1 . For many, Labor Day weekend signals the end of summer and an opportunity to host a socially-distanced barbecue (an outdoor meal). But this national holiday—celebrated every year in the United States and Canada on the first Monday in September—has revolutionary (革命性的) origins.
By the late 19th century, the Industrial Revolution had made working life miserable for people around the world. In many places, workers toiled for at least 12 hours a day six days a week in mines, factories, railroads, and mills. This holiday actually originated in the US on May 1, 1866, in what came to be known as the Haymarket Riot, workers flooded Chicago streets to demand an eight-hour workday.
It would take another conflict in the American Midwest to make Labor Day a national holiday. On May 11, 1894, workers at the Pullman Palace Car Company, a railroad car manufacturer near Chicago, went on strike to protest their low wages and 16-hour workdays. In August 1893, James Kyle introduced federal legislation (立法) to make Labor Day a public holiday, but for ten months the legislation was put on hold. To quiet the strikers and their supporters, the Senate quickly passed the bill on June 22. The bill passed the House four days later and President Grover Cleveland signed it into law on June 28, 1894.
The holiday is more information May Day labor celebrations. Many observers relax at home or head to outdoor recreational activities, such as boating, barbecues, and camping. It may also be marked with fireworks shows and other events. Labor Day has also become associated with retail sales, as many shop owners try to take advantage of the customers’ day off. It is one of the largest sales events of the year. meaning retail employees actually have to work more on this day. Parades are the most common model of celebration, which often feature processions of labor groups.
1. What do we know about the workers in the late 19th century?A.They were paid well. | B.They had long workdays. |
C.They often had a barbecue. | D.Their contributions were recognized. |
A.Put off. | B.Introduced. | C.Got through. | D.Protected. |
A.On May 1, 1886. | B.On August 22, 1893. | C.On May 11, 1894. | D.On June 28, 1894. |
A.The origins of Labor Day. | B.The labor groups achievements. |
C.The ways to celebrate Labor Day. | D.The official activities on Labor Day. |
2 . One thing that sets humans apart from other members of the animal kingdom is our tendency to develop customs and traditions. Here are some astonishing customs from around the world.
An odd custom associated with the United States is its complicated tipping culture. Unlike many other countries that don’t tip at all or that only tip in small amounts when the food is particularly good, tipping is actually mandatory at most restaurants in the US. To put it another way, customers have a duty to leave between 10-20 percent of the bill in tips. Wait staff rely on these tips for a living because legal wages for waiters are low. Furthermore, there are rules for tipping bartenders, delivery people and other service personnel. While some criticize this practice as irrational, there’s no doubt that tipping culture in the US gives an incentive for waiters and waitresses to provide better service.
Some countries find the act of pointing with the index finger to be rude. While members of most cultures would probably agree that pointing fingers, both literally and figuratively, isn’t exactly the nicest thing in the world, in countries like Malaysia and Indonesia, this gesture can be seen as incredibly offensive. Instead, it is customary to gesture towards things with the thumb as this is seen as a more polite option. In many countries in Africa, pointing is reserved for inanimate objects only, not people.
Most societies around the world have rules about table manners. For western cultures, noisily consuming food is considered rude. In Japan, however, making slurping(啧啧响的)sounds while eating has an entirely different meaning. This might have something to do with the fact that in western countries, noodles are properly consumed by twirling(缠绕)them on a spoon before putting them in the mouth. Meanwhile, the Japanese simply slurp up their noodles without contorting them first, an act that is naturally noisier than the former. Making slurping sounds when eating noodles in Japan is a way of indicating that you’re rely enjoying them. Some scientists even argue slurping invites air into the mouth and actually enhances the noodles’ flavor.
1. What does the underlined word “mandatory” in paragraph2 probably mean?A.Required by tradition. | B.Highly spoken of. |
C.Changeable over time. | D.Popular among people. |
A.It is totally unreasonable. | B.It must follow a fixed standard. |
C.It can improve the quality of service. | D.It should only target waiters and waitresses. |
A.Skipping tipping in the USA. | B.Twirling noodles on a spoon in Africa. |
C.Pointing with the index finger in Indonesia. | D.Making sounds while eating noodles in Japan. |
A.A research paper. | B.A travel brochure. |
C.An online advertisement. | D.A popular magazine. |
3 . Different countries celebrate Christmas in different ways. We asked some of our friends to explain what happens in their countries. This is what they told us:
France
In France, Christmas is always called Noël. Everyone has a Christmas tree, sometimes decorated in the old way with red ribbons and real white wax candles. Fir trees in the garden are often decorated too with lights on all night.
Father Christmas is called Père Noël. The Christmas meal is an important family gathering with good meat and the best wine. Few people send Christmas cards. More people send New Year cards to wish everyone good luck and joy for the New Year. These days Christmas lunch is a starter of foie gras (a strong tasting pate made from goose liver) followed by lunch of seafood — usually including lobsters and oysters.
New Zealand
Christmas starts for us with gifts under the tree, to be opened on Christmas morning. Then it’s onto a Christmas lunch either at home or at one’s parents place. Turkey or chicken with all the trimmings (佐料) is eaten. Then comes tea time. It is a BBQ for friends and family to get together, and have a few beers or wines with the meal!
Russia
In the days of the Soviet Union, Christmas was not celebrated very much. New Year was the important time — when “Father Frost” brought presents to children. With the fall of Communism, Christmas can be openly celebrated either on December 25th; or more often on January 7th. This unusual date is because the Russian Orthodox church uses the old “Julian” calendar for religious celebration days. Special Christmas food includes cakes, pies and “meat dumplings”.
Sweden
The most important day is Christmas Eve. A special Christmas meal is eaten on Christmas Eve — ham (pork), herring fish, and brown beans — and this is the time when families give presents to each other. Many people attend a church meeting early on Christmas Day.
1. Why do people in France send New Year cards?A.To tell their friends the New Year is coming. |
B.To ask for some special presents. |
C.To invite their friends to family gathering. |
D.To send their friends best wishes and happiness for the New Year. |
A.A special meal is prepared. |
B.Everyone has a Christmas tree. |
C.Parents give gifts to their children. |
D.People attend a church gathering. |
A.France. | B.New Zealand. | C.Sweden. | D.Russia. |
4 . If it had not been for Fan Jinshi and her team, the world cultural heritage at Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes in a remote Chinese desert might have long been destroyed by sand, weather or humans.
Born and raised in Shanghai, Fan has spent half a century fighting an uphill battle to preserve the ancient Buddhist wall painting at Dunhuang, in Northwest China’s Gansu Province. The 1 651-year-old Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes are a huge collection of Buddhist art—more than 2 000 buddha figures and 45 000 square meters of paintings spread among 735 caves. It is China’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Archaeologist Fan was sent to Dunhuang after graduation from Peking University in 1963. While in Dunhuang, a remote village in the desert then, Fan lived in an abandoned temple. At first, she did not even dare to go out to the toilet at night. To protect the treasures from sand and dampness, Fan and other workers put doors on the caves, planted trees and started monitoring temperature and humidity(湿度) in the caves. They also controlled the number of visitors.
In the late 1990s, with tourism booming nationwide since national holidays were extended, the local government planned to go public with Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes, but found Fan firmly in their way. “The heritage would have been destroyed if it had been listed,” she said.
Dunhuang Academy has now photographed and cataloged(编入目录) online all the sculptures and paintings. “Despite our efforts to minimize damage, we can’t completely stop them from being eroded(侵蚀). But the digital database will last. ”
Fan was grateful when her husband joined her in Dunhuang in 1986 after 19 years of separation. Her two sons grew up in Shanghai with their aunt. “I have not been a good mother or wife. With regard to my family, I’m full of guilt,” she said. Fan, 79, retired two years ago as the director of Dunhuang Academy but continues her efforts as a national political adviser.
1. Which of the following measures didn’t Fan Jinshi take to protect Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes?A.Opening Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes to the general public . |
B.Planting trees and stopping the Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes being eroded. |
C.Picturing and classifying all the sculptures and paintings online. |
D.Putting doors on the caves and monitoring temperature and humidity. |
A.In 1963. | B.In 1967. |
C.In 1986. | D.In the late 1990s. |
A.Go to a place. | B.Be in favor of something. |
C.Reject something. | D.Give in to something. |
A.Considerate and easy-going. | B.kind and intelligent. |
C.Humorous and sweet-tempered. | D.Devoted and persistent. |
5 . From the moment we wake up and check the messages on our smartphones, we’re exposed to text design. Throughout our day, storefronts and websites announce themselves, first and foremost, through the typefaces (字体) they use. For Adonian Chan, a 33-year-old graphic designer born in Hong Kong and co-founder of design company Trilingua, the different texts we encounter in our daily lives amount to what he calls a “visual landscape”.
In his hometown, signs written in traditional Chinese characters can be found around every corner. One calligraphy style, above all, has come to represent Hong Kong for Chan: Beiwei Kaishu, a dynamic way of writing that has its origins in 4th-century China. After World War I II, Beiwei Kaishu was used in Hong Kong signs, partly because it is highly legible, even from far distances. What sets Beiwei Kaishu apart from other Chinese writing styles is its unique construction, striking lines and unexpected angles, says Chan.
But with the appearance of computer-generated typefaces and LED signs, Chan says he observed that signs written in the style were disappearing from Hong Kong. As a consequence, few designers working today are aware of the Beiwei Kaishu style, he says.
In 2016,Chan asked Wong Gok Longa master of calligraphy in Hong Kong, to teach him to write in the Beiwei Kaishu style. Chan then started the process of digitizing the characters. He first wrote the characters on paper with a brush and ink, which gave him a sense of proportion. Next, he made a pencil sketch (素描). Finally, he recreated the characters digitally, using a computer program called Glyphs.
He has named his typeface Beiwei Zansyu and hopes it will eventually appear on phones and computers. “Chan’s effort is more than missing bygone eras — it's reinterpreting and continuing our heritage (遗产) ins more contemporary life,” says Keith Tam, head of communication design at the Hong Kong Design Institute.
1. What does the underlined word “legible” in paragraph 2 mean?A.Original. | B.Sensitive. |
C.Readable. | D.Variable. |
A.His talent for the writing style was spotted by a master. |
B.He received an invitation to design a traditional sign. |
C.His colleagues encouraged him to create a new style. |
D.He found the writing style declined in Hong Kong. |
A.Skeptical. | B.Approving. |
C.Ambiguous. | D.Uncaring. |
A.The art of digitizing ancient calligraphy |
B.The difficulty in practicing calligraphy |
C.Why should we observe tradition? |
D.How does text design influence our life? |
6 . 24 Solar Terms: 5 things about Major Snow
Major Snow, the 21st solar term of the year, which falls on Dec 7 this year. During Major Snow, the snow becomes heavy and begins to accumulate on the ground. The temperature drops significantly. Here are 5 things you should know about Major Snow.
Snowy winter
The snow in North China may last a whole day, breaking tree branches and blocking the road. In the south, snowflakes fall and the world turns white. A proverb about the snow says, "A timely snow promises a good harvest".
The red plum blossoms (梅花) in contrast with the white snowy world is a feast for the eyes and have inspired many great poems. The plum blossom, which originated in China, is respected in Chinese culture for its bravery against severe winters.
Eating lamb
Lamb is a favorite food for Chinese people during Major Snow.
Making sausages
During Major Snow, people in southern China make sausages, an important part of preparation for the Spring Festival.
Preventing respiratory (呼吸道的) illness
During this period, Chinese people watch for outbreaks of respiratory illness, which can be prevented by wearing a warm scarf to protect the neck and properly drinking water.
A.Writing poems about snow |
B.Appreciating plum blossoms |
C.But you should not drink too much water at a time |
D.Drink as much water as you can whenever possible |
E.The best meat for this delicacy comes from the bottom of the pig |
F.As the snow covers the ground, the low winter temperature kills pests |
G.It promotes blood circulation and provides protection against the cold |
7 . The ancient Babylonians (巴比伦人)are thought to have been the first people to set New Year's resolutions. They made promises to gods that they would return any objects they had borrowed from others. If they did this, then it was said that gods would protect them in the year ahead. Since then, resolutions have changed from promises to gods to promises to ourselves and others. That could be starting a new hobby, trying to be healthier or learning a new language. Given the difficulties that any people have in keeping their New Years resolutions, though, should people wait a little longer before deciding what they'll be? Is January the right time to set New Years resolutions?
Yes — it gets the year off to a good start. They're called New Year's resolutions, not Half-Year resolutions. The whole point of setting New Year's resolutions is that it's done at the start of the year.Waiting longer just defeats the purpose of it. New Year's resolutions are a fun tradition to discuss with family and friends. You won't be able to talk about it in the same way if you're all setting them at different times. Besides, the more you put it off, the less likely it is that you'll ever decide on what your resolutions are going to be. You can always set new ones, or change your goals, but it's important to start off with something. By the time you've decided on some resolutions, you'll have less time to do them — which only increases your chances of failure.
No — January isn't the right time. January is a cold and dark month. Why would you want to start something new then? During the winter months, most people just want to stay nice and warm indoors, rather than try something new. People should make resolutions to lead happier, healthier lives whenever they want, not just on 1 January. Waiting longer means that you'll have more time to plan and will have a better idea of what you want to do in the year ahead. This will result in better resolutions, which have a stronger chance of success. One study found that by 6 January, one in five people had failed to stick to their resolutions. By not rushing into it, you're less likely to get discouraged and give up if you haven't succeeded right away.
Now that you've read a bit more about it, tell us what you think by voting in our poll at theweekjunior. co. uk/polls.
1. What can we learn from Paragraph 1?A.Babylonians returned to gods what they had borrowed from them. |
B.Babylonians assumed that they would be permanently protected by gods. |
C.Resolutions have been shifted into commitments to people rather than gods. |
D.Setting New Year's resolutions in January is better than in any other months |
A.succeed easily | B.end up with nothing |
C.doubt the fun tradition | D.reach your ultimate aims |
A.Happier, healthier lives | B.More time to make plans |
C.Losing heart and quitting | D.Failure to make decisions |
A.To call for donations | B.To build up a tradition |
C.To introduce a practice | D.To stimulate discussions |
8 . Finding spare change or an extra dollar in your pocket always feels like a victory.
According to one theory, people originally thought pennies would bring good luck because of religious beliefs.
Another reason people might have claimed pennies would bring good luck comes down to the battle between good and evil, which is like two sides of the coin. Finding a penny heads up meant you'd have luck on your side, but tails up would mean the opposite,
A.Pennies From Heaven is a way of thinking |
B.although the exact reasoning for this is unknown |
C.No matter what the reason is, pennies are part of many lucky traditions |
D.But even finding something worth as little as a penny is satisfying |
E.These are all things brides should wear on their wedding day for good luck in their marriage |
F.Placing silver sixpence(六便士银币)in the bride's left shoe is said to be a symbol of wealth |
G.Folk tales from ancient civilizations said metals were gifts from gods intended to protect people from evil |
9 . If you look around your city, you might spot girls wearing hanfu in subways or people wearing, T-shirts with Chinese characters on the streets. A new trend is taking hold in China-guochao or “China-chic”.
According to a recently published report, searches related to guochao on Dianping, a lifestyle information platform, have risen by 170 percent from the same period last year, and reviews have risen by nearly 40 percent. China-chic is happening, but what is it?
The term characterizes the rise of China’s native fashion trends. It has expanded the concept of “Made in China”, which has been recognized as the representation of Chinese culture and aesthetics (审美) offered by homegrown Chinese brands, according to CGTN.
China-chic came into the spotlight in 2018. Before that, big-name foreign companies dominated the world market. To win market share, many Chinese brands followed in the footsteps of these Western brands. But that year, Chinese sportswear brand Li-Ning changed things up. During the 2018 New York Fashion Week, Li-Ning introduced its Taoism-inspired Wu Dao collection. The collection not only had a trendy look, but also included elements of traditional Chinese culture. It immediately grabbed attention at home and abroad. As a result, the company recorded 20 percent revenue growth in 2018, marking the first time the brand’s revenue had hit the 10-billion-yuan mark since its founding.
The trend to embrace (欣然) domestic brands has since spread rapidly to various sectors (领域) and products, from food and drinks to clothing, mobile phones and electric vehicles. For example, White Rabbit, whose sweet candy brings back childhood memories for many, launched its perfume (香水) and lip balm (唇膏). “We want White Rabbit to be a brand that young people want to share,” Shen Qinfeng, the company’s marketing manager, told People’s Daily.
Now, the guochao trend is “moving to the next stage”, where its success will rely, first and foremost on gaining cultural confidence rather than Western validation (认可), according to Kerra Zhou, founder or brand strategy consultancy Kerrisma.
This March, several Western brands boycotted Xinjiang cotton over “forced labor” allegations (指控). To show national pride and cultural confidence, the “I support Xinjiang cotton” campaign spread across the country. Many Chinese boycotted these Western brands and turned to Chinese domestic brands support Xinjiang cotton, like Li-Ning and Anta.
“No matter how the guochao trend evolves, there’s one thing that won’t change: Behind the craze is people’s positive attitude toward the country’s development and their recognition of and growing confidence in national culture,” said Yao Linqing, a professor in the School of Economics and Management at Communication University of China.
1. What is China-Chic according to the text?A.Interest in Chinese features in fashion. |
B.Young Chinese peoples preference for ancient culture. |
C.The international popularity of products made in China. |
D.The growing role of Chinese native brands in promoting aesthetics. |
A.It took the lead in the similar brands. |
B.It adopted Western design in its sportswear. |
C.Its revenue hit the 10-billion-yuan mark that year. |
D.Its products followed the trend and reflected Chinese elements. |
A.It upgraded its packaging. |
B.It expanded its domestic market. |
C.It increased the variety of its products. |
D.It brought their childhood memories back. |
A.Chinese products are better than Western ones. |
B.Chinese native brands are facing false allegations. |
C.Cheap and high quality native materials are more popular. |
D.Chinese people’s cultural confidence drives the guochao trend. |
10 . A British friend told me he couldn't understand why Chinese people love eating sunflower seeds (葵花子) as a snack so much. “I’ve met a lot of older Chinese and many have a crack in their front teeth; I believe that's from cracking the seeds,” he said.
I had never noticed the habit, but once he mentioned it, I suddenly became more aware. I realized that whenever I’m watching TV or typing a report, I always start mindlessly cracking sunflower seeds. My friend doesn't like sunflower seeds, and, to him, it seems unnecessary to work so hard just to get one small seed.
When we were young, the whole family would usually get together for Chinese New Year. Then, we all lived close to one another, usually in a small city, and sometimes even neighbors would go doortodoor on Chinese New Year’s Eve to check out what every household was making.
I remember my parents would be in the kitchen cooking. In the living room, a large table would already be laid out, complete with a fancy tablecloth, readymade dumpling fillings, and dishes full of candy, fruits and sunflower seeds.
Some of the dishes were to be offered to our ancestors later, while others were for neighbors and children to eat before the evening feast. I must have learned how to crack sunflower seeds back then.
I don’t think it’s right to criticize one’s choice in food or eating habits, no matter how strange they may seem.
It’s not only in China. When I went abroad, I found people had all sorts of strange habits when it came to food. In Denmark, they put salted red fish on bread and eat it for dinner, no matter how much it ruins their breath. They think it’s a delicacy, and it’s connected with their culture. I think it’s a wonderful tradition.
1. What lesson can we learn from the passage?A.One kind of food doesn’t necessarily suit everyone. |
B.Eating habits come from a certain culture. |
C.It is good to form healthy eating habits. |
D.Changing your eating habits will change your life. |
A.She had ever typed a report about seeds. |
B.She ate various snacks while watching TV. |
C.She has a habit of cracking sunflower seeds. |
D.She damaged her teeth by eating sunflower seeds. |
A.The traditions of celebrating it disappear. |
B.Children can eat delicious food on that day. |
C.The families would get together for it. |
D.Eating sunflower seeds is related to it. |
A.acceptable | B.critical |
C.neutral | D.doubtful |