There seems never to have been a civilization(文明) without toys, but when and how they developed is unknown. They probably came about just to give children something to do.

In the ancient world, as is today, most boys play with some kinds of toys and most girls with another. In societies where social roles are strictly determined, boys pattern their play after the activities of their fathers and girls after the tasks of their mothers. This is true because boys and girls are being prepared, even in play, to step into the roles and responsibilities of the adult world.

What is remarkable about the history of toys is not so much how they changed over the centuries but how much they have remained the same. It is the universality of toys about their development in all parts of the world and their continuing to the present that is amazing. In Egypt, the Americas, China, Japan and among the Arctic peoples, generally the same kinds of toys appeared. Nearly every civilization had dolls, little weapons, toy soldiers, tiny animals and vehicles.

Because toys can be generally regarded as a kind of art form, they have not been subject to (服从于) technological progress that characterizes inventions for adult use. The progress from the wheel to the oxcart to the automobile is a direct line of advancement. The progress from a rattle (拨浪鼓) used by a baby in 3,000 BC to one used by an infant today, however, is not characterized by inventiveness. Each rattle is the product of the artistic tastes of the times and subject to the limitations of materials then ready for use. (words: 285 ; time : 5ms)

1. The reason why the toys most boys play with are different from those that girls play with is that ________ .

A. their social roles are strictly determined

B. most boys would like to follow their fathers' jobs

C. boys like to play with their fathers while girls with their mothers

D. they like challenging activities.

2. "The universality of toys" lies in the fact that ________ .

A. technological advances have greatly improved the making of toys

B. the improvement of techniques in making toys depends on the efforts of universities

C. the exploration of the universe has led to the creation of new kinds of toys

D. the basic characteristics of toys are the same all over the world

3. Regarded as a kind of art form, toys ________.

A. follow a direct line of development

B. also greatly interest adults

C. are not characterized by progress in technology

D. show the pace of social progress

（C）篇

1. A。由原文第二段第二句可知。

2. D。根据文章第三段第一句和第三句可知,玩具的基本的特征变化不大。

3. C。由文章最后一段第一句可知,玩具作为一种艺术形式,不因科技变化而变化。

根据文章的意思，在空白处填上一个适当单词

　　They hunted bison, a type of cattle which used to exist 1 huge numbers on the plains of America. The bison grows 2 a shoulder-height of 1.5 metres and can weigh 1,100 kilograms. It was an important part of native Americans' life, Bison 3 killed for their meat, 4 their fur provided warm clothing during cold winters. The native Americans made tents and water containers 5 the skins and tools from the bones. The teeth were used to make necklaces.

　　From about 1830 6 in the USA and from about 1870 in Canada, European settlers began to move westward. Large groups of native Americans were forced to move away from their old hunting grounds. When they resisted, they were killed. There were many fierce wars between native Americans and European settlers. Settlers made agreements 7 native American chiefs but always broke them afterwards. 8 this way; native Americans were forced onto poor land that settlers did not want.

　　The settles built railways 9 the plains and began to hunt even more bison. While early settlers had killed bison 10 food, now the killing became more widespread. They killed the bison, cut off the skins and left the bodies to rot.

根据文章的意思，在空缺处填上一个适当的单词

　　Rio de Janeiro, Brazil's second largest city, 1 itself lazily along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. It is a beautiful city. It has modern malls, theme parks and beautiful beaches. A trip to Rio will also give you a glimpse of a happy lifestyle of the cariocas-the people of Rio-who are 2 for their big hearts and friendliness.

　　Downtown Rio is the city's cultural and 3 heart. It is also the perfect place for a walk. Old buildings and churches stand 4 to stores and dance halls, and a walk through downtown is a history lesson and an adventure. The many tall office buildings 5 visitors that Rio is an important 6 city.

　　The beach is never far away in Rio. Perhaps the most of famous of all beaches, Copacabana, is only a few bus stops from downtown. Copacabana, also known as the “Princess of the Sea”, has just 7 its one hundredth birthday and is more beautiful than ever. The beach is clean and over ten miles long. Visitors who get 8 of the sand and the sun can cool off in one of the many cafes, shops, and restaurants on Copacabana's main avenue.

　　So what kind of fun can you have in Rio? Well, there is something for everyone here and few visitors leave Rio feeling disappointed. The best time to visit is in June or July, when the South American winter 9 the city, but the biggest tourism season comes around March, when the cariocas celebrate the sun with a fouday festival. The festival, known as Carival, is one of the world's most famous and 10 visitors from all over the world.