浙江省新目标版初中英语九年级上学期期末模拟试卷（7）

    Stonehenge means "hanging stones". They stood in a circle, with 30 more stones lying on top to form a ring of rocks. There was also an inner circle built with similar stones. The stones set up in a trilithon(巨石牌坊) pattern.

    A trilithon is made of two stone pillars with a stab of rock laid across the top. The stones weigh up to 20 tons each. People wonder how the huge rocks were placed that way.

    Historians agree that Stonehenge was built in three different stages. The first stage took place about 5, 000 years ago. At that time, a large circular earth wall was made. Historians believe the wall was dug and cut with tools made form anglers(鹿角) of red deer. The earth wall was about 98m in diameter(直径) a 5-meter-tall stone was placed near the center. Then, they had to transport the large blue stones (up to 4 tons) 384 kilometers to Stonehenge. Experts think they might be moved across ice and snow. The ground in winter in this area is usually full of ice and snow, making it easier to move the rocks. The next task was to stand the stones up. The most difficult task was putting the top stones in place. Each one of these tasks took a lot of planning and a lot of strength, but the workers of Stonehenge were excellent builders.

    Why was the monument built? Some scientists think it's a burial ground. There are over 400 graves (burial sits) nearby. A man was buried with two gold earrings which are the oldest gold ever found in Britain (dated to 2470 BC). Others think Stonehenge was built by early astronomers. Scientists believe that when a person stands in the center of the monument, the changing of seasons can be seen. Certain stones mark the location of the rising and setting moon in midwinter. Other stones mark the rising and setting sun in midsummer. The ancient people held religious ceremonies on these days. These ceremonies probably asked the gods to bring good weather for crops and to protect the people from bad weather.

    Stonehenge is an engineering success. Thousands of years later, it still stands. As a calendar, Stonehenge is very accurate. It shows that early people had a deep understanding of the movements to the sun and the moon. They didn't have machines or computers, but Stonehenge shows people could do many things using only their muscles and their brains.

    Different countries have different greeting customs. Read this article to know more about the greeting customs in different cultures, and make sure you greet people in the right way next time.

    There are many kinds of music in the world, pop music, classical music, folk music and so on. Do you know country music? It's a traditional kind of music from the southern states of America, I like it very much! It will take me away for a while after I am tired. The guitars and songs will take me to mountains and fields.

    Country music usually talks of everyday life and feelings. It's like the spirit of America, easy to understand, slow and simple.

    Country music developed in the Southern United States. It was the folk music of American countryside. Many of the songs tell about the lives of farmers. They talk about love, crops or death. The life in the countryside can be hard, so the words in country music are often sad. At first, people played the music only at family parties. But it became more popular later. In the 1920s, people played country songs on the radio, and they made them into records.

    When people in the countryside moved to towns and cities to look for jobs, they took their music with them. Country music continued to change and became popular across America.

    John Denver was one of America's most famous country singers in the 1970s. His song Take Me Home, Country Roads is well known and people still play it today.

假如你是王坤，你的—位外国笔友Jennifer即将到你家做客，请你以书信的形式简要向她介绍—下当地的餐桌礼仪。

要求：1）语言流畅,谱法规范；2）词数：80~ 100。

    China is a ration of etiquette(礼仪). Chinese people are among (friendly) people in the world. If foreigners visit a Chinese family, they would be surprised at the warmth that they would receive as guests. you visit a Chinese family, the host usually (make) tea for you. Then he will serve you snacks biscuits or candy. Someone in the family will also chat with you, never (let) you feel lonely. At the same time, other family members will prepare a meal for you. Chinese people treat their guests with a big meal. They always present (much) food than the guests can eat. On the table, the guests must be first to eat. As you are eating, the host usually says, "It seems" that you didn't eat much, Please have more." you tell them you are full, they still put more food in your bowl. (be) warm and hospitable(好客的) has long been an important part of Chinese culture and tradition. As Confucius said (thousand) of years ago: To meet friends from a far, how happy we are!