Queen Elizabeth II is not only the queen of the United Kingdom, but she is also the queen of other 16 countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Jamaica. Her face is seen on stamps and coins all around the world.

       Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor was born in London on April 21^st 1926. Her parents were George, the Duke of York, and Elizabeth, the daughter of the Earl and Countness of Strathmore. As a child, Princess Elizabeth lived with her parents and younger sister in London and Windsor. Every summer, she traveled to Scotland to visit her mother’s parents. She was interested in all sorts of sports, but her favorites were horse riding and swimming. She was also keen on acting, art and music.

       As princess Elizabeth grew older, she started to play a part in British public life. When she was 14, she broadcast(播送) a radio message to all the children of Britain and the Common  -wealth(共和国). Two years later, she carried out her first public engagement, and started to go on official tours shortly after that. After a tour to South Africa in 1946, she married Philip Mountbatten. The couple had four children: Prince Charles, born in 1948, Princess Anne, born in 1950, Prince Andrew, born in 1960 and Prince Edward, born in 1964.

       After her father died, Princess Elizabeth became Queen Elizabeth II in a ceremony held in London in 1953. As a queen, she has many duties, and leads a very busy life. She travels throughout the world, meeting the leaders of other countries, and attends a large number of official duties. She also holds a meeting every week with the British Prime Minister. Every year, on Christmas Day, she broadcast a message to the people of Britain and the Common-wealth, talking about her hopes for the future.

       Queen Elizabeth has been on the throne(王位) for more than 40 years and has become one of the most famous women in the world. Lots of people in Britain believe that she tries hard to understand her people and be a good queen. More than her title, this quality has earned her much love and respect.

56. What is Queen Elizabeth II ?

A. She is the queen of 17 different countries.

B. She is the queen of Australia and the USA

C. She is the queen of 16 different countries

D. She is only the queen of the United Kingdom.

57. As she grew older, Princess Elizabeth _______.

A. broadcast several radio messages.

B. went on many tours to South Africa.

C. started to take part in British public life.

D. stopped playing a part in British public life.

58. Who is the most possible to become King or Queen if Queen Elizabeth II dies?

A. Prince Andrew.                                           B. Prince Charles.

C. Princess Anne.                                            D. Prince Edward.

59. Which of the following is true?

A. Today, Queen Elizabeth rarely leaves the UK.

B. Today, Queen Elizabeth does not lead a very busy life.

C. Today, Queen Elizabeth is always busy carrying out her royal duties.

D. Today, Queen Elizabeth holds a meeting every fortnight with the British Prime Minister.

60. Which is the right order of Queen Elizabeth’s life?

① Her father died.

② She became Queen.

③ She married Phillip Mountbatten.

④ She broadcast a radio message to all the children of Britain.

⑤ She traveled to Scotland to visit her mother’s parents every summer.

A. ⑤④③②①                           B. ④⑤③①②

C. ⑤④③①②                          D. ④⑤③②①