London’s Chinese community(社区) dates back to the 18th century, when a small number of Chinese sailors moved to the city to work in Limhouse, east London. As time went on, other Chinese came to this area and Limhouse began to be known as “Chinatown”. However, London’s Chinese community remained every small for many years: at the start of the 20th century, there were just 545 Chinese people in Britain.
After the Second World War, many farmers in Hong Kong lost their jobs and came to London. As Limhouse had been almost destroyed during the war, they settled (定居) in a different area—a port of central London near Leicester Square. This area is now what Londoners call Chinatown.
At first, the new immigrants found it difficult to get jobs. In the 1950s, however, a small Chinese restaurant opened in London. Many British people visited it and said that Chinese food was wonderful! Suddenly, Chinese restaurants and take-ways started opening in every part of the city. Instead of too little work, the new Chinese immigrants now found that they had too much! They worked as cooks, managers or waiters. Most of them enjoyed their lives and arranged their friends and relatives to join them from overseas.
As time went by, London’s Chinese community became more and more successful. The sons and daughters of the original restaurant workers studied and worked very hard. And most went on to get highly paid jobs. Many Chinese families left Chinatown and moved to more expensive outskirts. Chinatown, however, is still as lively as ever.
小题1:When did the first Chinese immigrants come to London?
A. In the 1950s.
B. B. More than 200 years ago.
C. C. At the start of the 20 century.
小题2:Why did many Chinese immigrants come to London in the 1950s?
A. Because it was easy for them to get jobs there.
B. Because many British people enjoyed Chinese food.
C. Because their children could study there and get highly paid jobs.
小题3:In the 1950s, Chinese immigrants came to London and worked as _______.
A. sailors
B. sailors and farmers
C. restaurant workers
小题4:Where is London’s Chinatown now?
A. In the east of London.
B. In Limhouse.
C. Not far from Leicester square.
小题5:According to this passage, if people live in the outskirts of a city, they live ______.
A. in the center of the city
B. in the outer areas of the city
C.in the busiest part of the city.
