第三部分：阅读理解(共20小题;每小题2分，满分40分)

阅读下列短文，从每篇短文后所给各题的四个选项(A、B、C和D)中，选出最佳选项，并在答题卡上将该项涂黑。

A

After seven years of preparation, England kicked off the 2012 Summer Olympic Games on Friday. NBC estimates (估计) that 4 billion viewers tuned in (收看) from around the world to watch the opening ceremonies in London England.

Oscar-winning filmmaker Danny Boyle directed the opening ceremonies. The show cost $42 million and required 15,000 volunteers.

An Exciting Opening

Boyle’s ceremonies took audiences through a history of England. The performance began in the English countryside, continued with the building of factories and cities and ended up in the modern age, with performers texting and using cellphones.

Next, the athletes, coaches and officials from the 205 nations competing made their way into the stadium during the Parade of Nations. The ceremonies ended with the lighting of the Olympic flame and Paul McCartney, former member of the famous rock band The Beatles, singing the song “Hey Jude”.

Super Surprises

The opening weekend of competition took some unexpected turns. American swimmer Ryan Lochte surprised the world when he beat teammate Michael Phelps to win a gold medal in the 400-meter individual medley (混合泳). It was the first time Phelps did not win a medal in an Olympic race since 2000, when Phelps was 15.” I had a chance to put myself in a good spot, and I didn’t do it,” Phelps said after the race. “It’s pretty upsetting, but the biggest thing now is to try to get back and move forward.”

Even more surprising was China’s 16-year-old Ye Shiwen’s unbelievable performance in the women’s 400-metre individual medley. Ye set the first swimming world record this year, even swimming faster than men’s gold medalist, Lochte, during the final 50 meters of the race!

Though many expected to see American gymnast Jordyn Wieber take home gold in the women’s all gymnastics final, Wieber did not qualify (使具有资格) for the event. Only two gymnasts from each country can qualify, and Wieber was beaten by teammates Gabby Douglas and Aly Raisman.

With the Games just getting under way, there are likely many more surprises. What else will surprise fans around the world? You’ll have to watch to find out!

51. The underlined phrase “kicked off” in Paragraph 1 means ______.

A. started B. attended C. held D. celebrated

52. What did the opening ceremonies mainly show us?

A. Britain’s city views. B. Britain’s film and music stars.

C. Britain’s rich history. D. Britain’s advanced technology.

53. What surprised audiences during the opening weekend of the London Olympic Games?

A. Michael Phelps took second place in the 400-meter individual medley.

B. Ryan Lochte defeated Michael Phelps and won a gold medal.

C. Ye Shiwen swam faster than men’s gold medalist throughout the final.

D. Jordyn Wieber was beaten by her teammates in the all-around gymnastics final.

54. What is the best title for the text?

A. Let the Games Begin

B. London Olympics Opening Ceremonies

C. London, the City to Host the Most Olympics

D. The Olympic Moments that Surprised the World