A
The Union Jack is the national flag of the United Kingdom. It is so called because it combines the emblems (象征) of three countries — England, Scotland and Ireland (although since 1921 only Northern Ireland has been part of the United Kingdom).
The term “Union Jack” possibly dates from Queen Anne's time, but its origin is uncertain. It may come from the “Jacket” of the English or Scottish soldiers; or from the name of James Ⅰ who originated the first union in 1603, in either its Latin or French form “Jacobus” or “Jacques”； or as “jack” once meant small, the name may come from a royal proclamation (声明) issued by Charles Ⅱ that the flag should be flown only by ships of the Royal Navy as a jack, a small flag at the bowsprit (船首).
The Union Jack was originally a royal flag (when the present design was made official in 1801, it was ordered to be flown on all the King's forts and castles, but not elsewhere); today it is flown above Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle when the Queen is not in residence. On news of a royal death, the Union Jack will be flown at half-mast (下半旗).
The flying of the Union Jack on public buildings is decided by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport at the Queen's command. The Union Jack is flown on government buildings on days marking the birthdays of members of the royal family, such as the Queen's official birthday, and on the days of the State Opening and prorogation (休会) of Parliament; it is also flown on St David's Day, St George's Day, St Andrew's Day, and St Patrick's Day.
Although the Union Jack originated as a royal flag, it is now also flown by many people and organizations elsewhere in the United Kingdom. Its use as an emblem has extended beyond the form of a flag and the Union Jack is frequently shown on other objects.
1. The reason why the national flag of the United Kingdom is called the Union Jack is that ________.
A. the flag is made of jacket
B. the flag combines the emblems of three countries
C. the flag shows the symbol of unity
D. the flag originated from the existence of the United Kingdom
2. The second paragraph mainly talks about ________
A. the origin of the national flag
B. the history of the national flag
C. the reason why the Union Jack has become the national flag
D. the way how the Union Jack has become the national flag
3. What is the best title for the passage?
A. The Union Jack Everywhere
B. The Union Jack at Anytime
C. National Flag, the Union Jack
D. The History of the Union Jack
【答案】1. B 2. A 3. C
【解析】
【分析】这是一篇说明文。主要介绍了英国国旗的起源和使用场合。
【1题详解】
细节理解题。根据第一段“It is so called because it combines the emblems of three countries — England, Scotland and Ireland”（它之所以被称为The Union Jack是因为它结合了英格兰、苏格兰和爱尔兰三个国家的象征）可知，英国国旗又被称为The Union Jack的原因是它结合了英格兰、苏格兰和爱尔兰三个国家的象征。故选B项。
【2题详解】
段落大意题。根据第二段的主要内容，尤其第一句“The term “Union Jack” possibly dates from Queen Anne's time, but its origin is uncertain.”（“Union Jack”一词可能起源于安妮女王时代，但其起源尚不确定）可知，第二段讲述的是英国国旗“Union Jack”的起源。故选A项。
【3题详解】
标题归纳题。通读全文可知，文章先介绍了英国国旗的名称和名称的起源，又介绍了国旗最初的使用场合和现在的使用场合。故C项“国旗——the Union Jack”可作为本文的最佳标题。故选C项。
