A newly discovered ancient Chinese map may prove that it was a Chinese navigator who first discovered America. He may have made the discovery seventy years before Columbus discovered the New World.
The map, which has gone on display in Beijing, is said to be a copy made in 1763 of a much older map dating back to 1418. It clearly describes Africa, Europe and the Americas. If it’s proven to be believable, the map would provide strong evidence to suggest that the famous Ming Dynasty sailor, Zheng He, beat Christopher Columbus, who arrived in America in 1492, to the discovery of the New World.
Liu Gang, a Chinese lawyer and map collector, bought the map in an antique store in Shanghai in 2001 for about 500 U.S. dollars. Liu Gang thinks the map supports the thesis of British author, Gavin Menzies, who in his 2003 book argued Zheng He was the first person to circumnavigate (环航) the globe and discover America sometime between 1421 and 1423. “In principle the British author Gavin is right. Before Columbus, Zheng He discovered America and the whole world. But in detail, not exactly... three years difference. I don’t think that’s a big deal.” Liu said.
Zheng He commanded a group of ships, which sailed between 1405 and 1433 at the order of the emperor during China’s Ming Dynasty. His aim was to spread the glory (光荣) of China to the world and establish trade.
59. We learn from Paragraph 1 that .
A. the writer was proud of an ancient map
B. both the Chinese navigator and Columbus were heroes
C. the ancient map made by a Chinese navigator was just found
D. the Chinese navigator may be the first man who discovered America
60. Which of the following correctly describes the ancient map?
A. The ancient map on display in Beijing is said to be made in 1418.
B. The ancient map, which is said to be made in 1763, has been on display in Beijing.
C. The ancient map was bought by Liu Gang, a Chinese navigator in 2001.
D. The ancient map was introduced to be listed in Gavin’ book by Liu Gang to support his idea.
61. What does the British author in his book try to argue in the passage?
A. The first person who discovered America may be Zheng He.
B. The first person to circumnavigate the globe is not worth discussing.
C. The year when Zheng He discovered America may be between 1421 and 1423.
D. The year when Christopher Columbus discovered America was ahead of 1423.
62. Which of the following would be the best title for the passage?
A. Ancient Map and Mu Clang.
B. Zheng He, Liu Gang and British Author.
C. Zheng He Spreads the Glory of China to the World.
D. Ancient Map Suggests Chinese Discovered America