Sometimes people were known for the color of their hair or skin, or their size, or their special abilities. When there were two men who were named John in the same village, the John with the gray hair probably became John Gray. Or the John who was very tall could call himself John Tallman. John Fish was probably an excellent swimmer and John Lightfoot was probably a fast runner or a good dancer.

Some family names were made by adding something to the father’s name. English-speaking people added –s or –son. The Johnsons are descendants of John; the Roberts family’s ancestor was Robert. Irish and Scottish people added Mac or Mc or O. Perhaps all of the MacDonnells and the McDonnells and the O’Donnells are descendants of the same Donnell.

25. Which of the following aspects are NOT covered in the surnames of the passage?
A. People’s characters.                             B. People’s occupations.

C. Places where people lived.             D. Talents that people possessed.

26. According to the passage, the ancestors of the Potter family most probably _______.

A. owned or drove a cart             B. made things with metals

C. built houses and furniture              D. made kitchen tools or containers