Reading Comprehension Passage 2 It is true that young men should start at the beginning and take the most subordinate positions. Many of the leading businessmen of Pittsburgh had a serious responsibility forced upon them at the very beginning of their career. They were introduced to the broom, and spent the first hours of their business lives sweeping out the office. I notice we have cleaners now in offices, and our young men unfortunately miss that beneficial branch of a business education. But if by chance the professional sweeper is absent any morning, the boy who has the genius of the future partner in him will not hesitate to try his hand at the broom. It does not hurt the newest comer to sweep out the office if necessary. I was one of those sweepers myself. Assuming that you have all obtained employment and are fairly started, my advice to you is “ aim high. ” I would not give a fig for the young man who does not already see himself the partner or the head of an important firm. Do not rest content for a moment in your thoughts as head clerk, or general manager in any concern, no matter how extensive. Say to yourself, “ My place is at the top. ” Be king in your dreams. And here is the prime condition of success, the great secret: Concentrate your energy, thought, and capital exclusively upon the business in which you are engaged. Having begun in one line , resolve to fight it out on that line and lead in it, adopt every improvement, have the best machinery, and know the most about it. The companies that fail are those which have scattered their capital, which means that they have scattered their brains also. They have investments in this, or that, or the other, here, there, and everywhere. “ Don’t put all your eggs in one basket ” is all wrong. Put all your eggs in one basket, and then watch that basket. Look around you and take notice; men who do that do not often fail. It is easy to watch and carry only one basket. It is trying to carry too many baskets that breaks most eggs in this country. He who carries three baskets must put one on his head, which can easily trip him up. One fault of the American businessmen is the lack of concentration. 1 What does the author think of the most subordinate positions? A It is good to start with subordinate places because many businessmen take such positions at the beginning. B It can be a good starting point if we can learn something useful from such experience. C We don’t have such positions nowadays because professional sweepers are hired in offices. D They used to be a serious responsibility in Pittsburgh for young starters in business. 2 What does the author mean by saying “the boy who has the genius ... try his hand at the broom” (Line 6-8, Paragraph 1)? A A promising young man will do less important work when needed. B A wise starter will do whatever necessary so as to keep his position. C Anyone who wants to be successful should take some trivial work first. D The newest comers ready to sweep out the office will be successful. 3 What does the phrase “not give a fig for”(Line 2 , Paragraph2) probably mean? A not understand B not comment on C not be interested in D look down upon 4 The author disagrees with the old saying “don’t put all your eggs in one basket” because____. A it is a waste of energy and capital B it will be impossible for us to look after so many baskets C many American businessmen fail because they have invested too much D it is easier to do well when we focus our energy on one thing at one time 5 Which of the following is the most important for success? A Start with the subordinate positions. B Aim for the highest. C Concentration on what you are doing. D Invest carefully.