A
How men first learned to invent words is unknown; in other words, the origin of language is a mystery. All we really know is that men, unlike animals, somehow invented certain sounds to express thoughts and feelings, actions and things, so that they could communicate with each other; and that later they agreed upon certain signs, they called letters, which could be combined to represent those sounds, and which could be written down. Those sounds, whether spoken, or written in letters, we call words.
The power of words, then, lies in their associations — the things they bring up before our minds. Words become filled with meaning for us by experience; and the longer we live, the more certain words recall to us the glad and sad events of our past; and the more we read and learn, the more the number of words that mean something to us increase.
Great writers are those who not only have great thoughts but also express these thoughts in words which appeal powerfully to our minds and feelings. This charming and telling use of words is what we call literary style. Above all, the real poet is a master of words. He can convey his meaning in words which sing like music, and which by their position and association can move men to tears. We should therefore learn to choose our words carefully and use them accurately, or they make our speech silly and rude.
1．Which of the following can be the best title for this passage?
A. The History of Words B. The Origin of Words
C. The Power of Words D. The Future of Words
答案与解析 C 标题归纳题。文章第一段解释了words，第二段说明语言力量的原因，第三段说明语言力量的方式，故C项正确。
2．What's the first paragraph mainly about?
A. The inventors of words.
B. The mystery of language.
C. The origin of letters.
D. The explanation of words.
答案与解析 D 段落大意题。第一段由人们的想法→字母→声音→单词，故而是对单词的解释。
3．What's the main point of the second paragraph?
A. The connections between words make words powerful.
B. The experience makes words more and more meaningful.
C. The power of words has much relationship with one's age.
D. One's vocabulary increases mainly with the growing years.
答案与解析 A 段落大意题。文章第二段第一句即是第二段主旨所在。
4．What's the main idea of the last paragraph?
A. Great writers must have great thoughts and feelings.
B. The achievements in literary also express the power of words.
C. The real poet is a master of words and a musician as well.
D. It's important to choose words carefully when making speech.
答案与解析 B 段落大意题。文章第三段第一句就表明了第三段的大意所在。
5．What's the meaning of the underlined word “telling” according to the passage?
A. Saying. B. Recognizing.
C. Vivid. D. Angry.
答案与解析 C 词义猜测题。由telling前面的形容词charming可知C项正确。
