| A. frightened, B. festivals, C. drive away, D. excited, E. welcome |
No one knows who flew the first kite. Two thousand years ago, Chinese farmers flew kites to 16 the New Year and bring good luck to Earth.
In China, people also used kites during war time. One Chinese story tells how soldiers put noise makers on kites and flew them at night over the enemy camp. The enemies were 17 by the noise and ran away.
About 1,300 years ago, Chinese travelers took kites to Japan. Soon kites filled the skies there. Kites reached Thailand about 700 years ago. During floods, Thai farmers flew kites over their fields. They hoped the kites would 18 the clouds and stop the rain. Today, kites are popular all over the world. Kite fans meet at 19 in many parts of the world and have great fun.
| A. inventors, B. feeling, C. understand, D. throw away, E. measure |
Over the years, Kites have also helped people 20 the natural world. In 1749, for example, thermometers (温度计) were tied to kites to 21 temperatures. In 1906, kites were used to take pictures of San Francisco, California after an earthquake. The photos helped people plan what to do.
Kites also helped 22 find out how to make airplanes. The Wright brothers studied how kites flew, which helped them make the first successful airplane.
Since the ancient Chinese first set their kites into the air, people have loved flying kites. Kites give us ways to celebrate, relax and explore. So go fly a kite! Enjoy the 23 of wonder that kite flyers have felt for centuries.
