TheoriginsoftheappletreeareinAsia.Weknowthat8,500ye...

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The origins of the apple tree are in Asia. We know that 8,500 years ago apples were being grown and eaten in ancient Jericho, a city near the Jordan River. In some parts of the ancient world apples could only be afforded by royalty (王室成员) and their courts, and were a popular dessert as long ago as 4,500 years. Now the apple is the most popular fruit in the world. You probably know that there’s a tradition for students to bring shiny apples to their favorite teachers. But why? No one knows for sure. The idea of "an apple for the teacher" has been with us since the late 1800s. Perhaps the custom grew out of the fact that apples are ripe (成熟的) in September, when the school year usually begins. In earlier times, students, particularly those in rural areas, could pick apples from trees on their way to school. They were easy gifts for children to give. However, the lovely practice took on a dark note if the other children thought the gift-giver was trying to buy the teacher into giving him or her better grades. "Apple polisher" came to mean someone who tries to please a superior (上级) in return for special treatment. It was a popular college slang (俚语) term in the 1920s, but the term isn’t used much any more. It’s true that apples can be very attractive. The apple is America’s favorite fruit, as shown in the phrase, "as American as Mom and apple pie". After all, who ever says, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away" or "You’re the banana of my eye"? And who brings a banana to his or her teacher? Nobody.

8. What do we learn about the apple from the passage? A. It has been popular worldwide since 8,500 years ago.

B. It has been a popular dessert for about 4,500 years.

C. The origins of the apple tree are in America.

D. Everyone could enjoy this fruit in the ancient world.

9. Why did students give their teachers apples? A. Apples were ripe when the school year began.

B. Apples were the most popular fruit.

C Apples were expensive enough as gifts.

D. Teachers liked to get apples from students.

10. Which of the following is TRUE about the phrase "apple polisher"?

A. It is used to praise someone for his / her performance.

B. It is still as popular nowadays as before.

C. It may mean something good or bad, depending on the situation.