How men first learnt to invent words is unknown, in other words, the origin of language is a mystery. All we really know is that men, unlike animals, somehow invented certain sounds to express thoughts and feelings, actions and things, so that they could communicate with each other; and that later they agreed upon certain signs called letters, which could be combined to represent those sounds, and which could be written down. Those sounds, whether spoken, or written in letters, we call words.
The power of words, then, lies in their associations -- the things they bring up before our minds. Words become filled with meaning for us by experience, and the longer we live, the more certain words recall to us the glad and sad events of our past; and the more we read and learn, the more the number of words that mean something to us increases.
Great writers are those who not only have great thoughts but also express these thoughts in words which appeal powerfully to our minds and emotions. This charming(迷人的) and telling use of words is what we call literary style. Above all, the real poet is a master of words. He can convey 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 accurately, or they will make our speech silly and vulgar(粗俗的).
(1)
(2分)One of the reasons why men invented certain sounds to express thought and actions was that ________.
A. they could agree upon certain signs
B. they could write them down
C. they could combine them
D. they could communicate with each other
)By “association”, the author means _________.
A. a special quality
B. a joining of ideas and experience in the mind
C. an appearance which is puzzling
D. a strange feature
Which of the following statements is true?
A. The more we read and learn, the more confused we will be.
B. The more we read and learn, the more ignorant we are.
C. The more we read and learn, the more learned we are.
D. The more we read and learn, the more snobbish we become.
(2分)In expressing their thoughts, great writers are able _________.
A. to move our actions
B. to puzzle our feelings
C. to move men to tears
D. to confound the readers
(2分)The word “convey" (in Para. 3) means_________.
A. deliver
B. sell
C. report
D. talk
|
