阅读理解。
Many foreigners who have not visited Britain call all the inhabitants (居民) English, for they are used to
thinking of the British Isles as England. In fact, the British Isles contain a variety of peoples and only the people
of England call themselves English. The others refer to themselves as Welsh, Scottish, or Irish, as the case
may be; they are often slightly annoyed (苦恼) at being classified as 'English'.
In Scotland the sound denoted by the letter 'R' is generally a strong sound, and 'R' is often pronounced in
words in which it would be silent in southern English. In the Highlands and the Western Isles the ancient
Scottish language, Gaelic, is still heard. The Scots are said to be a serious, cautious, thrifty (节约的) people,
rather inventive (善于创造的) and somewhat mystical. All the Celtic peoples of Britain (the Welsh, the Irish,
the Scots) are often described as being more 'fiery (暴躁的)' than the English. They are often of a race that is
quite different from the English.
The Welsh have protected their language to a remarkable extent. The English generally look upon the Welsh
as an emotional (易动感情的) people who are, however, somewhat difficult to get to know easily.
Ireland is divided into two parts. The six countries of Northern Ireland are still part of Great Britain, though,
in normal circumstances (环境), they have their own Parliament. The Irish are known for their charm and
vivacity (活泼), as well as for the beauty of the Irish girls. Irish, often calls Erse, is a form of Gaelic. It was in
danger of dying out, but when the territory (地域) of the Republic became independent, Erse was received, and
is now the official first language of the Republic, English being the second. The Irish are known for their charm
and vivacity, as well as for the beauty of the Irish girls.
1. Why do many foreigners call the inhabitants English? [ ]
A. Because only English live on the British Isles.
B. Because only English plays a more important role than the others.
C. Because all the people are glad to be regarded as English.
D. Because they are used to thinking of the British Isles as England.
2. Today we still can hear Gaelic--the ancient Scottish language in _____. [ ]
A. both England and Scotland
B. both Wales and Ireland
C. both Highland and Western Isles
D. both Northern Ireland and England
3. According to the passage, which of the statements is TRUE? [ ]
A. "R" is often pronounced in words in which it would be silent in north English.
B. The Welsh, the Irish and the Scots are all the Celtic peoples of Britain.
C. The Celtic peoples are often of a race that is little different from the English.
D. The Welsh have not protected their language very carefully.
4. Irish is a form of _____, and is now the official _____ language of the Republic. [ ]
A. English; first
B. Gaelic; second
C. Gaelic; first
D. English; second
