1 . No matter where you go around the globe, everybody loves to celebrate. And when it comes to celebration, festivals offer something for everyone.

Mardi Gras （New Orleans, Louisiana）

Also known as Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras in New Orleans is a cultural event. Though the celebration

is held every year on the day before Ash Wednesday, the festivities last for months, banning in November throughout January and early February. And if you love music, check out the annual Galactic concert at the world-famous Tipitina’s on Lundi Gras (the day before Mardi Gras).

La Tomatina （Valencia, Spain）

Launched way back in 1945, La Tomatina is one of the oldest festivals on our list. It's also easily the happiest but the messiest, coming off like the world's biggest food fight.

Legend has it that the whole thing started when some local boys joined a parade alongside musicians. The boys made the performers so angry that they tried hit the boys, and a vendor's (小摊贩)vegetable stand fell victim to the incident.

If you go, please follow some simple rules: Don't throw hard objects, squash the tomato before throwing it, stay a safe distance away from tomato trucks, and stop in time.

Montreux Jazz Festival （Switzerland）

Founded back in 1967, Montreux is one of the oldest music festivals in the world. It's also the second largest jazz festival, after the Montreal International Jazz Festival. That Canadian concert may attract more visitors-around 2 million annually. But Montreux benefits from its pretty location on the attractive shores of Lake Geneva. The area is particularly beautiful in late June/early July, when the festival is held.

1. When is Galactic concert held?

A．On Mardi Gras.	B．On Lundi Gras.
C．On Montreux Jazz Festival.	D．On La Tomatina.

2. What do people do on La Tomatina?

A．Punish naughty boys.	B．Enjoy musicians' performance.
C．Throw tomatoes without hurting.	D．Catch people who destroy tomatoes.

3. Where can you read the passage probably?

A．News report.	B．Academic journal.
C．Conceit brochure.	D．Travel magazine.

2 . MEXICO CITY, April 1（Xinhua）——Discoveries at the legendary Sanxingdui ruins in southwest China show that the region’s ancient Shu state civilization shared similarities with the Maya, according to the director of the Chichen Itza archaeological site, Marco Antonio Santos.

The Sanxingdui ruins, located in the city of Guanghan, about 60 kilometers from Chengdu, belonged to the Shu Kingdom that existed at least 4,800 years ago and lasted more than 2,000 years. China announced on March 20 that archaeologists uncovered gold, ivory and jade objects dating back about 3,000 years in six sacrificial pits.

Santos told Xinhua that the bronze-made remains of trees buried at the ruins of the Shu Kingdom recall the Maya’s sacred ceiba tree, which symbolized the union of heaven, earth and the underworld for the civilization that flourished in Mesoamerica. “They are very important similarities.” said Santos, stressing that “the representations of trees in both cultures provide us with a symbolism that is very similar”.

“One notable feature of the recent discoveries at Sanxingdui was the interdisciplinary（跨学科的）work and technology applied by teams of Chinese archaeologists.” said Santos. “The technology allowed the unearthing of artifacts as fragile as silk remains, which other types of less careful excavation methods would not have been able to manage.” he said. “Cooperation between Chinese and Mexican archaeologists could benefit projects in the Maya world, where the rainy climate and humidity are problematic for the conservation of objects.” said Santos.

“Every time our cultural knowledge increases, regardless of whether we speak one language or another, what it shows us is that we continue to be sister cultures, and, therefore, the exchange of such knowledge is fundamental.” said Santos.

1. What does the underlined word “excavation” in Paragraph 4 mean?

A．research

B．examination

C．digging

D．discovery

2. Which of the following is true according to Santos?

A．The sacred ceiba tree is also found at the ruins of the Shu Kingdom.

B．The recent discoveries at Sanxingdui featured interdisciplinary work and technology.

C．Only the unearthing of silk remains needs to be managed with more careful methods.

D．The language barrier is an issue that affects the cooperation between China and Mexico.

3. What is the passage mainly about?

A．China and Mexico continue to exchange cultural knowledge.

B．The discovery of the Sanxingdui ruins in south west China shocks the world.

C．Cooperation between Chinese and Mexican archaeologists benefits projects in both countries.

D．The discovery of the Sanxingdui ruins shows similarities between ancient Shu state and the Maya.

4. Where is this text most likely from?

A．A newspaper.

B．A historical novel.

C．A research review.

D．A guidebook.

3 . What is the most recognizable object in the world? Could it be a football or a big computer? No, the answer is a Coca-Cola bottle. Hundreds of millions of people can recognize a Coke bottle by its shape. Unlike any other famous commercial logo, the famous Coca-Cola logo has not changed in 100 years!

In 1886, John Pemberton, a druggist in Atlanta, Georgia, invented a new type of syrup (糖浆), using coca leaves, sugar and cola nuts, plus a few other secret ingredients. Pemberton sold it as a medicine; and with coca (the source of cocaine), it must have made people feel good! Nevertheless, Pemberton's medicine was not very successful, so he sold his secret formula (配方) to another druggist, Asa Candler, Candler was interested, because he had another idea; he thought that Pemberton's "medicine" would be much better if it was mixed with soda. Candler was thus the man who really invented the drink Coca-Cola. At first he sold it in his drugstore; then he began selling the syrup to other drugstores, where it was used with their soda fountains. Candler also advertised his new drink, and soon people were going to drugstores just to get a drink of Coca-Cola. Before long. other people became interested in the product, including a couple of businessmen who wanted to sell it in bottles. Candler sold them a license to bottle the drink, and very quickly the men became millionaires. Then in 1916 the famous bottle, with its very distinctive shape, was designed.

During the First World War (1914-1918), American soldiers in Europe began asking for Coca-Cola, so the Coca-Cola company began to export it to Europe. It was so popular with soldiers that they then had to start bottling the drink in Europe. Today. Coca-Cola is made all over the world, including Russia and China; it is the world's most popular drink.

As for the famous formula, it is probably the world's most valuable secret! The exact ingredients for making Coca-Cola are only known to a handful of people. And as for the coca that was in the original drink, it was removed in 1903, for it was a dangerous drug. Today's Coca-Cola contains caffeine, not cocaine!

1. What is the second paragraph mainly about?

A．The key ingredient of Coca-Cola.

B．The distinctive shape of Coca-Cola bottle.

C．The ever-changing logo of Coca-Cola.

D．The development of Coca-Cola.

2. Who was the very person that really invented the drink Coca-Cola?

A．John Pemberton.	B．Asa Candler.
C．An American soldier.	D．A couple of businessmen.

3. What can we conclude from the last paragraph?

A．The formula of Coca-Cola is still a well-kept secret.

B．The ingredients for making Coca-Cola is of great value.

C．Coca wasn't removed from the drink until the First World War.

D．Caffeine has the same effect on patients as cocaine.

4. From which is the text probably taken?

A．A biology textbook.	B．A life magazine.
C．A research paper.	D．A travel brochure.

5 . Located in the southeast of Canada and with a population of approximately 6 million, Toronto is a big and beautiful city, which has developed from a relatively unknown place over the past half century to the center of culture, trade and communication in Canada.

With its colorful ethnic mix, rich history and breathtaking buildings. Toronto offers non-stop adventures to the tourists. To get a sense of how big, various and magical Toronto is, the best place to start is the CN Tower. From this point, visitors can get a bird's-eye view of the city's amazing scenery and unique geography.

In addition to being an important center of culture, trade and communication in Canada, Toronto is also a major muti-ethnic city. It is the most populous city in Canada and its citizens come from countries around the world and from different kinds of ethnic backgrounds. Every day, in most places of the city, a hundred different languages can be heard on the streets, from Hindi to Greek to French. This, perhaps, explains why former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau once said that Canada is a mosaic（嵌合体）of cultures and languages rather than a melting pot.

Street signs in Toronto are mostly in English. Weekly and daily newspapers are published in various languages, and the city hosts the successful international film festival each September. It is also home to a popular baseball team the Toronto Blue Jays. Toronto has something for everyone.

Moreover, Toronto has been rated one of the most livable cities in the world by United Nations Human Settlements Programme for many years. At the same time, Toronto is one of the safest, richest cities in the world with the highest standard of living.

1. What's the purpose of the text?

A．To draw more tourists to Toronto.

B．To introduce something about Canada.

C．To introduce some famous sights of Toronto.

D．To tell us how Toronto develops from the past.

2. What can we know about Toronto from the text?

A．Toronto is in the center of Canada.

B．Toronto is a city with a history of half a century.

C．The street signs in Toronto are all written in English.

D．From the top of the CN Tower we can see the whole Toronto.

3. How does the author like Toronto?

A．It's worth visiting.

B．It's just a common city in Canada.

C．There are too many foreigners in the city.

D．There aren't many places of interest to visit.

4. Where is this text most likely from?

A．A personal diary.	B．A news report.
C．A tourist handbook.	D．A student's notebook.

7 . There are over 60 zoos in England. We have collected hundreds of reviews, checked the zoo websites, researched several zoo•related resources and visited many of them by ourselves to giv e you this selection: 10 best zoos in England.

Chester Zoo Among top 15 zoos in the world, it is one of the most•visited and largest zoos in England.

Whipsnade Zoo With more than 2,500 animals, it is one of the few UK zoos with elephants.

Marwell Wildlife Full of African and Australian animals, there is surely a lot to see within very large grounds.

Howletts Wild Animal Park It was set up as a private zoo at first and opened to the public later. The place looks very natural and you can get very close to the animals there.

Port Lympne Wild Animal Park With Britain's largest number of African elephants, it offers truly African experiences.

Colchester Zoo With 270+ species, it is very child•friendly and offers lots of h ands•on activities.

Twycross Zoo It holds what is supposed to be the world's largest collection of apes (猿). There are also rare leopard species.

Bristol Zoo Gardens This is a 175•year•old zoo with rare animals like fruit bats (果蝠).

Paignton Zoo As home to a collection of around 2,000 animals and 1,600 plant species, it is one of the first places in England combining zoological and botanical (植物的) gardens.

London Zoo As one of the oldest zoos in the world, it is well worth a visit.

1. Howletts Wild Animal Park would attract those who want to       .

A．visit the largest zoo in English.

B．watch the African and Australian animals.

C．experience hands-on activities.

D．have a close observation of the animals.

2. Among the 10 zoos, the best one for a family with a boy interested in animals and a girl in plants is       .

A．Howletts Wild Animal Park.	B．Colchester Zoo.
C．Twycross Zoo.	D．Paignton Zoo.

3. Where can you find this passage?

A．a science magazine.	B．an adventure fiction.
C．a travel guide.	D．a book review.

8 . Best Diabetes Diets

U.S. News has ranked four leading diets based on input from a panel of health experts. Browse our diet profiles by narrowing down your results until you find the ones that are right for you.

The Flexitarian Diet in Best Diabetes Diets The Flexitarian Diet, which emphasizes fruits, veggies, whole grains and plant-based protein, is a smart and healthy choice. One panelist noted that this diet is “a nice approach that could work for the whole family.” READ MORE →	OVERALL SCORE 4.1/5 WEIGHT LOSS 3.6/5 HEALTHY 4.7/5
Mediterranean Diet in Best Diabetes Diets With its emphasis on fruits, vegetables, olive oil, fish and other healthy fare, the Mediterranean diet is extremely sensible. READ MORE　→	OVERALL SCORE 4.2/5 WEIGHT LOSS 3/5 HEALTHY 4.8/5
DASH Diet in Best Diabetes Diets DASH fights high blood pressure and was praised for its nutritional completeness, safety, ability to prevent or control diabetes, and role in supporting heart health. READ MORE →	OVERALL SCORE 4.1/5 WEIGHT LOSS 3.2/5 HEALTHY 4.8/5
Mayo Clinic Diet in Best Diabetes Diets The Mayo Clinic Diet aims to make healthy eating a lifelong habit, and earned praise for its nutrition and safety. READ MORE →	OVERALL SCORE 3. 8/5 WEIGHT LOSS 3. 3/5 HEALTHY 4. 4/5

1. If you got diabetes and wanted to lose weight, which food would meet your needs?

A．Mayo Clinic Diet	B．Dash Diet
C．Mediterranean Diet	D．The Flexitarian Diet

2. Where is the text probably taken from ?

A．Novel

B．Magazine

C．Website

D．Newspaper

3. What can be mentioned by the author in this text?

A．Dash Diet can benefit your heart health.

B．All diabetic diets can fight high blood pressure.

C．All the diabetic diets emphasize their complete nutrition.

D．The Mayo Clinic Diet has developed a lifelong healthy eating habit.

9 . Although we spend one-third of our lives in bed, we hardly ever think about beds. While we may consider them little more than a mattress(床垫), pillow and blanket, they in fact have a fascinating history.

The first beds were hollows(坑洼) dug in cave floors by our African ancestors around 77,000 years ago. The basic idea of the bed and its structure have remained the same for thousands of years. Malta and Egypt were using raised frames with mattresses 5,000 years ago, according to Brian Fagan, the author of What We did in Bed. Early Egyptian beds consisted of wooden frames with legs and a leather sleeping platform. The mattress was little more than a sack(袋子) with grass, straw and hay in it. In Mongolia and China, heated stone platforms called kang were used in inns as early as 5000 BC.

The basic idea of who slept in the bed, however, has changed a lot through the years. Many family members or friends sleeping together in a single bed used to be completely normal for much of human history. Travelers would not expect privacy at inns. In fact, they had to share a bed with complete strangers. The greatest example of this was the Great Bed of Ware, a huge bed built in 1590 for an English inn. “A total of 52 people—are said to have spent a night in the Great Bed in 1689,” according to Fagan.

Throughout the 19th century, beds gradually became a private space. Rapid urbanization during the Industrial Revolution sped up this process as compact row houses were built with small rooms, each for a different purpose, including sleeping. So the next time you head to bed, be thankful you have your own.

1. What do we know about the ancient beds?

A．The history of beds went through a long and difficult process.

B．In Africa, the basic idea of beds' structure has changed a lot.

C．Our ancestors were imaginative and creative in designing beds.

D．The ancestors in different countries were satisfied with their beds.

2. Why did travelers share a bed with complete strangers at inns in the past?

A．There was a single bed in one room.

B．They liked spying on others' lives.

C．It was convenient to look after each other.

D．It was a good way to make new friends.

3. What promotes beds to be a private space?

A．Human civilization.	B．Rapid urbanization.
C．Social interaction.	D．Room function

4. Where is the text most probably taken from?

A．A fiction novel.	B．A tourist guidebook.
C．A science report.	D．A culture magazine.