# The history of the umbrella - 科目：雅思听力真题（Part 4） - 考频：中频 - 最近考试：2024.11.16 - 题目数：10 - 来源页：https://www.yaquan.site/paper/836de0d4-0487-49bd-8abd-8e547e036946（在线机考练习与音频请访问该页面） - 数据更新：2026-10-29 ## 题目原文 00:00:00,060 Part four. You will hear a lecture on the history of the umbrella. First, you have some time to look at questions thirty-one to forty. 00:00:47,980 Listen carefully and answer questions thirty-one to forty. 00:00:51,940 Today, I will share the captivating story of the umbrella. This common item has a rich history that spans across various cultures around the world. It's more than just a tool to stay dry in the rain. It has played a significant role in history and society. 00:01:10,130 The umbrella was once regarded as a power icon of authority among leaders. More than just a practical item for shade or rain protection, it was a status symbol. Carried majestically over the heads of kings and powerful leaders during parades and public gatherings, it showcased their authority and ruling power to the people watching. 00:01:34,100 In ancient Rome, umbrellas were considered a luxury accessible only to wealthy women. Owning an umbrella was a clear sign of wealth and high social rank. This made the umbrella a prestigious item only accessible to those at the top of the social ladder, and it was seen as an exclusive accessory among the elite. 00:01:56,310 The materials used for making umbrellas varied greatly depending on where they were made. In China, umbrellas were elegantly crafted from silk, demonstrating the artisan's skill and the cultural appreciation for beauty. Meanwhile, in India, umbrellas were made from bone and sometimes by wood, which were readily available and commonly used, showing the resourcefulness of the people. 00:02:24,220 To make umbrellas more effective in the rain, they were coated with wax. This process made them waterproof, greatly enhancing their functionality. By adding this simple but clever modification, umbrellas became more reliable and effective at keeping the rain off, thereby becoming a more essential tool for anyone stepping outside in wet weather. 00:02:48,340 Originally, umbrellas were used to shield the body, not just from rain, but also from the sun and other natural elements. Their use was crucial for those needing all-around protection when outside, which made the umbrella a critical item for outdoor activities. In their early designs, umbrellas resembled oversized lids. They were large and dome-shaped, which allowed them to cover a good amount of space, providing ample protection from the elements. 00:03:20,200 This design has greatly influenced the development of modern umbrellas, which still retain a similar shape for maximum coverage. 00:03:29,220 Umbrellas were frequently paired with gloves, especially with colder or rainier climates. This combination provided not only practical benefits, but also a touch of elegance to the wearer's outfit. It allowed people to stay dry and warm, making those an essential pair for outdoor wear. 00:03:53,180 A major change took place in the 1850s when umbrellas started being manufactured with plastic. This change made them lighter to carry and more durable against wear and tear, and much easier for everyone to use. However, in England, the use of steel for umbrella frames represented a significant advancement because these materials can make umbrellas much sturdier and capable of withstanding strong winds and harsh weather. 00:04:24,120 This change was particularly important in England, where the weather can often be unpredictable and windy. Lastly, in Germany, the transition to using nylon for umbrellas represented another key development. This material was chosen for its lightweight and waterproof qualities, offered significant advantages. It made umbrellas easier to carry and more effective in keeping people dry, boosting their popularity in various climates and conditions. 00:04:57,090 That's the end of part four. You now have half a minute to check your answers. ## 题目与答案 ### 31. Symbolism of Umbrellas · Umbrellas symbolized 31_____ for rulers, showcasing authority. Symbolism of Umbrellas · Umbrellas symbolized 31_____ for rulers, showcasing authority. **答案**：power 原文定位：The umbrella was once regarded as a power icon of authority among leaders. More than just a practical item for shade or rain protection, it was a status symbol. Carried majestically over the heads of kings and powerful leaders during parades and public gatherings, it showcased their authority and ruling power to the people watching 同义替换：「symbolized」↔「regarded as a power icon」；「rulers」↔「kings and powerful leaders」 ### 32. · Only wealthy Roman 32_____ could own umbrellas, a status symbol. · Only wealthy Roman 32_____ could own umbrellas, a status symbol. **答案**：women 原文定位：In ancient Rome, umbrellas were considered a luxury accessible only to wealthy women. Owning an umbrella was a clear sign of wealth and high social rank 同义替换：「could own」↔「accessible only to」；「a status symbol」↔「a clear sign of wealth and high social rank」 ### 33. Materials and Construction · In India, umbrellas were made from local 33_____ . Materials and Construction · In India, umbrellas were made from local 33_____ . **答案**：wood 原文定位：In China, umbrellas were elegantly crafted from silk, demonstrating the artisan's skill and the cultural appreciation for beauty. Meanwhile, in India, umbrellas were made from bone and sometimes by wood, which were readily available and commonly used, showing the resourcefulness of the people ### 34. The umbrella from China was made by silk The umbrella from India was made by bone and 34_____ to make them waterproof, improving their usefulness. The umbrella from China was made by silk The umbrella from India was made by bone and 34_____ to make them waterproof, improving their usefulness. **答案**：wax 原文定位：To make umbrellas more effective in the rain, they were coated with wax. This process made them waterproof, greatly enhancing their functionality 同义替换：「improving their usefulness」↔「enhancing their functionality」 ### 35. Practical Enhancements Originally, umbrellas were designed to protect the 35_____ from various elements. Practical Enhancements Originally, umbrellas were designed to protect the 35_____ from various elements. **答案**：body 原文定位：Originally, umbrellas were used to shield the body, not just from rain, but also from the sun and other natural elements 同义替换：「designed to protect」↔「used to shield」；「various elements」↔「rain, sun and other natural elements」 ### 36. · Early umbrellas resembled big 36_____ providing extensive coverage. · Early umbrellas resembled big 36_____ providing extensive coverage. **答案**：lids 原文定位：In their early designs, umbrellas resembled oversized lids. They were large and dome-shaped, which allowed them to cover a good amount of space, providing ample protection from the elements 同义替换：「big」↔「oversized」；「extensive coverage」↔「ample protection」 ### 37. · Umbrellas were often used with 37_____ especially in cold or wet climates. · Umbrellas were often used with 37_____ especially in cold or wet climates. **答案**：gloves 原文定位：Umbrellas were frequently paired with gloves, especially with colder or rainier climates 同义替换：「often used with」↔「frequently paired with」 ### 38. · The introduction of 38_____ in the 1850s made umbrellas lighter and more durable. · The introduction of 38_____ in the 1850s made umbrellas lighter and more durable. **答案**：plastic 原文定位：A major change took place in the 1850s when umbrellas started being manufactured with plastic. This change made them lighter to carry and more durable against wear and tear 同义替换：「introduction of」↔「started being manufactured with」 ### 39. · In England, umbrella frames began to be made with 39_____ , enhancing their durability. · In England, umbrella frames began to be made with 39_____ , enhancing their durability. **答案**：steel 原文定位：However, in England, the use of steel for umbrella frames represented a significant advancement because these materials can make umbrellas much sturdier and capable of withstanding strong winds and harsh weather 同义替换：「enhancing their durability」↔「much sturdier」 ### 40. · In Germany, the shift to using 40_____ for umbrellas improved their functionality and popularity. · In Germany, the shift to using 40_____ for umbrellas improved their functionality and popularity. **答案**：nylon 原文定位：Lastly, in Germany, the transition to using nylon for umbrellas represented another key development. This material was chosen for its lightweight and waterproof qualities, offered significant advantages. It made umbrellas easier to carry and more effective in keeping people dry, boosting their popularity in various climates and conditions 同义替换：「shift」↔「transition」；「improved their functionality」↔「offered significant advantages」 --- 以上内容由鸭圈雅思真题库（www.yaquan.site）提供，收录近期雅思考试真题回忆，支持在线机考模式免费练习。