madam, I have underestimated you as I didn’t know your background.”
But his smile faded as he rubbed his beard with bony fingers, in thought. “Miss Ream,” he sighed, “I’d like to let you do it, but as you know, we are in the middle of a war. How could I possibly take the time to pose for a sculpture now? I hardly have a minute to myself.”
Vinnie looked around and noted the size of his office. “I work quickly,” she said. Her voice was soft but confident as she pointed to the corner near the windows. “If I were to bring my clay here and work for three hours every afternoon, I could complete most of the project while you are at your desk.”
The President seemed to consider her idea seriously. He got up and shook Vinnie’s hand warmly, “I’ve heard that you are a talented young woman, and I have found you charming and intelligent as well. I cannot make my decision immediately, but you will hear from me soon.”
The very next day, Vinnie received an invitation from the President.
1. How did President Lincoln first respond (回复) to Vinnie’s request (请求)?
| A．Delighted. | B．Excited. | C．Regretful. | D．Doubtful. |
2. What gave Vinnie confidence to make her request of President Lincoln?
| A．Her enthusiastic personality. |
| B．Mr Mills’s encouraging words. |
| C．President Lincoln’s gentle voice. |
| D．Her interest in a challenging job. |
3. Vinnie confirmed her ability to make a full-length statue by highlighting_______.
| A．her experience from other projects |
| B．her innocent (天真的) childhood in the country |
| C．the heavy labor (劳动) she had done before |
| D．the skill she picked up in Wisconsin |
4. Vinnie wanted to choose the corner near the windows to_______.
| A．achieve effects of natural lighting |
| B．keep all her tools within easy reach |
| C．observe the President at a right angle (角度) |
| D．avoid disturbing (打扰) the President’s work |
5. What message does the story convey?
| A．A strong-willed soul can reach his goal. |
| B．Experience helps to promote excellence. |
| C．Ups and downs make one strong. |
| D．Devotion requires enthusiasm. |
