For many years, no one could communicate with pe ople who had been born without hearing. These deaf people were not able to use a spoken language.

   But, beginning in the 1700s, the deaf were taught a special language. Using this language, they could share thoughts and ideas with oth ers. The language they used was a language without sound. It was a sign language.

    How did this sign language work? The deaf were taught to make certain movements using their hands, faces, and bodies. These movements stood for things and ideas. People might move their forefingers across their lips. This meant, “You are not telling the truth.” They might tap their chins with three fingers. This meant “my uncle.”

   The deaf were also taught to use a finger alphabet. They used their fingers to make the letters of the alphabet. In this way, they spelled out words. Some deaf people could spell out words at a speed of 130 words per minute.

   Sign language and finger spelling are not used as much as they once were. Today, the deaf are taught to understand others by watching their lips. They are also taught how to speak.

 

1. In th e 1700s, the deaf were taught __________.

A. to speak

B. sign language

C. to watch others

D. Braille

 

2. Sign language is ______.

A. not used as much as it once was

B. used as much today as it once was

C. no longer use d in the schools

D. never used as much as today

 

3. The deaf “talked” to other people ______.

A. by moving th eir h ands, faces and bodies

B. by shouting and singing

C. without using any letters

D. without using any language

 

4. From the text we learn that _______.

A. deaf people make signs to earn a living

B. there is still no way to communicate with the deaf

C. sign language helped t he deaf learn to read

D. many deaf people now can speak

 

5. The story as whole is about _______.

A. learning to spell

B. teaching the deaf to speak

C. how the deaf communicate

D. understanding Indian sign language

答案：

1. B

2. A

3. A

4. D

5. C