阅读理解。
One of the traditions which is now a necessary part of Christmas is that of Father Christmas, or Santa
Claus. According to the modem legend, he is a magical figure who visits all the children of the world during
the night before Christmas Day, leaving presents which they find the next moming. He flies through the
night sky in a sledge pulled by reindeer, and enters houses by climbing down chimneys. This strange legend
is based on the life of a man called Nicholas, but in fact we know very little about him. Historians think he
was a Christian bishop (主教) in Turkey in about 285-350. One of the stories about him is that he helped
three poor girls. No one would marry them because they were so poor.To provide them with money for their
weddings, Nicholas secretly dropped some gold coins down the chimneys of their houses. After Nicholas
died, he was made a saint (圣人) by the church. (The name Santa Claus thus comes from St Nicholas.) His
feast day was celebrated in December, and parents started giving their children secret presents from St
Nicholas. Over the years, this custom became part of our Christmas traditions.
Recently, a psychologist has claimed that Father Christmas is "the perfect fantasy" for children. According
to Professor Anthony Clare, children love the character of Father Christmas because he is like an ideal father:
he loves children and gives them presents, but he never criticizes them, or becomes angry, and children do
not even need to thank him for the presents. Other writers, however, point out that Father Christmas can be
a frightening character to some children. Jane Bidder says that some children are terrified of this fat, bearded
old man. It can certainly confuse many children. As parents, we warn our children to be careful of strangers
and never let them onto the house, and yet we tell children that a strange man will come into their bedroom at
night! Some children can become very worried about this idea and fear that he is a kind of burglar.
Most children, however, understand from their parents and from the media that Father Christmas is
basically a benign character, and look forward to his annual visit with joy and excitement.
1. The main point of the first paragraph is that [ ]
A. Father Christmas is an important part of Christmas
B. the tradition of Father Christmas is a modem idea
C. Father Christmas is a magical figure who can fly
D. the legend about Father Christmas are not true
2. The writer mentions details such as Father Christmas's sledge,the reindeer and the way he climbs down
chimneys because he _____.[ ]
A. wants to make it clear that these things are impossible
B. is describing the history of St Nicholas
C. wants everyone to believe that Father Christmas is real
D. is explaining the modern legend of Father Christmas
3. Why does the writer mention the story about St Nicholas helping three poor girls? [ ]
A. It shows us that historians know very little about him.
B. This story explains why parents give secret presents to children.
C. It supports the writer's main point that Father Christmas is based on an untrue story.
D. This story explains why we celebrate. Christmas in December.
4. In the last paragraph, the word "benign" means _____. [ ]
A. religious
B. friendly
C. frightening
D. unreal
5. The best title for this passage would be _____. [ ]
A. Is Father Christmas Dangerous?
B. The True History of St Nicholas
C. The Legend of Santa Claus
D. The Traditions of Christmas
