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請依下文回答第 36 題至第 40 題:
Rome is a subtle city adorned with the old and the new, the grandeur and the modest, and a city for
the cat lovers and the cats. Cats have been living in Rome for uncounted centuries. The Romans always
appreciate the companion of cats and connect them as sacred animals of Roman deities. Libertas, the
Roman goddess and embodiment of liberty, is often shown as a matron in classical robe with a cat at her
feet. A Roman myth tells of the goddess Diana’s transformation into a cat so she might escape the evil
forces of the dragon-like creature, Typhon. Rome has even dedicated a street, Via della Gatta, to this
animal and in the past also a square, Piazza della Gatta, but that now is known as Piazza Grazioli. The
fascination for cats remains so long that the Romans have designated the felines as a biocultural heritage
of the city Rome.
If you are an ailurophile or a feline’s friend, you should add some time to have a leisure stroll
following the paces of these furry Roman citizens after you have tired of all regular tourist excursions in
Rome. Visit the Largo di Torre Argentina, a large, excavated square of archaeological ruins, and a cat
sanctuary. Then, have your ears prickled up, prowl and explore into Via della Gatta. At the corner of Via
della Gatta and Piazza del Collegio Romano, on the Palazzo Doria-Pamphili is located a Madonnella, a
sacred portrait, containing a painting of 1796, named The Immaculate Conception, representing an image
of a Madonna who tenderly holds in her arms a cat. It is said that the exact spot where the cat set her eyes
there lies a wonderful hidden treasure. It seems, however, that this point has not yet been identified since
there is not any official or popular tale about the discovery of a treasure in the area.
Overall, the cats of Rome have strong bond with this city. There are approximately 30,000 feral cats
living in the ancient ruins. You may bump into friends with four paws sitting, stretching out and rolling
over on ancient pillars and steps. You never know who might pop in to say meow to you. Wait and snap
pictures. It is time to look for a new way to roam in this old city.
36 Which of the following statements is true about the cats in Rome?
They have caused many environmental problems.
They are deeply intertwined with the lives in Rome.
They could only be found in ancient Rome.
They exist in myths and are a scarce species.
37 How do we know the Romans have considered cats sacred animals?
We may bump into cats everywhere on ancient pillars and steps.
There are about 30,000 stray cats living in the ancient ruins.
Many portraits of Roman deities have the connection with cats.
The cats in Rome would know the place where a hidden treasure lies.
38 Who is the intended reader of this passage?
Archaeologists. Historians. Lawmakers. Tourists.
39 Which of the following is the street dedicated to cats?
Via della Gatta. Piazza Grazioli.
Piazza del Collegio Romano. Palazzo Doria-Pamphili.
40 What is the meaning of the word “ailurophile”?
A pet worker. A cat fancier. A tourist. A resident.