The wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton on April 29 has focused the world's
attention on the UK.
In Britain, there is a constant debate about the connection of the royal family with modern British
society. However, Windsor (the family name of the British Royal Family) and Middleton have been seen
to represent a more modern, forward-looking nation.
Nigel Baker, the British ambassador to Bolivia, believes that the royal wedding is "about modern
Britain". "The estimated 2 billion spectators across the world will see that Britain is one of the most
culturally and ethnically(种族上)various nations in the world, home to 270 nationalities speaking 300
different languages, founded on tolerance and respect for difference," wrote Baker on his blog.
According to Baker, the wedding could help viewers to see "why Britain is one of the most dynamic
(有活力的)and creative countries in the world": The television on which most people watched the event
was invented by John Logie Baird, a Briton, and the World Wide Web that broadcast the event to
millions more was invented by another Briton, Tim Berners-Lee.
The guests who attended the wedding ceremony gave more than a few clues as to the nature of
modern Britain. David and Victoria Beckham represent Britain's obsession(着迷)with football and
celebrity.
Leaders from different religious backgrounds supported Baker's comments on the multicultural nature
of modern British society.
Before the wedding, David Elliott, arts director of the British Council China, agreed that the wedding
would be a showcase for modern Britain: "I think, and hope, that it (modern British influence) would be
values like openness, multiculturalism, creativity, sense of humor and the traditional British sense of fair
play," he said.
Furthermore, events such as the Olympics in London in 2012 may also increase people's sense of
Britishness.
According to a poll published in Daily Telegraph, more than a third of people in the UK admitted they
felt "very British" when watching the Olympics.
1. What is the main point of the article?
A. To introduce Prince William's wedding arrangements in detail.
B. To comment on the significance of the royal wedding.
C. To question the connection of the royal family in modern British society.
D. To explain why the royal wedding is linked with the 2012 Olympics.
2. What can be concluded from the article?
A. Some say that the royal wedding is a reflection on modern Britain.
B. Some think the royal wedding only shows Britain's multiculturalism and sense of fair play.
C. About 2 billion people across the world will see the wedding ceremony online.
D. Britons are obsessed with football due to the influence of David Beckham.
3. Why is the inventor of the World Wide Web mentioned?
A. To inform readers about some well-known British inventors.
B. To point to the importance of the World Wide Web for the wedding.
C. In support of the idea that Britain is a nation of creative and dynamic people.
D. To encourage people to watch the wedding on the Internet.
4. According to the article, both the 2012 Olympics and the royal wedding .
A. have increased the British sense of national identity
B. have promoted traditional British values
C. represent a more modern Britain
D. have encouraged the interest of Britons in Football
