Its location on the east bank of the Mississippi River gave it control of the American hinerland and it became strategically important to many nations. It was transferred from France to Spain, returned to France, and finally sold by Napoleon to the United States in 1803. The city was the site of a famous battle fought in 1815 between the British, who hoped to control it, and the Americans under General And rew Jackson.

　　The riverbed of the Mississippi is constantly silting and the river is now actually higher than the city. Levees hold back the river and giant pumps are used to move water from the city into the river.

　　Although New Orleans haas beena part of the United States for almost two centuries, its population takes great pride in its French heritage. Louisiana still retains parts of the Code Napoleon which, form many years, was its only law.

　　New Orleans is carefree city and it boasts its hot, spicy Creole seafood and its native Dixieland Jazz. The jackson Square neighborhood maintains its French colonial homes and in other sections are pre-Civil War mansions. Visitors are surprised to find that behind this interesting facade of yesteryear, is a busy industrial and port city. Grain and coal come from the Midwest and foreigh cargoes are unloaded here. New Orleans is no longer a sleepy Southern town - but it's still fun to visit.

　　1. What accounts for the levees and pumps in New Orleans?

　　a. The Mississippi frequently floods the city.

　　b. The riverbed has raised inthe past 200 years.

　　c. The torrential rains flood the city frequently.

　　d. The high humidity cannot otherwise be comtrolled.

　　2. The battle of New Orleans was fought by jackson against ________.

　　a. France

　　b. Britain

　　c. Spain

　　d. The North

　　3. The Code Napoleon was ________.

　　a. an agreement to sell Louisiana

　　b. a body of laws

　　c. a city plan

　　d. a military code for the army

　　4. Which of the following elements does not apply to the attiude of the inhabitants of New Orleans?

　　a. Pride in their French heritage.

　　b. A desire to retain picturesque colonial buildings.

　　c. A refusal to engage in trade and commerce

　　d. A praising of Dixieland Jazz.

　　5. Tourists visiting New Orleans are surprised to encounter ________.

　　a. Creole food

　　b. Dixieland jazz

　　c. bustling city

　　d. authentic colonial homes

　　參考答案： bbbcc