Helen Thomas, born on August 4, 1920, is a famous news reporter, a Hearst Newspapers columnist, and member of the White House Press Corps. She served for fifty-seven years as a correspondent and White House bureau chief for United Press International (UPI). She is called “First Lady of the Press”.
Born in Kentucky, Helen Thomas was raised in Detroit, Michigan where she attended public schools and later graduated from Wayne State University. Upon leaving college, Helen served as a copy girl in an old company in Washington. In 1943, Ms. Thomas joined United Press International and the Washington Press Corps. Thomas served as president of the Women’s National Press Club from 1959 to 1960.
In November, Helen began covering then President-elect John F. Kennedy, following him to the White House in January 1961 as a UPI correspondent. She later became White House Bureau Chief for UPI, where she was employed until her resignation on May 17, 2000. Thomas then became a White House correspondent and columnist.
Thomas was the only woman journalist traveling with then President Nixon to China in January, 1972. She has traveled around the world several times with Presidents Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush, and Clinton, during the course of which she covered every Economic Summit.
The World Almanac has cited her as one of the 25 Most Influential Women in America.
On March 21, 2006, Thomas was called upon directly by President Bush for the first time in three years. Thomas asked Bush about Iraq. Helen Thomas has written four books and she is also a popular speaker at events nationwide.
小題1:What’s the correct order of the events?
a. Thomas joined the UPI and the Washington Press Corps.
b. Thomas traveled with President Nixon to China.
c. Thomas served as president of the Women’s National Press Club.
d. Thomas resigned.
e. Thomas was called upon by President Bush.
f. Thomas became a White House correspondent and a columnist.
A.a(chǎn), b, c, d, e, f | B.a(chǎn), c, b, d, f, e | C.a(chǎn), c, b, d, e, f | D.a(chǎn), d, e, f, c, b |
小題2:Which of the following is NOT true?
A.Thomas made speeches about events nationwide. |
B.Thomas has written four books. |
C.Thomas covered every Economic Summit when traveling with US presidents. |
D.Thomas became a correspondent after she graduated from the university. |
小題3:From the passage, we can conclude that Thomas is a _____ woman.
A.courageous | B.a(chǎn)mbitious | C.successful | D.stubborn |
小題4:After reading the passage it can be inferred that ___.
A.Thomas worked in the White House for 57 years. |
B.Thomas is the most influential woman in America |
C.President Bush received Thomas once in his term. |
D.Thomas has traveled around the world with Nixon, Carter, Reagan, Bush, and Clinton. |
小題5:What’s the best title of the passage?
A.The First Lady of the Press—Helen Thomas |
B.A Successful News Reporter—Helen Thomas |
C.Life Experience of Helen Thomas |
D.Helen Thomas and Her Career |