阅读理解。
How words came into being is unknown. All we assume (推测) is that some early men invented certain
sounds, in one way or another, to express thoughts and feelings, actions and things, so that they could talk
with each other. Later they agreed upon certain signs, called letters, which could be put together to show
those sounds, and which could be written down. Those sounds, whether spoken or written in letters, are
called words.
The power of words, then, lies in their associations-the thing they bring up to minds. Words become
filled with meaning for us by experience; and the longer we live, the more certain words bring back to us the
happy and sad events of our past; and the more we read and learn, the more the number of words that means
something to us increases.
Great writers are those who not only have great thoughts but also express these thoughts in words which
have powerful effects on our minds and feelings. This clever use of words is what we call literary style (文
体). Above all, the real poet is a master of words. He can express his meaning in words which sing like music,
and which by their position and association can move men to tears. We should therefore learn to choose our
words carefully and use them correctly, or they will make our speech silly and common.
1. We learn from the text that language might have begun with _____. [ ]
A. expressions
B. actions
C. signs
D. sounds
2. What is mainly discussed in Paragraph 2? [ ]
A. The meaning of new words.
B. The relation of human experience with words.
C. The importance of old words.
D. The gradual change and development of words.
3. In the last paragraph, what does the author suggest that we should do? [ ]
A. Use words skillfully.
B. Make musical speeches.
C. Learn poems by heart.
D. Associate with listeners.
