职称英语考试理工类的AB级阅读理解精讲(5)

　　The Compass 　　The great sea voyages of Europes Age of Discovery, such as Christopher Columbuss trip to the West Indies in 1492, would have been impossible without the use of a compass. This great device for sea voyages was introduced to the West from China during the thirteenth century A.D. We have to thank ancient Chinese for their invention of the compass. 　　The jade connection is important. Lodestone is a hard materialthough not as hard as some jade. And the making of a magnetic ladle, as well as a highly smooth stone board, would have required great skill. This suggests that the compass was invented by the jade finders of ancient China. 　　31 What is the first paragraph mainly about? 　　B The compass was invented by Columbus. 　　D Columbus introduced the compass to the West Indies. 　　A In 1492. 　　C In A.D. 80. 　　33 Which of the following about the ladle-shaped compass is true? 　　B The handle of the ladle pointed north. 　　D The bulk of the ladle remained unmoved on the board. 　　A Because jade finders used the compass to detect lodestone. 　　C Because jade finders were possibly the inventors of the compass. 　　A Various uses of ladle-shaped, compasses. 　　C Compasses introduced to the West from China. 　　答案 　　32. D At least 2000 years ago. 第二段中Two thousand years ago the Chinese had already developed a working compass.直接告诉我们中国发明指南针的时间。 　　34. C Because jade finders were possibly the inventors of the compass. 第二段中: Jade finders played an important role in the invention of the ladle. They travelled great distances to look for jade. In order not to lose directions, they would take a ladle with them.间接的告诉我们玉石寻找者可能是指南针的发明者。