There have been many great inventions, things that have changed the way we live.

There have been many great inventions, things that have changed the way we live. The first great invention was one that is still very important today-the wheel(轮子). This made it easier to carry heavy things and to travel long distances.

For hundreds of years after that there were few inventions that had as much effect as the wheel. Then in the early 1800s the world started to change. There was little unknown land in the world, people did not have to explore(探险) any more.

In the second half of the 19th century many great inventions were made. Among them were the camera, the electric light and the radio. These all became a big part of our life today.

The first part of the 20th century saw more great inventions: the helicopter in 1909; movies with sound in 1926; the computer in 1928; and jet planes in 1930. This was also a time when a new material was first made. Nylon came out in 1935. It changed the kind of clothes people had been wearing.

The middle part of the 20th century brought new ways to help people get over diseases. They worked very well. They made people healthier and let them live longer lives. By the 1960s most people could expect to live at least 60.

By this time most people had a very good life. Of course new inventions con-tinue to be made. But man now had a desire(向往)to explore again. The world was known to man but the stars were not. Man began looking for ways to go into space. Russia made the first step. Then the United States took a step. Since then other countries, including China and Japan, have made their own steps into space.

In 1969 man took his biggest step away from the earth. Americans first walked on the moon. This is certainly just a beginning though. New inventions will someday allow us to do things we have never dreamed of.

5. How many inventions had had as much effect as the wheel by the 19th century?

A. Quite a few. B. Few. C. A few. D. None.

6. What the writer wants to tell us is mainly about _______ .

A. how inventions have a great effect on people's lives

B. which country made the first step into space

C. why cars played an important part in everyday life

D. when the electric light was invented

7. Which of the following inventions that are referred to in the passage is the nearest to us in the first part of the 20th century?

A. Jet planes. B. Radio. C. Camera. D. Nylon.

8. It is because of _______ to help people keep healthier than ever that people can live longer lives.

A. good doctors

B. more and more hospitals

C. new ways

D. new medicines

9. Man did not wish to explore a lot _______ .

A. from the 1800's to 1960's

B. since the 1900's

C. in the 1960's

D. at the beginning of 1800's

试题答案

B  ADCD