Americans are proud of their variety and individuality(個性),yet they love and respect few things more
than a uniform,whether it is the uniform of a lift operator or the uniform of a five-star general.Why are
uniforms so popular in the United States?
Among the arguments for uniforms,one of the first is that in the eyes of most people they look more
professional than civilian(百姓的)clothes.People have become conditioned to expect higher quality from
a man who wears a uniform.The television repairman who wears a uniform is likely to inspire more trust
than one who appears in civilian clothes.Faith in the skill of a garage mechanic is increased by a uniform.
What easier way is there for a nurse,a policeman,a hairdresser,or a waiter to lose professional identity
(職業身份)than to step out of uniform?
Uniforms also have many practical good points.They are often more comfortable and more lasting than
civilian clothes.
Primary facts among the argument against uniforms is their lack of variety and the loss of individuality
experienced by people who must wear them.Though there are many types of uniforms,the wearer of any
particular type is generally stuck with it,without change,until retirement.When people look alike,they are
likely to think,speak,and act similarly on the job at least.
Uniforms also give rise to some practical problems.Though they are long-lasting,often their initial
expense is greater than the cost of civilian clothes.Some uniforms are also expensive to maintain,requiring
professional dry cleaning rather than the home laundering possible with many types of civilian clothes.
1.What surprises us is that Americans ______.
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A.still judge a man by his clothes
B.think highly of uniforms
C.less prefer wearing civilian clothes
D.respect a elevator operator in uniform
2.People are likely to think that a man in uniform ______.
[]
A.suggests quality work
B.shows his social position
C.appears to be more practical
D.looks more fresh and attractive
3.Those who are against uniforms believe that people wearing uniforms ______.
[]
A.are usually helpful
B.have little freedom
C.lose personal character
D.enjoy greater popularity
4.It can be concluded from the passage that ______.
[]
A.people generally trust a person in uniform more
B.people enjoy wearing comfortable uniform
C.the cost of the uniform is acceptable to people
D.people wear uniforms to show they should be respected
