Question

    If you ever visit an English village, make sure to look out for morris dancing. Undoubtedly one of the strangest traditions of English culture, morris dancing is a form of folk dancing that dates back to the 15th century. If you ever get the opportunity, you really have to see it.

Men and women wearing old-fashioned, shabby（破烂的）clothing dance in the streets of towns and villages across the country during the holiday periods. Women wear long skirts and men wear short trousers with bells attached to them. They dance to traditional folk music which is often played on traditional musical instruments.

Some groups carry heavy black sticks with which they beat against each other while they dance. Other groups wave handkerchiefs in the air while they perform. The dances are usually performed near a pub so that when they’re over, the dancers and audience can sing some traditional folk songs over beer. The celebrations will often continue long into the night.

Morris dancing is a great English tradition but it’s facing a big crisis. As the years go by, fewer and fewer young people are joining morris dancing groups. The dancers are getting older and older and eventually, if not protected, the tradition will die out within the next few decades.

If you’ve ever had the fortune to see morris dancing, you may understand why teenagers aren’t rushing to sign up. Frankly, it’s not exactly the coolest thing for an 18-year-old to do. Why dress up in bells and funny costumes when you could be going camping, playing sports or doing anything else?

However, it would be a great shame to lose such a fun and lively part of England’s history and culture. So here’s a toast to the next generation of would-be morris dancers! Let’s hope they don’t leave it too late.

1.What is the passage mainly about?

A.The origins of moris dancing.

B.The popularity of morris dancing.

C.The protection of morris dancing.

D.The introduction of morris dancing.

2.What do we know about morris dancers?

A.They dance in pubs late into the night.

B.They perform with sticks or handkerchiefs.

C.They wear long dresses with bells attached.

D.They sing folk music while they dance.

3.What is the present situation of morris dancing?

A.It is losing appeal among young people.

B.It is keeping pace with people's demand.

C.It is witnessing great changes in history.

D.It is being criticized by modern people.

4.What does the author think about morris dancing?

A.It helps stay healthy.

B.It is fun for teenagers.

C.It deserves more attention.

D.It is too old-fashioned.

Answer

1.D

2.B

3.A

4.C

【解析】

这一篇说明文。短文介绍了即将失传的英国民间传统舞蹈---莫里斯舞，包括莫里斯舞的起源、表演方式、现状等。

1.主旨大意题。由第一段“Undoubtedly one of the strangest traditions of English culture, morris dancing is a form of folk dancing that dates back to the 15th century”可知，莫里斯舞无疑是英国文化中最奇怪的传统之一，它是一种可以追溯到15世纪的民间舞蹈。以及下文对介绍莫里斯舞具体的介绍，可以判断出，这篇文章的主要内容是关于莫里斯舞蹈的介绍。故D选项正确。

2.细节理解题。由第三段中的“Some groups carry heavy black sticks with which they beat against each other while they dance. Other groups wave handkerchiefs in the air while they perform”可知，有些人拿着沉重的黑色棍子，跳舞时用它们互相殴打。其他人表演时在空中挥舞手帕。所以莫里斯舞者用棍子或手帕表演。B故选项正确。

3.细节理解题。由第四段第二句“As the years go by, fewer and fewer young people are joining morris dancing groups”可知，随着时间的推移，参加莫里斯舞蹈团的年轻人越来越少。所以，莫里斯舞蹈的现状是它对年轻人的吸引力正在下降。故A选项正确。

4.推理判断题。由最后一段“However, it would be a great shame to lose such a fun and lively part of England’s history and culture”可知，然而，失去英格兰历史和文化中如此有趣和有活力的一部分将是一个巨大的遗憾。所以通过关键词“ shame，fun，part of England’s history and culture”可以判断出，作者认为莫里斯的舞蹈值得更多的关注，需要被保护。故C选项正确。