Question

七选五阅读。

Pearls of wisdom in Proverbs

Out of sight,out of mind.An apple a day keeps the doctor away.Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. 1.Each of the proverbs mentioned above teaches a common truth.But what exactly is a proverb?It’s a short statement that contains a general truth.It is popularly known and often repeated.

Every culture has proverbs. 2.For example,many cultures value old people for their wisdom and experience.This idea can be found in proverbs.A Chinese proverb says,“An old horse will never get lost.” And a Portuguese proverb states,“An old pan is the one that makes good food.” 3.The English say,“Good and quickly seldom meet.” The Chinese say,“Think three times before you act.” A Russian proverb exclaims,“Take your thoughts to bed with you,for the morning is wiser.”

There is a saying:To truly know a people,learn their proverbs.Proverbs contain a culture’s values and morals. 4. People in Saudi Arabia value books and learning.One of their proverbs says,“A book is a garden carried in the pocket.” The French say,“There is no pillow so soft as a clear conscience.” So that culture thinks that being honest is important.Egyptians know the value of friendship.One of their proverbs say,“Friendship doubles joy and halves grief.”

In Africa,many proverbs also use images familiar to Africans.For example,“The best way to eat an elephant in your path is cut him up into little pieces.” 5. Or “A roaring lion kills no game.” This means that one cannot achieve anything by sitting around and talking about it.One must get out and strive for it.

Learning proverbs in another language is fun.You can make a good impression with your language ability.But remember proverbs are usually used in spoken language.They are rarely used in writing.If you use a lot of proverbs when you write,people will think you don’t have original thoughts.

A.What is your favorite proverb?

B.Have you heard any of these proverbs before?

C.Many cultures also agree that acting in a hurry is not a good idea.

D.And while some are special for one culture,there are common themes.

E.In other words,the best way to solve a problem is to work on it bit by bit.

F.There are also proverbs such as “get your ducks in a row.”

G.So you can learn what is valued in different cultures through their proverbs.

Answer 1