Question

    When we talk about boomerangs (回飞棒), we usually mean the curved devices(弯曲的设备) that return to you when you throw them, but there are actually two different kinds of boomerangs: the returning type and the non-returning type. Most returning boomerangs measure 30 to 60 cm across. Non-returning boomerangs are usually heavier and longer; typically 1 meter or more across, usually used as hunting weapons.

    Experts believe the invention of boomerangs was mostly a matter of trial and error. First let’s consider how a primitive hunter might have come up with a non-returning boomerang. In nature, there are plenty of sticks that are bent in a curve like a boomerang, and people probably threw the sorts of sticks all the time. Because of the stabilizing motion of the two branches of the stick, this sort of stick would have stayed in the air longer and would have been easier to send in the desired direction. Primitive humans noticed this and so they started specifically seeking out bent sticks. Then they started selecting the best curved sticks (thinner, longer ones work better) and were soon making some changes so they were especially suited for taking down birds and animals.

    Experts aren’t really sure when and where people first developed returning boomerangs, but the Aborigines of Australia are generally credited with the invention. The Aborigines used non-returning boomerangs, which they called kylies, widely in hunting, and the theory is that at some point, one or more Aborigines used a kylie with the particular shape of a boomerang and noticed that it traveled in a curve. That might have been a pure accident.

    The amazing flight pattern of the new discovery didn’t really help out much in hunting—it actually made it harder to aim accurately—but it was, of course, really cool. Evidently, the Aborigines perfected the boomerang design and throwing technique for the simple pleasure of it. However, the boomerang did have some limited use in hunting. The Aborigines would set up nets in trees and then throw the boomerang into the air while making a hawk（鹰）call. This would scare birds so they would fly down into the nets.

51. What does the second paragraph mainly tell us?

A. How primitive men invented returning boomerangs.

B. How non-returning boomerangs were invented.

C. How the Aborigines of Australia use boomerangs.

D. How to throw and catch returning boomerangs.

52. We learn from the passage that returning boomerangs_________.

A. were developed from non-returning boomerangs

B. were invented earlier than non-returning boomerangs

C. are generally called“kylies”by the Aborigines

D. are heavier and longer than non-returning boomerangs

53. From the fourth paragraph, we can infer non-returning boomerangs are more suitable for hunting because _________.

A. they look more frightening

B. they can move in a circle

C. they are easier to aim

D. they are lighter to carry

54. According to the passage，it is most probable that Aborigines_________.

A. first used bent sticks to frighten animals

B. never used returning boomerangs in hunting

C. liked to play with the kylie for pleasure

D. are the inventor of returning boomerangs

Answer 1

51. 【解析】选B。主旨大意题。根据第二段第二句可知，本文主要介绍了不能回归的回飞棒的发明过程。

52. 【解析】选A。推理判断题。根据第三段第二句可知，能回归的回飞棒是从不能回归的回飞棒演变而来的。其他选项均与文意不符。

53. 【解析】选C。推理判断题。根据最后一段第一句推知，不能回归的回飞棒更适合打猎是因为它们更容易瞄准。

54. 【解析】选D。细节理解题。根据第三段可知，澳大利亚土著人最有可能是能回归的回飞棒的发明者。

    Mr. Wrench和他的妻子Faith住在山中一个圆形小草屋里。他们这样做，不是挑战生存的极限，而是做出榜样，激励人们不要污染我们的地球。