Question

For many years, no one could communicate with people who had been born without hearing. These deaf people were not able to use a spoken language.

But, beginning in the 1700s, the deaf were taught a special language. Using the language, they could share thoughts and ideas with others. The language they used was a language without sound. It was a sign language.

How did this sign language work? The deaf were taught to make certain movements using their hands, faces, and bodies. These movements stood for things and ideas. People might move their forefingers across their lips. This meant, “You are not telling the truth.” They might tap their chins with three fingers. This meant, “my uncle”.

The deaf were also taught to use a finger alphabet(字母表). They used their fingers to make the letters of the alphabet. In this way, they spelled out words. Some deaf people could spell out words at a speed of 130 words per minute.

Sign language and finger spelling are not used as much as they once were. Today the deaf are taught to understand others by watching their lips. They are taught how to speak.

1.In the 1700s, the deaf were taught __________.

A. to speak                           B. to watch others

C. a sign language               D. a spoken language

2.The word forefingers in paragraph 3 means__________.

A. the finger next to the thumb (拇指)                B. three fingers

C. a language                                                            D. hands

3.On the whole the story is about __________.

A. how the deaf communicate                                       B. learning to spell

C. teaching the deaf to speak                               D. writing sign languages

4.Which of these sentences do you think is RIGHT?

A.Deaf people draw signs

B.Deaf people can’t use their fingers.

C.Many deaf people now can speak

D.Deaf people speak with their fingers.

Answer

1.C

2.A

3.A

4.D

【解析】

试题分析：这篇短文终点介绍了聋哑人的交际方式——手语。文中介绍了这个交际方式的产生及其简单的运用方式。

1.根据短文第二段But, beginning in the 1700s, the deaf were taught a special language. 描述，可知笼子被传授了一种手语，故选C。

2.联系下文This meant, “You are not telling the truth.”结合常识，用食指横在嘴前面表示你在说话的意思，故选A，食指。

3.这篇短文主要谈论了聋哑人是如何交流的问题，故选A。

4.根据短文描述，可知聋哑人是不能用语言交流的，在学了手语之后，他们可以用手势提问题，故选D，聋哑人用手指说话（交流）。

考点：关于手语的说明文阅读