When we hear the word “pyramid”(金字塔) there is little doubt that Egypt(埃及) and the desert come to mind. Did you know, however, that continents and oceans away — in what is today Central America and Mexico — people also built pyramids? While they look somewhat different from the ones we see in Egypt, they also were built with great skill.
The pyramids of Central America were built by the Mayan(玛雅) and Aztec(阿芝台克) peoples, as well as other smaller groups. Both Mayan and Aztec cultures built pyramids for their gods. They thought that building higher pyramids would allow them to get close to heaven. These cultures believed that the gods were found in nature. One of the most important gods was the sun. Many of the pyramids were for their sun god. At the top of the pyramids they built temples to make the gods happier. However, pyramids were not used only for their gods.
Before Europeans came to the area in the 1500s, many of the cultures of the Americas, such as the Mayan and Aztec, had much knowledge about mathematics and astrology. They thought that the night sky could be used as a mirror to explain many aspects of life, which is the reason why they studied it carefully. The temples on top of the pyramids were also used as places for watching the skies. The Mayans had a solid understanding of the movement of stars and planets. This helped them understand the seasons. They were the first to create a 365-day calendar.
1.Why did they build pyramids?
A. For their king. B. For themselves.
C. For their gods and to study the sky. D. For the moon.
2.Which of the following sentences is not true?
A. Before Europeans came to the area, the Mayans and Aztecs had no knowledge about mathematics and astrology.
B. Building higher pyramids would allow the Mayans and Aztecs to get close to heaven.
C. Many of the pyramids were for the sun god.
D. The Mayan and Aztec pyramids built look somewhat different from the ones built in Egypt.
3.Where did people build pyramids besides Egypt ?
A. In Central America. B. In Japan. C. In Egypt. D. Not mentioned.
4.Where can you find the passage?
A. Newspaper. B. Advertisement. C. Novel. D. Magazine.
| Monday |
8—10a. m. | TECHNOLOGY Information Technology (IT)—Using the Internet In this lesson, students learn how to surf the internet safely and effectively. There will also be information about using different search engines. Finally, this lesson teaches students about the best websites to use to continue their education online. |
10—12a. m | ARTS |
10:00a. m. | DRAMA Students learn the play that the teacher gave before class. During this lesson, students will have the chance to act out roles with other students. |
11:00a. m. | PAINTING WITH WATERCOLOURS For most of this term, students learn how to use watercolours properly to make pictures. If the weather is good, the lesson may take place outdoors. |
| LUNCH |
1—2 p. m. | SCIENCES Biology/Chemistry Students can choose which class to attend. In biology this week, the topic is Human Body. Students will learn about how it works. Alternatively, students can study chemistry. This class takes place in the science lab, and this week students learn about H2 and O2. |
2—4 p. m. | SPORTS Students learn about the skills in a certain sport by watching video to see real action from past games. And then, students will play a short match lasting 45 minutes. This week, the sports are football (for boys) and tennis (for girls). |
| HOMEWORK IT—the teacher will give students websites to look up at home. (about 20 minutes) Drama –students have to learn a part for the next lesson (about 40 minutes). Biology/Chemistry—students have to write a short report. (about 20 minutes) |
1.At _______, students are having a painting lesson.
A. 10:30 a. m. B. 11:35 a. m. C. 1:30 p. m. D. 2:15 p. m.
2.The underlined word “Alternatively” is closest in meaning to “_______”.
A. As another choice B. For this reason C. At the same time D. In other words
3.The information in the table is mainly for students to _______.
A. take classes B. do their homework
C. choose teachers D. organize hobby groups
听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1.Who will give an introduction to the school?
A. John Smith. B. The headmaster. C. The Washington major.
2.What are the Chinese students doing in the USA?
A. Studying. B. Visiting. C. Performing.
3.What will the Chinese students do on Tuesday evening?
A. Visit the lab building and the library.
B. Visit the Statue of Liberty.
C. Have a party.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.Why does the woman hate spring in this city?
A. It is seldom sunny. B. It seldom rains. C. It is very hot.
2.What does the woman think of climbing mountains?
A. Challenging. B. Interesting. C. Tiring.
3.What does the man prefer to do during his summer holiday?
A. Active activities. B. Lying on the beach. C. Staying at home.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.Who will pay the bill?
A. The man. B. The woman. C. The woman's husband.
2.What does the man order for dessert?
A. Ice cream. B. Salad. C. None.
3.What food has a light taste?
A. Beijing food. B. Shanghai food. C. Hunan food.
4.What does the man think about Chinese food?
A. Very delicious. B. Very spicy. C. Oily.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.What's the probable relationship between the two speakers?
A. Guide and tourist.
B. Teacher and student.
C. Saleswoman and customer.
2.What does the man care most about?
A. The type. B. The brand. C. The quality.
3.How many brands are mentioned?
A. One. B. Two. C. Three.
