Question

What is the most important invention of all time? Is it the written word that helps us to record information? Is it the telephone that lets us talk to people from all over the world? Is it the car that lets us travel at great speeds to meet others? Umberto Eco, an Italian writer, thinks it is something quite different. He says the most important invention might be bright in front of your eyes. He is talking about a simple pair of glasses.

Modern eye glasses were invented around 1000 years ago. They were more than just a convenient way to read. Before glasses, writers, scientists or teachers who could not see properly had to memorize everything. After about ten years of poor eyesight, they could not remember well enough and could not work. Glasses meant that people could work in their old age.

People who wanted to remember some information could write it down and read it. Eye glasses are one of the world’s greatest inventions and were probably worn by the people who designed the first telephones and cars.

1.The invention of the written word is important because ____.

A. we need it to listen    B. we need it to record information

C. we just need it to read

2.The author thinks ____ is the greatest invention of all time in his passage.

A. the telephone    B. the car    C. a simple pair of glasses

3.From this passage, we can know ____.

A. modern eye glasses were invented 100 years ago

B. people who designed the first telephones and cars probably wore those glasses

C. the author of this article is an American

Answer

1. B

2. C

3. B

【解析】

这篇短文主要讲述了一直来什么是最重要的发明，作者认为最重要的发明是一副眼镜。

1.根据文中Is it the written word that helps us to record information?可知，我们需要它记录信息。故选B。

2.根据文中He says the most important invention might be bright in front of your eyes. He is talking about a simple pair of glasses.可知，作者认为一副简单的眼镜是最重要的发明。故选C。

3.根据文中Before glasses, writers, scientists or teachers who could not see properly had to memorize everything. After about ten years of poor eyesight, they could not remember well enough and could not work. Glasses meant that people could work in their old age.可知，设计第一部电话和汽车的人可能戴着那些眼镜。故选B。