【课本原文】
REACHING OUT ACROSS THE SEA
Trade and curiosity have often formed the foundation of mankind’s greatest achievements. To complete the great map of the world was a strong passion for the people of early civilisations. Marco Polo’s tales inspired European explorers to search for sea routes from west to east. However, merchants and explorers from the East set sail from east to west many years before Columbus first did.
In ancient times, silk from China found its way overland to India, the Middle East, and Rome, along what became known as the Silk Road. A trading route across the sea was also extended along the coasts of the Indian Ocean, centred around Ceylon (now Sri Lanka ). Here, merchants from China and many other places met to negotiate trade deals, which also led to more awareness of each other’s cultures. Over the centuries, further trading allowed more exploration of the regions to the west of China, as recorded in Du Haun’s Record of My Travels in the eighth century.
Later, the Ming Dynasty further developed relations with these regions. Between 1405 and 1433, seven large fleets sailed west on voyages of trade and exploration. These fleets were a sight to behold and were in a league of their own at that time. Under the command of Zheng He, they set sail from the South China Sea across the Indian Ocean to the mouth of the Red Sea, and then to the east coast of Africa. African royal families sent gifts such as giraffes as gestures of friendship in return for gold, silk, and spices. Although China withdrew from further expeditions after 1433, these land and sea routes remained active channels between other cultures for centuries.
To reach out across the sea remains a strong desire today. The ancient sea routes travelled by Zheng He are being revisited with the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, which is part of the Belt and Road Initiative. The aim of this initiative is to encourage cooperation and trade across the historic Silk Road areas, and strengthen the bonds between China and the rest of the world. Trading has grown greatly in recent years, and will continue to do so in years to come. China has invested billions in systems and services along these routes, which will help to greatly develop the whole area for the benefit of future trade and cultural exchange.
China has also joined its friends across the sea on other important projects. Although the ancient sea routes of Zheng He have been travelled many times, there are still many other places left to explore. In recent years, China has joined other nations on several expeditions to explore the Arctic. From a scientific point of view, there is an urgent need to study the Arctic in order to understand climate change and its effects.
Hundreds of years on, and with the latest technology in hand, the need to trade and the desire to enhance relationships will drive China to reach out across the sea far into the future.
24. What’s the main idea of the text?
A.The stories of sailors. | B.Ocean exploration changed human history. |
C.Ocean exploration of China. | D.The change of the ocean transport. |
25. Match the main idea of each paragraph.
A.The future of China to reach out across the sea. B.The meaning of trade and curiosity. C.The ancient Silk Road. D.The Ming Dynasty’s relations with some regions. E.The Belt and Road Initiative. F.The other Chinese important projects. |
Para.1
_______ Para.2
________ Para.3
_______ Para.4
________Para.5
_______ Para.6
________26. Why did merchants and explorers try to explore the seas across the world?
A.Because they liked to do it. | B.Because they were forced to do it. |
C.Because they needed to complete the world map. | D.Because they were inspired by Marco Polo. |
27. What’s the role of the ancient Silk Road?
A.Sending troops in the war time. | B.Trading only silk among countries. |
C.Learning cultures from other countries. | D.Bridging the trade and cultures among countries. |
28. What’s the author’s attitude towards Zheng He?
A.Critical. | B.Supportive. | C.Indifferent. | D.Doubtful. |
29. Why did China start the Belt and Road Initiative?
A.To sell tea to western countries. |
B.To make business with neighbouring countries. |
C.To spread Chinese culture to other countries. |
D.To strengthen the bond between China and other countries. |
30.
Complete the passage according to the text.Trade and curiosity often form the ________ (found) of mankind’s greatest achievements.
Marco Polo’s tales inspired European explorers ________ (search) for sea routes from west to east. However, merchants and explorers from the East set sail many years before Columbus first ________ (do). A trading route across the sea was extended along the coasts of the Indian Ocean, ________ (centre) around Ceylon.
Later, the Ming Dynasty further developed relations with the regions to the west of China. Seven large (fleet) ________ sailed west for trade and exploration. ________ the command of Zheng He, they set sail from the South China Sea and eventually to the east coast of Africa.
To reach out across the sea remains ________strong desire now. The ancient sea routes travelled by Zheng He are being revisited with the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, ________ belongs to the Belt and Road Initiative.
China has joined ________ (it) friends across the sea on some important projects.The need to trade ________ the desire to enhance relationships will drive China to reach out across the sea far into the future.
31.
Analyse and translate the sentences.(1)The ancient sea routes
travelled by Zheng He are being revisited
with the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road,
which is part of the Belt and Road Initiative.
①
_________________________________________________________________________________________②
_________________________________________________________________________________________(2)
Although the ancient sea routes of Zhen He have been travelled many times,there are still many other places
left to explore.
①
________________________________________________________________________________________②
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