Most people know that a wedding ring is symbolic of the bond of love and commitment between two people. But not everyone knows about the history behind this small yet powerful symbol. The history of the wedding ring goes back not just hundreds but thousands of years. No other currently practiced wedding tradition has been around as long.

The Egyptians were the first recorded civilization to use the wedding ring. In Egyptian hieroglyphics(象形文字)a circle represented eternity. Once a woman accepted the ring she became the “property” of the person who gave it to her and she was in a sense “his”. The first wedding ring could have been made of braided grass or hay (which would have been changed often), ivory, bone, or leather. Finally, metal was used, but the first wedding bands were crude(未加工的)and rough. However, the sentiment remained the same-eternal commitment and love.

The Egyptians wore the wedding ring on the left hand because it was believed that a vein in the left hand went straight to the heart. This tradition is still commonly practiced today in most parts of the world largely for practical purposes(most people are right handed). It is worn on the fourth finger of the left hand. But there are some countries and groups which do not follow this tradition. In the Jewish faith, the wedding ring is put on the index finger. Roman Catholics traditionally wore their wedding band on the right hand, and in many countries and regions in Europe some people still follow this tradition.

It is interesting to note that in the long history of the wedding ring that it is only in the last century that men have begun to wear them.However, now both men and women show their love and commitment by exchanging rings on their wedding day.

Once you begin shopping for rings you may be amazed by the choices. There are several different types of metals: traditional gold, white gold, platinum, and titanium. You can have an inscription put on the inside of the band if you like. Some people are even choosing a tattoo band. The styles vary from a simple, yet elegant band to an elaborate ring covered with jewels. If you do not buy the wedding and engagement rings as a set, you will want to be sure the styles are compatible(配套). Choose carefully because this choice will need to stand the test of eternity.

What’s the best title for this passage?

    A.History of Rings                B.Interesting Facts about Rings 

    C.Different Rings     D.The Meaning of the Rings

What may the word “eternity” in paragraph 2 probably mean?

    A.round        B.marriage    C.couple       D. forever

What can we infer from the passage?

    A.Men were looked upon by women for thousands years.

    B.Only women have the right to make themselves beautiful.

    C.Women wore rings thousands of years earlier than men.

    D.You could have an inscription put on the inside the band.

Most people know that a wedding ring is symbolic of the bond(连结物) of love and commitment(承诺) between two people. But not everyone knows about the history behind this small yet powerful symbol. The history of the wedding ring goes back not just hundreds but thousands of years. No other currently practiced wedding tradition has been around as long. 

The Egyptians were the first recorded civilization to use the wedding ring. In Egyptian hieroglyphics(象形文字) a circle represented eternity. Once a woman accepted the ring she became the “property” of the person who gave it to her and she was in a sense “his.” The first wedding ring could have been made of braided grass or hay (which would have been changed often), ivory, bone, or leather.  Eventually, metal was used, but the first wedding bands were crude(未加工的) and rough. However, the sentiment(情感) remained the same-eternal commitment and love. 

The Egyptians wore the wedding ring on the left hand because it was believed that a vein(静脉) in the left hand went straight to the heart. This tradition is still commonly practiced today in most parts of the world largely for practical purposes (most people are right handed.)It is worn on the fourth finger of the left hand. But there are some countries and groups which do not follow this tradition.  In the Jewish faith, the wedding ring is put on the index finger. Roman Catholics traditionally wore their wedding band on the right hand, and in many countries and regions in Europe some people still follow this tradition. 

It is interesting to note that in the long history of the wedding ring that it is only in the last century that men have begun to wear them. However, now both men and women show their love and commitment by exchanging rings on their wedding day. 

Once you begin shopping for rings you may be amazed by the choices that await you. There are several different types of metals: traditional gold, white gold, platinum, and titanium. You can have an inscription(刻字) put on the inside of the band(镶边) if you like. Some people are even choosing a tattoo(刺花) band. The styles vary from a simple, yet elegant(优雅的) band to an elaborate(精致的) ring covered with jewels. If you do not buy the wedding and engagement rings as a set you will want to be sure the styles are compatible(一致的). Choose carefully because this choice will need to stand the test of eternity. 

What would be the best title for this passage?

A. History of rings                                   B. Interesting facts about rings 

C. Different beliefs about rings              D. The meaning of the rings.

What may the word “eternity” in paragraph 2 probably mean?

A. Elegance            B. Marriage              C. Wedding            D. Foreverness

Which is NOT true according to the passage?

A. The meaning of the rings remained unchanged. 

B. One should be careful of choosing a ring in a shop from different kinds. 

C. Jewish are so faithful to their beliefs to wear rings on the fourth finger. 

D. Now most people in the world still follow Roman Catholics traditionally. 

What can we infer from the passage?

A. Men were looked upon by women for thousands years. 

B. Only women have the right to make themselves beautiful. 

C. women wore rings thousands of years earlier than men. 

D. You can have an inscription put on the inside the band. 


B
Have you ever been to the beautiful country of Holland and its capital Amsterdam? Anyone who has traveled to Amsterdam would probably agree on one thing: Amsterdam’s story is a tale of two cities—one during the day and a completely different one at night.
  During the day, the largest city in Holland sits quietly on the Amstel River. You can rent a bicycle, visit the Van Gogh or Anne Frank museum, or take a water taxi. But when the sun goes down, the partying begins. In the big clubs and in coffee shops, tourists gather to hang out, talk politics and smoke.
  Several areas of the city clearly show the two worlds that rule Amsterdam. And they’re all within a short taxi ride of each other. For example, Dam Square attracts daytime sightseers to its festivals, open markets, concerts and other events. Several beautiful and very popular hotels can be found there. And there’s the Royal Palace and the Magna Plaza shopping mall.
But at night party-seekers come to the square. Hip hop or funk music is heard there. So if you come, be ready to dance. The clubs don’t close down until 4 am.
And while you’re there, check out the various inexpensive ways to tour the city. Don’t worry about getting lost. Although Dutch is the official language, most people in Amsterdam speak English and are happy to help you with directions. And you’ll notice that half the people in the streets are on bicycles they rent.
  Amsterdam also has a well-planned canal system. For about 10 dollars, you can use the canal bus or a water taxi to cruise (巡游) the "Venice of the North".
 The city has a historic past. One impressive place to visit is the Anne Frank House on Nine Streets. It was there that the young Jewish girl wrote her famous diary during World War II. Visitors can view Anne’s original diary and climb behind the bookcase to the room where she and her family hid from the Nazis for two years.
59. The following means of transport are available to visitors in Amsterdam EXCEPT __________.
A. a carriage.                B. a bicycle.                 C. a canal bus.                     D. a water taxi.
60. When getting lost, a visitor can ask natives for directions in           .
A. only Dutch             B. Dutch or English              C. only English          D. Spanish and English
61. What can you learn about by visiting the Anne Frank House?
A. The happy experience of a girl survivor.     B. The glorious past of Amsterdam.
C. The hard life of the Jewish in World WarⅡ.    D. The hobbies of the Dutch.
62. The passage is intended to           .
A. call up people’s memories of World WarⅡ    
B. tell readers what A Tale of Two Cities is about
C. instruct visitors what to do and see in Holland
D. offer readers some information about Amsterdam

Nowroz: Iranian New Year or Nowroz is celebrated on the first day of spring sometime in March. People sing, dance and parade as in a carnival through the streets with drums and trumpets to spread the news of the coming new year.
Rosh Hashanah: The Jewish New Year is called “Rosh Hashanah”, and is celebrated in the month of September. It is a holy (神圣的) time when people think of the things they have done wrong in the past, and promise to do better in the future. Special prayers are held, and an instrument called a Shofar is played. Children are given new clothes, and New Year loaves are baked and fruits are served to remind people of harvest time.
Shogatsu: In Japan, the New Year (Shogatsu) celebrations are from January 1 to January 3 and most Japanese don’t work during these days. In Japan, the New Year is a fresh start. This means that in December all duties should be completed. Parties are held to forget the worries and troubles of the old year. Homes and cars are decorated. On New Year’s Eve, most people spend their time with their families.
Bahai New Year: The Bahai people have their own calendar consisting of nineteen months of nineteen days plus a couple of extra days between the eighteenth and nineteenth months. They have, however, adopted the Iranian custom of beginning the New Year in the spring equinox (春分). The New Year celebrations are held on the evening of March 20th.
【小题1】During the Jewish New Year,        .

A.people don’t mention things they have done wrong
B.children often wear new clothes
C.loaves and fruits are often not allowed to be served
D.Shofar is their favourite food
【小题2】Which of the following festivals are celebrated in the same month?
A.Nowroz and Shogatsu.
B.Rosh Hashanah and Shogatsu.
C.Nowroz and Rosh Hashanah.
D.Nowroz and the Bahai New Year.
【小题3】What can we learn from the text?
A. Japanese families often stay together to celebrate Shogatsu.
B. The Bahai people usually hold a carnival to celebrate the New Year.
C. The Jewish harvest fruits to celebrate Rosh Hashanah.

根据句意完成下列句子(每空一词,共20分)

 

1.因为我受过比较好的教育,我得到了一份坐办公室的工作。

Since I was __________  _____________ , I got a job working in an office.

2.在他的一生中,他总是设法帮助那些比他不幸的人。

   In his life, he has always tried to help those ___________ fortunate ________himself.

3.暑热持续了一周, 弄得人人疲惫困倦不堪。

   The hot weather ___________  __________ a whole week, which made everyone tired and sleepy.

4.他下决心大学毕业以后经商。

   He has ___________  ________ his mind to go into business when he leaves college.

5.在二次世界大战期间白求恩跟德国纳粹分子和日本侵略者作斗争。

   Norman Bethune _____________  ___________ the German Nazis and Japanese invaders during World War II.

6.那是很危险的事情,因为如果我被抓住了,可能就会被关进监狱。

 It was very dangerous __________  ________  I was caught I could be put in prison.

7.只有到那个时候,我们才决定用暴力反抗暴力。

Only then _________ we decide to answer violence _________ violence.

8. 即使他们反对我们的计划,我们也不会让步的。

  Even though they don’t agree to our plan, we won’t________ ________.

9.那时候犹太人在经济和文化的发展中发挥着很重要的作用。

At that time the Jewish________  _______important role in the development of economy and culture.

10.出于同情,她向他的碗里扔了几颗硬币。

  __________  ________ sympathy, she threw several coins into his bowl.

 

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