1. 阅读下列短文, 从下面每小题的A、B、C、D四个选项中选出最佳选项。

    Over the last few centuries, there have been many changes in our life.

    To start with, people were not able to travel such a long distance in such a short time in the past. Planes were not very popular at that time because they used to be a very expensive way to travel. Nowadays, more and more people can travel by plane and we can take many other fast and comfortable vehicles, such as cars and high-speed trains.

    Secondly, in the past, people had to work much harder because they did not have the tools we have today. Today, most of the difficult and dangerous work is done by computers and machines.

      Thirdly, in the past, the living conditions were not as good as they are now. There were no bathrooms or running water in many houses, and many people could not buy things like refrigerators, TV sets or washing machines. Now, most families have several of these things.

      Lastly, communications have become much easier than before. In the past, we kept in touch with others by writing letters or sending faxes, but now we have many other ways to choose from, such as making a phone call, sending e-mails or messages and chatting online. Moreover, we can even see the people whom we are making a phone call with through mobile phones, and we can see each other while chatting online.

Thanks to the developing technology, especially the Internet, our life has become much easier and happier than before.

1. （1） Why were planes not so popular many years ago?    
   

   A . Because they were not big enough. B . Because they were not able to fly long.     C . Because they were very expensive. D . Because they were not fast enough.
3. （2） In the past, people worked______.    

   A . for fewer hours B . much harder C . more easily D . more quickly
5. （3） What does the fourth paragraph mainly tell us?

   A . Many families have TV sets and washing machines nowadays.     B . There were no bathrooms or running water before.     C . Living conditions have been improved.     D . Many people can take baths at home now.
7. （4） The writer's last example for great changes in people's life is about____.    
   

   A . traveling B . the Internet     C . working tools D . communication
9. （5） What's the best title for this passage?

   A . Great changes in our life. B . Good education will change our life.     C . Fast development of science. D . We live a happy life now.