Fish sink and wild geese drop when seeing her
To outshine the moon and put flowers to shame
Why do we describe (描述) female beauty with idioms like “fish sink and wild geese drop when seeing her” and “to outshine the moon and put flowers to shame”?
There were “Four Great Beauties” in ancient Chinese history. They were Xishi, Wang Zhaojun, Diaochan, and Yang Yuhuan. These idioms come from the four ladies’ good looks.
Xishi lived during the Spring and Autumn Period (BC 770—BC 476). She often washed yarn (纱) at a river bank. Fish in the river saw her reflection in the water. Surprised by her beauty, they would forget how to swim and sink to the bottom of the river.
Wang Zhaojun lived during the Western Han Dynasty (BC 202—AD 8). It’s said that she was so beautiful that flying geese would fall from the sky upon seeing her face.
Diaochan is a character in the famous novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms (《三国演 义》). She may not have actually existed. But stories say that once, when Diaochan was enjoying the moonlight in her backyard, the moon quickly shied away. This was because Diaochan’s face was even brighter than the moon!
Yang Yuhuan was a concubine (妃子) of Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty (AD 618—AD 907). She was said to have a face that could put flowers to shame. When she touched the flowers in her garden, their petals (花瓣) would shrink away (退缩) at once.
1. People might often see Xishi _______.| A．near a river | B．in the backyard | C．among the flowers |
| A．形状 | B．映像 | C．身高 |
| A．fish sink | B．wild geese drop | C．put flowers to shame |
| A．An interesting idiom |
| B．Four great beauties |
| C．The way to describe beauties |
相似题推荐
【推荐1】If you live in a city, rodents (啮齿动物) are thought of as small animals, like rats, mice, and squirrels. Rodents, in fact, can be much bigger. The marmots (土拨鼠) can weigh up to seven kilograms, and one of the most familiar kind is the groundhog.
The groundhog can be found in Canada and the eastern United States. In those two countries, this animal has its own special day: Groundhog Day. Held on February 2, this festival comes from German folk story about weather prediction. It’s said that when a groundhog puts its head out of its hole on this day, if it sees its shadow (影子), then winter will last for six more weeks. However, if it does not see its shadow, then spring is right around the corner. Of course, this isn’t the most correct way to predict weather patterns. It is a very popular holiday, but it is not taken very seriously. Everyone knows it is more about having fun.
Besides, groundhogs are considered by most people to be pests (害兽). Groundhogs are mainly herbivores (草食动物) and will eat almost anything that comes out of the ground, including the produce from people’s gardens. If that weren’t troublesome enough, they love to dig as well and are quite skilled at it. Unfortunately, their digging may destroy fields, farms, and the grounds of homes. You may think they are cute in photos, but these aren’t animals you would want around your home.
1. Why are rats and mice mentioned together with marmots in the passage?| A．They are larger than marmots. | B．Groundhogs live on them. |
| C．They all belong to rodents. | D．They make better pets than marmots. |
A． | B． | C． | D． |
| A．they build nests in the walls of houses | B．they eat plants and vegetables people grow |
| C．they eat other animals that are endangered | D．they get into trash cans when looking for food |
| A．‘‘Groundhogs are clever animals that we could all learn something from.” |
| B．“The best way to stay with a groundhog is looking at one on the photo.” |
| C．“My pet groundhog is wonderful. Luckily, my home has enough outdoor space for it.” |
| D．“There is nothing better than waking up and watching the groundhogs from my window.” |
| A．Cartoon Chat. | B．Spelling Bee. | C．Teen Life. | D．Animal World. |
【推荐2】Nuts are usually considered healthy food in daily life. But do you really know what benefits they can bring us? The following information may help you know more about some kinds of nuts.
 | CASHEWS Gold-medal winner Olympic sprinter Kelly Holmes says she ate a bag of these wonder nuts after every race to help her recover. They`re packed with zinc（锌）—brilliant for your immune（免疫）system. |
 | PISTACHIOS Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair`s favorite, these cut cholesterol（胆固醇）and are rich in vitamins B and E—great for your skin. |
 | BRAZIL NUTS A study from the University of Illinois suggests brazil nuts might help prevent breast cancer, thanks to their high selenium（硒）content. They give you energy, too. |
 | ALMONDS These are real heart savers, as they are rich in a form of vitamin E called alpha tocopherol, which lowers your risk of heart disease. |
Though nuts are helpful to people in many ways, don’t eat too many of them at one time. Eat properly and healthily!
1. Which of the following are Tony Blair’s favorite nuts?| A．Almonds. | B．Cashews. | C．Brazil nuts. | D．Pistachios. |
| A．Cashews have nothing to do with your immune system. |
| B．Neither vitamin B nor vitamin E is good for your skin. |
| C．Brazil nuts may help to prevent breast cancer. |
| D．Almonds can increase the risk of the heart disease. |
| A．A book about culture. | B．A medical website. |
| C．A fashion magazine. | D．A school notice. |
【推荐3】How strong do you think an eggshell is? To test the strength, try this experiment. It will surprise you with its amazing result.
You’ll need:
Four eggs, tape, a bowl, sharp scissors, a pile of books.
Instructions:
● Punch a hole with scissors in the small end of each egg. Then pour eggs out into the bowl.
● Wash and dry the shells.
● Stick tape around each egg, carefully break the shell between the tape and the hole.
● Put shells on the floor in a square and slowly put a book on them.
How many books do you think they can hold before they break? Add more books and see how strong the eggshells are.
Eggshell strength explained:
Eggshells naturally form a dome shape, which is often seen in bridges and domed buildings. Domes can spread weight in all directions so that every part supports the same.
If you are interested in more cool science experiments, log in www.science-for-tens.com.
1. The tape is used to ________ in the experiment.| A．punch the holes | B．wash the shells | C．stick the eggs | D．hold the books |
| A．the size | B．the shape | C．the height | D．the weight |
| A．a creative cook | B．a chemistry teacher |
| C．a space scientist | D．a 13-year-old student |
【推荐1】Who is the greatest teacher in Chinese history? Many people will think of Confucius(孔子), whose birthday was September 28. Although he lived over 2,000 years ago, people still remember and respect him for his contribution to the education today.
Confucius lived in the Kingdom of Lu, which lies in Shandong Province. He lived during the Spring and Autumn Period. He had a hard childhood. His father died when he was only 3. His mother brought him up. As a child, he had to work to help his mother,but young Confucius didn’t give up studying. He visited many famous teachers and learned music,history, poetry and sports.
Later, he became a teacher and started the first public school in Chinese history. At that time only children fromnoblefamilies could go to school, but Confucius believed everyone should go to school if they wanted to learn. He had about 3,000 students in his lifetime.
Today ,people still follow Confucius’ lessons. He told us that we all have something worthy to be learned. “When I am with three people of them must be better than me in some areas. I choose their qualities and follow them.”
He also taught us that thinking is very important in study. “All study but no thinking makes people puzzled. All thinking but no study makes people lazy.”
Confucius is not only a great teacher but also a famous thinker with wise thoughts about the world and society. His most important teachings are about kindness and good manners. “A person should be strict with himself, but be kind to others,” he said.
1. Today we still remember Confucius mainly because ________.| A．He lived a poor life in his childhood |
| B．he had wise thoughts and great views about education |
| C．he traveled with his students from state to state |
| D．he lived during the Spring and Autumn Period |
| A．by teaching himself at home | B．with the help of his mother |
| C．by going to school | D．by visiting many famous teachers |
| A．poor | B．bright | C．wealthy | D．cute |
| A．All study but no thinking makes people puzzled. |
| B．No one has something worthy to be learned. |
| C．All thinking but no study makes people lazy. |
| D．A person should be strict with himself, but be kind to others. |
He was born in 1902 in Tianjin, northern China. In Chinese, he was known as Li Airui. Eric lived in China until the age of five. After that his parents sent him to school in England. In 1920, Eric went to the University of Edinburgh to study science.
Sports played a large part in his life and he became the fastest runner in Scotland. He was chosen to be part of Britain's 1924 Olympic team. The games were in Paris. The 100metre race was his best event, but it was to be held on a Sunday. Eric，a strong Christian(基督教徒), refused to run on Sundays because he believed that it should be a day of rest as the Bible(圣经) teaches.
Although many people told him to run the race, he refused. Instead he started to train for other distances. At the Olympics he won a bronze medal in the 200metre race and then a gold medal in the 400metre race, setting a world record.
Though then famous in Scotland, Eric still loved and remembered China. He wanted to go back to the country where he was born. In 1925, he went to China and worked as a middle school teacher in Tianjin. Then he went to Hebei Province to help the poor people there.
After the Japanese invaded(入侵) China, Eric chose to stay. He wanted to help the sick and give hope to the Chinese people. In 1943, the Japanese sent him to a prison camp(集中营) in Weifang. Even in the camp, he continued to help the old people. He also arranged games for the children, and taught them science.
In 1945, Eric was very ill. He was given a chance to leave the camp but he refused. Instead he gave this chance to a pregnant woman. The inspiring man died six months before the end of the war. Many people still remember his service to the Chinese people of that area.
1. Eric went to England to ________．
| A．go to school |
| B．help the Scottish people |
| C．take part in the Olympic Games |
| D．visit relatives |
| A．100metre | B．200metre |
| C．400metre | D．800metre |
| A．1920 | B．1925 |
| C．1943 | D．1945 |
| A．5 | B．20 |
| C．25 | D．30 |
| A．running | B．receiving |
| C．teaching | D．giving |
The first car was invented not by an Englishman, but by an American. His name was Henry Ford.
Henry was born in a poor family. He was the eldest of the six children. When he was a boy, he became interested in watches and machines. When he was twelve years old, his mother died. Soon he had to work in a machine shop for two dollars and fifty cents a week.
In the evening, he repaired watches for another dollar a week. The hard life made him strong and able.
At that time, there was another interest in the life of the young Ford. He wished of making a machine.
It could run without horses, so named horseless carriage. He overcame a lot of difficulties and in April 1893, the “horseless carriage” was invented at last. It was the first car.
Later Henry Ford founded the Ford Motor Company. He was really the first inventor of the car in the world.
1. Who really invented the first car?
| A．A Chinese. | B．An Englishman. | C．A Russian. | D．An American. |
| A．only one hundred years ago | B．less than one hundred years ago |
| C．more than one hundred years ago | D．long long ago |
| A．five brothers and sisters | B．six brothers and sisters |
| C．five younger brothers | D．five younger sisters |
| A．2.5 dollars. | B．1.5 dollars. | C．3.5 dollars. | D．3 dollars. |
| A．with his brothers | B．without any difficulty |
| C．himself | D．difficult |
【推荐1】
Egg Fried Rice Ingredients(原料): ● a bowl of cooked rice; ● 2 eggs; ● 4 spoons of oil; ● some green vegetables; ● a big teaspoon of mayonnaise(蛋黄酱); | Instructions: ● Mix rice and mayonnaise really well. ● Heat the oil. ● Put the eggs into the oil. Remember not to cook them too long. ● Add the rice, heat it and mix it well. ● Add green vegetables, and cook them for a few minutes. |
 Tips： Mayonnaise has all the important ingredients(佐料) for fried rice—oil, salt and sugar. So try mixing them first. | |
| A．some fresh fruits | B．a big spoon of cooked rice |
| C．two big spoons of eggs | D．a big teaspoon of mayonnaise |
| A．Heat the oil. | B．Mix rice and mayonnaise. |
| C．Add green vegetables. | D．Put the eggs into the oil. |
| A．Because it is one of the ingredients. | B．Because it can be cooked long. |
| C．Because it has oil, salt and sugar in it. | D．Because it doesn’t need to be cooked. |
【推荐2】I’m a student. I love the National Day holiday, because I can have a rest and do many things I enjoy. How did I spend the seven-day holiday last year? I found a part-time job.
That was the first time I’d been a waiter. It was harder than I’d thought. At first, I wasn’t good at the job, and I even spilt (溅出) the soup on a woman’s dress. Some people got angry with me because of my mistakes. I was so worried and tired that I was ready to give up on the first afternoon.
A family with three children came to have dinner the next day. The children were asking for things all the time. I tried to serve them well. Then the father said to me, “Good job! Thanks for helping us.” His words were just like a light in the dark. My tiredness suddenly went away. In the following days, I got used to the job, and I had fun working in the restaurant.
The experience taught me that many jobs weren’t easy. Everyone is great when they’re working hard. The most important thing I learned is how much praise matters to people. It can give us lots of power. I think my National Day holiday last year was interesting and meaningful.
1. What does the second paragraph mainly tell us about the writer? ________| A．His hobbies. | B．His habits. |
| C．His difficulties. | D．His decisions. |
| A．got lots of power | B．became angry and worried |
| C．decided to give up the job | D．tried to serve the family better |
| A．Some jobs are easier than they look. |
| B．Praise is very important to people. |
| C．Everyone should work hard at their job. |
| D．It’s bard to get used to a new environment. |
【推荐3】How do we feel a warm bath? How do we see our friends and hear a song? How do we smell a flower and taste an apple? Our brain uses the following senses to tell us things about our world.
Sight
Look around. There is so much to-see! We use our eyes to see everything around us. Our eyes take pictures. They send the information to our brain. Our brain tells us what we see.
Sound
Sound is all around us. We use our cars to bear all the sounds and noises.Sound can be quiet or loud. Our ears send sounds to our brain. Our brain tells us what we hear.
The air is full of smells. We use our nose to smell them. Air carries smells inside our nose. Our nose sends the smells to our brain. Our brain tells us what we smell.
Taste
Foods we eat can be sweet, sally, sour(味蕾). They send information about food to our brain. Our brain tells us what the taste is.
Touch
How do you know if something feels hot, cold, soft, or scratchy(扎人的)? We use parts of our skin to touch. Our skin sends our brain information about things we touch. Our brain tells us how things feel.
1. How many senses does our brain use to tell us about the world?| A．Two. | B．Three. | C．Four. | D．Five. |
| A．Eyes | B．Ears | C．Feel | D．Smell |
| A．sight and sound |
| B．sight and taste |
| C．touch and taste |
| D．touch and sound |
| A．Our brains |
| B．Our eyes and ears |
| C．Our five senses |
| D．Our body |
