Question

We usually understand when someone speaks or writes to us, and many gestures have meanings, too. But few of us ever considered what and how we eat as a way of communication. The food people eat during celebrations and ceremonies (儀式) can symbolize (象征) many things. In many cultures, people share food at meal times. Sharing bread or other foods is a common human tradition that can improve trust. Food can also have a particular (特別的) meaning, and play an important role in a family or culture’s celebrations or traditions. The foods we eat—and when and how we eat them—are often unique to a particular culture, or may even differ between the country and the city one country.

In most cultures, bread represents nourishment (營養(yǎng)). It is also one of the most commonly shared foods in the world. Sharing bread, whether at a special time or at the family dinner table, is a common symbol of companionship and togetherness. In fact, the word “companion” comes from the Latin com (together) and panis (bread). Many cultures also celebrate birthdays and marriages with beautifully decorated cakes that are cut and shared among the guests. Early types of cakes were simply a kind of bread, so this tradition has its root (根源) in the custom of sharing bread.

Food also plays an important role in many New Year celebrations. In the southern United States, pieces of cornbread represent blocks of gold for prosperity (繁榮) in the new year. In Greece, people share a special cake called vasilopita. A coin is baked into the cake, which represents success in the New Year for the person who receives it. Most of the foods eaten during the Chinese New Year have symbolic meanings. Sometimes this is based on their shape; for example, long noodles symbolize long life. The symbolism can also be based on the sound of the word in Chinese. For example, people give out oranges because the word for “orange” sounds like the word for “good luck”.

1.Which of the following is NOT commonly considered as a way of communication?

A.Eating moon cakes at the Mid-autumn Festival.

B.Writing emails to your teacher.

C.Talking to your grandparents.

D.Shaking hands with someone when you first meet.

2.________ can help improve trust among people according to the article.

A.Eating bread with family members B.Having lunch together

C.Sharing a pizza with friends D.Cutting a cake into pieces

3.What is the root reason for sharing cakes at birthdays?

A.Birthday cakes are usually too big for one person to eat.

B.Cakes are a kind of beautiful and delicious dessert.

C.Cakes and bread have been the same food for many years.

D.Sharing cakes has got its tradition from sharing bread.

4.________ represent good luck for the new year in its own culture.

A.Coins in vasilopita B.Oranges

C.Pieces of cornbread D.Noodles

5.Which of the following is the best title for this article?

A.The importance of different foods B.The way of eating foods

C.What we eat really matters D.Another way of communication

Answer 1