Questions 55 to 58 are based on the following passage:
Most of all, America is inescapable. It is the world’s 900-pound gorilla: basically amiable and well-meaning, crushing through the underbrush, dominating the landscape, altering the scenery, impossible either to shoo away or ignore. Its fads, fashions, folk-ways and fast food sweep around the globe; its brandishing of missiles scares even its allies. It is a standard for the world’s successes and a scapegoat for the world’s failures.
55. According to the passage, America should not be neglected because ______.
A. American people are very kind and friendly
B. America influences the world in many aspects
C. America’s military force is dominating the world
D. America is the standard for the world’s success
56. The word “ambivalence” (Para. 2 ) most probably means ______.
A. the American paradox B. anger and jealousy
C. mixed feelings of love and hatred D. admiration and displeasure
57. Which of the following is NOT true of the poll conducted for Newsweek International?
A. It shows that most respondents made a distinction between the American people and the U.S. government.
B. It shows that many people disapprove of a strong American military presence.
C. It shows that most respondents regard the American people as warm, friendly and frank.
D. It shows that Reagan is regarded as a common president, not exceptionally outstanding.
58. According to the author, all the following statements are true EXCEPT that ______.
A. people in the world blame America for the world’s failures
B. there has been a change in people’s feeling towards U.S military presence since World War II
C. American military, diplomatic and economic prestige has grown together with its cultural influence
D. people admire America for its energy, riches and opportunities
