阅读理解

         Who do you think was the most important woman of the past 100 years?

         Jane Addams(1860—1935)

         Addams helped the poor and worked for peace. She created shelters, education opportunities and services for people in need. In 1931, Addams became the first American woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

         Rachel Carson(1907—1964)

         Rachel Carson was born in the rural river town of Springdale, Pennsylvania in America. The popular 1962 book SilentSpring by Rachel Carson made people realize the dangers and the harmful effects(影响) of pollution on humans and on the world's lakes and oceans.

         Angela Merkel(1954—)

         In 2005, Germans chose Angela Merkel as their first woman head of the country. She had been a scientist in the past. As Germany's leader, she has had an effect on the whole world.

         Sandra Day O'Connor(1930—)

         When Sandra Day O'Connor finished her class at Stanford Law School in 1952, she could not find work because she was a woman. However, she became the first woman to join the US Supreme Court(最高法院) in 1981 after years of hard work.

         Margaret Thatcher(1925—2013)

         In 1979, Margaret Thatcher became Britain's first woman Prime Minister(首相). She served until 1990, which made her the first British leader to serve three terms in a row. Because of her high standards and strong will, people called her Britain's “Iron Lady”.

          Marie Curie(1867—1934)

         Polish­born scientist Marie Curie discovered that some types of metal give off energy called radiation(辐射能). Her research led to new medical treatments and arms. She received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1903 and in Chemistry in 1911.