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 because there's no beginning and no end. 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 in the completely natural state and rough. However, the wedding rings always expressed the same eternal and lasting love.

The Egyptians wore the wedding ring on the left hand because it was believed that a vein(靜脈) 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, it is only in the last century that men began 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 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 (精巧的) 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 can match perfectly. Choose carefully because this choice will need to stand the test of eternity.

1. What’s 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.

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

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

3. Which is NOT true according to the passage?

       A. The meaning of the rings remained unchanged.

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

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

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

4. What can we infer from the passage?

       A. Men were looked down 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.

 Daniel’s family ________ their holiday in Huangshan this time next week.

       A. are enjoying             B. are to enjoy                     C. will enjoy                 D. will be enjoying

. —You seemed to be impressed by his skill.

   —Not exactly so. It was his courage ______his skill that really impressed me.

  A. as well as        B. rather than        C. but also         D. together with

第二部分：閱讀理解（第一節(jié)20小題，第二節(jié)5小題；每小題2分，滿分50分）

第一節(jié)：閱讀下列短文, 從每題所給的四個(gè)選項(xiàng) (A、B、C和D) 中, 選出最佳選項(xiàng)。

Being interested in a theme park since the time that I was a child, I have learned a thing or two over the years about packing for a day of fun. A trip to a theme park is always a adventure, but if you’re not prepared, your day of fun could easily turn into a tiny little nightmare(噩夢(mèng)). It is important to pack long sleeved(帶袖的) shirts or jackets for all members of your family. I is also a good idea to pack an extra pair of socks for each member of the family, especially the children, as those wonderful water rides can be fun, but wet socks that won’t dry aren’t so much fun.

You don’t want to pack too much food, as you will probably want to experience at least some of the food offered at the theme park of your choice(that’s half of the fun), but it’s always a good idea to bring some energy increasing snacks, such as fruit,trail mix,etc. This can mean the difference between spending a lot of money on snacks or a little money on one or two good meals.

Theme parks,while fun and exciting, can wear a person out,especially a child, so it’s important to keep hydrated(含水的). I would suggest packing one bottle of water per person, and possibly a couple of cans of soda or bottles of juice as well.

It’s a good idea to have at least two cell phones or even a set of “walkie-talkies” in the event that your family gets,separated in the park. It’s a good idea to give one of these things to the children and one to the parents and make sure that each of them knows how to use it. This could be the difference between trouble and a happy ending,

1.You should get well prepared before going to a theme park__________.

  A. because the trip always costs much money

B.because there are always too many people in a theme park.

C. so as not to suffer from bad dreams when going back

D.so as to cut down your trip expenses and have more fun

2.From the passage, we can know_______________.

  A.the author was fond of visiting theme parks when he was a child

B.wearing wet socks in a theme park will bring children much fun

C.it is terrible to have a taste of the food offered in a theme park.

D. we’d better bring enough food, clothing and water when going to a theme park

3.What does th underlined part”walkie-talkies” in the last paragraph probably refer to?

  A. A kind of transportation tool           B.A kind of musical instrument

C.A kind of CDplayer                  D.A kind of phone

4.How many types of things does the author advise us to pack for day trips to a theme park?

  A Three         B.Five      C.Six      D. Eight

.In the countryside, _______ car is not yet _______ popular means of transportation.

A. the, a          B. a, the            C. the, the          D. a, a

 The teachers were discussing the research project that they would like to see _____ in the coming holiday.

A. complete           B. completes          C. completing        D. to complete