Question

On Saturday, millions of people around the world will celebrate Saint Patrick's Day, which honors Patron Saint (or main religious figure) of Ireland. Communities across the United States will host parades, parties, and other festivities to mark the occasion.

This year, cities like Boston, New York, and Chicago have organized massive events celebrating Saint Patrick's Day. In New York City, hundreds of thousands of people will gather to watch the Saint Patrick’s Day parade—the nation’s largest. It is one of the most watched parades in the world. Last year, almost 2 million spectators and more than 150,000 participants filled the streets. The parade, first held in 1776, is also one of the oldest.

Chicago also throws a big celebration. Every year, the Chicago River, which crosses the city, glows green as event organizers dump about 40 pounds of fluorescence, a powerful dye, into the water.

Boston keeps its parade rolling for three hours or more. It is the nation’s second-largest parade. The city will also salute one of its most famous former residents, President John F. Kennedy, by opening the exhibit "A Journey Home: John F. Kennedy and Ireland," at his official library.

Patron Saint lived in Britain in the early fifth century, when it was still part of the Roman Empire. He was captured and sold into slavery in Ireland when he was only 16．He eventually escaped slavery and turned to a life of religious devotion. He trained to become a minister and set out to spread Christianity throughout Ireland. After 30 years as a religious leader, Patrick died on March 17, 1461．Saint Patrick’s Day is always celebrated on March 17．In Ireland, it is an official holiday.

What’s the best title of the passage?

        A．History of Saint Patrick’s Day   B．An Official Holiday in US

        C．The Largest Parade in the World  D．Celebrations across the Country

What do you think is the official color of St. Patrick’s Day?

        A．Green.      B．Red.   C．Black.        D．Yellow.

The last paragraph is mainly about _____.

        A．the cruel slave trade.      B．Saint Patrick’s contribution.

        C．activities during Saint Patrick’s Day  D．Ireland’s Patron Saint

Answer 1

【小题1】D

【小题2】A

【小题3】D

解析:

这是一篇文化类阅读材料。起源于爱尔兰的圣帕特里克节到来之际，美国各大城市举行形式多样的庆祝活动。

【小题1】主旨题。根据短文第一段第二句“美国各地举行游行，集会和其它活动来庆祝”及下文对各种活动的细节描述可知全文的标题为：Celebrations across the Country。

【小题2】细节题。根据第三段第二句“每年组织者向芝加哥河倾到大约40磅的荧光粉使整个河闪耀着绿色的光”，由此可知Green是节日的代表色。

【小题3】段落主旨题。此段讲述的是爱乐兰宗教人物Patron Saint的生平，A、B项是此段中的细节，C项没有提到。