四六级

　　距离英语六级考试还有两个月的时间，不知道考生们已经准备的怎么样了?英语六级阅读是考试的重点与难点，也是考生的得分点，需要我们花费很多的时间复习。以下是小编为大家整理的英语六级阅读精炼，考生可以每日一篇，逐步提升英语阅读水平。

　　12. Old Race, New Places

　　The drums beat as the dragon boats race . This must be mainland China or Taiwan, right? Think again. These days the traditional Chinese boats are racing in places as unlikely as England and Italy. Dragon -boat racing was introduced to the world in 1982, when the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival1 included international competitors. In the 1990s, dragon-boat racing caught on2 in many non-Asian countries. It quickly became the world’s fastest-growing water sport. What’s the appeal3 ? Dragon-boat racing combines athletic competition , cultural interest and just plain fun.

　　The boats are manned4 by 20 paddlers, one drummer and one person who steers. Nearly 18 meters long, the colorful boats resemble dragons with elaborate heads and tails. The team paddles to the beat of the drum. The boats speed along, rising high and moving smoothly along the water. In about three to six minutes, they cross the finish line.

　　The races recall Qu Yuan, a patriotic poet in ancient China. When he drowned in the Mi Luo River, the people raced out to save him. But they were too late .

　　Dragon boats are now racing in towns and cities around the world. Students, working people and older people race for fun and exercise . Serious paddlers compete for cups and medals. In the United States, the Pacific Northwest International Dragon Cup is in its 11 th year. In Toronto, about 250, 000 spectators turn out for dragon-boat races each summer. Sweden has over 400 teams. Poland, too, has several dragon-boat clubs.

　　There are even consulting businesses to help people organize local dragon-boat events. They help with site selection, team training and safety. Besides that, non-profit organizations hold competitions to raise money.

　　And various regional and worldwide races — too many to name — keep serious paddlers busy. In September 2003 , Rome hosted the Club Crews World Championship. In 2004, world-class teams gathered in Shanghai for the fifth International Dragon Boat Federation races. In 2005 . . .

　　Going to Europe this summer? If so, just remember: When in Rome, do as the Chinese do! 5

　　阅读自测

　　Ⅰ. Complete each sentence with a pro per word , making changes where necessary: ( catch on, appeal, man, patriotic , spectator, consult, amateur, worldclass)

　　1. Lily is an _________tennis player.

　　2. Several thousand _________watched the basketball game.

　　3. That new hairstyle has really_________ . Many people have that hairstyle now.

　　4. This company does _________work. It helps people start business.

　　5. The girls _________will the radar till we get back.

　　6. Kim really loves her country. She is very_________ .

　　7. This is a _________restaurant. It is known for having excellent quality.

　　8. The new fashion soon lost its_________ .

　　Ⅱ. An swe r the followin g que stio n in your own words :

　　Why does the Dragon-boat Racing become so popular in the world ?

　　PS：考生们先自己作答，答案小编会在下一篇文章公布，便于考生查看。

　　以上就是小编今天为大家介绍的相关内容，想了解更多四六级备考课程、备考资讯，请点击文都网校四六级资讯站查询!

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