1、话题语篇导读The Renaissance，considered by modern scholars to have been the time between 1,300 and 1,600，was a period of European history when many new inventions and beliefs came into being.The Renaissance is traced back to rich Italian cities such as Florence，Milan，and Venice.In these cities businessmen
2、started to spend their extra money on things like painting and education，and to consider new techniques of banking and systems of government，a new type of scholar，the humanist arose.Humanism was concerned with humankind and culture.Latin and Greek，literature and philosophy，music and mathematics were
3、 among the subjects humanists studied.The Renaissance gave rose to new forms of painting and sculpture.During the Renaissance，artists were no longer regarded as mere artisans.Many artists drew on mathematics in order to become more accurate in their measurements and to make sure an object was presen
4、ted in realistic proportions.They also studied the way light hits objects and the ways our eyes perceive it.A new kind of paint，called oil paint，was invented.The Renaissance affected all of the society.Many people became interested in politics，and the world outside their towns.They became explorers，
5、businessmen，etc.The effect on religion was especially strong.In theMiddle Ages people were primarily concerned with serving the church and getting to heaven.But the increase in arts and education gave people things to look forward to in life，and made them lose interest in the church.The Renaissance
6、produced many great minds.Leonardo da Vinci was one of the greatest，although he was not regarded that way at the time.Among his many works of art were Mona Lisa and The Last Supper.He is also regarded as a great inventor，and is credited for coming up with the idea of the helicopter.Notes1artisan n工匠
7、2proportion n比例3perceive v察觉，注意到；理解；领悟TaskAnswer the following questions1Where did the Renaissance begin?It started in Italy.2What is the main idea of the passage?It is about the effects of the Renaissance.3Was Leonardo da Vinci regarded as one of the greatest figures of the Renaissance at his time?No.He was not regarded that way at the time.4What happened in the area of painting during the Renaissance time?A new kind of paint，called oil paint，was invented.