Built during the Hellenisic period (希腊化时代), sometime between 324 and 246 BCE, the Great Library of Alexandria is said to be an architectural wonder of ancient Egypt. More importantly, the library housed a vast collection of works from all across the ancient world and was a major center of scholarship. The library was charged with an important task of collecting all of the world’s books, and employed many methods to acquire new works. A well-funded acquisitions department searched the book fairs of Rhodes and Athens, buying individual texts or even whole libraries. Ships that landed at the harbor of Alexandria were searched for books to add to the library’s collection. The library also employed a number of scholars who produced original works on subjects such as astronomy, mathematics, and physics.
   In addition, the workers and scholars of the Great Library translated texts from around the world into Greek. Some of the first translations of Biblical texts into Greek may have taken place at the library in the time of Ptolemy I. Much work was done to edit authoritative versions (权威版) of the Homeric myths (荷马时代的神话) for which the Greeks are so well known today, and these were only a few of the great works of translation and editing that took place in Alexandria in the Hellenistic period.
It is ironic (讽刺的) that the fate of the Great Library — an institution devoted to the collection and preservation of knowledge — is covered in myth and mystery. Many sources say the library burned down, but the date is uncertain. It may have burned down more than once, either by accident, or design. Smaller sister institutions may have survived the original library, only to be destroyed later. The Great Library, or some version of it, could have survived for anywhere between 300 and 1,000 years. However it ended, there can be little doubt that the scholarship of the Great Library had a great and lasting effect on history, and the works that were kept, translated, or created there have had a great influence on our culture even to the present day.
8. What can be inferred from the text about the Great Library?
A. It was mainly financed by Ptolemy I.
B. Some works of it survive to the present day.
C. Most Greek myths were originally created at it.
D. It aimed to become the world’s knowledge center.
9. How does the author explain the translation and editing work of the Great Library?
A. By giving examples. B. By following space order.
C. By describing the difference. D. By analyzing cause and effect.
10. What does the author think of the Great Library?
A. It was too mysterious to be true. B. It was influential and valuable.
C. It inspired modern libraries. D. It wasted too much money.
11. What is the text mainly about?
A. The Great Library’s brief history.
B. The Great Library’s disappearance.
C. The effect of two ancient civilizations.
D. The role of libraries throughout history.
                                     
 8-11 DABA