D
Imagine that while walking through a park one day,you begin to notice strange things all around you. People in colourful clothes from centuries ago walk on the paths. A magician(魔术师)is doing amazing tricks. Musicians play strange music on strange instruments. Knights on horseback show their skills in riding competitions. The smell of roasting meat(烤肉)begins to make your mouth water. A pleasant voice shouts,“Good morrow!”
What is going on? Have you travelled back in time? In a way,yes. You have found yourself in the midst of a Renaissance(文艺复兴)fair(集市)! Since the 1960s,Renaissance fairs have become popular in the US and Canada. Communities in at least 44 states and two Canadian provinces now hold Renaissance fairs every year. Over 200 fairs are held every year,with 40 in California alone. The first Renaissance fair was started in the 1960s by a school teacher in southern California named Phyllis Patterson. She wanted to give her students a real-life history experience,so she created the “Renaissance Fair” in her backyard. The rest,as they say,is history.
Since Renaissance fairs are “living history”,you might think they are designed to be mainly educational. It’s true that some people try to make the fairs that way. However,for many others,the key word is entertainment(娱乐). With all the musicians and magicians walking about,you will certainly be pleased. A Renaissance fair will be a feast for your eyes and your ears,not to mention your stomach.
You can enjoy the food and drink while watching parades and live animal displays. Looking through the booths(摊位)and admire the artwork,you are sure to be both educated and excited. If you’re wondering how to dress to attend a Renaissance fair,that’s up to you. Some people go all out and dress up in costumes. Others just go in their everyday clothes. However you dress,you’re sure to be covered by the sights and sounds and smells of a Renaissance fair. And if you have ever wanted to travel back in time,here’s your chance.
(
C
)11. What is the first paragraph mainly about?
A. A part of a war novel. B. A sight of the local market.
C. A scene of Renaissance fairs. D. A slow walking in the park.
(
A
)12. As well as educating,Renaissance fairs are planned to be used for ______.
A. fun B. communication C. business D. decoration
(
B
)13. The last paragraph suggests that ______.
A. you are taught to make artwork B. you are free to dress for the fairs
C. you have to look after live animals D. you can enjoy free food
(
C
)14. The main idea of the passage is that ______.
A. Americans and Canadians like fairs more B. attending Renaissance fairs is to learn something
C. Renaissance fairs are very popular D. California is where modern fairs were born
