February has long
been a month of romance. With the sweet smell of roses in the air, romantic
films hit cinemas and love stories fill newspapers and magazines.
On the 14th day, it is a custom for a boy to take his
girlfriend out to dinner, buy her flowers and chocolates, write poems, sing to
her or even spell out her name with rose petals! This is what you see on
Valentine’s Day, a day named after Valentine who was a priest in the third
century Rome. When the emperor (皇帝) decided that single men could become better soldiers than those
with wives, he didn’t allow marriage.
But Valentine continued to perform marriage ceremonies for
young lovers in secret. When his actions were discovered, the emperor sentenced
him to death. While in prison, it is said that Valentine fell in love with the
daughter of his prison guard. Before his death, he wrote her a letter, which he
signed “From your Valentine”, an expression that is still in use today.
Valentine died for what he believed in and so he was made a Saint (圣徒), as well as becoming one of history’s
most romantic characters.
Nowadays, Valentine’s Day is also popular among Chinese
young people. Some students are planning to make Valentine’s cards for parents,
teachers and friends. Others want to hold parties at which they will exchange
small gifts and eat heart-shaped cakes. The idea is to have fun and encourage
people to share in the spirit of St. Valentine.
1.Why did the
emperor in Rome not allow marriage in his country?
A. Because there were few women in his country at that
time.
B. Because he thought men without wives could be better
soldiers.
C. Because there wasn’t enough food for so many people.
D. Because he wanted to control the birth rate.
2.Valentine was put
into prison because _______.
A. he killed one of the soldiers B.
he stole a lot of food
C. he didn’t obey the emperor’s order D.
he didn’t want to be a soldier
3.The last paragraph
mainly tells us _______.
A. students in China send cards to their teachers B.
it is a good idea to celebrate Valentine’s Day in China
C. it is interesting to celebrate Valentine’s Day in China D. Valentine’s Day is also popular in China now
4.The best title for
this passage should be _______.
A. Valentine’s Day B.
A Brave Priest
C. Valentine’s Day in China D.
A Romantic Man