[2019·安徽六校第二次联考]The American dream is the faith held by many people in the United States of America that through hard work, courage, creativity and determination, they can achieve a better life for themselves. More specifically, they agree on how to get ahead in America: get a college education, find a reliable job, and buy their own house. But do Americans still believe in that path, and if they do, is it attainable?
The most recent National Journal poll asked participants about the American dream, what it took to achieve their goal, and whether or not they felt the control over their ability to be successful. Obviously, the results show that today, the idea of the American dream and what it takes to achieve it looks quite different from it did in the late 20th century. Generally speaking, people feel that their actions and hard work-not outside force-deciding their lives. But the participants have definitely mixed feelings about what actions make for a better life in the current economy.
In the last seven years, Americans have grown more pessimistic(悲观的) about the power of education to lead to success. Even though they see going to college as a fairly achievable goal, a majority-52 percent-think that young people do not need a 4year college education in order to be successful.
Miguel Maeda, 42, who has a master's degree and works in public health, was the first in his family to go to college, which has allowed him to achieve a sense of financial stability(稳定) his parents and grandparents never did. While some, like Maeda, emphasized the value of degree rather than the education itself, others still see college as a way to gain new viewpoints and life experiences. To Fendlyey, a sense of drive and purpose, as well as an effective highschool education, and basic life skills, like balancing a checkbook(支票簿), are the necessary elements for a successful life in America.
1.What did one have to have to succeed, which used to be commonly acknowledged in America?
A.A sense of drive and purpose.
B.An advanced academic degree.
C.A firm belief in his or her dream.
D.An ambition to get ahead.
2.What is the finding of the latest National Journal poll concerning the American dream?
A.More and more Americans are finding it hard to realize.
B.It remains alive among the majority of American people.
C.An increasing number of young Americans are abandoning it.
D.Americans' idea of it has changed over the past few decades.
3.What do Americans now think of the role of college education in achieving success?
A.It still remains open to debate.
B.It has proved to be beyond doubt.
C.It is much better understood now than ever.
D.It is no longer as important as it used to be.
4.How do some people view college education these days?
A.It helps broaden their minds.
B.It needs to be strengthened.
C.It widens cultural diversity.
D.It promotes gender equality.