I came to study in the USA a year ago. Yet I did not know the real American society until I injured (伤害) in an accident, because after the accident I had to see a doctor — and to court
(法院).
After the accident, my roommate called a doctor for me. I was very grateful and decided to repay him one day. But the next day, he asked me to pay him $ 200 for what he had done. I was very surprised. He had good reason to charge me, he said. And if I wanted to collect money from the person who was responsible (负责) for my injury. I’d have to have a good lawyer (律师). And only a good doctor can help me get a good lawyer. Now that he had helped me find a good doctor, it was only fair that I should pay him.
But every time I went to see the doctor, I had to wait about 50 minutes. He would see two or three patients at the same time, and often stop treating one so as to see another, yet he charged me $ 115 each time. The final examination report consisted of ten lines, and it cost me $ 215.
My lawyer knew very well the other party was responsible for the accident, yet he hardly did anything. He simply waited to collect his money. He was so irresponsible that I decided not to ask for him again. And he made me pay him $ 770.
Now I had to act as my own lawyer. Because of my inexperience, I told the insurance company (保险公司)the date I was leaving America. Knowing that, they played for time, and I left without getting a cent.
My experiences taught me two things about America: firstly, in a country like America money is everything. It is more important than friendship or honor. Secondly, foreigners are still being unfairly treated. So when we talk about America, we should see both its good and bad sides.
1. The writer’s roommate offered to help him because __________.
A. he thought it was a chance to make some money
B. he felt sorry for the writer
C. he knew the doctor was a very good one
D. he wanted the writer to have a good lawyer
2. A good doctor is necessary for the writer to __________.
A. be properly treated
B. talk with the person responsible for the accident
C. become healthy before he leaves America
D. finally get the responsible party to pay for his injury
3. The word “charge” in this passage means “__________”.
A. be responsible B. be careful C. ask as a price D. get an answer
4. What can you get from the story?
A. Going to court is something very common in America.
B. Money is more important than other things in the USA.
C. There are more bad sides in America than good sides.
D. One must be very careful while driving a car.