“Belittle” was first used by Thomas Jefferson...

“Belittle” was first used by Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States.

Many years ago, Buffon, a French naturalist, wrote some books about natural history. The books were a great success even though some critics did not like them. Some critics said, “Buffon is more of a poet than a scientist.”

Thomas Jefferson did not like what Buffon had said about the natural wonders of the New World. It seemed to Jefferson that Buffon had spoken of natural wonders in America as if they were unimportant.

This troubled Thomas Jefferson. He was a naturalist, as well as a farmer, inventor, historian, writer and politician. He had seen the natural wonders of Europe. To him, they were no more important than those of the New World.

In 1788, Thomas Jefferson wrote about his home state, Virginia. While writing, he thought of its natural beauty and then of the words of Buffon. At that moment, Jefferson created a new word－belittle. He said, “Buffon believes that nature belittles her productions on this side of the Atlantic.”

Noah Webster, the American word expert, liked this word. He put it in his English language dictionary in 1806, “Belittle－to make somebody or something small, unimportant.”

Americans had already accepted Jefferson’s word and started to use it. In 1797, the Independent Chronicle newspaper used the word to describe a politician the paper supported. “He is an honorable man,” the paper wrote, “so let the opposition try to belittle him as much as they please.

In 1872, a famous American word expert decided that the time had come to kill this word. He said, “‘Belittle’ has no chance of becoming English. And as more critical writers of America, like those of Britain, feel no need of it, the sooner it is forgotten, the better.” This expert failed to kill the word. Today, “belittle” is used where the English language is spoken.

1.What was the reason for Jefferson’s creating the new word?

A. He was a naturalist and writer.

B. Lots of critics disliked Button’s books.

C. He disagreed with Buffon’s views on natural wonders in America.

D. Lots of critics thought Buffon wasn’t a real naturalist.

2.What do we know about Buffon according to the text?

A. Some of his books were welcome by readers.

B. Some of his poems were known to Jefferson.

C. He made some wrong comments on Jefferson.

D. He made great contributions to the creation of “belittle”.

3.What does the underlined word “those” in the last paragraph refer to?

A. The English words.

B. The critical writers.

C. The word experts.

D. The English-speaking countries.

4.What may be the best title for the text?

A. The comment on the New World

B. The creation of Thomas Jefferson

C. The argument about the new word

D. The history of the word “belittle”

高二英语阅读理解困难题查看答案及解析

“Belittle” was first used by Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States.

Many years ago, Buffon, a French naturalist, wrote some books about natural history. The books were a great success even though some critics did not like them. Some critics said, “Buffon is more of a poet than a scientist.”

Thomas Jefferson did not like what Buffon had said about the natural wonders of the New World. It seemed to Jefferson that Buffon had spoken of natural wonders in America as if they were unimportant.

This troubled Thomas Jefferson. He was a naturalist, as well as a farmer, inventor, historian, writer and politician. He had seen the natural wonders of Europe. To him, they were no more important than those of the New World.

In 1788, Thomas Jefferson wrote about his home state, Virginia. While writing, he thought of its natural beauty and then of the words of Buffon. At that moment, Jefferson created a new word-belittle. He said. “Buffon believes that nature belittles her productions on this side of the Atlantic.”

Noah Webster, the American word expert, liked this word. He put it in his English language dictionary in 1806, “Belittle-to make somebody or something small, unimportant.”

Americans had already accepted Jefferson’s word and started to use it. In 1797, the Independent Chronicle newspaper used the word to describe a politician the paper supported. “He is an honorable man,” the paper wrote, “so let the opposition try to belittle him as much as they please.”

In 1872, a famous American word expert decided that the time had come to kill this word. He said, “‘Belittle’ has no chance of becoming English. And as more critical writers of America, like those of Britain, feel no need of it, the sooner it is forgotten, the better.” This expert failed to kill the word. Today, “belittle” is used where the English language is spoken.

1.What was the reason for Jefferson’s creating the new word?

A. He was a naturalist and writer.

B. Lots of critics disliked Buffon’s books.

C. Lots of critics thought Buffon wasn't a real naturalist.

D. He disagreed with Buffon’s views on natural wonders in America.

2.What do we know about Buffon according to the text?

A. Some of his poems were known to Jefferson.

B. Some of his books were welcome by readers.

C. He made some wrong comments on Jefferson.

D. He made great contributions to the creation of “belittle”.

3.What does the underlined word “those” in the last paragraph refer to?

A. The critical writers.

B. The English words.

C. The word experts.

D. The English-speaking countries.

4.What may be the best title for the text?

A. The comment on the New World

B. The creation of Thomas Jefferson

C. The history of the word “belittle”

D. The argument about the new word

高二英语阅读理解简单题查看答案及解析

Riding was the favourite activity of Thomas Jefferson, who was the third President of the United States. He usually rode good horses.

One day, he was riding outside Washington, when a jockey (赛马师) came near. He did not know the President, but his professional eye was attracted by Mr. Jefferson’s horse. He stopped and said that he wanted to buy the horse, but Mr. Jefferson politely refused his offer.

The jockey offered more money for the horse, because the closer he looked at the horse, the more he liked it. All of his offers were refused, which made him angry. He then became rude, but his rudeness left as little an impression as his money, for Jefferson had a very good temper. At last, he hit Mr. Jefferson’s horse with his whip, getting it to run suddenly. This would have thrown a less skillful rider to the ground, but Jefferson stayed on his seat, and controlled his horse well.

The jockey then gave up. He rode with Mr. Jefferson side by side and began to talk with him about politics. Jefferson joined in the conversation. When they got into the city and came close to the gate of the presidential mansion (总统府), Mr. Jefferson stopped, and politely invited the man to enter.

The jockey was surprised and asked, “Why? Do you live here?”

“Yes” was the simple reply.

“Why, stranger, what’s your name?”

“My name is Thomas Jefferson.”

Embarrassed, the man quickly left, while the President looked at him with a smile and then rode through the gate.

1.Which is the best title for the passage?

A. Jefferson and the Jockey   B. Jefferson’s Interest

C. Be Polite to Everyone     D. No Pain, No Gain

2. Which word can best describe the jockey?

A. Professional.    B. Skillful.      C. Impatient.       D. Impolite.

3.The underlined word “embarrassed” can be replaced by “__________”.

A. worried        B. pleased       C. hurried         D. ashamed

4.We can infer from the passage that __________.

A. the jockey had once bought a horse from another stranger

B. Mr. Jefferson was very good at riding a horse

C. Mr. Jefferson would invite the jockey to his own house later

D. the jockey would not talk about this experience to others

5.According to the passage, which of the following statement is true?

A. The President of the US is fond of riding.

B. The jockey managed to buy the horse from Mr. Jefferson.

C. Mr. Jefferson, the third President of the United States, was a man of good manners.

D. All the presidents of the US have expensive horses.

高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

As we all know, it was Thomas Jefferson who wrote the Declaration of the Independence. He wrote it in two weeks, and after a few changes, it was accepted by the Congress. As a result, he became famous.

Born in Virginia, Thomas Jefferson, a brilliant student at school and almost talented lawyer later, was much interested in politics.

Jefferson was elected Governor of Virginia in 1779, and he was sent to France as the representative of the American government in 1784. Sixteen years later, at the age of 57, he was elected president after Washington and Adams.

Far from a handsome man, he was tall with long arms and big hands. Jefferson, who was an amusing talker in conversation but a poor speaker, was generally good-natured.

Jefferson was regarded as a defender of freedom on America. As a president, he protected the right of free speech. Interestingly enough, in his eight years as President, Jefferson never vetoed a bill which Congress had passed. He did a lot in organizing the new University of Virginia.

Thomas Jefferson died on July the fourth, 1826, the 50th anniversary of American Independence.

1.From the passage we can infer that America won its independence in ________.

A. 1786　　 B. 1776

C. 1842　　 D. 1800

2.How old was Thomas Jefferson when he became Governor of Virginia?

A. He was 26.　　 B. He was in his forties.

C. He was 36.　　 D. We don’t know.

3.Which of the following statements is true?

A. Jefferson was not only very talented but also very handsome.

B. Jefferson was not an easy person to get along with.

C. Jefferson was an amusing talker, but not good at speaking in public.

D. Not being politically-minded, Jefferson never vetoed a bill passed by the Congress.

4.Jefferson died when he was ________.

A. 72　　 B. 73

C. 83　　 D. 92

高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

As we all know，it was Thomas Jefferson who wrote the Declaration of Independence (独立宣言)．He wrote it in two weeks，and after a few changes，it was accepted by the Congress．As a result，he became famous in America's history．

Born in Virginia，Thomas Jefferson，a brilliant student at school and almost talented lawyer later，was much interested in politics.

Jefferson was elected Governor of Virginia in 1779，and he was sent to France as the Representative of the American Government in 1784．Sixteen years later，at the age of 57，he was elected president after Washington and Adams．

Far from a handsome man，he was is tall with long arms and big hands．Jefferson，who was an amusing talker in conversation，but a poor speaker，was generally good-natured．

Jefferson was regarded as a defender(捍卫者)of freedom Of America．As a president，he protected the right of speech．Interestingly enough，in his eight years as president，：Jefferson never said “No” to a bill(议案)which the Congress had passed．He did a lot in organizing the new University of Virginia．

Thomas Jefferson died on July the fourth，1826，the fiftieth anniversary of America’s independence．

1.

We are most likely to read this passage in ________ ．

A．a daily newspaper      B．a popular advertisement

C．a hi story book         D．an important notice

2.

Which of the following statements about Jefferson’s personality is true?

A．He was a shy and slow learner when he was at school．

B．He was not an easy person to get along with at all

C．He was not only very talented but also very handsome．

D．He was an amusing talker，but not good at speaking in public．

3.

Jefferson’s greatest contribution in America’history is that ________  ．

A．he was for the right of free speech

B．he was sent to France as the Representative

C.  he wrote the Declaration of Independence

D．he organized the new University of Virginia

4.

Thomas Jefferson was elected president of the United States in the year of  ________ .

A. 1779      B．1784      C．1800   D．1826

高二英语阅读理解简单题查看答案及解析

As we all know，it was Thomas Jefferson who wrote the Declaration of Independence (独立宣言)．He wrote it in two weeks，and after a few changes，it was accepted by the Congress．As a result，he became famous in America's history．

Born in Virginia，Thomas Jefferson，a brilliant student at school and almost talented lawyer later，was much interested in politics.

Jefferson was elected Governor of Virginia in 1779，and he was sent to France as the Representative of the American Government in 1784．Sixteen years later，at the age of 57，he was elected president after Washington and Adams．

Far from a handsome man，he was is tall with long arms and big hands．Jefferson，who was an amusing talker in conversation，but a poor speaker，was generally good-natured．

Jefferson was regarded as a defender(捍卫者)of freedom Of America．As a president，he protected the right of speech．Interestingly enough，in his eight years as president，：Jefferson never said “No” to a bill(议案)!which the Congress had passed．He did a lot in organizing the new University of Virginia．

Thomas Jefferson died on July the fourth，1826，the fiftieth anniversary of America’s independence．

1.Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

A. Thomas Jefferson  B. Lincoln   C. Washington   D. Adams

2.We are most likely to read this passage in________．

A．a daily newspaper            B．a popular advertisement

C．a history book              D．an important notice

3.Which of the following statements about Jefferson’s personality is true?

A．He was a shy and slow learner when he was at school．

B．He was not an easy person to get along with at all

C．He was not only very talented but also very handsome．

D．He was an amusing talker，but not good at speaking in public．

4.Jefferson’s greatest contribution in America’s history is that________．

A．he was for the right of free speech

B．he was sent to France as the Representative

C.  he wrote the Declaration of Independence

D．he organized the new University of Virginia

5.Thomas Jefferson was elected president of the United States in the year of ________.

A. 1779         B．1784         C．1800         D．1826

高二英语阅读理解简单题查看答案及解析

The French word renaissance means rebirth. It was first used in 1855 by the historian Jules Michelet in his History of France, then adopted by historians of culture, by art historians, and eventually by music historians, all of whom applied it to European culture during the 150 years spanning 1450-1600. The concept of rebirth was appropriate to this period of European history because of the renewed interest in ancient Greek and Roman culture that began in Italy and then spread throughout Europe. Scholars and artists of this period wanted to restore the learning and ideals of the classical civilizations of Greece and Rome. To these scholars this meant a return to human. Fulfillment in life became a desirable goal, and expressing the entire range of human emotions and enjoying the pleasures of the senses were no longer frowned on. Artists and writers now turned to religious subject matter and sought to make their works understandable and appealing.

These changes in outlook deeply affected the musical culture of the Renaissance period--- how people thought about music as well as the way music was composed and experienced. They could see the architectural monuments, sculptures, plays, and poems that were being rediscovered, but they could not actually hear ancient music --- although they could read the writings of classical philosophers, poets, essayists, and music theorists that were becoming available in translation. They learned about the power of ancient music to move the listener and wondered why modern music did not have the same effect. For example, the influential religious leader Bernardino Cirillo expressed disappointment with the learned music of his time. He urged musicians to follow the example of the sculptors, painters, architects, and scholars who had rediscovered ancient art and literature.

The musical Renaissance in Europe was more a general cultural movement and state of mind than a specific set of musical techniques. Furthermore, music changed so rapidly during this century and a half-though at different rates in different countries---that we cannot define a single Renaissance style.

1. What does the author mean by using the word “eventually” in line 3?

A. That music historians used the term “Renaissance” after the other historians did

B. That most music historians used the term “Renaissance”

C. The term “Renaissance” became widely used by art historians but not by music historians

D. That music historians used the term “Renaissance” very differently than it had been used by Jules Michelet

2. The phrase "frowned on" in line 9 is closest in meaning to

A. given up     B. forgotten about   C. argued about  D. disapproved of

3. It can be inferred from the passage that thinkers of the Renaissance were seeking a rebirth of__.

A. communication among artists across Europe

B. spirituality in everyday life

C. a cultural emphasis on human values

D. religious themes in art that would accompany the traditional secular themes

4. According to the passage, why was Bemardino Cirillo disappointed with the music of his time?

A. It was not complex enough to appeal to musicians.

B. It had little emotional impact on audiences.

C. It was too dependent on the art and literature of his time.

D. It did not contain enough religious themes.

5. Which of the following is mentioned in the passage as a reason for the absence of a single Renaissance musical style?

A. The musical Renaissance was defined by technique rather than style.

B. The musical Renaissance was too short to give rise to a new musical style.

C. Renaissance musicians adopted the styles of both Greek and Roman musicians.

D. During the Renaissance, music never remained the same for very long.

高二英语阅读理解简单题查看答案及解析

The French word renaissance means rebirth. It was first used in 1855 by the historian Jules Michelet in his History of France，then adopted by historians of culture，by art historians，and eventually by music historians，all of whom applied it to European culture during the 150 years spanning 1450－1600.The concept of rebirth was appropriate to this period of European history because of the renewed interest in ancient Greek and Roman culture that began in Italy and then spread throughout Europe. Scholars and artists of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries wanted to restore the learning and ideals of the classical civilizations of Greece and Rome. To these scholars this meant a return to human—as opposed to spiritual values. Fulfillment in life—as opposed to concern about an afterlife—became a desirable goal，and expressing the entire range of human emotions and enjoying the pleasures of the senses were no longer frowned(皱眉头) on. Artists and writers now turned to secular(不朽的)as well as religious subject matter and sought to make their works understandable and appealing.

These changes in outlook deeply affected the musical culture of the Renaissance period—how people thought about music as well as the way music was composed，experienced，discussed，and circulated. They could see the architectural monuments，sculptures(雕塑)，plays，and poems that were being rediscovered，but they could not actually hear ancient music—although they could read the writings of classical philosophers，poets，essayists，and music theorists that were becoming available in translation. They learned about the power of ancient music to move the listener and wondered why modern music did not have the same effect. For example，the influential religious leader Bernardino Cirillo expressed disappointment with the learned music of his time. He urged musicians to follow the example of the sculptors，painters，architects，and scholars who had rediscovered ancient art and literature.

The musical Renaissance in Europe was more a general cultural movement and state of mind than a specific set of musical techniques. Furthermore，music changed so rapidly during this century and a half—though at different rates in different countries—that we cannot define a single Renaissance style.

1.What is the passage mainly about?

A．The musical compositions that best illustrate the developments during the European Renaissance.

B．The musical techniques that were in use during the European Renaissance.

C．The European Renaissance as a cultural development that included changes in musical style.

D．The ancient Greek and Roman musical practices used during the European Renaissance.

2.The underlined word “now” in Paragraph 1 refers to ________.

A．1855

B．the period of the Renaissance

C．the time of the classical civilizations of Greece and Rome

D．the time at which the author wrote the passage

3.It can be inferred from the passage that thinkers of the Renaissance were seeking a rebirth of ________.

A．spirituality in everyday life

B．communication among artists across Europe

C．a cultural emphasis on human values

D．religious themes in art that would accompany the traditional secular themes

4.What can be inferred about the music of ancient Greece and Rome?

A．Its effect on listeners was described in a number of classical texts.

B．It was played on instruments that are familiar to modern audiences.

C．It expressed more different ideals than classical sculpture，painting and poetry.

D．It had the same effect on Renaissance audiences as it had when originally performed.

5.According to the passage，why was Bernardino Cirillo disappointed with the music of his time?

A．It did not contain enough religious themes.

B．It had little emotional impact on audiences.

C．It was not complex enough to appeal to musicians.

D．It was too dependent on the art and literature of his time.

高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

The expression “keeping up with the Joneses” was first used in 1913 by a young American Arthur Momand. He told this story about himself: he began earning $125 a week at the age of 23. That was a lot of money in those days. Young Momand was very proud of his riches. He got married and moved with his wife to Long Island, outside New York City.

But just moving there was not enough. For when Momand and his wife saw that their neighbors belonged to a country club they too joined a club. And when he saw that rich people were expected to ride horses, Momand went horseback riding every day. Momand and his wife also hired a servant and gave grand parties for their new neighbors.

It was like a race, but one could never finish this race because one was always trying to keep up. Momand and his wife could not do that.

The race ended for them when they could no longer pay for their new way of life. They moved back to an inexpensive New York City apartment.

Momand later said that his experience had been a cruel awakening for him. However, he was able to see the funny side of it. He looked around him and noticed that many people do things just to keep up with their neighbors.

He decided that this would make good stories for many papers across the country. He called it “Keeping up with the Joneses”, because “Jones” is a very common American name. “Keeping up with the Joneses” came to mean keeping up with the people around you. Momand’s stories appeared in different newspapers for over 28 years.

People never seem to tire of keeping up with the Joneses. That is one reason why they read the “right” books, go to the “right” universities and eat in the “right” restaurants. But no matter what one does, Mr. Jones always seems to be ahead.

1.The writer of this passage means to tell us ___________.

A．what Arthur Momand did to keep up with his neighbors

B．how the expression “keep up with the Joneses” came into being

C．what we should do to keep up with our neighbors

D．how we can live differently from others

2.The reason Momand moved to Long Island is that ___________.

A．he wanted to live in a rich neighborhood

B．there was a country club for him to join

C．it was outside the city and good for horseback riding

D．his wife came from that area

3.By saying “It was like a race”(in Para 3), the writer means ____________.

A．it was just a suitable place for the horse race

B．Momand and his wife kept themselves busy

C．Momand’s neighbors also gave parties one after another

D．Momand tried to compete with their neighbors in his way of life

4.The funny side Momand saw in his experience was _________.

A．he moved back to a cheap place

B．he was not alone in keeping up with his neighbors

C．he made a mistake in following other people’s examples

D．he cared too much about what others thought of him

5.Which of the following statements is NOT true according to the passage?

A．Momand earned a lot of money when he got married

B．Momand was always very interested in riding horses

C．Momand found there was something wrong with his way of life

D．Momand wrote stories for newspapers about himself and his neighbors

高二英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

Their use was ______ by laws, the first of which dates back to the fourteenth century.

A.limited B.limiting

C.to limit D.being limiting

高二英语单项填空中等难度题查看答案及解析