6 . Cheating is considered to be a major problem in colleges and universities. Colleges and universities across the US have decided to do more than talk about the rise in student cheating.We frequently hear about “the good old days”, when Americans were better, happier, and more honest. But were they more honest? Maybe yes, a long time ago when life was very different from what it is today.School children used to know the story of how Abraham Lincoln walked five miles to return a penny he’d overcharged a customer. It’s the kind of story we think of as myth. But in the case of Lincoln, the story is true — unlike the story of George Washington and the cherry tree. Washington’s first biographer invented the tale of little George saying to his father, “I cannot tell a lie. I did it with my ax.” What is important in both stories, however, is that honesty was seen as an important part of the American character.And these are just two stories out of many. Students in the last century usually didn’t read “fan” stories. They read stories that taught moral values. Such stories pointed out quite clearly that children who lied, cheated, or stole came to bad ends.Parents may have further reinforced those values. It’s difficult to know. We do know that children didn’t hear their parents talk of cheating the government on income taxes — there weren’t any. The vast majority of Americans still believe that honesty is an important part of the American character. For that reason, there are numerous watch-dog committees at all levels of society.Although signs of dishonesty in school, business, and government seem much more numerous in recent years than in the past, could it be that we are getting better at revealing such dishonesty? There is some evidence that dishonesty may ebb and flow (起伏). When times are hard, incidents of theft and cheating usually go up. And when times get better such incidents tend to go down.Cheating in school also tends to ebb and flow. But it doesn’t seem linked to the economy. Many educators feel that as students gain confidence in themselves and their abilities, they are less likely to cheat. Surprisingly, some efforts to prevent cheating may actually encourage cheating — a person may feel “they don’t trust me anyway,” and be tempted to “beat the system.” Distrust can be contagious (传染的). But, so can trust!【小题1】Why does the author mention the two stories of Lincoln and Washington?A．To show Lincoln is more admired than Washington.B．To introduce the topic to be discussed.C．To compare them with the presidents today.D．To prove honesty used to be very important in American character.【小题2】What lesson do all the stories try to convey?A．Those who do something evil will have to answer for it.B．Those who steal will be put to prison.C．Those who cheat will be sentenced.D．Those who don’t behave themselves will die young.【小题3】What may be a main reason for dishonesty in society?A．Family life.B．Fun stories.C．Economic condition.D．School education.【小题4】By saying ‘... some efforts to prevent cheating may actually encourage cheating’, the author wants to show ________.A．Distrust will result in dishonesty sometimes.B．The measures to stop cheating in schools are badly taken.C．Dishonesty is a long-time discouragement.D．There will never be an effective way to stop cheating.【小题5】What may help a student not to cheat?A．High grades.B．Self-confidence.C．Discipline.D．Strong wills.