New archaeological discovers suggest that trade between Europe and Asia along the Silk Road probably began in some form many countries earlier than once thought. The findings, coupled with a widening range of scientific and historical research could add a fascinating new page to the epic of the Silk Road.
The farest and most surprising discovery is pieces of silk found in the hair of and Egyptian mummy from about 1000 BC, long before regular traffic on the Silk Road and at least one thousand years before silk was previously thought to be used in Egypt. Other research may extend human activity along this route back even further, perhaps a million years to the migration of human ancestors into eastern Asia.
The official origin of East-West commerce along the road is usually placed in the late 2nd century BC which was the agent of the Chinese Emperor Wu-di returned from a dangerous secret mission（使命）across the desert into the remote high country of Central Asia. The agent, Zhang Qian, travelled as far as Afghanistan back knowledge of even more distant lands such as Persia, Syria and a place known as Lijion,. Histerents have called this one of the most important journeys in ancient times. His journey opened the way for what have been thought to be the first indirect contacts between the ancient world’s two superpowers, China and Rome. Chinese silk, first traded to central Asian tribes for war horses and to the Parthians of old Pet la lu exchange for acrobats and ostrich eggs, was soon finding its way through a network of merchants to the luxury markets in Rome.
But the new discoveries show that Chinese silk was apparently present in the West long before the Han emperor started organized trade over the Silk Road. The research could change thinking about the early history of world trade and provide insights into the mystery of just how and when Europe and the Mediterranean lands first became aware of the glorious culture at the other end of Eurasia.
1.The word “coupled” in the first paragraph could best be replaced by .
A. produced B. contributed C. doubled D. combined
2.The silk thread found in the hair of an Egyptian mummy suggests that .
A. Egyptians had probably travelled to China to buy silk
B. trade along the Silk Road began earlier than once thought
C. historical research often achieves fascinating results
D. new light can now be thrown on ancient trading practices
3.Until recently most historians believed that trade along the Silk Road .
A. originated in the 2nd century BC
B. extended human migration into eastern Asia
C. began a million years ago
D. primarily benefited the Egyptians
4.Historians have always considered Zhang Qian’s mission important because they believe .
A. be brought back knowledge of Rome to the emperor
B. be discovered the Silk Road
C. be helped establish East-West trade
D. be travelled as far as Afghanistan
Many people to newspaper and magazines to express their opinions. Letters to the editor must carry the writer full name, address and telephone number, although the information is not necessary for publication. This requirement to provide personal particulars is a clear indication that writers are held responsible for what they say. When a writer wants his voice heard. He needs to claim ownership of his voice. Responsibility is the name of the game.
“People today prefer living together to putting their signatures on a marriage certificate because they refuse to accept responsibility for the relationship,” said social worker Ken Yip, “and this is what is causing a lot of family problems.” When we sign a paper, for example, a business contract or a bank document, the signature is symbol of consent, an agreement to take the matter seriously. Most governments and many organizations will not process writer’s complaints if they do not bear the writer’s signature. The absence of a signature, they explain, tells us that the writer cannot be too serious and therefore does not deserve a reply.
There are people who wish to remain anonymous（匿名的）for various reasons. Multi-billionaire Mr. King donates generously to charity several times a year. He gives simply because he wants to help but not for the publicity his donations may bring, and he does not want his good deeds to make news. In other cases, people insist on anonymity because they are afraid of the consequences of revealing their identity. Crime witnesses may be willing to assist the police, but most are unwilling to give their names when reporting a crime.
Name or no name? The answer is very personal and lies in how much we want to get involved. We all have a name, it is a matter if responsibility to it when we make a statement, a claim or an accusation. We all want to honour our own name, and it is only by stamping our expression of an opinion with our own name that we honour what we say.
1.What does the writer mean by saying “Responsibility is the name of the game”?
A. Writers need to provide their personal information in the game.
B. Publication must bear the writer’s full name, address and phone number.
C. Writers should be responsible for their names.
D. Names are required to indicate writers’ responsibility for what they say.
2.The second paragraph suggests that a paper without a signature may .
A. help to end a relationship
B. not get a reply
C. be accepted all the same
D. become a family problem
3.Some people don’t want their names known because they are .
A. hesitant to make a donation B. unwilling to draw public attention
C. afraid of an accusation D. ready for involvement
4.The passage is mainly about .
A. honour and writers B. identity and signature
C. signature and responsibility D. anonymity and signature
At the age of 29, Dave was a worker, in a small apartment near Boston and ______ what to do about his future.
A. living; wondering B. lived; wondering
C. lived; wondered D. living; wondered
I can be a teacher. I’m not a very patient person.
A. seldom B. ever C. never D. always
When he the door, he found his keys were nowhere.
A. would open B. opened C. had opened D. was to open
Most Americans would prefer to keep their problems themselves, and solve their problems ______ themselves.
A. to; by B. by; to C. for; to D. in; on
