14.President Barack Obama renamed North America's tallest mountain this week.For almost 100years,the 20,310-foot Alaskan peak has been identified on most maps as Mount McKinley.Its names is now officially Denali.
This"new"official name isn't really new at all.Obama changed the mountain's name to Denali because,for generations,that's what people in Alaska have called it.The Athabascan people,a Native Alaskan group,named the peak Denali long ago.It means"high one"or"great one."
"We are officially renaming the mountain Denali in recognition of the traditions of Alaska Natives and the strong support of the people of Alaska,"said U.S.Interior Secretary Sally Jewell.
Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski praised Obama's move."I'd like to thank the president for working with us to achieve this significant change to show honor,respect,and gratitude to the Athabascan people of Alaska,"she said.
The name Mount McKinley got its start in 1896.At that time,there was a gold rush going on in Alaska.A gold prospector (勘探者) wanted to honor William McKinley of Ohio,who had just been nominated (提名) to run for U.S.president.McKinley would go on to become the nation's 25th president.He was killed in 1901,six months into his second term as president.The U.S.Congress made the name Mount McKinley official in 1917.
Native Alaskans were insulted (侮辱) by the name change.The result has been a political tug-of-war between Alaska and Ohio.Since 1975,Alaska politicians have pushed Congress to change the name back to Denali.Now that President Obama has changed the name,some people in Ohio are very unhappy."This political change is insulting to all Ohioans,"said Congressman Bob Gibbs,who is from that state.
Denali also made news this week for another reason:U.S.officials decreased its official height by 10feet.The United States Geological Survey announced that Denali is 20,310feet high,not 20,320as previously thought.The mountain has not shrunk (萎縮).Advances in technology allowed scientists to take more accurate measurements of it.
28.Why has the U.S.government renamed its tallest mountain?B
A.To end a long political debate.
B.To show respect for Alaska Natives.
C.To remember the nation's 25th president.
D.To officially identify the mountain's name on maps.
29.What's Ohioans'attitude towards the new name of Mount McKinley?D
A.Excited.
B.Amazed.
C.Puzzled.
D.Disappointed.
30.What's do we know about Mount Denali?A
A.It is actually 20,310feet in height.
B.It was found by a gold prospector.
C.It was originally named McKinley.
D.It isn't North America's tallest mountain.
31.What would be the best title for the text?B
A.A political tug-of-war.
B.From McKinley to Denali.
C.The tallest mountain found.
D.In honor of William McKinley.