阅读理解。
Canberra, the capital of Australia, lies in the southeast of the country. From this city, it is 240 kilometres
to Sydney, and over twice to Melbourne. Sydney faces the Pacific Ocean, and Melboume is close to the Bass
Strait through which ships from Sydney can enter the Indian Ocean.
When the Federal government of Australia was formed in 1901, no one knew where Australia's capital
would be. The two cities of Sydney and Melbourne both wanted the honour. Instead, the founding fathers
chose a piece of land between the two cities for the new capital. The govemment would build a new city
called Canberra as the country's capital.
In 1991, the govemment invited the world leading architects (建筑师) to enter designs for Canberra in a
contest (比赛). An architect from Chicago (芝加哥) named Walter Griffin won. The government decided to
build Canberra according to his plan. Men started to work on Canberra in 1913. Twenty-four years later, the
city was finished. But the government moved to this new city ten years before it was completed.
At one time, almost everyone in Canberra worked for the government. However, the city today has become
a centre of education and a favorite place for tourists (观光者). Now people can hold a govemment job, or
they can work in business. They also make a living by teaching or meeting the needs of tourists.
People find life in Canberra very relaxing and pleasant. The crty is surrounded by beautiful mountains
where people can ski (滑雪). There is a large man-made lake lined with beaches (海滩) and parks in the centre
of Canberra. Canberra is now Australia's largest island city. Many people living there have come from other
cities in Australia and from other lands. They have come to Canberra to work. Some have come to get away
from the busier way of life found in many other cities.
1. According to the passage, it is _____ kilometres from Sydney to Melbourne.
[ ]
A. 240
B. 480
C. 740
D. 720
2. Canberra was designed by _____.
[ ]
A. the founding fathers
B. an American
C. the Federal govemment
D. the world leading architects
3. Canberra is now _____.
[ ]
A. a lovely city to which no visitors can go by sea
B. the largest island city and an education centre in Australia
C. a beautiful coastal city with beaches and parks
D. a pleasant place with lakes surrounding it
4. Which of the following shows the correct order?
a. The founding fathers decided to build Canberra.
b. The Federal government was founded in 1901.
c. Canberra was completed ten years later.
d. Both Melbourne and Sydney wanted to be the capital.
e. The government had a contest to design the capital.
f. The people began to build Canberra in 1913.
g. The Federal government moved to the new city.
[ ]
A. b, a, g, c, d, f, e
B. b, f, d, e, g, a, c
C. b, d, a, e,f, c, g
D. b, d, a, e, f, g, c