1 . Dragons, a famous imaginary beast born from fantasy, are often present in stories in the west and east. In both cultures, dragons are generally recognized as massive creatures capable of flight. They have great power and are often associated with magical abilities. However, due to their different cultural roots and images, there exist significant differences in the way dragons are regarded in the west and east, particularly in China.
Chinese dragons most resemble snakes, and have four claws and no wings. They often have features of other animals, including carp, tigers, and eagles. In the contrast, Western dragons look like huge lizards with big claws and large bat-like wings, and are often shown with spines or rough scales.
In traditional Chinese culture, a dragon is a symbol of luck, power and high status. They can cause weather changes and bring rainfall to the fields to ensure rich harvests. They are considered divine (神圣的) creatures, which hold an important position as the head of the four spirits. Therefore, to symbolize their power, ancient Chinese emperors decorated their clothes with dragon patterns. These clothes are known as dragon robes. Many Chinese view the dragon as a national symbol, proudly referring to themselves as “descendants of the dragon”. In the west, however, a dragon symbolizes an evil creature that spreads violence and terror throughout the land. They are believed to be transformed by the devil, with the ability to breathe fire or spit poison. Many western tales show dragons being defeated and killed to protect people from danger.
Today, dragons continue to evolve, exceeding traditional boundaries and finding new significance in global culture. They are no longer associated with evil or good, but rather as complex characters with their own unique personalities and motivations. For example, Toothless from How to Train Your Dragon begins as a dangerous dragon but evolves into a misunderstood being with love and compassion. This challenges the idea of dragons as naturally evil, presenting them as complex beings with emotions and motivations.
1. What do western dragons and eastern dragons have in common?A.They have rough skin. | B.They are huge and powerful. |
C.They are in the shape of snakes. | D.They have big claws and wings. |
A.Western dragons are a symbol of authority. |
B.Dragons in China can protect people from danger. |
C.Chinese dragons can control rainfall and breathe fire. |
D.Dragons are believed to cause chaos in western culture. |
A.They are regarded as adventurous creatures. |
B.They are closely associated with evil or good. |
C.They have more diverse emotions and personalities. |
D.They tend to represent human spirits facing challenges. |
A.The Dragon Elements in Global Culture |
B.The Origin of Dragons in Chinese History |
C.The Magical Animals in Different Countries |
D.The Images of Dragons in Western Traditions |
2 . 假如你是李华,准备邀请你的英国朋友 Peter 来中国参加元宵节庆祝活动,并提前告知他元宵节的相关情况。要点如下:
1.时间及起源;
2.活动内容;
3.意义。
注意:
1.词数100左右;
2.可适当增加细节,以使行文连贯。
3.文章开头和结尾已给出,不计入总词数。
Dear Peter,
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Yours
Li Hua
A.Vienna. | B.Rome. | C.Paris. |
Dear Eric,
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Yours,
Li Hua
1. What is Perelman?
A.A researcher. | B.A doctor. | C.A reporter. |
A.Strange adults. | B.Babysitters. | C.Other babies. |
A.They may start to cry. |
B.They may show much fear. |
C.They may touch each other. |
A.Much more parenting time with babies. |
B.An increase in family-based day care centers. |
C.A greater demand for experienced babysitters. |
1. What does the man think of visiting art galleries?
A.Costly. | B.Worthwhile. | C.Disappointing |
A.To Washington. | B.To Seoul. | C.To Paris. |
A.22 years old. | B.26 years old. | C.28 years old. |
A.Musée d’Orsay. | B.Centre Pompidou. | C.The National Gallery of Art. |
A.By bus. | B.By taxi. | C.By subway. |
8 . America is one of the best travelling options for everyone. Here the Good Hotel Guide shares some of the top American hotels for travelers to choose from.
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
If you want a quiet, stress-free getaway, The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort might be just the place. Sitting right on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, this hotel is a destination unto itself. Meanwhile, staff goes out of their way to attend to their guests’ needs. However, if you are hoping to explore urban areas, be warned this hotel is located approximately 25 miles south of the city.
The Peninsula Chicago
Travelers describe the guest rooms as comfortable thanks to their modern techie touches, like a bedside remote command station that controls the lights, television and room temperatures. During your stay, guests recommend making time for the tasty Cantonese dishes served in the Shanghai Terrace restaurant. However, for many travelers, it was The Peninsula Chicago’s friendly service staff that convinced them to stay here again.
Sonesta Los Angeles Airport LAX
Located just 1,312 feet from Los Angeles International Airport, this hotel offers free 24-hour airport shuttles, easy access to the city center. With nearby motorways, Hollywood is just 12 miles away from Sonesta Los Angeles Airport LAX. Couples in particular like the location — they rated it 8.5 for a two-person trip because of its convenience and the welcoming staff.
Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel
This modern hotel provides free 24-hour dedicated shuttle service to Los Angeles International Airport, just 3 minutes’ drive away. Guests can relax in the outdoor heated pool. Recent guests give the courteous and professional staff high praise. Couples like the location best — they rated it 8.7 for a two-person trip.
1. If you want to relieve your tension, which hotel would you like to choose?A.Sonesta Los Angeles Airport LAX. |
B.The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. |
C.The Peninsula Chicago. |
D.Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel. |
A.The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. |
B.The Peninsula Chicago. |
C.Sonesta Los Angeles Airport LAX. |
D.Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel. |
A.They offer convenient access to the downtown area. |
B.They have quality customer service. |
C.They are popular among couples. |
D.They are located near the airport. |
9 . Activities For Families with Children
There are plenty of things to do and see around Cusco, Peru that children will enjoy.
Horse riding
Many children will enjoy the opportunity to ride a horse. The Happy Ranch horse farm organizes horse rides through the countryside passing wheat fields and small towns, wooden huts, open air markets and cooking outside over a fire. Price for a horse ride is US $ 12 per person.
Cooking class
If you enjoy local food, taking a cooking class could be fun. Several restaurants offer classes, which start with a visit to a local market to buy fresh ingredients (原料). Wearing a cook’s hat, children can help washing and cutting. Prices for a 3 hours class start at US $ 13 per person.
Hot air balloon
A hot air balloon ride will give you great views of the city. The balloon goes up about 200 meters if weather conditions are OK, less if conditions are windy. The balloon will stay at that altitude for about 10 minutes. Prices are US $ 20 for an adult, half price for children.
Ceramics class
A fun activity for kids is taking a ceramics class at the Fine Arts Center. With the help of an experienced potter, kids can make their own creation on the potter’s wheel from clay. The basic clay class costs US $ 15 per person and takes 1.5 hours.
1. Which activity takes you to view Cusco’s village life?A.Cooking class. | B.Horse riding. | C.Hot air balloon. | D.Ceramics class. |
A.They are usually offered by cooking schools. |
B.It takes a family of three US $13 to take one. |
C.Visitors prepare ingredients by themselves. |
D.Children take part in the whole cooking process. |
A.US $ 20. | B.US $ 30. | C.US $ 40. | D.US $ 50. |
10 . It was a warm evening in August in 1995. Robert Blocker was driving to Yale University after being appointed as the university’s Dean (院长) of Music. He didn’t expect to see many people, but a couple of students met him and showed him around.
“When I looked at the history of the university and how people are devoted to the school’s art programs, I was honored by the chance to work there. I could not wait for the next day to start my job. And that excitement never changed because every day was different. My job as dean was not scheduled. I walked around the campus and students talked to me. I went to rehearsals (排演) by the students and teachers and got inspired by them,” he adds.
After nearly three decades as the Dean of Music at Yale, the 77-year-old retired from the position on Aug 31. Also an expert pianist, he remains a professor of piano at the music school, as well as professor of leadership strategies at Yale School of Management. Among his countless contributions as dean, Blocker developed long-term relationships with fellow musicians in China. He once toured cities, including Shenzhen, Shanghai and Hangzhou, giving lectures to the youngsters.
“China is a very special place for me. I am very happy to be back after the pandemic (疫情) to meet my friends and colleagues,” Blocker says, adding that he is particularly excited about being with young students.
Yang Suxian, director of the Shenzhen Piano Music Festival, says, “He has been very supportive and has participated in the Shenzhen Piano Music Festival for years, even during the pandemic.”
Blocker’s vision of a more hopeful world is reflected in his belief that music bridges the understanding between people.
“Music brings hope. People may speak different languages and have different ideas but music speaks to each other’s heart, and that’s why we keep this work going on and why the work never ends,” he says, “Our job is to let music heal the world by allowing us to understand and find a common place in our hearts.”
1. How did Robert Blocker feel after being appointed as the university’s Dean?A.Anxious. | B.Thrilled. | C.Terrified. | D.Challenged. |
A.Teaching leadership skills. | B.Reviving art programs of the school. |
C.Giving concerts when touring cities in China. | D.Organizing rehearsals for students and teachers. |
A.To advertise the festival in Shenzhen. | B.To stress Robert’s preference for music. |
C.To review the hardships during the pandemic. | D.To show Robert’s care about Chinese musicians. |
A.Spreading music to the whole world. |
B.Translating music into a common language. |
C.Helping people to reach an agreement on music. |
D.Guiding people to know themselves better through music. |