阅读理解。
Valentine's Day is a holiday honouring lovers. It is named
after Saint Valentine, an early Christian (基督教的) churchman
who helped young lovers. Valentine was killed for his Christian
beliefs on February 14 more than 1 700 years ago, but the day that
has his name is even earlier than that.
More than 2 000 years ago, the ancient Romans celebrated a
holiday for lovers. As part of the celebration, girls wrote their
names on pieces of paper and put them in a large container(容
器) . Boys reached into the container and pulled one out. The girl
whose name was written on the paper became his lover or sweet
heart for a year.
Lovers still put their names on pieces of paper and they send
each other Valentine's Day cards that tell of their.love. Sometimes
they also send gifts, like flowers or chocolate candy. Americans
usually send gifts and cards through the mail system. But some
use another way to send this message. They have it printed in a
newspaper. The cost is usually a few dollars. Some of the
messages are simple and short, "Jane, I love you very much. "
Others say more. This one, for example, "Dan, roses are red.
Violets are blue. I hope you love me as much as I love you.
Forever. Mary. "
Most of the newspapers that print such messages are local,
but USA Today is sold throughout the United States and 90 other
countries as well. This means someone can send a Valentine
message to a lover in a faraway city or town almost anywhere in the
world. These messages cost 80 dollars or more. An employee (雇
员) of USA Today says readers can have a small heart or rose
printed along with their messages this year. Will this kind of
Valentine's Day message reach the one you love? Well, just make
sure he or she reads the newspaper.
1. When was the day named after Valentine?
A. More than 1,700 years ago before Valentine's death.
B. More than 2,000 years ago.
C. On February 24.
D. It is not mentioned in the passage.
2. Which is NOT true about the ancient Roman holiday?
A. Girls put into a large container pieces of paper with their own names on them.
B. Boys and girls became sweet hearts by chance.
C. Girls and boys send gifts and cards through the mail system.
D. It was celebrated as a holiday for lovers.
3. What can be inferred from the passage?
A. Printing a message to show one's love in USA Today will cost 80 dollars or more.
B. Valentine was killed for helping lovers.
C. Readers of USA Today can send roses to their lovers along with the printed messages.
D. Valentine was honoured by people for his firm Christianbelief and warm heart.
4. What is the purpose of the passage?
A.To briefly introduce the origin of Valentine's Day and the modern style.
B.To advertise for USA Today.
C. To tell you that Americans are open to express their love.
D. To sell roses on Valentine's Day.