The history of the Games Olympia Olympia, the site of the ancient Olympic Games, is in the western part of the Peloponnese which, according to Greek mythology, is the island of "Pelops", the founder of the Olympic Games. Imposing temples, votive buildings, elaborate shrines and ancient sporting facilities(设备) were combined in a site of unique natural and mystical beauty. Olympia functioned as a meeting place for worship and other religious and political practices as early as the 10th century B.C. The central part of Olympia was dominated by the majestic temple of Zeus, with the temple of Hera parallel to it. The ancient stadium in Olympia could hold more than 40,000 audience, while in the surrounding area there were auxiliary(辅助的) buildings which developed gradually up until the 4th century B.C. and were used as training sites for the athletes or to house the judges of the Games. The Games and religion The Olympic Games were closely linked to the religious festivals of the cult of Zeus, but were not a total part of a rite. Indeed, they had a secular character and aimed to show the physical qualities and development of the performances accomplished by young people, as well as encouraging good relations between the cities of Greece. According to specialists, the Olympic Games owed their purity and importance to religion. Victory ceremonies The Olympic victor received his first awards immediately after the competition. Following the announcement of the winner's name by the herald, a Hellanodikis (Greek judge) would place a palm branch in his hands, while the audience cheered and threw flowers to him. Red ribbons were tied on his head and hands as a mark of victory. The official award ceremony would take place on the last day of the Games, at the elevated vestibule of the temple of Zeus. In a loud voice, the herald would announce the name of the Olympic winner, his father's name, and his homeland. Then, the Hellanodikis placed the sacred olive tree wreath(花环), or kotinos, on the winner's head.
1.
When did Olympia become the site of the Olympic Games?
A.
In the 10th century
B.
B. Before the 4th century B.C. C. After the 4th century B.C.
C.
It was not mentioned here.
2.
Which one is TRUE according to the passage?
A.
Zeus is the founder of the Olympic Games.
B.
The ancient stadium in Olympic were used as training sites for the athletes in the 10th century.
C.
The Olympic Games have much to do with the religion.
D.
The Olympic victor would receive a golden medal.
3.
Can you guess the meaning of this word “herald” in the passage?
A.
the author
B.
the headmaster
C.
the announcer
D.
the manager
4.
When the athletes won the game, ______.
A.
They were awarded immediately after the competition.
B.
They were awarded twice. The first, immediately after the competition; the second, on the last day of the game.
C.
They were awarded on the last day of the game.
D.
They were awarded on the last day of the game or immediately after the competition.
One of my fondest Christmas memories was also one of our family’s bleakest(最令人沮丧的).We were just little kids , and on Christmas Day mom1us all around her to tell us ,2,that there would be no presents because all we really wanted was to3for our daddy.He was very sick . I don’t remember anything else except four little girls surrounding my mother, crying4a miracle(奇迹) At that very moment ,someone5loudly on the door.6Behind him was a merry group of soldiers from the Army base where my father7as a minister . News had8that we were in trouble ,and his colleagues knew we needed some9. With all the excitement ,even my dad10in a blanket to keep warm , came down and sat in front of a roaring fire in our room to watch his children be11by good Samaritants(乐善好施的人). The presents were unwrapped , and we girls12packages and found a doll each and four board games. What is13to me is that I don’t even remember what sickness my father was suffering from.I14remember an evening of laughter and15There were no expensive toys but16moments of friendship and fun given by young men who knew that a family was having a(n)17time . They gave their time and their18to little children who needed to laugh. The most important thing in life aren’t things . And what about the true19of holidays ? I hope we all are able to remember a thing about the holidays that stirs(搅动)our heart , that isn’t really a thing at all, but the smile on a child’s face because we take a moment to hug or20a tear.