阅读理解专练(二）.doc

阅读理解专练（二） 制卷人：施浩杰 2008-10-11 Clay is found almost everywhere in the world. It was formed by the action of wind and water on the rocks over thousands of years. Clay is important because it is used around the world to make containers of all kinds. Potters (陶土) add water to soften the clay, making it easier to form into shapes?by hand or by machine. Then it’s fired in a extremely hot stove. The result is a container with a hard surface and last for many years. In many countries, clay was formed from volcanoes. This kind of clay usually contains many minerals. So the fire to make container from volcanic clay must be hotter than those use form non-volcanic clay. The fire may be as hot as 1400 ℃. It is also important to dry the clay containers slowly. this means that the highest temperature should not be reached too fast. You can add materials to clay to gain desired results. For example, you can add sand to prevent tiny breaks or lines form forming in the finished product. But you should not use sand from the coast of oceans. Instead, you should use sand from rivers or form other areas of land that are not near the sea. You can usually find good clay in low areas of island or land especially if volcanoes help form the land. Clay often exists in fields covered with some water .the clay will be found under one meter below the ground. Riverbanks often also have clay about one meter or less under the surface. You can recognize clay because it is very shiny when it’s wet. You can also perform a test .take some of the material and add enough water to it to make it seem like you are making bread. Then press it in your hand until it is about the size of an egg. It’s probably?clay if it holds together instead of falling apart when you stop pressing 1．Why is clay important worldwide? A. it contains an important element. B. It is made into various containers. C. It can be of any shape and color. D. It can be used for many years. 2. Volcan