Ancient Chinese，Roman．and Egyptian writings tell about games played by kicking a ball．We also know that in the twelfth century, in some English towns，on Certain days of the year．hundreds of young men would kick a ball around the streets．Unfortunately，fighting often resulted．People were hurt and even killed．In l314．such games were not allowed because they were too dangerous．

    The game we now know as football developed in England in the early nineteenth century．Football was played in many schools and clubs as early as l823．These schools and clubs often had different rules．but in l 863．the Football Association of “FA” was created，and standard rules were agreed for everyone to follow．These are the rules that many parts of the owrld use for football today．In l871，a cup Was given for the best English club，called the FA Cup．Football soon spread acrous the world．

    In the United States and Canada, however, a different type of football game developed，where the players could pick the ball up and carry it．The ball is also in a different shape. In American football there is also more violent contact between players，who have to wear special clothing to protect themselves．

    Football is flow certainly the most popular game on earth．Why is that? One reason may be that a more relaxing game like football Can be enjoyed by．just a few people of any age，on any-piece of ground or even in the street. All they need is a ball，and a few things to mark the goals(比分)．Another reason may be that，although football is a team game，it also allows people to show their special skills．Some footballers become very rich and famous，like David Beckham，who now plays for Real Madrid．For this reason，many young people dream of becoming football stars and getting very rich．Television too has undoubtedly made football more popular．Millions of people Call watch international matches such as the World Cup，which is held every four years．

1．The first ball games in England were _____________.

    A．very dangerous

    B．played only by a few people for relaxation

    C．played for money

    D．played for a cup

2．In the early l9^th century，football was played___________，

    A．in many countries               B．by many people in England

    C．with standard rules         D．by a few people in England

3．When Was the first FA Cup Match held?

   A．1823    B．1863      C．1872        D．1871

4．Why do many young people dream of becoming football stars?

    A．To hurt other people．        B．To get the FA Cup．

    C．To become rich and famous．       D．To weal special clothes．

5．What does “Undoubtedly” mean?

    A．Sure of something．           B．Not sure of something．

    C．Happy about something．       D．Very lucky．

Cats are the most popular pets among Americans. So it is not surprising there are many expressions about cats. Do you know any of them? Now let me introduce some to you.
Some cats like to catch small birds, like canaries. If someone looks very proud or satisfied(满意) with himself, we say he looks like the cat that ate the canary.
Sometimes，a cat likes to play with a small animal it catches. So if you play cat and mouse with someone, you change between different kinds of behavior when dealing with another person. For example, a child might offer something sweet to her little brother, and then take it away when reaches for it.
A cat will often catch a small animal and present it to its owner. The saying that looks like something the cat dragged in describes something in bad condition.
A fat cat is a person with a lot of money.
There are many other expressions about cats in America. How interesting! Which kind of cat are you, or which kind would you like to be?
【小题1】Americans like ______ best as pets.