2 . In the world of art and creativity, there are countless materials that artists use to express their ideas and emotions. One of the materials that have gained popularity in recent years is woven paper (编纸). It is a classic art form that involves the weaving of paper to create various objects and products.     1    

The origin of woven paper can date back to ancient civilizations and at first it was mainly used for practical purposes such as making baskets.     2     In the 20th century, woven paper gained significant recognition as an art form, with artists experimenting with different weaving patterns and technique to create various designs.

Creating a woven paper artwork requires time, accuracy, and a deep understanding of the textures (质地). Artists start by outlining their design, thinking about how the weaving pattern forms the final piece.     3     As they weave the paper strips (纸条) together, they pay close attention to detail, ensuring that the overall pattern is balanced and harmonious.

    4     They are lightweight, long-lasting, and eco-friendly since they can be made of recycled materials. Woven paper items can also easily suit individual preferences for the size, shape, and color. Besides, the process of weaving paper can be a creative and enjoyable craft activity for individuals of all ages.

Woven paper art not only shows the artistic skills of the creator but also carries deeper meanings and messages.     5     Woven paper art can be a powerful medium for storytelling, allowing artists to connect with viewers on a deep level.

A．It does take a lot of effort to make woven artworks.

B．Gradually, artists began to include it in their artworks.

C．Woven paper products offer several advantages.

D．Weaving also encourages creative thinking and problem-solving.

E．They carefully select colors and textures of paper to enhance a good artwork.

F．And it’s worth exploring whether you are a professional or simply curious about it.

G．Through colors and patterns, artists express emotions and explore cultural themes.

3 . Falcons are powerful birds that may be trained to hunt in cooperation with humans. The art of training falcons as “hunting dogs of the skies” is called falconry (训鹰术). It was developed in the ancient Arabian Desert around 4000 B. C. In the past, falconry mainly involved hunting with falcons to supplement one’s diet. But now, it has become the favorite sport and pastime in the Arabian Peninsula.

Falconry includes three major processes: acquiring the falcons, training them, and hunting with them. Every year, falconers begin capturing wild falcons in June and July, the migration season. The best birds to catch are the ones with naturally nurtured hunting skills, aged one or two years. Once the falcons are captured, their heads are immediately covered with a leather hood. This is essential because they imprint as their master whomever they see first after the hood is removed. Right after a bird is caught, the training process starts. It begins by depriving (剥夺) the bird of food to make it easier to tame. The birds are taught to know their own name and respond to their master when called. Arab falconers live with their birds day and night in order to build a strong relationship with them.

By the end of October or mid-November, the trained falcons are ready to hunt in the desert. They have excellent vision, 2. 6 times greater than that of a human. They are also the fastest divers on the planet. One hunting technique that sets them apart from other animals is that they can be trained to deliver their prey, without killing it first. This is vital in Islamic culture because animals used for food must still be alive to ensure that the meat is halal, that is, properly prepared according to Islamic law.

Falcons have played such a crucial role in traditional Islamic cultures that a number of countries in the Middle East have made them their national bird. Falconry has grown so popular that specialist hospitals have been established to take care of these magnificent birds. Falcons are even issued their own passports. They are the only animals in the United Arab Emirates that are legally allowed to travel inside planes, enjoying a level of luxury that some humans can only dream of.

1. What is the main reason for Arabic people to hunt with falcons today?

A．To serve as entertainment and exercise.

B．To supplement their diet.

C．To replace the practice of hunting with dogs.

D．To honor their national bird.

2. What can we learn from the passage?

A．Falconers don’t give food to falcons in order to capture them.

B．Falcons are not allowed to see their masters during the training process.

C．Wild falcons with natural hunting skills are ideal for falconers to catch.

D．The trainers’ names are written on the hoods covering the birds’ heads.

3. What especially makes falcons a unique species for hunting in Islamic culture?

A．Falcons keep their prey alive before delivering it to falconers.

B．Falcons can form a strong bond with their owners quickly.

C．Falcons’ vision is particularly suitable for hunting in deserts.

D．Falcons are relatively easy to train for specific hunting.

4. According to the article, what privilege do falcons enjoy in the Arab world?

A．Free air ticket.	B．Passports issued by the King.
C．Expensive meals.	D．Access to specialized medical care.

6 . 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。

It is reported     1     the International Lantern Festival “Lanternia” opened on December 8 at the Fairy Tale Forest in central Italy, and a large collection of handmade Chinese lanterns lit up one of     2     major theme parks in the city of Cassino.

    3     (divide) into six areas, this large-scale display covered about 110, 000 square meters, all lightened with giant Chinese lanterns. “The lanterns are popular with Italians,” says Domenico Durante, director of the exhibition. What was extremely     4     (amaze) was that the lantern attracted plenty of visitors into the park every day.

The success of the exhibition is due to the fine handiwork of craftsmen in Zigong, Sichuan Province, a city known for     5     (it) lantern culture. The lively lanterns are made of silk, an eco-friendly material,     6     is lightweight and nonpolluting. They were very attractive to Italians, who came from the north and south of the country     7     (see) them. Durante drove over 50 minutes from Beneventoto to the park with his family. His son     8     (particular) loves dragon lanterns for their wonderful colors and the dragon’s moving head.

The exhibition originated in a trip that Durante took to Zigong, where he     9     (impress) by this traditional art and decided to bring it to his hometown. “Next year, we might do more lanterns with Chinese     10     (characteristic) and bring the exhibition to other cities, or even all over the world,” he says.

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。
Chinese Loong is the fifth animal of the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle,     1    (consider) to be mythical and symbolic of fortune. Recently, sales of things with dragon elements have witnessed explosive growth on e-commerce platforms.

Data from an e-commerce platform show that searches     2     dragon-related goods via its online marketplace have reached 23 million.    3     is said that since January, goods with dragon-themed elements, such as daily necessities, alcohol and gold jewelry,     4    (prefer) by consumers.The purchasing excitement is expected to     5    (huge) boost consumer confidence and improve the recovery of consumption．

Purchases by the post-1990s and post-2000s generations accounted for nearly 55%, while consumers in Guangdong province, Beijing, Jiangsu province in that order,     6    (be) the top three spenders on dragon-featured items.Because the dragon is an important symbol of Chinese traditional culture     7     good luck, Chinese consumers are expressing their hopes for     8     better life in the new year.

“Brands should capitalize on traditional Chinese culture to launch more innovative     9    (product),” a research fellow said,     10    (stress) that Spring Festival is the traditional festival Chinese people attach the most importance to, and it’s also a peak season for consumption.

9 . Nanjing Yunjin brocade is traditional Chinese silk art with a history of about 1,600 years. Its complex weaving techniques, various colors and patterns, and its particular choices of materials make it valuable and ancient people said, “An inch of brocade, an inch of gold.” Today, the traditional characteristics and unique skills of yunjin remain to be an award-winning art treasure. Its techniques are passed down from generation to generation by artisans.

Zhou Shuangxi, a national-level inheritor of yunjin weaving techniques, is one of them. Back in 1973, he graduated from a mining school and was selected to become a student at the NanjingYunjin Research Institute along with five other students, just because he was “in good shape”. There were only several masters in their 70s and not even a loom (织布机) to use. “The old masters finally remembered a loom was stored somewhere. When I opened the door, I saw what seemed like a pile of wood,” Zhou recalled.

“Weaving was difficult, but different from mining. Mining requires heavy physical labor, but working with the soft and thin silk requires studying and practicing in front of a loom for decades until you master the technique. My hands became quite awkward due to mining, so I used to put my hands in warm water whenever I could. In this way, they could become softer and weave the silk more easily,” he said.

Out of the six or so students, Zhou is the only one who has insisted on the trade to this day. Having devoted the past five decades to yunjin production despite all the sweat and struggles, he has developed his techniques to the point where he can weave the antique dragon robes in all their small details. He also made various artworks that not only show China's intangible cultural heritage but also serve as Zhou Shuangxi's artistic creations.

“I am lucky to be in such a good era and I have the honor of being a representative inheritor,” Zhou said.

1. What was Zhou's original impression of yunjin weaving techniques as a student?

A．They faced an uncertain future.	B．They were popular among the public.
C．They required much physical strength.	D．They were closely related to his schooling.

2. Why did Zhou put his hands in warm water?

A．To relieve the pain of mining.	B．To make them much handier.
C．To gain an attractive appearance.	D．To rest his hands and draw inspiration.

3. What kind of person is Zhou probably according to the text?

A．Determined and creative.	B．Awkward and hesitant.
C．Encouraging and honest.	D．Adventurous and sociable.

4. What's the text mainly about?

A．The ups and downs of yunjin.

B．People's appreciation of a traditional art treasure.

C．Artisans' struggle to pass down traditional techniques.

D．A national-level inheritor of yunjin weaving techniques.

10 . Books That Celebrate Diverse Holidays and Traditions

It’s important to remember there are a diverse set of holidays available to explore. Below are a few books that help introduce children to different holiday cultures and traditions.

Too Many Tamales by Gary Soto, illustrated by Ed Martinez

While helping her mother with Christmas celebration, Maria is tempted to try on her mother’s diamond ring. After getting caught up in the joy of the holiday and playing with her cousins, Maria realizes the ring is missing! That’s when she and her cousins come up with a plan to eat all of the tamales, in hopes of finding the ring.

Together for Kwanzaa by Juwanda G. Ford, illustrated by Shelly Hehenberger

This is a story about a little girl named Kayla who wants to see her older brother Khari come home so they can celebrate Kwanzaa together as a family. Khari is stuck at college when a snowstorm hits and his car breaks down. Will he make it home in time for Kwanzaa?

A Child’s Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas, illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman

This book is a funny, nostalgic tale of Christmas Eve afternoon through Christmas night in Wales, and is full of unique imagery and poetic prose. It will arouse a sense of familiarity for some young readers while introducing them to different aspects of Christmas traditions.

We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Frane Lessac

The word otsaliheliga is used by members of the Cherokee Nation to express gratitude. This is an amazing story that describes a journey through the seasons with a modern-day Cherokee family. Cherokee history and traditions are also woven into the story in a very kid-friendly way.

1. What makes it difficult for Khari to return home in time for Kwanzaa?

A．A car crash.

B．Delayed flights.

C．Extreme weather.

D．Academic pressure.

2. Who provides pictures for A Child’s Christmas in Wales?

A．Traci Sorell.

B．Ed Martinez.

C．Dylan Thomas.

D．Trina Schart Hyman.

3. The four books all inform readers of ______.

A．how to find hidden treasures at home	B．how to strengthen bonds with friends
C．the lifestyles of different ethnic groups	D．different holiday celebrations and customs