When people hear a president speak, they seldom think about others helping to shape the presentation. Today, however, presidents depend on writers such as J. Terry Edmonds to help them communicate effectively. Edmonds is the first African American ever to work as a full-time speechwriter for a U.S. president; he is also the first African American to serve as director of speechwriting for the White House. His is an all-American story of success.
Edmonds grew up in Baltimore, Maryland; his father drove a truck, and his mother worked as a waitress. A great reader, Edmonds showed a gift for writing at his high School, Baltimore City College. After graduating in 1967, Edmonds went on to Morgan State University.
Edmonds began his career in business, with jobs in public relations and communications. He joined the world of politics as news secre
tary for his congressman (国会议员) from Baltimore. During Bill Clinton’s presidency, he wrote speeches for Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala and worked in a number of jobs in the White House and in governmental departments. President Clinton then appointed him to the office of director of speechwriting, Following the 2000 elections, Edmonds returned to Morgan State University as the school’s special assistant to the president for 2001-2002.
29. Which of the following statements is TRUE according to the text?
A. Edmonds proved himself to be good at writing at high school.
B. Edmonds graduated from Morgan State University in 1967.
C. Edmonds was the first full-time speechwriter.
D. Edmonds served the White House after 2000.
30. Edmonds entered the world of politics first as______________.
A. news secretary for a congressman
B. a speechwriter for President Clinton
C. news secretary in the White House
D. a speechwriter for Secretary Donna Shalala
31. The text is most likely to be found in a book about ____________.
A. popular science B. historical events
C. successful people D. political systems