A
Due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP), people all over the world are wearing masks to reduce the risk of infection. In fact, masks have been helping mankind for centuries. Let’s take a look at some mask-related history.
1st century
In that century, many people in Roman Empire worked underground in mines to support their families. But most of them suffered from and even eventually died of respiratory (呼吸的) illnesses. To address this problem, Pliny the Elder (23-79 AD), recommended the use of animal bladder (膀胱) skins to stop dust from being breathed in. Although simple, his idea was considered the very first recorded mask invention.
19th century
The design of the mask took a big step forward in the 19th century. In 1848, American Lewis Hassley became the first person to patent (注册专利) a protective mask for miners, which was a milestone in face mask history. Masks at this stage were similar to gas masks. Later, in 1897, Polish-Austrian doctor Johann designed a simple mask composed of one layer of gauze (纱布).
20th century
In 1910, an epidemic broke out in Northeast China. Chinese doctor Wu Liande designed a cheap face mask called “Wu’s mask”. Made of two layers of surgical gauze, it could be wrapped around the back of the head and tied in a knot. This mask was praised by experts around the world, as it was simple to manufacture and had a low production cost.
Modern exploration
With several outbreaks of infectious diseases and the flu, and the rise of pollution caused by industrial waste, the materials in masks have continued to evolve to better protect its wearer. In the future, masks will continue to improve, hopefully so will the habits of humans.
1. According to the text, why were masks invented in the first century?
A. To reduce the risk of infection.
B. To protect miners from dust.
C. To indicate patients with respiratory illnesses.
D. To protect doctors from harmful chemicals.
2. What was considered a milestone in face mask history?
A. Getting a patent on protective masks for miners.
B. Using cloth instead of animal skins.
C. The invention of gas masks in 1897.
D. Using more than one layer of gauze.
3. “Wu’s mask” grew popular around the world because _____.
A. it could be used multiple times
B. it was cheap and easy to manufacture
C. it was simple for people to wear
D. it could better protect people from smog
4. What is the text mainly about?
A. A comparison of different masks.
B. The benefits of using masks.
C. The evolution of masks.
D. The roles masks played at different times.
【答案】1. B 2. A 3. B 4. C
【解析】
这是一篇说明文。文章介绍讲述了口罩的发展史。
【1题详解】
推理判断题。根据1st century的“In that century, many people in Roman Empire worked underground in mines to support their families. But most of them suffered from and even eventually died of respiratory (呼吸的) illnesses. To address this problem, Pliny the Elder (23-79 AD), recommended the use of animal bladder (膀胱) skins to stop dust from being breathed in. Although simple, his idea was considered the very first recorded mask invention. (在那个世纪，罗马帝国的许多人在地下矿井工作以养家糊口。但他们中的大多数人都患有呼吸系统疾病，甚至最终死于呼吸系统疾病。为了解决这个问题，老普林尼(公元23-79年)建议使用动物膀胱皮来阻止灰尘被吸入。虽然简单，他的想法被认为是第一个有记录的面具发明。)”由此可知，为了保护矿工不受灰尘污染，面具在一世纪发明。故选B。
【2题详解】
细节理解题。根据19th century中“The design of the mask took a big step forward in the 19th century. In 1848, American Lewis Hassley became the first person to patent (注册专利) a protective mask for miners, which was a milestone in face mask history. (面具的设计在19世纪向前迈进了一大步。1848年，美国人刘易斯·哈斯利(Lewis Hassley)成为第一个为矿工申请保护面罩专利的人，这是面罩历史上的一个里程碑。)”由此可知，矿工防护口罩获得专利被认为是口罩历史上的一个里程碑。故选A。
【3题详解】
细节理解题。根据20th century中的“In 1910, an epidemic broke out in Northeast China. Chinese doctor Wu Liande designed a cheap face mask called “Wu’s mask”. (1910年，一场流行病在中国东北爆发。中国医生吴连德设计了一款廉价的面膜，叫做“吴氏面膜”。)和 This mask was praised by experts around the world, as it was simple to manufacture and had a low production cost. (这种口罩因其制作简单、生产成本低而受到世界各地专家的好评。)”由此可知，“吴的面具”在世界各地流行起来，因为它既便宜又容易制造。故选B。
【4题详解】
主旨大意题。根据第一段中“In fact, masks have been helping mankind for centuries. Let’s take a look at some mask-related history. (事实上，几个世纪以来，面具一直在帮助人类。让我们来看看一些与口罩相关的历史。)”由此可知，这篇文章讲述的是口罩的进化。故选C。
