D
Domestic ( 驯养的 ) horses now pull ploughs, race in the Kentucky Darby, and carry police. But early horses weren’t tame( 驯服的 ) enough to perform these kinds of tasks. Scientists think the first interactions humans had with horses were far different from those today.
Thousands of years ago, people killed the wild horses that lived around them for food. Over time, people began to catch the animals and raise them. This was the first step in domestication.
As people began to tame and ride horses, they chose to keep those animals that had more desirable characteristics. For example, people may have chosen to keep horses that had a gentle personality so they could be ridden more easily. People who used horses to pull heavy loads would have chosen to keep strong animals. Characteristics like strength are partly controlled by the animals’ genes. So as the domesticated horses reproduced, they passed the characteristics on to their young. Each new generation of horses would show more of these chosen characteristics.
Modern-day horse breeds come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. This variety didn’t exist in the horse population before domestication. The Stetland horse is one of the smallest breeds---typically reaching only one meter tall. With short, strong legs, the animals were bred to pull coal out of mine shafts ( 矿井 ) with low ceilings. Huge horses like the Clydesdale came on the scene around 1700. people bred these heavy tall horses to pull large vehicles used for carrying heave loads.
The domestication of horses has had great effects on societies. For example, horses were important tools in the advancement of modern agriculture. Using them to pull ploughs and carry heavy loads allowed people to farm more efficiently. Before they were able to ride horses, humans had to cross land on foot. Riding horses allowed people to travel far greater distance in much less time. That encouraged populations living in different areas to interact with one another. The new form of rapid transportation helped cultures spread around the world.
76.( ) Before domestication horses were ___________.
A. caught for sports.
B. hunted for food
C. made to pull ploughs
D. used to carry people
77.( ) The author uses the Shetland horse as an example to show_________.
A. it is smaller than the Clydesdale horse.
B. horse used to have gentle personalities.
C. some horses have better shaped than others.
D. horses were of less variety before domestication
78.( ) Horses contributed to the spread of culture by ___________.
A. carrying heavy loads.
B. changing farming methods.
C. serving as a means of transport
D. advancing agriculture in different areas.
79.( ) The passage is mainly about __________.
A. why human domesticated horses.
B. how humans and horses needed each other.
C. why horses came in different shapes and sizes.
D. how human societies and horses influenced each other.
Section C
Directions: Read the following text and choose the most suitable heading from A-F for each paragraph. There is one extra heading which you do not need.
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Each year, millions of people go abroad to work, study, or travel. It’s a great way to find out what life is like in another part of the world! But constantly having to deal with new situations can be frustrating, even stressful. Homesickness, stress, fear, and confusion are all symptoms of “culture shock”. You may feel frustrated that you have culture shock, especially since you probably spent so much time preparing for your trip. No matter how much information you read, or how well you speak the host language, it is natural to feel overwhelmed sometimes. If you give yourself some time, things will gradually get easier.
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While it is certainly OK to feel frustration or confusion in your new surroundings, try not to form an opinion about the new culture too soon. You may be quick to judge the food, the manners and communication styles and as a result, you may want to do things the way you are used to. If you have this kind of attitude, you will probably avoid some of the very experiences that you came for. Don’t think of the host culture as better or worse, just different----you’ll be more willing to try new thing.
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This is obvious, but everybody needs to be reminded. Just watching life go on around you isn’t good enough----you really need to try things for yourself. Don’t worry about making a mistake; people in your host country will generally be very understanding and willing to help if you have questions. If you are unsure of what to do in a formal setting, follow others’ lead.
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Don’t forget about the organizations and people that are there to help you. Colleges and universities generally have offices that concentrate on the needs of international students and their families. Talk to members of your host family or your host family or friends that you’ve made there. All of these people will be happy to help. But you must be willing to discuss your concerns with them. You won’t offend anyone, so be honest!
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Talking to someone familiar to you always makes you feel better, and they can encourage you when you’re feeling homesick. A good idea is to make plans to call every week on the same day and time. That way, you’ll never be disappointed that nobody is home to answer your call, and you’ll have something to look forward to each week. If you are going to be able to use email while you are abroad, you’ll be able to keep in touch with lots of friends and family very inexpensively!
第II卷