单选题
How men first learned to invent words is unknown; in other words, the origin of language is a mystery. All really known is that men, unlike animals, somehow invented certain sounds to express thoughts and feelings, actions, and things, so that they could communicate with each other; and that later they agreed upon certain signs, called letters, which could be combined to represent those sounds, and which could be written down. These sounds, whether spoken or written in letters, we call words. The power of words, then, lies in their associations--the things they bring up before our minds. Words become filled with meaning for us by experience; and the longer we live, the more certain words recall to us the glad and sad events of our past; and the more we read and learn, the more the number of words that mean something to us increases. Great writers are those who not only have great thoughts but also express these thoughts in words which appeal powerfully to our minds and emotions. This charming and telling use of words is what we call literary, style. Above all, the real poet is a master of words. He can convey his meaning in words which sing like music, and which by their position and association can move men to tears. We should therefore learn to choose our words carefully and use them accurately, or they will make our speech silly and vulgar.
单选题
Which is TRUE about the origin of language? A. Men, as well as animals, invented certain sounds to express thoughts. B. The origin of language is a complicated question. C. Words did not have written forms, at first. D. Letters were created to stand for thoughts.
单选题
What does the power of words lie in? A. The fact that words were invented by man. B. The fact that words stand for objects. C. The fact that words represent meanings. D. The fact that it can associate the things with the ideas in our mind.
单选题
Why is a real poet regarded as a master of words? A. Because he has great thoughts. B. Because he can convey his meaning in musical words. C. Because he can convey his meaning in moving words. D. Both B and C.
单选题
What should we do in order to avoid making our speech silly and vulgar? A. We should learn to invent words. B. We should choose our words with care and use them with accuracy. C. We should read and learn more. D. We should learn from a master of words.