Ⅱ. 完形填空(每小题1分,满分10分)

The umbrella is a very common object. It keeps the 36 and the sun off the people. Most umbrellas can be folded up(折叠)so it is 37 to carry them.

However， the umbrella was not always as 38 as it is now. In the past， it was a symbol of importance. Some African countries still use umbrellas in this 39 . Someone carries an umbrella and walks behind the king or important person.

Umbrellas have a long history. People in different parts of the world began to 40 umbrellas at different times. The Chinese had them more than 3，000 years ago. From there，umbrellas 41 to India and Egypt. In Greece and Rome， 42 wouldn’t use them. They believed umbrellas were only for women.

England was 43 the first country in Europe where common people used umbrellas against rain. The weather there is very 44 and umbrellas are very useful.

Everybody uses umbrellas today. The next time you 45 one， thinking that for centuries only great men and women used them， you’ll feel you are the important person， too.

36. A. rain B. cloud C. air D. water

37. A. lovely B. cheap C. hard D. easy

38. A. light B. heavy C. common D. special

39. A. way B. size C. reason D. place

40. A. discover B. use C. examine D. discuss

41. A. walked B. travelled C. rode D. flew

42. A. children B. parents C. men D. women

43. A. probably B. already C. suddenly D. immediately

44. A. sunny B. rainy C. snowy D. windy

45. A. sell B. return C. borrow D. carry