1 . Imagine that while walking through a park one day, you begin to notice strange things all around you. People in colorful clothes from centuries ago walk on the paths. A magician is doing amazing tricks. Musicians play strange music on strange instruments. Knights on horseback show their skills in riding competitions. The smell of roasting meat begins to make your mouth water. A pleasant voice shouts, “Good morrow!”
What is going on? Have you traveled back in time? In a way, yes. You have found yourself in the midst of a Renaissance fair(文艺复兴节）！Since the 1960s, Renaissance fairs have grown in popularity in the US and Canada. Communities in at least 44 states and two Canadian provinces now hold annual Renaissance fairs. Over 200 fairs are held every year, with 40 in California alone. The first Renaissance fair was started in the 1960s by a school teacher in Southern California named Phyllis Patterson. She wanted to give her students a real-life history experience, so she created the “Renaissance Fair” in her backyard. The rest, as they say, is history.
Since Renaissance fairs are “living history”, you might think they are designed to be mainly educational. It’s true that some people try to make the fairs as genuine as possible. However, for many others, the key word is entertainment. With all the musicians and magicians walking about, you will definitely be entertained. A renaissance fair will be a feast for your eyes and your ears, not to mention your stomach.
You can enjoy sampling the food and drink while watching parades and live animal displays. Browse through the booths(摊位) and admire the artwork and handcrafts. You are sure to be both educated and entertained. If you’re wondering how to dress to attend a Renaissance fair, that’s up to you. Some people go all out and dress up in costumes. Others just go in their normal, everyday clothes. However you dress, you’re sure to be overwhelmed by the sights and sounds and smells of a Renaissance fair. And if you have ever wanted to travel back in time, here’s your chance.
1. What is the first paragraph about?
| A．A chapter of a war novel. | B．A sight of the local market. |
| C．A slow walking in the park. | D．A scene of Renaissance fairs |
2. Why did Phyllis start
Renaissance fair?
| A．To help her students become the master of history. |
| B．To allow her students to pay in her backyard. |
| C．To make her students experience history. |
| D．To give her students an experience of life. |
3. As well as educating, Renaissance fairs are intended for ______.
| A．communication | B．fun |
| C．business | D．adventure |
4. The last paragraph suggests that ______.
| A．you are free to dress for the fairs | B．you are taught to make art work |
| C．you have to look after live animals | D．you can enjoy food free of charge |
5. The main idea of the passage is that ______.
| A．Americans and Canadians like fairs more |
| B．Attending Renaissance fairs is to be educated |
| C．California is where modern fairs were born |
| D．Renaissance fairs are more popular than ever |
