题目内容：

    There is a certain atmosphere surrounding somebody who lives in Washington. Everybody seems to think that you know more about what is going on, and a fellow who makes his home in Washington can look forward to being invited to lots of parties.

I discovered this when I went up to New York recently. At the first dinner party, everyone was most interested in what was going on in Washington and I was quite honest and admitted I had no idea. Not only did this disappoint the people I was dining with, it also made them angry. They couldn’t believe that I didn’t know and assumed I wasn’t telling the truth.

When I was leaving, the hostess told me, “We didn’t expect you to tell us everything, but I see no reason why you have to protect the Administration.” I decided then I would have to come up with some inside information, or I would have to pay for my own meals in New York

So the next morning I went through all the morning papers and took time to watch TV for  what had happened recently. When I arrived at the party, I was well prepared to discuss almost anything. “What do they say about taxes in Washington?”  a lawyer asked.

“I’ve heard there will probably be a tax cut next year,” I said.

“Can you tell us what the President plans to do about Latin America?”

“I’m sorry!” I said, “There are some things the President discusses with me that I just can’t talk about in public.”

“Quite true,” the lawyer agreed, “You’ve probably told us more than you should anyway.”

For the next three days I had more invitations to dinner parties than I could accept. But it has been quite a strain. I have to go on reading so many newspapers and watching so many TV shows from Washington that sometimes I wonder if it’s worth the trouble.

1.At the first dinner party the people were disappointed and angry because________.

A.the author did not tell them the truth

B.the author refused to pay for the dinner

C.the author did not offer any inside information

D.the author showed no interest in what they discussed

2.How did the author get well prepared for the next party?

A.He tried to catch up on the latest events.

B.He had secret discussions with the President

C.He learned how to protect the Administration.

D.He consulted the lawyer about taxes in Washington.

3.What does the underlined word “strain” in the last paragraph mean?

A.Burden. B.Pleasure.

C.Shame. D.Responsibility.