Question

About l,500 years ago the Japanese imported many aspects of Chinese culture :the writing system, political institutions, and perhaps the most important, Buddhism. Buddhist priests were expected to eat only vegetables, and tofu, made from the soybean, was a very important food in their diet. When Buddhism was introduced from China, tofu was also brought to Japan.

Tofu developed in different ways in China and Japan. While the Chinese often changed the taste of tofu by mixing it with strongly-flavored vegetables or meat, the Japanese preferred to eat it using only a simple sauce. Even now, traditional Japanese cooking preserves the original delicacy of tofu, though the way it is served may change from season to season. In summer, for example, it is simply served cold, while in winter it is often eaten as part of a hot dish.

The soybean was introduced to the West in the 18th century, but little interest was taken in it.  Only scientists recognized its high food value. During the Second World War, when meat was in short supply, the US government encouraged the American people to eat soybean products. However, they never became very popular and, after the war, interest in them dropped off as the supply of meat became plentiful again.

In recent years, people in the West have become increasingly aware of the dangers of eating too much animal fat, and as a result, they have turned more and more to soybean products. This is mainly because the soybean provides almost the same food value as meat, and in addition it is a lot more healthful. Much of the margarine (人造黄油), salad oil and cooking oil in daily use is now produced from soybean oil. Tofu, a representative soybean product and originally one of the main foods in the diet of Chinese priests, is considered to be one of the healthiest foods available to man.

1.Tofu came to Japan together with Buddhism because          .

A. Buddhist priests ate tofu rather than vegetables

B. it was a very important food in the diet of Buddhist priests

C. the religion came to Japan together with political institutions

D. the religion was the most important aspect of Chinese culture

2.How are Japanese tofu dishes different from Chinese tofu dishes?

A. They are preserved in the original taste.

B. They are served the same way throughout the year.

C. They have a better taste than Chinese tofu dishes.

D. They have a greater variety than Chinese tofu dishes.

3.The Western people become interested in tofu and other soybean products because       .

A. they have become tired of eating meat

B. meat has become too expensive to buy

C. these products are more readily available

D. eating too much animal fat is considered unhealthy

Answer

1.B

2.A

3.D

【解析】

本文是一篇说明文。文章介绍了以豆腐为代表的豆制品深受世界人民的青睐。作为佛教徒的重要食品，佛教和豆腐一起传到日本，但日本人喜欢食用原味豆腐；由于意识到食肉对健康的危害，西方人也开始对豆制品产生了兴趣。

1.细节理解题。根据第一段第二句and tofu, made from the soybean, was a very important food in their diet.可知，佛教和豆腐一起传到日本是因为豆腐是佛教徒日常饮食中的食物。故B项正确。

2.细节理解题。根据第二段第二句中的While the Chinese often changed the taste of tofu以及第三句中的Even now, traditional Japanese cooking preserves the original delicacy of tofu,可知，日本和中国做豆腐这道菜的不同点在于日本豆腐保持了原味，而中国豆腐常加其他佐料改变了原味，故A项正确。

3.细节理解题。根据最后一段第一句In recent years, people in the West have become increasingly aware of the dangers of eating too much animal fat, and as a result, they have turned more and more to soybean products.可知，西方人对豆腐和其他豆制品感兴趣，因为吃太多动物脂肪被认为是不健康的。故选D。