Shang Yang was a politician of the Qin state. He was very wise and forward-thinking(有遠見的). He worked out several reform plans for the state, including focusing on farming and giving rewards(獎賞) to soldiers who were successful during war.

　　But at the beginning, these reforms were not easily carried out. Only a few people in the state understood Shang's talent and the advantages of his plans. Most people had little trust and confidence in him.

　　To solve this problem, Shang came up with an idea. He ordered some soldiers to put a thin wooden pole at the south gate of the Qin state capital. This attracted many people. Then, in front of the crowd, he said loudly: "People of Qin, whoever takes this pole to the north gate will get a reward of 10 gold pieces."

　　It was a simple task and the reward was big. Some time passed and no one stepped forward. They all thought that Shang was joking. Hearing no answer, Shang stepped forward and said, "I will increase the reward to 50 gold pieces."

　　The words sounded even more unbelievable. Finally, a man from the crowd came forward to take the pole. He put the pole on his shoulders and walked to the north gate. True to his word, Shang paid the man 50 gold pieces.

　　Soon, the people were saying that Shang was a man of his word. When he began promoting(推行) his reforms, the people followed and did not question him.

　　Under the great reforms, Qin grew strong and united all the states, becoming the first empire of China. Later, people drew the Chinese idiom “立木取信” from this story.

　　26. Shang Yang's reforms          .

　　A. were never trusted by people    B. made Qin grow strong

　　C. were carried out easily at the beginning    D. focused on farming and education

　　27. To let people trust him, Shang Yang          .

　　A. ordered many young men to join the army

　　B. gave a reward to anyone who supported him

　　C. showed that he could keep his promises

　　D. introduced his reforms at the south gate of the capital

　　28. What does the underlined word “unbelievable” mean in the passage?

　　A. 不能實現的    B. 不可能的    C. 難以理解的    D. 難以置信的

　　29. Which of the following is WRONG according to the passage?

　　A. The Chinese idiom “立木取信” just came from this story.

　　B. Under the reforms, Qin united all the states.

　　C. The man who carried the pole to the north gate was paid only 10 gold pieces.

　　D. At first, only a few people in the state understood the advantages of Shang Yang's plans.

　　30. What's the main idea of this story?

　　A. Earning people's trust is never easy.

　　B. Keeping promises can earn people's trust.

　　C. Money can lead people to do anything in the world.

　　D. Reforms are important for a country to develop.

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