To be more specific, the recent devaluation of the Philippine and Thai currencies, and the subsequent pressure on the Malaysian currency has inspired Dr. Mahathir to launch an all-out attack on the West as the source of the problem. He even alleges that the United States has deli-berately destabilized Southeast Asian economies in revenge for these nations, supporting the brutal military rule in Mahathir, an action which the United States seems to want inspected rather than rewarded. But by resorting to such scapegoat (替罪羊)， instead of accepting even a bit responsibility, the Prime Minister may undermine the future success of the region and Malaysia in particular。

　　Upon further questioning, Dr. Mahathir narrowed his attack to one wealthy individual, the well-known philanthropist (慈善家)， Mr. George Soros, whose opposition to Myanmar's admission to ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Mahathir found particularity, irritating. The logical mistakes that underlie such conspiracy theories do not help Malaysia address the serious issues of economic overheating that experts have been warning about for all these difficult periods, which include large deficits and low savings to debt ratios. In fact, the recent dramatic drop in Malaysia's stock market and currency has led Dr. Mahathir to reverse his initial approach to the crisis. He even announces measures that at least imply he is quite aware of excesses in his own administration's spending policies that have contributed to this crisis of confidence. In the end, this kind of reaction undermines the esteem that Dr. Mahathir's enlightened leadership has justly earned。

　　57. It is implied in the first paragraph that Dr. Mahathir______。

　　A) has correctly identified the financial problem in Asia B) tries to manipulate anti-Western actions for political gains

　　C) detests the USA's controlling over the regional economies D) believes in the effect of the ghostly influence from the west

　　58. The author of this essay seems to suggest that______。

　　A) the devaluation of Malaysia's currency is due to the American plot

　　B) the Asian Crisis is the result of ASEAN pandering to terrorist governments

　　C) there is not a serious economic problems in Southeast Asia at all

　　D) the economic problems in some Asian countries is partly the result of their overheating economy

　　59. The author suggests the Dr. Mahathir's comments on the currency problems______。

　　A) prove that he has been a poor leader in general B) are poor because they weaken his own credibility

　　C) are sharp in identifying the cause of the problem D) reveal his keen insight into the complex issue

　　60. Which of the following is the tone of this essay?

　　A) Sarcastic and prejudice B) Objective and detached C) Piercing and indifferent D) Impassive and hostile

　　61. The relative pronoun "which" in the last paragraph (Line 5) refers to______。

　　A) theories B) experts　 C) periods D) issues

　　答案BDBAD

　　There he was America's first President with a MBA, the man who loves to boast about his business background, whose presidential campaign raised unprecedented sums from corporate wallets and whose cabinet is stuffed with chief executives. Faith in the integrity of American business leaders was being undermined(破壞)， George Bush said fiercely, by executives "breaching trust and abusing power". It was time for "a new ethic of personal responsibility in the business community". He was going to "end the days of cooking the books, shading the truth and breaking our laws"。

　　Only months ago, the idea that George W Bush would publicly lambaste America's cooperate bosses was laughable. As a candidate, born on the wave of a decade-long economic boom and an unprecedented 18-year bull market, he cashed in on American's love affair with corporate success. But things are different now. The stock market bubble has burst and, despite signs of economic recovery. Wall Street seems to be sunk in gloom. A string of scandals at some of America's most high-flying firms--including Enron, Xerox. Tyco, Global Crossing and most recently, World Com??has radically changed the public mood。

　　As political pressure for reform increases, so too does the heat on Mr Bush. Is the businessman's president really prepared to take business on and push hard for reform? Despite the set jaw and aggrieved tone in New York. Probably not. Mr. Bush thinks the current crisis stems from a few bad-apple chief executives rather than the system as a whole. Hence he focus on tough penalties for corrupt businessmen and his plea for higher ethical standards. The president announced the creation of a financial-crimes SWAT team, at the Justice Department to root out corporate fraud, and wants to double the maximum prison sentence for financial fraud from five to ten years. But he offered few concrete suggestions for systemic reform: little mention of changes to strengthen shareholders' rights, not even an endorsement of the Senate corporate-reform bill。

　　There are few signs yet that cleaning up corporate America is an issue that animates the voters. Polls show that Americans have little faith in their business leaders, but politicians do not seem to be suffering as a result. Mr. Bush's approval ratings have fallen from their sky-highs, but they are still very strong。

　　The president, therefore, need do no more than talk tough. This alone will convince ordinary Americans that he is on top of the issue. As the economy rebounds and public outage subsides, the clamor for change will be quieter. Democratic attacks will fizzle, and far-reaching reform bills will be watered down before they become law. Politically, the gamble makes sense. Unfortunately for American capitalism, a great opportunity will be missed。

　　52. We can infer from the third paragraph that Mr. Bush______。

　　A) didn't intend to take business on and push hard for reform

　　B) did not do anything at all for the presence of the current situation

　　C) took shareholders' right into account, but he didn't approve reform bill

　　D) took some measures to pave the way for the reform

　　53. According to the passage, which of the following statements is TRUE?

　　A) Bush had to offer concrete suggestions for reform as political pressure increase

　　B) At present, the maximum prison sentence for financial fraud is five year

　　C) It is laughable that M Bush publicly attacked America's corporate bosses

　　D) Americans have little faith in their business as well as political leaders

　　54. Which of the following statements about Mr. Bush is mentioned in this passage?

　　A) M Bush is the second President with an MBA in American history

　　B) M Bush contributes a lot to decade-long economic boom

　　C) M Bush's approval ratings are still high D) M Bush didn't get support in his presidential campaign

　　55. The author's attitude towards the reform is______。

　　A) indifferent B) optimistic C) skeptical D) favorable

　　56. The phrase "a great opportunity" mentioned in the last paragraph refers to an opportunity to______。

　　A) carry out reform B) boom economy C) animate the voters D) attack chief executive

　　答案ABCDA