第三节：阅读理解(共20小题;每小题2分，满分40分)

阅读下列短文，从每题所给的四个选项(A、B、C和D)中，选出最佳选项。

A

Over time, the custom of kissing developed as a way for adults to express their love and affection for one another. The roots of this form of affection can be traced back to primitive times, when mothers fondled their children, much as mothers do today.

Much later, in the sixth century, society apparently accepted the custom of kissing between adults as an expression of their affection. Not surprisingly, France first accepted kissing in courtship (求爱). There, figure dancing was popular, and each dance was sealed with a kiss.

The custom of kissing swept from France through Europe to Russia, where Russian nobility loved to imitate the French. Eventually, the kiss was incorporated into marriage ceremonies, and today lip locks couples into sweet matrimony.

The custom of kissing today, as well as in ancient times, serves to pay homage to another. Early Romans kissed each other on the mouth or on the eyes to greet one another in a manner they thought to be dignified. One Roman emperor even ranked a person's importance by the body part he was allowed to kiss. He allowed important nobles to kiss his lips, less important ones to kiss his hands, and the least important ones to kiss his feet.

In Russia, the highest sign of recognition from the Crown meant a kiss from the Tsar himself. Today, natives of many African tribes pay homage to their Chief by kissing the ground over which he has walked.

56. What’s mainly talked about in the passage?

A. The way to express love and respect. B. The expression of affection.

C. The custom of kissing. D. The function of kissing.

57. Which of the following can best explain the underlined word “homage” in the 4th paragraph?

A. recognition B. respect C. importance D. loyalty

58 It can be learned from the passage that ___________.

A. kissing is a widely accepted way to show love and affection

B. kissing used to be a proper way to show love on the wedding ceremony

C. kissing is a widely accepted way of greeting in the world

D. kissing from the Tsar is only sign of being accepted from the Crown

59. Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?

A. It was France that made the custom of kissing go to the whole world.

B. Early Africans kissed each other on the mouth or on the eyes to greet one another.

C. One Roman emperor allowed important nobles to kiss his nose.

D. Russian nobility followed the custom of kissing from the French.

60. We can infer from the passage that __________.

A. mothers created the custom of kissing

B. kissing means differently on different occasions

C. figure dancing was usually sealed with a kiss in Russia

D. society found it hard to accept kissing in public in the sixth century

B

Statistically, air travel is by far the safest way to travel, and you can make flying even safer, just by following these simple rules. As your chances of being involved in an air accident are practically nil (零), many of these tips concern what you should and shouldn't do to make your journey safer when you are airborne (升空的).

Fly on non-stop routes

Most accidents occur during the takeoff, climb, descent and landing phases of a flight, so flying non-stop reduces your exposure to these complex procedures.

Choose larger aircraft.

Although small aircrafts have very good safety records, those with more than 30 passenger seats are designed to comply (遵守) with much stricter regulations and are tested more regularly to make sure they still comply. Also, in the unlikely event of a serious accident, larger aircraft provide a better opportunity for passenger survival.

Pay attention to the pre-flight safety briefing

The information may seem repetitious (重复的), but it's worth listening to the flight attendants. And even if you've flown before, it doesn't mean you know everything about the aircraft you're on, such as the location of the closest emergency exit.

Store things safely

Never put very heavy articles in the overhead storage bins. They may fall out when someone opens the bin and cause injury. Also, the bin may not be able to hold heavier objects during turbulence (气流).

Keep our seat belt fastened while you are seated

Cabin crew always tell you this, but it's important. You would be seriously injured if the plane hits unexpected turbulence. Always fasten your seat belt if you are told to. The general rule of flying is this: If you are told to do something, do it first and ask questions later.

Let the flight attendant pour your hot drinks

Flight attendants are trained to handle hot drinks like coffee or tea in a crowded aisle on a moving aircraft, so allow them to pour the drink and hand it to you. Never ask to take a coffee pot from one of them.

61. What is the overall reason for these air safety tips?

A. What to do in the event of a crash. B. How to avoid turbulence.

C. How to improve safety while you are flying. D. How to avoid injury.

62. The underlined word "those" in the second tip refers to _______.

A. smaller planes B. passengers C. larger aircraft D. safety records

63. The underlined phrase "The general rule" in the fifth tip refers to _______.

A. anything the flight staff tell you to do B. general safety advice

C. walking around the plane D. pouring hot drinks

64. Which of the following is NOT true?

A. Larger planes have more safety checks and are safer in an accident.

B. Take-offs are safer on non-stop flights than landings.

C. Every aircraft is different, so the safety procedures may be different.

D. Seat belts should be worn to protect against turbulence.

65. The best title of the passage should be _______.

A. The Safest Way to Travel B. Air Safety Tips

C. Non-stop Routes D. How to Fly a Plane