1 . The Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics saw many excellent athletes compete on the ice and snow, prompting an enthusiasm for winter sports in China. In fact, the country has had a deep relationship with winter sports since ancient times, with skiing originating in the Altay prefecture of Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.

In 2005, cave paintings of Altay people hunting on skis with poles were discovered, which archaeologists estimated could be more than 10,000 years old. Since then, Altay has been recognized by many as one of the birthplaces of skiing, according to Xinhua.

As one of the richest collections of ancient rock art in China, there are herds of camels, sheep, wolves and human figures. The painting on the roof of a cave in Dundebulake village of Altay prefecture depicts humans on skis, bending their knees as they travel alongside animals, including deer and moose.

The rock art in Dundebulake is well preserved because the pictographs (象形文字) are well hidden in the cave.

Additionally, Alta’s dry climate has been a useful preserving agent, according to a 2016 research paper published by the Hebei Normal University.

Unique geographical and climatic conditions make skiing an indispensable part of local people’s lives. The climate in Altay is mild and not too windy, so skiers are less affected by weather conditions, allowing them to safely move faster.

Unlike the modern skis we use nowadays, fur skis have been used as a means of transportation for the snowfield inhabitants of Altay for more than 100 centuries, according to rock carvings uncovered in the area.

Making skis has been a traditional skill. The handmade skis have a layer of horse skin. The fur on the horse skin can help decrease friction (摩擦力) when they slide down the hill, while the skis also prevent skiers from falling when they walk up. At the same time, they have a wooden stick in hand to keep balance, according to China Daily.

Fur ski competitions have been held annually by the local government. Many locals would display their maneuvers (高超的移动) at the competitions.

1. Which of the following is evidence that Altay is one of the birthplaces of skiing?

A．Altay people wore skis to hunt animals.	B．The modern skis are very similar to fur skis.
C．Local people have used fur skis for a long time.	D．Humans on skis were depicted in cave drawings.

2. What have fur skis been used for in Altay since ancient times?

A．Hunting.

B．Transportation.

C．Competition.

D．Entertainment.

3. How does horse skin benefit skiers?

A．It helps them better control directions.	B．It makes them slide more comfortably.
C．It helps them slide down smoothly.	D．It helps them keep steady while sliding.

4. What does the article mainly talk about?

A．The origins of skiing in Altay.	B．The ancient rock art found in Altay.
C．The development of skiing in China.	D．The current popularity of skiing in Altay

2 . 根据短文内容，从短文后的选项中选出能填入空白处的最佳选项。选项中有两项为多余选项。

History is a record of what has happened in the past.    1    The really fascinating thing is that much of history has been repeated time and again. It allows us to learn from the past, both the mistakes made and the successes achieved.

One of the benefits of history is reading how other people both famous and totally unknown have overcome tremendous challenges in their life. These challenges, although particular to a person, or to a certain time in the past, or occurring in a different country or culture, all convey the same thing.    2    

    3    He encountered many failures while on the road to finally inventing the modern day light bulb. He could be held out as an example of a person who never gave up.    4    However, he did not let those failures stop him. He had a dream and he just kept trying different things until he did reach success.

Or, consider the story of Abraham Lincoln who managed to become President of the United States even though he suffered many setbacks and personal losses. Most of us only realize the success of Mr. Lincoln becoming President.    5    His life was not an easy one. His story is one that motivates us to keep moving forward no matter what obstacles we have in life.

A．History has a lot of influence on us.

B．Take for example the story of Thomas Edison.

C．History has some very unique qualities about it.

D．I am sure he was discouraged by his many failures.

E．They convey wisdom in their short stories of perseverance.

F．Few of us knew about the many challenges he had to overcome.

G．Only those with courage to face challenges can hope to live their dreams.