The first true piece of sports equipment that man invented was the ball. In ancient(古代) Egypt, as everywhere, pitching (投掷)stones was a favorite children’s game. But a badly thrown rock could hurt(伤害) a child. Looking for something less dangerous to throw, the Egyptians made what were probably the first balls.

At first, balls were made of grass or leaves(树叶) held together by vines(藤). Later they were made of pieces of animal skin sewed together and stuffed(塞满)with feathers or hay.

Even though the Egyptians were warlike, they found time for peaceful games. Before long they had developed a number of ball games, each with its own set of rules. Perhaps they played ball more for instruction than for fun. Ball playing was thought of mainly as a way to teach young men the speed and skill they would need for war.

小题1: The ball was probably invented because_______

A．throwing stones often caused injuries

B．throwing stones was not fun

C．games with stones did not have rules

D．rocks were too heavy to throw小题2:The first balls were probably made of_______

A．animal skins stuffed with rocks

B．twists of hay

C．hides stuffed with hay or feathers

D．grass and leaves tied with vines小题3:This selection says that the Egyptians played_____

A．many different games with balls

B．many different kinds of games

C．only one ball game

D．different games with similar rules小题4: The Egyptians thought that ball playing was _______

A．childish

B．difficult

C．not enjoyable

D．worthwhile小题5: The best title for this selection is ______

A．The First Ball Games

B．How Egyptian Children Played Games

C．Egyptian Sports

D．The Beginning of Sports