2003年9月 Few people can stand for the spirit of earlier America as much as Benjamin Franklin.He lived through almost the whole of the 18th century. He was born six years after the century began, and died ten years before it ended. During this time, he saw the American colonies grow from tiny settlements into a nation and he also contributed much to the new state. He was deeply interested in science and natural history and his experiments with electricity and lightning led directly to the invention of the lightning rod. He was also interested in improving the conditions of his fellow men. He was involved in a number of projects in his native Philadephia, including the setting up of a library, a university, a philosophical society and fire-prevention service. he worked hard to enable the American colonies to gain independece from Britain. As embassador to France, he encouraged the French to help George Washington. After the war, he attended the American Constitional congress.. this was his last contribution, for he died late that year. He is still fondly remembered by Americans as one of the creators of the United States.
11. [A] He set up the first university in America. [B] He was one of the earliest settlers in America. [C] He can best represent the spirit of early America. [D] He was the most distinguished diplomat in American history. [答案：D]
12. [A] He provided Washington with a lot of money. [B] He persuaded France to support Washington. [C] He served as a general in Washington s army. [D] He represented Washington in negotiations with Britain. [答案：B]
13. [A] As one of the greatest American scholars. [B] As one of America s most ingenious inventors. [C] As one of the founding fathers of the United States. [D] As one of the most famous activists for human rights. [答案：C]