阅读理解。
As we know, there are differences between Western culture and Chinese culture. We can see
d
ifferences when we pay attention to the way words are used. Let's look at some words about animals
and plants. Most expressions in Chinese about the dog, for example, "a homeless dog", "a mad dog", "a
running dog" and "a dog catching a mouse", have negative meanings. But in Western countries, dogs are
considered to be honest and good friends of humans. In English, people use the dog to describe positive
actions. For example, "you are a lucky dog" means you are a lucky person. And "every dog has its day"
means each person has good luck sometimes. To describe a person's serious illness, they say "sick as a
dog". The word "dog-tired" means very tired. However, Chinese love cats very much. But in Western
culture, "cat" is often used to describe a woman who is cruel (冷酷的). There are many other examples
of how "cat" is used differently as well.
The rose is regarded as a symbol of love in both China and some Western countries. People think the
rose stands for love, peace, courage and friendship. And the rose is the national f lower of England,
America and many other countries.
The words about plants and animals are used in positive or negative ways in different cultures. We can
learn about many differences in cultures by comparing how some words are used.
1. The word "dog" in Chinese usually _____.
A. shows peace
B. stands for friendship
C. has a negative meaning
D. has a positive meaning
2. "Every dog has its day" means "_____" in English.
A. Everybody in the world is lucky
B. Each person lives his own way of life
C. If one works hard, he's sure to succeed
D. Everybody has a time in life to be lucky
3. Western people usually use "cat" to refer to (指代) "_____".
A. a tired person
B. a brave man
C. a homeless person
D. an unkind woman
34. Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?
A. Words show differences in cultures.
B. Chinese people prefer dogs to cats.
C. Western people regard cats as good friends.
D. Rose is the national flower of all Western countries.
5. What's the BEST title for the passage?
A. Negative or Positive?
B. Different Countries Have Different Cultures
C. Rose Means the Same in Chinese and English
D. What Dog and Cat Mean in English and Chinese
