There have been many great inventions,things that changed the way we live.The first great invention was one that is still very important today-the wheel.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(影響)as the wheel.Then in the early 1800’s the world started to change.There was little unknown land left in the world.People didn’t have to explore(探測)much anymore.They began to work instead to make life better.

In the second half of the 19th century many great inventions were made.Among them were the camera,the 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 in 1935.It changed the kind of clothes people wear.

By this time most people had a very good life,Man has a desire 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 steps into space.

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

小題1:This passage talks mainly about________.

A.why cars were very important

Ｂ.when light was invented

C.which country made the first step into space

D.how inventions effect people’s life

小題2:Nylon came out nearly at the same time as _______.

A．radio B．camera C．jet planes D．movies

小題3:Which of the statements is not true?

A．The wheel was the first great invention that is still very important today.For hundredsof years after that there were many other inventions having as much effect as the wheel.

B．America,Russia,Japan and China began to explore the stars before1969.

C．In the early 1800’s people began to work instead of exploring more unknown land to make life better.

D．New invention will change our life greatly in the future.

小題4:What does“a desire”mean in the sentence“Man had a desire to explore more.”?

A．a good way B．a new invention C．a strong wish D．a wonderful idea

小題5:Man didn’t have a desire to explore a lot_______.

A．at the beginning of the 1800’s B．in the 1960’s

C．since the 1900’s D．from the 1800’s to the 1960’s