Americans are proud of their variety and individuality, yet they love and respect few things more than a uniform (制服), whether it is the uniform of an elevator 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 superior quality from a man who wears a uniform. The television repairman who wears uniform tends 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 barber, or a waiter to lose professional identity (身份) than to step out of uniform?

Uniforms also have many practical benefits. They save on other clothes. They save on laundry bills. They are tax- deductible (可减税的). They are often more comfortable and more durable than civilian clothes.

Primary among the arguments against uniforms is their lack of variety and the consequent loss of individuality (个人) 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 tend 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 (最初的) 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.

【小题1】It is surprising that Americans who take pride in variety and individuality ________.

A．still judge a man by his clothes

B．enjoy having a professional identity

C．think highly of uniform

D．will respect an elevator operator as much as a general in uniform

【小题2】People are accustomed to thinking that a man in uniform ________.

A．discards his social identity

B．suggests quality work

C．appears to be more practical

D．looks superior to a person in civilian clothes

【小题3】The chief function of a uniform is to ________.

A．provide practical benefits to the wearer

B．make the wearer catch the public eye

C．inspire the wearer’s confidence in himself

D．provide the wearer with a professional identity

【小题4】Which of the following statements is NOT true according to the passage above?

A．Americans are proud of their variety and individuality instead of a uniform.

B．People trust the television repairman who wears uniform more than one who appears in civilian clothes.

C．Uniforms are more expensive than civilian clothes but they are durable.

D．Uniforms have many practical benefits as well as problems.

【小题5】The best title for this passage would be ________.

A．Uniforms and Society

B．Advantages and Disadvantages of Uniforms

C．Practical Benefits of Wearing a Uniform

D．The Importance of Wearing a Uniform