Beijing is the capital of China. It is also one of the birthplaces of the Chinese civilization (文明) and one of the six ancient capital cities in China. It is the second biggest city with an area of 17,020 square kilometers. Beijing is changing every day and it is becoming more and more beautiful. Now there are a lot of new buildings, modern shopping malls and large markets.

In the past, Beijing was very clean and quiet and most people went to work or school by bike. Things have changed a lot. Now people can take the bus, the underground or the taxi to go to work or school. It is fast and convenient.

The changes in Beijing have brought many advantages but they have also caused some problems: air pollution, noise pollution, sandstorms and lots of traffic. 

1.How many ancient capital cities are there in China?

A．one              B．five              C．six               D．seven

2.How many kinds of problems are mentioned in this passage?

A．four             B．five              C．six               D．seven

3.In the past, people went to work or school ___________.

A．by car            B．by taxi            C．by underground    D．by bike

4.Which statement is the right?

A．Beijing is the biggest city of China.

B．There were many tall buildings in Beijing in the past.

C．The transport in Beijing is fast and convenient.

D．The changes to Beijing have only brought advantages.

5.Which is the best title of this passage?

A．Beijing is the capital of China.              B．Birthplace of China.

C．The problems Beijing have now.            D．Beijing’s past and present.

Beijing is the capital of China. It is also one of the birthplaces of the Chinese civilization (文明) and one of the six ancient capital cities in China. It is the second biggest city with an area of 17,020 square kilometers. Beijing is changing every day and it is becoming more and more beautiful. Now there are a lot of new buildings, modern shopping malls and large markets.
In the past, Beijing was very clean and quiet and most people went to work or school by bike. Things have changed a lot. Now people can take the bus, the underground or the taxi to go to work or school. It is fast and convenient.
The changes in Beijing have brought many advantages but they have also caused some problems: air pollution, noise pollution, sandstorms and lots of traffic. 
【小题1】How many ancient capital cities are there in China?

　　At first about ten cities are quite (4) in bidding（申办）for the Olympic Games of 2008.“Beijing, Toronto and Paris are (5) cities bidding for the Olympic Games of 2008,”said Richard W. Pound, the IOC's first vice president.

　　“The host city of the Olympic games of 2008 will be decided at the IOC meeting in Moscow in July, 2001. Beijing is getting ready (6) them because it nearly became the host of the Olympic Games of 2000 and Toronto and Paris also have strong power,” said Pound (7) an IOC meeting.