阅读理解
Monkeys are very similar to us in many ways. We enjoy watching them because they often act like
us. In fact, scientists say monkeys and humans share a common ancestor.
Monkeys make us smile, too, because they are creatures full of playful tricks. This is why many
monkey expressions are about tricky people or playful acts. One of these expressions is monkeyshines,
meaning tricks or foolish acts. So, when a teacher says to a group of students: "Stop those monkeyshines
right now!", you know that the kids are playing, instead of studying.
You might hear that same teacher warn a student not to monkey around with a valuable piece of
equipment. You monkey around with something when you are touching or playing with something you
should leave alone. Also, you can monkey around when you feel like doing something, but have no firm
idea of what to do.
Monkey business usually means secret, maybe illegal, activities. A news report may say there is
monkey business involved in building the new airport, with some officials getting secret payments from
builders.
You may make a monkey out of someone when you make that person look foolish. Some people
make a monkey out of themselves by acting foolish or silly.
If one monkey has fun, imagine how much fun a barrel of monkeys can have. If your friend says he
had more fun than a barrel of monkeys at your party, you know that he had a really good time.
Monkey suits are common names for clothes or uniforms soldiers wear. In earlier years, performing
monkeys' tight-fitting, colorful jacket looked similar to a militaryuniform. So, people began to call a
military uniform a monkey suit.
1. Which of the following can best state the main idea of the passage?
A. Monkeys are connected with our life.
B. Due respect should be paid to monkeys.
C. Some English expressions about monkey.
D. Monkeys share a common ancestor with us.
2. How many expressions about monkey are introduced in the passage?
A. 5.
B. 6.
C. 7.
D. 8.
3. The expression "monkeyshine" has the closest meaning to _______.
A. mischief
B. laziness
C. making noise
D.diligence
4. If you drew a funny picture on your friend's face while he was sleeping, you were ______.
A. monkeying around
B. doing money business
C. enjoying a barrel of monkeys
D. making a monkey out of him
