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(静脉) 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.
Good nutrition and a balanced diet will help your children grow up healthily. No matter how old your kids are, you can take steps to improve nutrition and to encourage smart eating habits. Here are some suggestions.
Family Meals
Family meals are comforting for both parents and kids. Children like to guess what they are going to have and parents get the chance to introduce new foods to children and to find out which foods they like and which ones they don’t.
Teens may turn up their noses at your plan of a family meal. It is not surprising because they’re trying to establish independence. Yet studies find that teens still want their parents’ advice, so they use the mealtime as a chance to reconnect.
Stocking Up on Healthy Foods
Kids, especially younger ones, will eat mostly what they can get at home. That’s why it’s important to control the supply lines—the foods which you serve for meals and have on hand for snacks. You should have enough fruits, vegetables, lean meat and other good sources of protein, such as eggs and nuts, and healthy snacks, such as yogurt, peanut butter and whole-grain biscuits.
Being a Good Example
The best way for you to encourage healthy eating is to eat well yourself. Kids will follow the lead of the adults they see every day. By eating fruits and vegetables and avoiding fast food and sugary drinks, you’ll be sending the right message.
No Conflicts over Foods
Parents might find themselves shouting at children to get them to have healthy foods in front of them. This in fact can make children dislike what they are asked to eat.
Get Kids Included
Most kids will enjoy making the decision about what to make for dinner. Talk to them about making choices and planning a balanced meal. It can help prepare them to make good decisions on their own about the foods they want to eat.
1. Family meals provide the chances for parents to do the following things EXCEPT .
A. guessing what kids are going to have B. finding what kids like and dislike
C. introducing new foods to kids D. reconnecting with kids
2. The underlined sentence in the third paragraph probably means .
A. teenagers may be interested in your plan of a family meal
B. teenagers may help you to make a plan of a family meal
C. teenagers may show no interest in your plan of a family meal
D. teenagers may refuse to help you to make a plan of a family meal
3. According to the article, which should NOT be done by parents?
A. Forming a healthful eating habit themselves. B. Forcing kids to have vegetables.
C. Stocking up on some fruits at home. D. Making meal plans with kids.
4. What’s the best title for the passage?
A. How to eat healthily. B. How to grow up healthily.
C. Help kids form healthful eating habits. D. Help kids know what a healthful meal is.
四、阅读理解（20小题；每小题2分，共40分）
Joanne was stuck in a traffic jam in central Birmingham at 5：30, and at 6：30 she was expected to be chairing a meeting of the tennis club. At last, the traffic was moving. She swung quickly racing to her house. As she opened the door, she nearly tripped over Sheba.
“Hey, Sheba” she said, “I’ve got no time for you now, but I’ll take you out as soon as I get back from tennis club.” Then she noticed Sheba seemed to be coughing or choking. Obviously, she could hardly breathe. Immediately Joanne realized she would have to take her to the vet (兽医). When she got there, the vet was just about to close for the day. Seeing the state of Sheba, Dr. Sterne brought her quickly into his office.
“Listen, doctor, I’m really in a rush to get to a meeting. Can I leave her with you, and go and get changed? I’ll be back in ten minutes to pick her up, and then I’ll take her on to the meeting with me. Is that OK?”
“Sure.” said the doctor.
Joanne made the quick trip back to her house in a couple of minutes. As she was once more entering the hallway, the phone by the door began to ring.
“This is Dr. Sterne,” said an anxious voice. “I want you to get out of that house immediately,” said the doctor’s voice. “I’m coming round soon, and the police will be there any time now. Wait outside!”
At that moment, a police car screeched to a stop outside the house. Two policemen got out and ran into the house. Joanne was by now completely confused and very frightened. Then the doctor arrived.
“Where’s Sheba? Is she OK?” shouted Joanne.
“She’s fine, Joanne. I took out the thing which was choking her, and she’s OK now. ”
Just then, the two policemen reappeared from the house, half-carrying a white-faced man, who could hardly walk. There was blood all over him.
“My God,” said Joanne, “how did he get in there? And how did you know he was there?”
“I think he must be a burglar,” said the doctor. “I knew he was there because when I finally removed what was stuck in Sheba’s throat: it turned out to be three human fingers.”
1. What was Joanne supposed to do at 6:30？
A. To walk her dog. B. To see her doctor.
C. To attend a club meeting. D. To play tennis with her friends.
2. Joanne wanted to get back to her home again .
A. to phone the police station B. to dress up for the meeting
C. to catch the badly hurt burglar D. to wait for her dog to be cured
3. From the passage, we can infer that .
A. Sheba fought against the burglar
B. the police found the burglar had broken in
C. Joanne had planned to take her dog to the meeting
D. the doctor performed a difficult operation on the dog
4. In this passage, the writer intends to tell us that the dog is .
A. clever B. friendly C. frightening D. devoted
三、完形填空（20小题；每小题1分，共20分）
Several years ago, while attending a communication course, I experienced a most unusual process. The instructor asked us to list 41 in our past that we felt 42 of, regretted, or incomplete about and read our lists aloud.
This seemed like a very 43 process, but there’ s always some 44 soul in the crowd who will volunteer. The instructor then 45 that we find ways to 46 people, or take some action to right any wrongdoings. I was seriously wondering how this could ever 47 my communication.
Then the man next to me raised his hand and volunteered this story. Making my 48 , I remembered an incident from high school. I grew up in a small town. There was a Sheriff 49 of us kids liked. One night, my two friends and I decided to play a 50 on him.
After drinking a few beers, we climbed the tall water tank in the middle of the town, and wrote on the tank in bright red paint: Sheriff Brown is an s.o.b. The next day, almost the whole town saw our glorious 51 . Within two hours, Sheriff Brown had us in his office. My friends told the truth but I lied. No one 52 found out.
Nearly 20 years later, Sheriff Brown’s name 53 on my list. I didn’t even know if he was still 54 . Last weekend, I dialed the information in my hometown and found there was a Roger Brown still listed. I tried his number. After a few 55 , I heard, “Hello?” I said, “Sheriff Brown?” Paused. “Yes.” “Well, this is Jimmy Calkins.”
“And I want you to know that I did it!” Paused. “I knew it!” he yelled back. We had a good laugh and a 56 discussion. His closing words were: “Jimmy, I always felt bad for you 57 your friends got it off their chest, but you were carrying it 58 all these years. I want to thank you for calling me…for your sake.”
Jimmy inspired me to 59 all 101 items on my list within two years, and I always remember what I learned from the course: It’ s never too late to 60 the past wrongdoings.
41. A. something B. anything C. somebody D. anybody
42. A. ashamed B. afraid C. sure D. proud
43. A. private B. secret C. interesting D. funny
44. A. foolish B. polite C. simple D. brave
45. A. expected B. suggested C. ordered D. demanded
46. A. connect with B. depend on C. make apologies to D. get along with
47. A. improve B. continue C. realize D. keep
48. A. notes B. list C. plan D. stories
49. A. any B. most C. none D. all
50. A. part B. game C. trick D. record
51. A. view B. sign C. attention D. remark
52. A. also B. even C. still D. ever
53. A. appears B. considers C. presents D. remembers
54. A. angry B. happy C. doubtful D. alive
55. A. words B. rings C. repeats D. calls
56. A. cold B. plain C. nervous D. lively
57. A. in case B. so long as C. unless D. because
58. A. around B. out C. up D. away
59 A. build up B. make up C. clear up D. give up
60. A. regret B. forgive C. right D. punish
—Learning a language isn't easy. It takes time.
—I agree. _______. There's no short cut.
A. All roads lead to Rome B. Rome wasn't built in a day
C. Practice makes perfect D. Slow but sure wins the race
His knowledge of French is ___________ for the job, although he was not fluent in the language.
A. accessible B. accurate C. attractive D. adequate
