Question

The term “to extend an olive branch” means to make an offer of peace or reconciliation(和好). This term has Biblical origins, coming from the section of the Old Testament that deals with the flood; the sign that the flood is over is an olive branch brought back to the ark(方舟) by a dove. Olive branches were also symbols of peace in Ancient Greece and Rome, and they continue to be used in various works of art that are meant to suggest peace.

Some people have suggested that the olive was a very deliberate and well-considered choice as a metaphor(比喻）for peace, because olive trees famously take years to mature. War is typically very, hard on the trees because people cannot take the time to nurture them and plant new ones. Therefore, the offer of an olive branch would suggest that someone is tired of war, whether it be an actual war or a falling out between friends.

In Ancient Greek and Roman times, people would offer actual olive branches. In Rome, for example, defeated armies traditionally carried olive branches to indicate that they were giving in, and the Greeks used them into weddings and other ceremonies. In the modem era, the branch is usually metaphorical, rather than actual, not least because the plants can be a bit difficult to obtain.

Many people agree that peace negotiations (谈判）at all levels of society are a good idea. Between nations, obviously, it is important to extend an olive branch to ensure mutual safety and to help the world run more smoothly. This act can also be important on a personal level, as resolving conflict and learning to get along with others is viewed as an important life skill in many cultures.

At some point m their lives, many people will be advised to extend an olive branch to settle a dispute or resolve an issue. Some people believe that it takes an immense amount of courage to take this action, as it often comes with an admission of wrongdoing and regret.

1.According to the Bible,___________

A. an olive branch suggests flood is coming.

B. the ark is made of olive tree wood.

C. an olive branch means flood is over

D. a dove loves to settle on the olive branch.

2.The olive is considered a good choice as a metaphor for peace for the following reasons EXCEPT      .

A. olive trees famously take years to mature

B. olive branches make people tired of war

C. war is typically very hard on the trees

D. people cannot take the time to nurture them while at war

3.Why are actual olive branches seldom used in modem times ?

A. Olive trees are being protected now.

B. Olive tress are planted only in certain countries.

C. Olive tress can be far to seek.

D. There is no need to use real olive branches.

4.It can be learned from the text that to extend an olive branch________

A. is not important on a personal level

B. is only important between nations.

C. takes a lot of courage.

D. is an important life skill m many cultures.

Answer

1.C

2.B

3.C

4.C

【解析】

试题分析：本文是文化类阅读，解释了“to extend an olive branch伸出橄榄枝”这一谚语的渊源意义及现代社会中这一短语的新义。

1.C 细节理解题。根据第一段第二句This term has Biblical origins, coming from the section of the Old Testament that deals with the flood; the sign that the flood is over is an olive branch brought back to the ark(方舟) by a dove.可知在《圣经》里橄榄枝被看成是洪水过后，方舟回归的象征。故C项正确。

2.B 细节理解题。根据第二段前两句“....olive trees famously take years to mature. War is typically very, hard on the trees because people cannot take the time to nurture them and plant new ones.”ACD三项都是人们把橄榄枝当成和平象征的原因。但并没有说：橄榄枝让人们厌倦战争。故B项符合题意。

3.C 推理判断题。根据第三段最后一句In the modem era, the branch is usually metaphorical, rather than actual, not least because the plants can be a bit difficult to obtain.可知现代人们通常使用橄榄枝表示隐喻，并且这种树还很难找到。故C项正确。

4.

考点：考查文化类阅读理解