1 . The Chinese Students and Scholars Association in the UK held a Spring Festival gala (庆典) on Wednesday in London to count down to the Chinese New Year. More than 900attendees, including representatives from British universities and education institutions, as well as Chinese students and scholars, joined to enjoy a feast of Chinese culture.

This year’s Chinese New Year falls on Saturday, and 2024 is the year of the dragon based on the Chinese zodiac. The dragon is considered by the Chinese people to represent dignity, prestige, and fortune.

The festival gala, with a theme of “Soaring Dragon’s Spring Melody”, featured Chinese folk music, dance, singing, martial arts performance and more.

During the event, Zheng Zeguang, China’s ambassador to the UK, made a speech to the attendees, highlighting major accomplishments achieved in the past year and stating China’s future development focuses.

He pointed out that China will determinedly pursue high-quality development and Chinese modernization to advance the great rejuvenation (复兴) of the Chinese nation. China will also call for an equal and orderly multipolar (多级的) world as well as for inclusive economic globalization that benefits all, Zheng noted. “Our motherland has bright prospects for future growth,” he said.

The ambassador praised Chinese students and scholars for being hardworking and behaving in a controlled way, saying that the number of Chinese students in the UK has significantly increased due to the transformation of China. “I hope you will carry on the tradition of patriotism. I hope you will ai m high and work hard. I hope you will unit e and help each other, as well as make friends widely. I hope you will grow into the backbone of the nation in the near future,” he said.

Alistair Fitt, vice-headmaster of Oxford Brookes University, extended warm wishes of good fortune and prosperity in the year of the dragon and expressed hope for progress in Sino-British relations. “I am very sure that our two great nations will continue to expand all of our very successful relationships,” he said.

1. What does the underlined word “prestige” in Paragraph 2 mean?

A．The condition of being strange and alone.	B．The condition of being respected and admired.
C．The condition of being large and frightening.	D．The condition of being followed and monitored.

2. Why has the number of Chinese students significantly risen in the UK according to Zheng Zeguang?

A．Advertising activities have been organized well in China to promote British universities.

B．Chinese students are most attracted by the scenery in the UK.

C．The education fees in the UK have been reduced.

D．Great changes have taken place in China.

3. What does Alistair Fitt mainly express in the last paragraph?

A．His suggestions.

B．His surprises.

C．His arrangements.

D．His expectations.

4. What is the best title for the news report?

A．Spring Festival gala brings joy to Chinese students in UK

B．Chinese students in UK count down to Chinese New Year

C．Warm wishes of good fortune expressed in year of dragon in UK

D．China’s ambassador to UK states China’s future development focuses

2 . 根据句子填空或所给词的适当形式填空

China will become the guest country of honor for the 37th International Kite Festival in Berck-sur-Mer from April 20 to 28. It’s the first time that the festival     1     (introduce) the concept of guest countries since its     2     (establish) in 1987.

During the nine-day event, the China Cultural Center in Paris will join hands with Weifang city in Shandong province,     3     is known as the “kite capital of the world”,     4     (show) the most authentic Chinese kite art and cultural experience to the audience. Various cultural activities will take center stage,     5     (include) kite competitions, cultural performances and workshops on intangible cultural heritage.

The International Kite Festival in Berck-sur-Mer is the largest and     6     (influence) kite-themed event in France. Visitors can not only observe     7     wide variety of kites, traditional and modern, small and giant,     8     also engage in kite-making workshops, art performances and experiential activities.

In addition     9     regular kite displays, this year’s festival will debut the international kite stunt competition,     10     (call) “The World Kite Cup Berck-sur-Mer”. Kite-flying masters from ten countries and regions will compete for the world champion title in a showdown of skills and creativity.

3 . By tradition, on Lunar New Year, you’re supposed to put on new clothes, from inner to outer ones. If they’re the lucky red, all the better. You can never have too much luck.

But when you turn a multiple of 12, 24, 36, 48, 60 and so on — the tradition gets extended: Red underwear every day of that lunar calendar year. When I first heard about the practice a few years ago, I considered it nonsense. It also seemed ridiculous to buy so many pairs in a color vivid under light clothes. My practical immigrant Chinese parents, an engineer and scientist, didn’t pass this tradition down. Adding another superstition (迷信) also seemed like a thing I could do without. But as I approach my fourth time around the wheel for the “Year of the Dragon,” — in what’s known as “ben ming nian” or the threshold year — I’ve been reflecting upon the milestones of those past intervals: puberty at age 12, moving across the country for a job at 24 and giving birth to my twin sons at 36.

The more I’ve looked into the practice, the more I realize the significance of its popularity. As an American-born Chinese, I have always adopted and adapted what comes from my birthplace. Logically, I know it won’t matter if I wear red or not, but for me, for now, this shared tradition strengthens my bond with my culture.

So often, life goes by so quickly before we could realize. Days become weeks, months, years and suddenly a dozen years go by. My newborns have grown into tweens and I’ve transformed from not quite middle-aged to now very much so. With the turn of the Lunar New Year, I value a chance to reflect on my past struggles and how I found a way through.

It’s a mindset we could all benefit from.

1. What is the tradition on Lunar New Year?

A．Wearing lucky red clothes all year round.

B．Putting on new clothes from head to toe.

C．Never having too many lucky clothes.

D．Extending the superstition at a multiple of 12.

2. Why did the author mention her parents?

A．To prove it is ridiculous to wear red clothes.

B．To honor her practical immigrant parents.

C．To blame her parents for not passing the tradition down.

D．To justify her not following the extended tradition.

3. What finally changed the author’s attitude to the practice?

A．Her approaching the age of 48.	B．Its connection with her culture.
C．Her illogical thinking patterns.	D．Its popularity among immigrants.

4. What might the author do at her fourth time around the wheel?

A．Reflect on her way through.	B．Develop a new beneficial mindset.
C．Buy underwear in the vivid red.	D．Realize time going by quickly.

4 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

Over the 5,000 years of Chinese history, the Chinese dragon used to be a totem (图腾) . Gradually, it has evolved into an image    1     (represent) the spirit of the Chinese nation. According to reports, long was first translated to “dragon”    2     The Travel of Marco Polo. And in China’s Qing Dynasty, westerners translated long as “draco”,       3    is Latin for “dragon”.

Legend goes that the Chinese dragon can fly and has the magical power to control wind and rain, so can spurt   (喷出) water from its mouth     4     (ensure) a good harvest with timely rainfall. To show their supreme power and dignity, emperors in ancient China always    5     (regard) themselves as “true dragons”.

Across    6    land of China, ordinary people worship the dragon, whose images and names can be found in architectural structures or    7     (decorate) , such as the Nine-dragon Wall and the Dragon Boat. There are many idioms     8     (relate)   to the Chinese dragon, such as Hua Long Dian Jing, meaning “Painting the dragon to life”

Of all the 12 Chinese zodiac animals (生肖动物) ,the dragon is one of people’s favorites. When people name newborn babies, long is a    9     (frequent) selected character, especially for boys born in the Year of the Dragon, as it is hoped    10    they will grow as strong and energetic as a dragon.

5 .        World Smile Day

World Smile Day is celebrated (庆祝) on the first Friday of October every year. It was created (创建) by Harvey Ball, an artist from the United States. He created the Smiley Face in 1963. The day was created to spread joy and love to everyone.

World Book Day

World Book Day was created on 23rd April, 1995 by UNESCO (联合国教科文组织). It was created in honor of two great men: William Shakespeare and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega. Books have been educating people for hundreds of years, and the best way to celebrate this day is to find the time to do some reading.

World Health Day

The World Health Organization (WHO) was created on 7th April, 1948 to solve health problems. Every year, the members of WHO meet in Switzerland to review WHO’s work and set new goals. The day is celebrated annually on 7th April.

The International Day of Families

The International Day of Families was created by the United Nations in 1993 and is celebrated on 15th May every year. The day celebrates the importance of families.

1. Which of the following is celebrated in October?

A．World Health Day.

B．The International Day of Families.

C．World Book Day.

D．World Smile Day.

2. Why do people celebrate World Smile Day?

A．To solve health problems.

B．To spread joy and love to everyone.

C．To encourage people to read more books.

D．To remember Shakespeare.

3. Which of the following created World Book Day?

A．UNESCO.

B．The World Health Organization.

C．The United Nations.

D．The United States.

4. What does the underlined word “annually” mean?

A．Every day.

B．Every week.

C．Every year.

D．Every month.

5. What can you learn about the International Day of Families?

A．It was created by WHO.

B．It was created in 1995.

C．It is not celebrated every year.

D．It celebrates the importance of families.

6 . You’ve heard the phrase “home for the holidays”, but I would like to introduce a new phrase: hygge for the holidays. A hygge holiday is all about peaceful, quiet and cozy(温暖舒适的) surroundings. Sounds perfect, doesn’t it? Holiday hygge is easy and comforting. Most people are already doing at least some of these simple hygge holidays without even knowing it.

Hygge is a Danish word originally coming from an old Norwegian word meaning well-being and protection from the outside harm. It’s known that winters in Denmark are severe and last long. The concept of hygge has been used by Danish people to keep themselves mentally positive in the dark winter season and fill their homes with comfort and love.

Hygge is a very important word to Danish people, often used to describe what their culture is all about and it is not necessarily a thing, something you can buy, but rather more of something you feel. Hygge really is a reflection of one aspect of Danish living, and, happily, in the last five years the concept of hygge has made its way to the US and many other countries. I mean what’s not to like about nurturing(培育)peace and quiet and coziness?

Here are some more descriptive words for hygge: comfort, familiarity, friendship, laughter, and even seasonal homemade food and drinks. While it is possible to achieve hygge any time of the year with hygge activities-an outdoor BBQ with friends and a movie under the stars with family are good examples of summertime hygge, it is most commonly associated with the colder months because of its ability to lift one’s spirits during dark winter months.

Hygge is the most suitable for the November and December holiday season because it’s all about peaceful and cozy surroundings that fill you with contentment. There is indeed something you can do to bring holiday hygge into your home this season.

1. Why do Danish people choose a hygge holiday?

A．To deal with cold and long winters.	B．To follow the latest holiday trend.
C．To fight against nature physically.	D．To spend more time with their family.

2. How does the author find hygge?

A．It reflects Danish living totally.	B．It is mainly about some feeling.
C．It is limited to Denmark and the US.	D．It represents ancient Danish culture

3. What message is conveyed in paragraph 4?

A．People do hygge in more ways.	B．Hygge is preferred in summertime.
C．Hygge is still perfect for winter.	D．People access hygge in certain time.

4. What might the author go on to talk about?

A．Ways of hygge celebrations.	B．Tips on achieving hygge.
C．Different opinions about hygge	D．Benefits of bringing hygge into home.

7 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. What do we know about Maori?

A．They rub each other’s noses as a greeting.

B．They make a gesture to say hello.

C．Its impolite for them to give a thumbs-up.

2. What is the woman’s nationality?

A．Nigerian.

B．British.

C．Chinese.

3. How many countries do the speakers mention in total?

A．5.

B．6.

C．7.

4. How does the man suggest the woman write her paper?

A．By giving more detailed information.

B．By writing the abstract first.

C．By giving a profound conclusion.

8 . Coming from India, Vikash Kumar Singh has been living in China for more than ten years and speaks Chinese very fluently. He now works as a teacher at Beijing Foreign Studies University.

Vikash had been translating Qinqiang, a famous novel by Jia Pingwa, for almost two years. When the winter holiday began, Vikash had more time to work on the translation and managed to finish it before the Chinese New Year.

As part of a Chinese and Indian literature translation program supported by both governments, Vikash thought that the translation of literary works like Qinqiang would open a window for Indian people, through which they could have a better understanding of China and Chinese literature.

“I would like to thank both governments for their support for this culture program, ”said Vikash. “This is quite helpful on the mutual understanding of people from both countries.”

Getting this long-lasting work done, Vikash felt very buoyant. He could enjoy the Spring Festival in a more relaxed way.

Vikash told the reporter that most of his friends also stayed in Beijing. They visited each other and talked about how they celebrate the New Year in their home countries such as Indonesia and Bulgaria. And they felt it was also cool to stay in Beijing and enjoy the Spring Festival.

As a typical “Haidian District” parent who highly values children’s education and future development, Vikash actively interacted with the parents of his child’s classmates during the holiday.

Vikash also spoke to his family in India about his experience of the holiday by phone. Besides, he introduced the customs of celebrating the Spring Festival in detail.

Through the transnational dissemination (传播) of traditions and cultures, such as festivals and novels, Vikash deepened the mutual understanding of people from China and India with his profession.

1. What did Vikash decide to do during his winter holiday?

A．Travel around China.	B．Move to a new district.
C．Call on a famous writer.	D．Finish his translation work.

2. What is Vikash’s attitude to the culture program?

A．Doubtful.

B．Unclear.

C．Supportive.

D．Worried.

3. What does the underlined word “buoyant” probably mean in paragraph 5?

A．Nervous.

B．Safe.

C．Tired.

D．Cheerful.

4. What can we learn about Vikash?

A．He observed the Spring Festival for the first time.

B．He planned to invite his parents to China.

C．He is very interested in educational development.

D．He is a messenger of cultural exchange.

9 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

The 18th China Theater Festival is set     1     (show) in Hangzhou, capital of East China’s Zhejiang province, from Nov 8 to 27, local media reported.     2     (found) in 1988, the festival is held     3     (two) a year and serves as a significant platform for the national     4     (drama) community to show excellent creative achievements.

The festival will host     5     total of 48 performances in Hangzhou, offering     6     (rough) 36,000 tickets, with prices ranging from 50 yuan to 480 yuan. Over 20, 000 tickets priced at or under 100 yuan will be available. The organizer will also introduce an online discount of at least 20 percent. Theater lovers can purchase tickets online through platforms such as Damai, Maoyan,     7     buy tickets     8     person at the appropriate theater box offices. Free viewing opportunities     9     (offer) to representatives from the Asian Games and Asian Para Games as well as volunteers and staff     10     are working behind the scenes.

10 . 听下面一段长对话，回答小题。
1. Why does the woman talk to the man?

A．To ask for his help.

B．To invite him to the music festival.

C．To introduce a folk band to him.

2. When will the speakers go to get tickets?

A．On Friday.

B．On Saturday.

C．On Sunday.

3. What is the most important for the speakers to get tickets?

A．Arriving by 6:00 a.m.

B．Taking something to sit on.

C．Lining up in the park.