Winston
Churchill once described Russia as “a riddle wrapped in a mystery（謎） inside a puzzle”.
Observers of Russia in the 21st century could surely say the same of the
country’s president, Vladimir Putin.
Born in Leningrad, six months before the
death of Stalin, the young Putin experienced a poverty-stricken childhood but
received a good education. He developed lifelong interests in judo and spy
novels, and first applied to the KGB(蘇聯(lián)國家安全委員會) at the age of 17. When they told him
to go away and come back with a degree, he completed with an efficiency(效率) that would later serve him well.
Putin used his KGB training, plus his own discipline and common sense, in a series of jobs. He
became acting President on 31 December 1999, when president Boris Yeltsin
resigned in a surprising move. Putin won the 2000 presidential election and in
2004 he was re-elected for a second term lasting until 7 May 2008.
Due to term limits, Putin was unable to run
for a third presidential term. After the victory of Dmitry Medvedev, in
the 2008 presidential elections, he was appointed to be Russia’s Prime
Minister.
Putin is regarded as one bringing political
stability and re-establishing the rule of law. During his presidency, Russia’s
economy(經(jīng)濟(jì))
bounced back, seeing GDP increase by 72%, poverty cut more than half, and
average monthly salaries increase from $80 to $640. Analysts have described
Putin's economic reforms as impressive. At the same time, his conduct in office
has been questioned by political opposition at home, foreign governments, and
human rights organizations for leading the Second Chechen War, and for his
record on human rights and freedoms.
Whether he wants to drive Russia into a new
stage, or believes in the values of its Soviet past, he is determined to put
his nation back on its feet. To do this, Vladimir Putin may have to show his
true colors sooner rather than later.
1. What would be the best title for
the text?
A. The Mysterious President of Russia
B. Russia’s High-growth Economy
C. Russia’s Far Past and Near Future
D. The Political Situation in Russia
2. Which of the following helps
Putin’s success in presidential election?
A. His family
background.
B. His belief in Soviet.
C. His efficiency in
jobs.
D. His love for freedom.
3. What happened in Russia during
Putin’s presidency?
A. The number of the poor reduced to 50%.
B. Every Russian enjoyed equal rights.
C. Russia’s economy picked up rapidly.
D. Russian people lived a peaceful life.
4. What can we learn about
Putin from the text?
A. He gains respect of foreign governments.
B. He always fought for human rights.
C. He ran for president a third time.
D. He is a politician of great achievements.
Russia into a new stage, or believes in the values of its Soviet past, he is determined to put his nation back on its feet. To do this, Vladimir Putin may have to show his true colors sooner rather than later.
an we learn about Putin from the text?