1 . Top Four Marathons

Portland Marathon

The marathon welcomes 8, 000 people every fall. It’s a great event for first-timers because everyone is cheered on with enthusiasm no matter how long it takes to cross the finish line. The time limit for the full marathon is now at a pace of minutes per mile, or 6 hours and 33 minutes, but in the past it had an open time limit. They promise you’ll still receive your medal if you fall behind the pace, but you have to finish using the sidewalks.

TCS New York City Marathon

As the world’s biggest marathon, the TCS New York City Marathon attracts over 50,000 people to the Big Apple each November. The time limit is generous eight and a half hours, but participants must move to the sidewalk if they drop below 15-minute mile. The famous course snakes through five boroughs (行政区) of the city and crosses five bridges to end in Central Park.

Honolulo Marathon

The marathon attracts over 30,000 participants each December. The race starts on Ala Moana Boulevard in downtown Honolulu and snakes its way along the breathtaking Hawaiian coastline to the finish line in Kapiolani Park. The start time is at 5: 00 am with finish line services officially open until 2: 00 pm. However, the organizers allow everyone to finish and have waiters on hand until 4: 00 pm.

Boston Marathon

The marathon is held in May every year. For this event running isn’t allowed as the city streets aren’t closed off. Participants must instead make their way along sidewalks under the guidance of event organizers and city police. The event attracts over 8,000 people who can choose anything from three-mile walk to the full 26.2-mile Boston Marathon route.

1. Where is a new marathon runner most likely to receive enthusiastic cheers?

A．In Portland.	B．In New York.
C．In Honolulu.	D．In Boston.

2. What can we know about TCS New York City Marathon?

A．It is extremely popular.	B．It has an open time limit.
C．It starts and ends in a park.	D．It forbids using the sidewalk.

3. Which marathon is held the earliest in a year?

A．Portland Marathon.	B．TCS New York City Marathon.
C．Boston Marathon.	D．Honolulu Marathon.

2 . 假定你是李华，你的英语外教John对中国传统文化很感兴趣。端午节将至，请你写一封邀请信，邀请John一起过端午节，并向他简要介绍端午节，内容包括：
1. 起源：为了纪念古代诗人屈原；
2. 时间：每年阴历五月初五；
3. 主要活动：吃粽子、划龙舟等。
注意：1. 词数100左右；

2. 可适当增加细节，以使行文连贯。

Dear John,
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Yours,

Li Hua