1 . 上周五晚上，你所在的高一年级举办了主题为“用英语讲中国故事”的演讲比赛。请你为班级英语角写一篇短文，介绍此次活动，内容包括：
1. 时间、地点；
2. 比赛基本情况（参赛人员、演讲内容、结果）；
3. 你的看法。
注意：1. 词数100左右；
2. 可以适当增加细节，以使行文连贯。
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2 . 假定你叫李华，是你校英语俱乐部的主席。倶乐部准备举办一个旨在传播中国传统文化，激发学生创新思维的作品展示活动（Your Talent Show）。请给来你校学习中国文化的美国交换生Peter写封邮件，邀请他参加这次活动。
内容包括：
1. 活动目的；
2. 作品要与中国传统文化有关；
3. 作品展示的时间和地点。
注意：
1.词数100左右；
2.可以适当增加细节，以使行文连贯。
参考词汇：创新作品innovation (可数)；激发arouse
Dear Peter,
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Yours,

Li Hua

4 . Hand gestures can be used to communicate while speaking. There are many universal hand signs; such as holding up an index finger to speak or interrupt, putting a finger to the lips to ask for silence.     1    . But there are some hand gestures that might mean something different in another country.

Many differences.

    2    . This gesture consists of creating a circle with the thumb and index finger with other fingers extended. In most of the English-speaking cultures, it means ‘ok’. In Australia it means ‘zero’ while in many Western countries it actually means ‘three’ and in China it is a way to indicate ‘seven’.

Gestures with variation.

This sign has the index and middle finger extend up to make a ‘V’. But there is a big difference in its meaning depending on which way the palm is facing. Palm Facing Out:     3     Palm Facing In: The sign is an insult similar to giving the middle finger, particularly in the UK and South Africa.

Harmless or offensive?

In the USA, the gesture of using your index finger to beckon someone to come to you is not a welcome gesture in Asia. In the Philippines, this should only be used to beckon dogs.     4    .

    5    

Of course it helps to prepare before you visit a country. But if you forget or make a sign out of habit, just remember to smile and apologize. And perhaps with an explanation, most people will be understanding.

A．Prepare and take care.

B．The masters of hand gestures.

C．There are so many well-known gestures.

D．It is highly offensive to use it with humans.

E．Originally this sign communicated Victory.

F．These are generally understood all over the world.

G．The following gesture has more than just one alternative meaning.

5 . Carnival was originally a Catholic holiday celebrated from two days to two weeks. The festival has spread throughout the world. Here are some famous carnivals you should go to see if you have the chance.

1. Curasao, Netherland

This former territory of the Netherlands has a long parade with plenty of live soca and calypso music. No need to stand along the curb on this one though: you can plan and pay in advance to actually join one of the carnival groups and have a costume waiting for them when they arrive.

2. Nice, France

The Nice Carnival entered the history books in 1294 when a prince was in attendance, but it likely goes back much further. The two-week event helps the folks on the French Riviera survive the colder days of winter.

3. Venice, Italy

Venice's Carnival has been around since 1268. There is something so classic, cool and magical about a 5-day carnival in this city of canals. Ifs all about the fine masks which were traditionally made of glass and decorated with feathers.

4. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Who doesn't think Rio when they hear the word Carnival? It is the world's largest and perhaps the most extravagant. But this 7-day festival only dates back to 1723, a newcomer when compared to Europe. Beyond the formal parade there are also many local street celebrations. The music and dancing never seem to stop.

1. Where will you go if you want to spend money joining the carnival parade?

A．Venice, Italy.

B．Curasao, Netherland.

C．Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

D．Nice, France.

2. How long does the Nice Carnival last?

A．2 days.	B．5 days.
C．7 days.	D．14 days.

3. What is special about the Carnival in Rio?

A．People celebrate it wearing masks.

B．It belongs to a newcomer in Europe.

C．It combines local street performances.

D．It has the longest history in the world.

6 . Christmas in the United States is traditionally a time of gift-giving and family gatherings. But small towns across the country have their own traditions.

Middleburg, a small town in the state of Virginia, is known for its horses. For more than 50 years, Middleburg has organized a yearly Christmas parade. Men and women ride horses through the woods and fields. They follow hunting dogs as they search for a wild fox. But first, these hunters ride in the yearly parade, wearing their bright red hunting clothes and hats.

John Hale, a citizen of Middleburg says many city people visit his town. “We have a lot of people from an urban area that come to visit, but it incorporates a lot of the old traditions.” The night-time hayride is one such tradition. Small groups gather under the moonlight on an open wagon (四轮马车) filled with hay (干草). The passengers sing as farm horses pull the wagon slowly across the fields.

There are some newer traditions, too. Trey Matheu works at the nearby Salamander Resort. He says a visit to Middleburg is a chance to slow down for a day. He says Middleburg can be a calming, peaceful place without tension.

“Middleburg is an opportunity to take a step back, to take a deep breath, and understand that even though life is moving on at a very fast pace, there’s really an opportunity where you’re allowed to step off for a little bit.”

Parade organizers say more than 13,000 people attend even in below freezing weather. But if you ask, you will hear many different reasons why people come to watch the parade:

“I come here because I’m from a small town. I like how everybody comes together.”

“I live right down that street, right there. And that’s my dog.”

Middleburg looks its best at Christmastime. That may be why so many people return each year.

1. At Christmas, people in Middleburg usually ________.

A．visit friends and families	B．ride in the annual parade
C．feed farm horses with hay	D．hunt for dogs in the woods

2. According to Trey Matheu, why do people visit Middleburg?

A．To enjoy the fresh air.	B．To escape competition.
C．To relax themselves.	D．To challenge themselves.

3. What do we know about the small town Middleburg?

A．It attracts many people each year.	B．It makes a large money from tourism.
C．It doesn’t respect Christmas traditions.	D．It is a good place for family gatherings.

4. Which of the following can be the best title for the text?

A．Middleburg’s Christmas Parade	B．A Small Town Known for Horses
C．Newer Traditions at Christmastime	D．Christmas Traditions in Middleburg