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 thought 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 present 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 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 and telling use of words is what we call
literary style.Above all, thereal 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
26.The origin of languageis
A.alegend handed down from the past
B. a matter that is hidden or secret
C. a question difficult to answer
D.a problem not yet solved
27. What is true about words?
A. They are used to express feelings only
B. They can not be written down.
C. They are simply sounds.
D.They are mysterious.
28. The real power of words consists in their
A.properties B. characteristics
C.peculiarity D. representative function
29.By "association" in the last paragraph,the author means
A.aspecial quality B.ajoining of ideas in the mind
C.an appearance whichis puzzling D.a strange feature
30. Which of the following statements about the real poet is NOT true?-
A
A. He is no more than a master of words.
B.He can convey his ideas in words which sing like music.
C.He can move men to tears.
D.His style is always charming.
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