1 . My guide Farah, a tall, slim woman in her late 30s, wears jeans and a simple manteau. In public, wearing this robe(长袍),covering neck to knee is a must for women in Iran. Her long, straight black hair is hidden beneath her headscarf.
We're heading to Tajrish Bazaar in north Tehran, to explore ten different kinds of dried plums and other goodies. We choose the Metro- Farah for its convenience, and I, for a chance to go underground in the capital of Iran, because it provides a picture of the city most tourists never see.
Women and men sit separately on the train, but the rule is relaxed during busy times, like now. We, along with a few other women, clasp(握紧)our hands around a pole, standing next to men, young and old. Two stops later, and about 20 commuters(通勤者)fewer, segregation happens naturally-women at one and,men at the other, still within view,but separate.
A handful of fashionable girls admire their own reflections in the window. They wear tight leggings under their brightly colored robes, pushing back headscarves and boundaries. We find seats next to a group of conservative women dressed in black cloaks(斗篷)called chador. They are nothing like the other women I have met, most of them liberal.
"We're a nation with one language," Farah says, “divided in two-traditional and modern."She tells me that it' all began, not with imports from the West, but with the 1979 revolution. A combination of education and a bad economy created a society where women now have independence, careers, and husbands feel obliged to help with household chores.
1. Why did the author choose to take the Metro?A.Because it was accessible and convenient. |
B.Because she would see a more realistic city. |
C.Because she could sit separately on the train. |
D.Because she would travel markets for goodies. |
A.In rush hours. | B.At dawn. | C.At midday. | D.At midnight. |
A.Conflict. | B.Isolation. | C.Combination. | D.Discrimination. |
A.Iranian girls can dress as freely as they like. |
B.Iran has strict rules for seating arrangements. |
C.Iranian men never offer help with housework. |
D.Wearing a robe is a daily routine of Iranian women. |
2 . Welcome to the Civic Art Museum's Exhibit of West African Art, showing pieces from our collections.
Background
The peoples of West Africa, including the Yoruba, the Dogon, the Igbo, and the Akan, have a long art tradition. Tribes (部落) in the area have developed different styles of art and architecture that are suited to the climate and available materials and based on their traditions.
Gallery A: Photographs of Traditional West African Architecture
This section shows historical and contemporary photographs of traditional West African architecture. Of particular interest are the photographs of the Dogon village. The design of the Dogon village is based on the human figure. Certain types of buildings are placed in particular areas according to the Dogon's complex philosophical tradition. For example, the men's houses are placed in the “head” of the village, the leader's house is in the “chest,” and the women's houses are in the “hands.”
Gallery B: West African Masks
The art of mask making is well developed in West Africa. Masks are important to West African traditions and have clear social, political, and economic roles. However, most masks are worn only at particular times or on special occasions. For example, among the Dan and the Kota, certain people wear special masks to show their power when they act as judges and policemen within the community. Among the Bambara of Mali, headdresses are worn during planting and harvest celebrations.
Gallery C: West African Sculptures
West African sculptures are made from materials such as metal or wood. They are based on tribal traditions and are quite different. The Dogon are especially known for making figures of their ancestors (祖先). They believe their ancestors, called Nommo, came down from the sky at the beginning of time. Nommo figures are often shown with their hands reaching out to the sky. The collection contains several wonderful examples of Nommo sculptures.
1. What is special about Dogon houses?A.They are shaped like human beings. |
B.They are designed by the village leader. |
C.They are grouped according to tradition. |
D.They have many photographs inside them. |
A.have recently developed |
B.play many different roles |
C.are mainly worn at harvest time |
D.show the everyday life of the Dan |
A.They are afraid of Nommo figures. |
B.They make statues of their ancestors. |
C.They believe they will return to the sky. |
D.They straighten their arms to show respect. |
A.A festival. | B.Foods. | C.TV programs. |
A.People should do more meaningful things. | B.People should have more holidays. |
C.There are too many holidays. |
A.A festival. | B.Foods. | C.TV programs. |
6 . Customs on either side of the Atlantic
We all know that Britain and the US are two countries connected by a common language. But in fact,
When someone knocks into you.
If someone bumps into an American, the victim will most likely look the accidental aggressor in the face and expect an apology. If however,
Britons don’t all change into evening dress for supper like what you may have seen in popular TV shows like Downton Abbey. But they do tend to make an effort when going out for dinner somewhere nice. Americans, however, will probably wear a casual shirt to a fancy eatery.
When you don't finish your food.
When dining out at a restaurant,
When you get into a taxi.
Britons will give the cab driver an address, then assume that’s it for the interaction until it’s time to pay. Even if they’re being taken in a roundabout way,
A.When you get dressed for dinner |
B.When you go out with your friends |
C.the differences are more fun to observe |
D.they’re very unlikely to say anything |
E.the victim happens to be British |
F.Britons wouldn’t think to take the leftovers home |
G.they will point it out immediately and politely |
Jul 1-Jul 30, 2018
Location : Several locations tn New York
The Blue Note Jazz Festival in New York City is the city’s most popular jazz festival and focuses on bringing big-name artists to small crowds and up-and-coming acts to the public. The event takes over 15 places across the city and includes Questlove, Michael Bolton and Aretha Franklin.
Grant Park Music Festival 2018
Jun 14-Aug 19, 2018
Locations: Jay Pritzker Pavilion, South Shore Cultural Center, & Harris Theater for Music and Dance | 201 East Randolph Street, Chicago, Illinois
Listening to classical music is said to improve your intelligence. Whether that’s true or not, the Grant Park Music Festival will provide you with free, classical music, and you’d be smart to attend. The music at these concerts will leave you begging for more. It’s free to attend, so come and enjoy some great music with your family and friends.
Lake Park Friends Wonderful Wednesdays 2018
Jun 21-Jul 26, 2018
Location: Lake Park | Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Energy is way too contained (被压抑) in an indoor music place. Let that energy go where it wants through a series of outdoor concerts with Lake Park Friends Wonderful Wednesdays. Wednesday is no longer the most boring day of the week. This time, there’s something fun to do. A list of live music acts has made the middle of the week something to look forward to.
YouthCUE Festival of Youth Choirs (合唱队) 2018
Augl0-Aug 22, 2018
Locations: Washington National Cathedral | 3101 Wisconsin AVE NW Washington, DC
YouthCUE Festival of Youth Choirs in Washington gives students the rare opportunity to perform in the Washington National Cathedral, a famous historic place. The festival is a showcase of student choirs (唱诗班) from all over the local professional orchestra.
1. What can people enjoy at the Blue Note Jazz Festival?A.Performances by famous singers. |
B.Lively performances by public. |
C.Performances by artists from 15 countries. |
D.High quality performances with free admission. |
A.Blue Note Jazz Festival |
B.Grant Park Music Festival |
C.Lake Park Friends Wonderful Wednesdays |
D.YouthCUE Festival of Youth Choirs |
A.New York. | B.Chicago. |
C.Milwaukee. | D.Washington DC. |
The Royal Library of Alexandria
The Royal Library of Alexandria in Alexandria, Egypt is probably known as the largest and the most famous library in the ancient world. It is said that the ancient library was burned three times over the centuries. A likeness of the ancient library was built in Alexandria and was opened on October 16,2002.
Celsus Library
Celsus Library was built in what had been a monument tomb of the governor of the Province of Asia, Celsus Polemaeanus in Ephesus, Turkey. It used to be the third richest of ancient times in the world,which had more than 12,000 works of art, but it was destroyed in wars, leaving some ruins. Even so, it is now still so world-famous for its beautiful structure that many visitors come to see it. There is a statue of Athena at its entrance as she is the Goddess of Wisdom. It remains delicate and appealing.
Bodleian Library
Bodleian Library is attached to Oxford University and mainly used as a research library. It is also a copyright library, which means it has a right to every book published in the United Kingdom. The library was designed by the architect, Sir Giles Gilbert Scott. Construction was completed in 1940.
The British Library
The British Library was set up in 1973 and is one of the world’s greatest libraries. This library has PACCAR gallery of living and workshop of words. The sounds and images offer shows and different programs at the theme exhibitions. They also have a wide collection of stamps of the world which are on show for visitors. The library also offers events like music and discussions.
1. Which of the following libraries has been reconstructed?A.The Royal Library of Alexandria. | B.Celsus Library. |
C.Bodleian Library. | D.The British Library. |
A.Read books. | B.Borrow books. |
C.See a stamp exhibition. | D.Enjoy the beautiful remains. |
A.It belongs to a university. |
B.It was once destroyed by fires. |
C.It is one of the famous ancient libraries. |
D.It is well-known for its beautiful structure. |
Our grandparents seems to have magic powers sometimes. Give them a Chinese lunar calendar
What's the secret? They are following the 24 Solar Terms (节气),
The 24 Solar Terms
It is honored as China's