2 . 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。

An exhibition of zodiac (生肖) sculptures,     1     (call) Peak Life and Water, opened in Chengdu, Southwest China’s Sichuan Province on Saturday.

The 12 zodiac signs are     2     (traditional) used in Chinese culture to mark each year. Each zodiac sign also corresponds to twelve hours in the day. In addition     3     the traditional calendar function, the 12 zodiac signs are also a kind of folk custom and culture,     4     reflects Chinese people’s understanding of the year.

Each sculpture     5     (base) on a single zodiac animal. For example, the tiny golden birds     6     (stand) on the head of an ox remind visitors of birds settling on an ox, chewing the worms they have just captured. In another, a monkey balances     7     golden peach on the head. For the dragon sculpture, a golden and glorious ball floats in front of the intimidating dragon.

The expressions of these zodiac sculptures are vivid but calm. Some of them seem to be resting, content in their mediation. Only the snake has     8     (it) eyes open. If you see a snake’s eyes are closed, that     9     (mean) it is in hibernation (冬眠). The elegant and exquisite modelling has delighted visitors so much that even before the opening ceremony of the exhibition, some collectors expressed a desire     10     (buy) the sculptures.

3 . 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

Yangko, a rural Chinese folk dance with a history     1     (date) back thousands of years, originates from farming life in ancient times. The dance relates to sacrifices to the farmland god when people prayed for a good harvest. As time passed, the     2     (origin) dance developed, taking in various artistic forms and skills, including opera, acrobatics and martial arts, and eventually turned into the type of Yangko     3     is seen today.

    4     (preserve) this Chinese folk culture, it was included in the inaugural(首批的)items of national intangible cultural heritage in 2006. It is     5     (common) performed in northern China during festivals, especially for Chinese New Year and the Lantern Festival. Performances or competitions     6     (organize) in towns and villages to express people’s joy and their hope for a better life.

Yangko employs drumming, Suona, dancing and singing. Content is based     7     folk stories and legends. Costumes are richly-colored and opera-styled, enabling     8     (character) to be easily identified. During a performance, the actors will dance and sing, following lively rhythms. Highly. skilled and interesting acts such as stilt(高跷)walking     9     carrying a wedding sedan chair(花轿)are also included. As a part of traditional Chinese culture, Yangko     10     (concentrate) the group consciousness of the Chinese people, and has outstanding historical and cultural value.

5 . 阅读短文，在空白处填入适当的内容或括号内单词的正确形式。

Although Start of Autumn, the 13th traditional Chinese solar term, often indicates the     1     (begin) of autumn, heat waves will not come to an end. The period of high temperatures,    2     (call) “Autumn Tiger”, usually lasts for about 30 days. Because of decreasing precipitation(降水), it is even hotter during this period than Major Heat. As the saying goes, “If it rains     3    the day of Start of Autumn, a good harvest is expected.”

6 . The cuisine that marks Christmas is as diverse as the people feasting on it. Here’s a look at how the locals celebrate Christmas through cuisine in their countries, which will give you a glimpse of the celebrations.

England

The real festivities start on Christmas morning with champagne and smoked salmon. After the King’s or Queen’s annual Christmas speech, it’s time for the main meal, typically including a turkey or roast beef accompanied by various side dishes.

France

The French celebrate their Christmas Eve with a lavish meal, with seafood served first. The main course usually consists of a rooster that’s renowned for its tenderness. Fine red wine from Burgundy can’t be missed of course.

Italy

Similar to France, Italians celebrate Christmas on the eve. The locals typically attend midnight Mass and then indulge in a lavish meal before heading to church. For the main course, northern Italians often have stuffed turkey, while those in seaside areas may feast on a large baked sea bass accompanied by roasted potatoes and vegetables.

Greece

After attending an early morning holy communion in church on Christmas, Greeks go home for an all-day eating gathering. Families gather around the fireplace, feasting on a special wheat bread only made at Christmas. Later, the main course may include roast chicken stuffed with chestnuts.

1. What activity distinguishes England in Christmas celebration?

A．The seafood-themed dinner.	B．The yearly Royal address.
C．The religious ceremony.	D．The main course featuring turkey.

2. To experience the religious atmosphere, you’d better spend Christmas in ________.

A．France and Italy.	B．England and France.
C．England and Greece.	D．Italy and Greece.

3. From which column of the magazine is the passage probably from?

A．Religion and culture.	B．Diet and health.
C．Festival and tradition.	D．Sports and fitness.

8 . 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。

Led by China’s National Cultural Heritage Administration, the country’s first conference     1     (dedicate) to future trends in cultural relic conservation through high-technology was held on Wednesday in Chongqing.

The conference focused     2     China’s innovations in recent years in technological equipment for protecting cultural relics. It also looked into the challenges in the field     3     discussed future paths to better integrating high-tech designs into the country’s archeological     4     (project).

The experts discussed initiatives such as application of big data in the archeological field, the use of nuclear technology     5     (conserve) relics, and the application of Radar Technology Equipment in the archeological field.

Li Qun, director of the National Cultural Heritage Administration, said that the cultural relic protection equipment has become     6     “indispensable” means of the preservation of cultural heritage in China.

In 2018, experts from China and Italy gathered in Chongqing to share exchanges on technological inventions,     7     (address) issues such as stone relic restoration and new materials for wooden relic     8     (restore).

Aside from the main conference, an exhibition called Crafts First: Technology and Equipment for Cultural Relics Preservation     9     (launch) as part of the event. The show features 64 items of technological equipment such as a wearable smart piece     10     provides visitors with immersive experiences from inside the cave temples.

10 . Embrace Diversity: 2024 International Cultural Festival

Welcome to the 2024 International Cultural Festival, a celebration of diversity, unity, and global harmony! This year’s festival promises to be a spectacular showcase of cultures from around the world, bringing people together to appreciate the richness and uniqueness of each heritage.

Cultural Extravaganza:

Join us for a mesmerizing journey through the diverse cultures represented at the festival. From captivating dance performances to tantalizing culinary delights, the International Cultural Festival is a feast for the senses. Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors, enchanting music, and the spirit of camaraderie that transcends borders.

Interactive Workshops:

Engage in hands-on activities and workshops that offer a deeper understanding of various cultures. From traditional art and craft demonstrations to language tasters, these interactive sessions provide a unique opportunity to learn and appreciate the slight differences that make each culture special.

Global Marketplace:

Explore the Global Marketplace, where you can shop for unique handicrafts, traditional clothing, and exotic spices. This is a chance to support local artisans and take home a piece of the world’s cultural tapestry.

Educational Forums:

Research on deeply thought-provoking discussions and presentations on the importance of cultural diversity in today’s interconnected world. Learn how embracing different perspectives can foster understanding and tolerance, and ultimately contribute to global peace.

The 2024 International Cultural Festival is not just an event; it’s a celebration of the shared humanity that unites us all. Mark your calendars and join us in promoting harmony through cultural diversity. Let’s make this festival a memorable testament to the beauty of our global tapestry.

1. What is the main focus of the 2024 International Cultural Festival?

A．Sports competition.	B．Cultural diversity celebration.
C．Technological advancements.	D．Political symposium.

2. What can visitors experience in the Interactive Workshops section?

A．Cooking competitions.	B．Scientific experiments.
C．Virtual reality games.	D．Practical cultural activities.

3. Why are Educational Forums included in the festival?

A．To emphasize the significance of cultural diversity.

B．To discuss global economic policies.

C．To promote traditional Chinese culture.

D．To organize cultural competitions.