Question

Many Christmas customs are based on the birth of Christ, such as giving presents because of the Wise Men, who brought presents to the baby Jesus（耶稣）Singing Christmas carols is based on the scene of the birth with figures of shepherds, the Wise Men and animals surrounding the baby Jesus.

The origin of Santa Claus begins in the 4th century with St. Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, an area in the present-day Turkey. By all accounts St. Nicholas was a generous man, particularly devoted to children. After his death around 340 A. D. he was buried in Myra, but in 1087 Italian sailors were believed to steal his remains and removed them to Italy, greatly increasing St. Nicholas’ popularity throughout Europe.

His kindness and reputation for generosity gave rise to claims that he could perform miracles and devotion to him increased. St. Nicholas became the patron（保护神）saint of Russia, where he was known by his red cap, flowing white beard, and bishop’s mitre. In Greece, he was the patron saint of sailors; in France, he was the patron of lawyers, and in Belgium, the patron of children and travelers. Thousands of churches across Europe were dedicated（供奉的）to him and sometime around the 12th century an official holiday was created in his honor. The Feast of St. Nicholas was celebrated on December 6 and the day was marked by gift-giving and charity.

After the Reformation, European followers of St. Nicholas declined, but the legend was kept alive in Holland where the Dutch spelling of his name Sint Nikolass was eventually transformed to Sinterklaas. Dutch children would leave their wooden shoes by the fireplace, and Sinterklaas would reward good children by placing treats in their shoes. Dutch colonists brought this tradition with them to America in the 17th century and here the English name of Santa Claus appeared.

1.Why, as is believed, is Santa Claus so popular in Europe?

A. Because of his reputation for generosity.

B. Because he died in Italy.

C. Because of the deed of the Italian sailors.

D. Because of his devotion to Italian children.

2.What was the Feast of St. Nicholas held for?

A. Celebrating Christ’s birthday.

B. Giving thanks to churches.

C. Marking a holiday.

D. Honoring St. Nicholas.

3.What does “Sinterklaas” in the last paragraph refer to?

A. European followers. B. Santa Claus.

C. Jesus. D. The Dutch.

4.Which of the following can best describe Santa Claus?

A. Generous, devoted and honored.

B. Dedicated, kind and alive.

C. Well-known, traditional and lovely.

D. Popular, famous and creative.

Answer 1

1.C

2.D

3.B

4.A

【解析】

试题分析：这是一篇说明文。讲述的是圣诞节和圣诞老人的来历，以及圣诞节的很多风俗习惯的根源。

1.1】C细节理解题。根据第二段中in 1087 Italian sailors were believed to steal his remains and removed them to Italy, greatly increasing St. Nicholas’ popularity throughout Europe.在1087年，据意大利一些海员们说，他的遗体被偷偷迁葬于意大利巴里，很大程度上增加了圣古拉斯的知名度。因此选C。

2.2】D推理判断题。In Greece, he was the patron saint of sailors; in France, he was the patron of lawyers, and in Belgium, the patron of children and travelers. Thousands of churches across Europe were dedicated（供奉的）to him and sometime around the 12th century an official holiday was created in his honor. The Feast of St. Nicholas was celebrated on December 6 and the day was marked by gift-giving and charity.

在希腊他是水手的守护神；在法国他是律师的守护神；在比利时他是孩子们和旅行者的守护神。全欧洲上千所教堂都在供奉他，甚至在12世纪后，一个官方的教会节日也因他之荣耀而创立，12月6日是圣尼古拉斯节,其庆祝方式就是馈赠和布施。从这里得知创办这个节日是为了纪念他，让他给人们带来馈赠。故选D.

3.3】B细节理解题。the legend was kept alive in Holland where the Dutch spelling of his name Sint Nikolass was eventually transformed to Sinterklaas. 荷兰人把他的名字拼成Sint Nikolass ，最后转变成Sinterklaas 。Dutch colonists brought this tradition with them to America in the 17th century and here the English name of Santa Claus appeared.17世纪荷兰殖民者把这一传统带到了美利坚。在美国，英国教会正式用Santa Claus命名“圣诞老人”。

4.4】A细节理解题。根据第二段第二句By all accounts St. Nicholas was a generous man, particularly devoted to children.他是一个好人尤其是对小孩子。第三段第一句His kindness and reputation for generosity gave rise to claims that he could perform miracles and devotion to him increased.恰是她的善良和慷慨声望，使得他拥有魔法和热衷奉献这类的说法更令人信服。因此A项符合题意，故选A.

考点：考查历史类阅读。