A
Vast deserts，magic carpets，and the legend of Aladdin's lamp.For most Chinese people，Saudi Arabia is a faraway land that exists only in bedtime stories.
However，connections between the two countries date back to ancient times.The economic and cultural ties between the Tang Dynasty (AD 618～907) and the Arabian Empire reached their height in the 9th century.Papermaking workshops did thrive in what is now Saudi Arabia while Arabian knowledge of math，astronomy and medicine spread to the Middle Kingdom.
These exchanges，recorded by Arab merchants sailing along the ancient Maritime Silk Road，became materials for folk stories，such as the One Thousand and One Nights stories.
Fast forward a millennium (千年)，the relationship between a modern Saudi Arabia and a progressive China has entered a new era，thanks to the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013.
“Saudi Arabia is one of the first countries that responded positively to the Belt and Road Initiative，” Saudi Ambassador to China Gurki Mohanmed told Xinhua.
“In terms of strategic location，Saudi Arabia serves as the central hub connecting Asia，Africa and Europe，making it an important part of the initiative，” he added.
In fact，since they built diplomatic ties in 1990，the two countries have seen a sound development of partnerships.In 2015，China became Saudi Arabia's largest trade partner while Saudi Arabia has been China's biggest crude oil supplier next to Russia and largest trade partner in West Asia and Africa for years.
Xu Mengmeng is now completing his graduation project on marine science at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia.On weekdays，he works on his research project on sharks.When free，he tours the city to experience the local culture.
Now China has become a favorite choice of Arab students expecting to study overseas.Momudouh from Saudi Arabia came to Xi'an to study marketing in 2010.He told Xi'an Daily that he was attracted by the fast trade opportunities between the two countries.He desired to bring back the socalled new four inventions back to his home country—highspeed rail，Alipay，bicycle sharing and online shopping.
【语篇解读】 中沙文化经济交流源远流长，两国之间由“丝绸之路”连接了起来。
1．What does the underlined word “thrive” in Paragraph 2 probably mean?
A．Fail. B．Boom.
C．Fade. D．Close.
解析：选B 词义猜测题。根据文章第二段可知，唐朝时中国和沙特阿拉伯的经济文化交流达到了鼎盛时期，造纸工厂在沙特阿拉伯繁荣发展。故选B。
2．What can we learn from the economic and cultural exchanges between the two countries?
A．The Arabians acquired advanced medicine from China.
B．The economic and cultural exchanges started in the 9th century.
C．Saudi Arabia is the biggest crude oil exporting country to China.
D．One Thousand and One Nights is based on the ties between Chinese and Arabs.
解析：选D 细节理解题。根据第三段中的“These exchanges，recorded by Arab merchants sailing along the ancient Maritime Silk Road，became materials for folk stories，such as the One Thousand and One Nights stories.”可知，《一千零一夜》的故事主要源于中国和阿拉伯国家商人的海上贸易往来。故选D。
3．By mentioning the two students，the author intends to show that ________.
A．more and more students prefer to study abroad
B．young people should experience some foreign cultures
C．the two countries have benefited a lot from the exchanges
D．China's highspeed rail and Alipay are attracting Arab students
解析：选C 推理判断题。结合第七段的内容可知，举两国交换生的例子是为了进一步说明两国受益于相互间的经济文化交流。故选C。
4．What could be the best title of the text?
A．The Belt and Road Initiative
B．The ChineseArabian Connection
C．The Advantages of Exchange in China
D．The Bond of Cultural and Economic Ties
解析：选B 主旨大意题。本文围绕中沙两国的古今联系展开，从古代“丝绸之路”讲到了“一带一路”。故选B。
