Many of the fringe artists, who can enter the fringe festival upon payment of a small fee, were inspired this year by the events of September 11.

　　Thousands of people flock to Edinburgh from around the world during the festival, which is over 50 years old. It aims to promote (促进) and encourage arts and to reflect international culture. It comprises (consists of) various dance, music, opera, and theatre presentations taking place across the city during the three­week run.

　　语篇解读：本文为来自London的报道。报道了The Edinburgh Festival在the Scotland capital开幕，并介绍了本次节日的盛况、目的和意义。

　　5．When did the Edinburgh Festival begin?

　　A．August 10.　　　　　 　B．August 15.

　　C．August 31. D．September 11.

　　解析：选A　推理判断题。从第二段第一句"The festival, which runs until August 31 this year"及文章最后 一句"during the three­week run"可推知此题答案为A。

　　6．What did the Edinburgh Festival never have before?

　　A．Youth orchestra's performances.

　　B．Poetry and music presentations.

　　C．Late evening classical music concerts.

　　D．American pianists and violinists.

　　解析：选C　细节理解题。从第二段最后一句"New to the programmers this year will be 25 late evening classical music concerts."可知此题答案为C。

　　7．The Edinburgh Festival ________.

　　A．is the only festival of its kind in the world

　　B．has lasted over 50 years

　　C．began with a concert directed by Richard Goode

　　D．is actually a dance festival

　　解析：选B　细节理解题。根据文章最后一段的第一句"... the festival, which is over 50 years old."可知此题答案为B。

　　8．The Scottish people hold the Edinburgh Festival ________.

　　A．to attract people across the world to their city

　　B．to show their fringe arts only

　　C．to attract famous artists to their city

D．to promote and encourage art development