Sonia Denoncourt is one of the most successful personalities in the world of women's soccer. She made her name doing what many still think of as a “man’s job;” refereeing soccer matches.

The Canadian began her career as a referee in 1978, at the age of 14. She worked her way up, and in 1994, she became the first female international FIFA referee. Sonia was the first woman to referee a top men’s professional game, in EL Salvador in 1996. A year later, she became the first female to referee a men’s first division game in Brazil. She has refereed at thousands of games at all levels, including over 100 international games, three World Cups, and two Olympic Games. 

Her goal has always been to encourage more young women to become involved in the game. She accepts that it can be difficult, but she is sure that progress is possible. “I became a top referee and I’m from Canada, which is not a huge footballing nation,” she said.” “So if I can do it, anyone can. And I wouldn’t change anything about my life because my career has given me incredible opportunities.”

In 1994, there were only four female referees on FIFA’s list. In 2008, this figure had risen to 552-over 18 percent of the 3,000 listed FIFA referees and assistants. She is now Head of FIFA Women’s refereeing and continues to promote the role of women in soccer. However, there is still a long way to go in the battle for equality in the game. 

It is still very unusual to see a female referee at the top international tournaments. Some people say this is because the women referee aren’t fit enough to work at the highest level. But for Sonia, this is simply an excuse to hide the widespread opposition to women doing what is considered a “ man’s job.” “It’s a social thing, “She says. “In some countries women in positions of authority are just not accepted.” Even Sonia admits, “Football is still a man’s world.” But, things are changing, thanks to pioneering women like Sonia.

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1.How old was Sonia Denoncourt when she first refereed a men’s first division game?

A 14

B 26

C 33

D 42

解析：选C。C。细节理解题。根据文章第二段第一句的The Canadian began her career as a referee in 1978, at the age of 14可以得知，她出生于1964年；而结合第二段第四句的A year later, she became the first female to referee a men’s first division game in Brazil可以得知她是在1997年成为男子比赛的裁判的，因此是在她33岁的时候。

2.What kind of person is Sonia Denoncourt?

A she is ambitious and inspirational.

B She is clever and energetic.

C She is aggressive and kind.

D She is intelligent and stubborn.

解析：选A。A。推理判断题。根据第三段第二句的She accepts that it can be difficult, but she is sure that progress is possible可以推知她是有抱负的，并且从So if I can do it, anyone can可以得知她是很有励志精神的。

3.In the fourth paragraph, the writer mainly tells us ______.

A Sonia has never been accepted as a referee

B Sonia found it’s a long way to win the battle

C Sonia has had a great impact on the sport

D Sonia has already listed herself as a referee

解析：选C。C。主旨大意题。从文章第四段第四句的She is now Head of FIFA Women’s refereeing and continues to promote the role of women in soccer可以得知该段主要讲述她对女子足球运动的影响。

4.What made women have difficulty in working as referees?

A Being unfit enough.

B Lack of experience.

C Weak personalities.

D Unfair prejudice.

解析：选D。D。推理判断题。根据文章最后一段第三句的But for Sonia, this is simply an excuse to hide the widespread opposition to women doing what is considered a “ man’s job.”可以得知是人们的偏见才导致她很难从事裁判工作。

5.What is the best title of the passage?

A A woman doing a man’s job

B A woman bringing about changes

C A woman having her dream

D A woman favoring international games

解析：选A。A。文章标题概括。文章讲述了Sonia Denoncourt作为一名女士从事传统观念中只有男子才能做到的工作的故事。