Festivals around the world Unit 1 Festivals around the world
话 题 导 入
February has long been a month of romance February has long been a month of romance. With the sweet smell of roses in the air, romantic films hit cinemas and love stories fill newspapers and magazines. On the 14th day, it is a custom for a boy to take his girlfriend out to dinner, buy her flowers and chocolates, write poems, sing to her or even spell out her name with rose petals! This is what you see on Valentine's Day, a day named after Valentine who was a priest in the third century Rome. When the emperor (皇帝) decided that single men could become better soldiers than those with wives, he didn't allow marriage.
But Valentine continued to perform marriage ceremonies for young lovers in secret. When his actions were discovered, the emperor sentenced him to death. While in prison, it is said that Valentine fell in love with the daughter of his prison guard. Before his death, he wrote her a letter, which he signed “From your Valentine”， an expression that is still in use today. Valentine died for what he believed in and so he was made a Saint (圣徒), as well as becoming one of history's most romantic characters.
Nowadays, Valentine's Day is also popular among Chinese young people Nowadays, Valentine's Day is also popular among Chinese young people. Some students are planning to make Valentine's cards for parents, teachers and friends. Others want to hold parties at which they will exchange small gifts and eat heartshaped cakes. The idea is to have fun and encourage people to share in the spirit of St. Valentine. 文章大意：二月作为浪漫的月份由来已久。在这个时节，空气弥漫着玫瑰的芳香，影院里放映浪漫的电影，而爱情故事在各种报刊上令人目不睱接。2月14日是情人节，你们了解情人节的由来吗？
1．Why did the emperor in Rome not allow marriage in his country? A．Because there were few women in his country at that time. B．Because he thought men without wives could be better soldiers. C．Because there wasn't enough food for so many people. D．Because he wanted to control the birth rate. 答案：B 细节理解题。根据第二段最后一句可知，罗马皇帝认为单身男人比有妻子的男人更适合当兵打仗，于是他下令禁止结婚。
2．Valentine was put into prison because ________. A．he killed one of the soldiers B．he stole a lot of food C．he didn't obey the emperor's order D．he didn't want to be a soldier 答案：C 细节理解题。从第三段第一、二句话“But Valentine continued to perform marriage ceremonies for young lovers in secret. When his actions were discovered, the emperor sentenced him to death.”可知瓦伦丁没有遵守皇帝的命令。
3．The last paragraph mainly tells us ________. A．students in China send cards to their teachers B．it is a good idea to celebrate Valentine's Day in China C．it is interesting to celebrate Valentine's Day in China D．Valentine's Day is also popular in China now 答案：D 细节题。从最后一段的第一句话“Nowadays, Valentine's Day is also popular among Chinese young people.”可知它在中国年轻人当中的普及程度。
4．The best title for this passage should be ________. A．Valentine's Day B．A Brave Priest C．Valentine's Day in China D．A Romantic Man 答案：A 主旨大意题。文章主要帮助我们了解情人节的历史，选A。