問題詳情

Question 40-45Archaeological literature is rich in descriptions of pot making. Unlike modern industrialpotters, prehistoric artisans created each of their pieces individually, using the simplesttechnology but demonstrating remarkable skill in making and adorning their vessels.Line The clay used in prehistoric pot making was invariably selected with the utmost care:(5) often it was traded over considerable distances. The consistency of the clay was crucial:it was pounded meticulously and mixed with water to make it entirely even in texture. Bycareful kneading, the potter removed the air bubbles and made the clay as plastic aspossible, allowing it to be molded into shape as the pot was built up, When a pot is fired.It loses its water and can crack, so the potter added a temper to the clay, a substance that(10)Helped reduce shrinkage and cracking.Since surface finishes provided a pleasing appearance and also improved the durabilityIn day-to-day use, the potter smoothed the exterior surface of the pot with wet hands. OftenA wet clay solution, known as a slip, was applied to the smooth surface. Brightly coloredSlips were often used and formed painted decorations on the vessel. In later times. glazes(15) came into use in some areas. A glaze is a form of slip that turns to a glasslike finish duringhigh-temperature firing. When a slip was not applied, the vessel was allowed to dry slowlyuntil the external surface was almost like leather in texture. It was then rubbed with around stone or similar object to give it a shiny, hard surface. Some pots were adorned withincised or stamped decorations.(20) Most early pottery was then fired over open hearths. The vessels were covered withFast-burning wood; as it burned, the ashes would all around the pots and bake themEvenly over a few hours. Far higher temperatures were attained in special ovens, knownAs kilns, which would not only bake the clay and remove its plasticity, but also dissolveCarbons and iron compounds. Kilns were also used for glazing, when two firings wereNeeded, Once fired, the pots were allowed to cool slowly, and small cracks were repairedBefore they were ready for use.
40. What does the passage mainly discuss?
(A) Why archaeologists study prehistoric pot making
(B) How early pottery was made anddecorated
(C) The development of kilns used by early potters
(D) The variety of decorations on Prehistoric pottery

參考答案

答案：B
難度：非常困難0
統計：A(0),B(0),C(0),D(1),E(0)

內容推薦

內容推薦