题目内容
Bicycles have been around in our life for more than hundreds of years, but no one knows who __________the first bicycle.
A.invented B.had invented C.has invented D.would invent
A
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Today, bicycles are elegantly simple machines that are common around the world. Many people ride bicycles for recreation, whereas others use them as a means of transportation. The first bicycle was invented in Germany in 1818. Because it was made of wood, it wasn’t very strong nor did it have pedals (脚踏板).Riders moved it by pushing their feet against the ground.
In 1839, Kirkpatrick Macmillan, a Scottish blacksmith, invented a much better bicycle. Macmillan’s machine had iron-covered wheels to keep them from getting worn down. He also used foot-operated levers, similar to pedals, so his bicycle could be ridden at a quick pace. It didn’t look much like the modem bicycle, though, because its back wheel was substantially larger than its front wheel. Although Macmillan’s bicycles could be ridden easily, they were never produced in large numbers.
In 1861, Frenchman Pierre Michaux and his brother Ernest invented a bicycle with an improved pedal mechanism. They called their bicycle a velocipede,but most people called it a “bone shaker” because of the effect of the wood and iron frame. Despite the impolite nickname, the velocipede was a hit. After a few years, the Michaux family was making hundreds of the machines annually, mostly for fun-seeking young people.
Ten years later, James Starley , an English inventor, made several innovations that revolutionized bicycle design. He made the front wheel many times larger than the back wheel, put a gear on the pedals to make the bicycle more efficient,and lightened the wheels by using wire spokes. Although this bicycle was much lighter and less tiring to ride, it was still clumsy, extremely top-heavy,and ridden mostly for entertainment.
It wasn’t until 1874 that the first truly modern bicycle appeared on the scene. Invented by another Englishman, H. J. Lawson, the safety bicycle would look familiar to today’s cyclists. The safety bicycle had equal-sized wheels, which made it easier to ride. Lawson also attached a chain to the pedals to drive the back wheel. By 1893,the safety bicycle had been further improved with air-filled rubber tires, a diamond-shaped frame, and easy braking. With the improvements provided by Lawson; bicycles became extremely popular and useful for transportation. Today, they are built, used, and enjoyed all over the world.
【小题1】This passage was most likely written in order to _____.
A.compare bicycles used for different purposes |
B.describe the problems early bicycle makers experienced |
C.persuade readers to use bicycles for transportation |
D.tell readers about the early history of the bicycle |
A.add weight to the bicycle |
B.make the bicycle easier to ride |
C.allow the wheels to last longer |
D.let the bicycle be more comfortable |
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【小题4】Which of the following statements is true according to the passage?
A.Two hundred years ago,bicycles did not exist. |
B.The first bicycle could be ridden at a very quick pace. |
C.The Michaux brothers called their bicycle a “bone shaker”. |
D.Macmillan’s machine had wheels with rubber tires. |
A.importance | B.time | C.place | D.Interest |
Directions: Complete the following passage by using the words in the box. Each word can only be used once. Note that there is one word more than you need.
A. accidentally | B. accommodation | C. admiring | D. armed | E. constant |
F. cyclist | G. financially | H. inspired | I. memories | J. wander |
Like many other young people, Lin Chi-ying (Vicky) and Chiang Chiu-ping (Pinky) dreamed of traveling the world. What makes them special is that they actually did it; what’s more, they did it on bicycles.
At 18, Vicky read the famous Cycling Diary of Hu Rong-hua and was __41__ to take a bike tour of southern China by herself. In 1991, while riding along the island’s east coast, she met a Japanese __42__, who invited her to join him on a world cycling tour.
In July 1998, they began their trip in Alaska. Vicky soon realized, however, that their travel philosophies were quite different. Her partner seemed intent on testing his endurance, while she preferred __43__ the fantastic scenery and meeting the locals. They parted after a month. Vicky cycled alone through the Rocky Mountains down to the western United States. By this time, her __44__ efforts to persuade her college friend, Pinky, to join her had succeeded.
Once, in California, Vicky and Pinky were unable to find any cheap __45__, so they camped in a park. They were woken up by __46__ police officers, who told them camping there was illegal. In cities, they would __47__ through colleges and libraries, “in need of air-conditioning,” Pinky joked.
Vicky and Pinky praise friends back in China who supported them __48__, as well as people who assisted them along the way. They have fond __49__ of the wonderful friendliness of the people in a Turkish village, where Vicky and Pinky farmed, cooked, and danced with the locals.
A. accidentally
B. accommodation
C. admiring
D. armed
E. constant
F. cyclist
G. financially
H. inspired
I. memories
J. wander
Like many other young people, Lin Chi-ying (Vicky) and Chiang Chiu-ping (Pinky) dreamed of traveling the world. What makes them special is that they actually did it; what’s more, they did it on bicycles.
At 18, Vicky read the famous Cycling Diary of Hu Rong-hua and was __41__ to take a bike tour of southern China by herself. In 1991, while riding along the island’s east coast, she met a Japanese __42__, who invited her to join him on a world cycling tour.
In July 1998, they began their trip in Alaska. Vicky soon realized, however, that their travel philosophies were quite different. Her partner seemed intent on testing his endurance, while she preferred __43__ the fantastic scenery and meeting the locals. They parted after a month. Vicky cycled alone through the Rocky Mountains down to the western United States. By this time, her __44__ efforts to persuade her college friend, Pinky, to join her had succeeded.
Once, in California, Vicky and Pinky were unable to find any cheap __45__, so they camped in a park. They were woken up by __46__ police officers, who told them camping there was illegal. In cities, they would __47__ through colleges and libraries, “in need of air-conditioning,” Pinky joked.
Vicky and Pinky praise friends back in China who supported them __48__, as well as people who assisted them along the way. They have fond __49__ of the wonderful friendliness of the people in a Turkish village, where Vicky and Pinky farmed, cooked, and danced with the locals.