第二节：完形填空（共20小题；每小题1.5分，满分30分）
请认真阅读下面短文，从短文后各题所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中，选出最佳选项，并在答题卡上将该项涂黑。
Square dancing is an American 36. It originated in America, during the California Gold Rush. Having been a 37 folk tradition since 1651, it 38 out of various traditional dances from around the world. In those days, men and women worked in groups to 39 a house or harvest crops. 40 the work was done, they usually 41 merrily and happily in a store or in a farm kitchen.
In this dance eight people work 42 a team, called a 43, to successfully complete a set of complex dance figures that are delivered by a caller, who calls out the movements. Four couples stand 44 the center of the square, each couple standing on one side of the square, the boy on the left and the girl on the 45.
Large or small numbers of people can dance 46. Sometimes 800 or 1,000 people may be dancing at the same time. 47 there may be only one square of 48 people.
Costumes are worn by those who square-dance. This makes the dancing more 49 to watch. 50 often wear full skirts of various colors with a pretty blouse. Men may have coloured shirts and western trousers, which they wear only when square-dancing. In some country areas, everyone wears his 51 clothes.
Square dancing 52 exists today, ever since President Ronald Reagan signed an Act of Congress in 1982 making square dancing the 53 Folk Dance of America. Many 54 teach square dancing in Physical Education, and there are actually square dance competitions. In all parts of the United States you will find some schools, clubs, or other groups that are square dancing for 55.
36. A. activity               B. fun                          C. pastime                    D. joy
37. A. popular               B. special                            C. common                   D. welcome
38. A. went                   B. grew                        C. developed                 D. took
39. A. build                  B. set                           C. buy                          D. fix
40. A. While                 B. Since                       C. When                       D. Before
41. A. say                        B. danced                            C. gathered                   D. stayed
42. A. like                    B. for                           C. as                               D. on
43. A. square                B. dance                       C. tradition                   D. job
44. A. walking                     B. watching                  C. surrounding                 D. facing
45. A. right                   B. centre                      C. left                          D. side
46. A. at a time                B. at one time               C. for a time                 D. at any time
47. A. And                    B. Or                           C. Then                        D. However
48. A. 4                        B. 800                          C. 8                             D. 1
49. A. interesting           B. colourful                  C. important                 D. amazing
50. A. Women               B. Men                         C. People                            D. Dancers
51. A. ordinary                B. nice                         C. best                         D. new
52. A. already               B. ever                         C. yet                           D. still
53. A. National             B. International             C. Common                  D. traditional
54. A. clubs                  B. schools                     C. countries                  D. groups
55. A. free                    B. sale                          C. interest                     D. fun