Spain looks pretty small on a world map, but this country has produced an extraordinary culture.
在世界地圖上看似渺小，西班牙這個國家卻創造出璀璨的文化。
by Luke Dodds and Matthew Brown
All over the world, people have no problem recognizing the music, art, dance, or food that comes from Spain. Spanish culture is unmistakable.
When a person thinks of Spain, the first thing that comes to mind might be flamenco dancing. Passionate and lively, usually performed to the accompaniment of fast guitars, flamenco dancing originated in southern Spain, and it has strong gypsy roots. Bullfighting is another of Spain's most famous attractions, and it is not just for tourists; bullfighting is enormously popular with the Spanish themselves. Thrilling and artistic, a bullfight is a match between a toreador, or bullfighter, and a bull. Bullfighting is one of Spain's long-standing traditions that might seem quite different from the ways of the modern world.
Spain is known as a country of romance, and for good reason. The history of Spain had its starting point not in a war over territory or the discovery of a new continent, but in a marriage. In 1469, Queen Isabella of the Kingdom of Castile married King Ferdinand of the Kingdom of Aragon, joining two of the most powerful Christian kingdoms in what is known as the unification of Spain. This unification began the period of Spanish history that saw three centuries of global exploration, trade, and conquest, carrying the Spanish language and culture all over the world.
No longer one of the world's strongest empires, Spain's political power has declined over the years, but its culture is as inspiring and well known now as ever. The spirit of Spain continues to inspire the world.
1. Which of the following is true about Spain?
(A) Spain is an extremely large country.
(B) Spain has become a global power in the last fifty years.
(C) Spain spread its power around the world for about 300 years.
(D) Spain does not have much influence anymore.
2. Based on the article, which of the following can be inferred about Spain?
(A) Its culture has changed fundamentally over the past three centuries.
(B) Its cultural attractions are diverse.
(C) It has outlawed the controversial activity of bullfighting.
(D) Flamenco is performed before or during bullfights.
3. Flamenco dancing _____.
(A) is a slow dance performed by gypsies
(B) is only performed in the south of Spain
(C) was discovered by the Spanish during their global explorations
(D) is an energetic form of dance
4. Which aspect of Spanish culture is NOT mentioned in the article?
(A) Cuisine. (B) Architecture. (C) Music. (D) Religion. |
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