1 . 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。

Thundering drums, yelling crowds and energetic, boatmen, such scenes of excitement     1    (be) not rare across China on Duanwu, or Dragon Boat Festival,     2     falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month each year.

Although tales of its origin differ, the two-thousand-year-old festival is widely celebrated     3     memory of Qu Yuan, a great poet during the Warring States Period (475—221 BC).

When Qu realized his country’s decline was beyond recovery, he became so unhappy that he killed     4    (he) on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. Legend has it that the     5     (local) rowed boats to save the poet and threw zongzi, or sticky rice dumplings, into the river to keep fish from eating his body.     6     tradition was passed down in China and even traveled across borders.

A host of other practices are also associated with Duanwu. The fifth day of the fifth month is considered unlucky and     7     (poison). To drive away the bad luck, many people,     8     (especial) those in South China, take herbal baths and hang special plants over their doors. Some people even wear little bags     9     (stuff) with Chinese herbs, all with nice smells,     10     (scare) away the bad spirits.

2 . Around 2000 years ago, ancient Chinese divided the sun’s annual circular motion into 24 equal segments, each segment was called a ‘Solar Term’. Each solar term ______ a unique period of a year. But have you ever heard the term — “Hui Nantian”, a unique meteorological (气象) ______ that occurs ______ in southern China? This term, which translates to “the return of the south wind,” encapsulates (概括)a seasonal shift that not only ______ the weather patterns, but also deeply affects the way of life and cultural practices in this region.

“Hui Nantian” occurs during the ______ from winter to spring, when the cold, dry air of winter ______ the warm, damp air of the south. This change is not merely a meteorological shift; it’s a cultural event. People in the southern China anticipate “Hui Nantian” with a ______ of excitement and caution.

On the one hand, it signals the end of winter and the ______ of spring, a time of renewal and rebirth. On the other hand, the ______ humidity and dampness can present challenges, especially in terms of maintaining the integrity of buildings and ______ personal items. In Chinese culture, “Hui Nantian” is often associated with traditional practices and beliefs. It also reflects the importance of respect for ______ and traditional values in Chinese culture. In addition, it is also connected with the concept of “harmony with nature.” This belief encourages people to live in harmony with the natural world and respect the ______ of nature, such as the changing of the seasons and the flow of energy.

By ______ these natural rhythms, it is believed that people can achieve a state of inner peace and harmony, which is essential for leading a healthy and ______ life. Overall, Hui Nantian shows a blend of traditional practices, beliefs, and values that are unique to Chinese culture. These practices not only serve to preserve the cultural heritage of China but also ______ harmony and balance in people’s lives.

1.

A．reviewed

B．represented

C．regained

D．researched

2.

A．phenomenon

B．view

C．landscape

D．opinion

3.

A．hardly

B．seldom

C．primarily

D．never

4.

A．maintains

B．remains

C．changes

D．keeps

5.

A．transportation

B．show

C．transplant

D．shift

6.

A．gives out

B．gives up

C．gives off

D．gives way to

7.

A．result

B．force

C．mix

D．power

8.

A．end

B．approach

C．warmth

D．beauty

9.

A．decreased

B．lost

C．increased

D．regained

10.

A．arriving

B．preserving

C．serving

D．approving

11.

A．ancestors

B．wealth

C．harvest

D．descendants

12.

A．circles

B．return

C．power

D．cycles

13.

A．following

B．keeping

C．noticing

D．staying

14.

A．brilliant

B．unforgettable

C．necessary

D．satisfying

15.

A．protect

B．promote

C．preview

D．predict

3 . Festivals in March Around the World in 2024

SXSW Festival, USA

8th-16th March, 2024

SXSW is a famous festival in Austin. This media festival features plenty of film, music, and comedy events. SXSW also hosts tech panels (讨论会). Therefore, you have an opportunity to interact with celebrities and well-known businessmen. Austin is also famous for its outstanding drink and food! Travelers of all ages and interests can find something to enjoy at SXSW.

Pasifika Festival, New Zealand

9th-10th March, 2024

The Pasifika Festival showcases Pacific Island cultures. It takes place in Auckland where you can see contemporary art, music, dance, and cuisine from various Pacific communities. You’ll be able to witness and gain a deeper understanding about cultures like Samoan, Tongan, Fijian, and Maori, among others.

St Patrick’s Day, Ireland

14th-17th March, 2024

St Patrick’s Day celebrates Irish culture, music, food, and entertainment. Wrap up the party on St Patrick’s Day with a massive street carnival on 17th March. You’ll find parades, vendors (商贩), live music stages and fun across the centre of Dublin. You will find festivities all over Ireland, not just in the capital city.

Cape Town Jazz Festival, South Africa

22nd-31st March, 2024

For over twenty years, the Festival has attracted nearly 40, 000 people annually to its five major venues. It features music by dozens of musicians worldwide. Performers play Jazz, R&B, rap and so on. Enjoy the area before and after the Festival. Cape Town has extremely beautiful art and culture, restaurants, bars and outdoor activities.

1. Where can people attend a street carnival according to the text?

A．In Ireland.

B．In South Africa.

C．In the USA.

D．In New Zealand.

2. Which festival lasts the longest?

A．Pasifika Festival.	B．SXSW Festival.
C．St Patrick’s Day.	D．Cape Town Jazz Festival.

3. What can people do during the four festivals?

A．Attend technical panels.	B．Enjoy beautiful music.
C．Meet well-known people.	D．Appreciate contemporary art.

4 . When it comes to popular symbols of marriage, one can not look past the wedding ring. The wedding ring serves as a perfect symbol of everlasting love — a ring is a circle and thus has no beginning or end, representing the never-ending union of marriage. Wedding rings have long and rich histories.

Evidence suggests that wedding rings were used in ancient Egypt around 6,000 years ago. However, unlike the metals and gemstones used today, they were crafted from materials such as reeds, leather or bone. In the centuries that followed, the wedding ring tradition was picked up in the West, where it spread first in ancient Rome and Greece, subsequently throughout Europe during the Middle Ages and eventually to Eastern culture. Throughout history, the circular shape of the ring has endured, and so has the tradition of wearing it on the fourth finger of the left hand. The latter practice stemmed from an ancient belief that a vein ran directly from this finger to the heart. Although this belief has since been proved false, the custom has persisted.

Regarding customs surrounding wedding rings, there was a time when only the bride wore a wedding ring. It wasn’t until the early 20th century that the practice of grooms wearing rings gained popularity. This change was influenced by soldiers going off to war, who wore rings as reminders of their loved ones waiting for them at home. Today, the exchange of wedding rings remains an integral part of the wedding ceremony, symbolizing the commitment and love shared between two individuals embarking on a life together.

Wedding rings hold a symbolic significance that binds the two members of a married couple. In an ever-changing world, the wedding ring stands as an ancient tradition that is likely to continue for generations to come, reflecting the timeless and eternal love celebrated through marriage.

1. What is the main reason wedding rings are considered symbols of marriage?

A．They are made of precious materials.	B．They have profound histories.
C．They are worn on left hands.	D．They have circular shapes.

2. According to the passage, what is an example of a common myth instead of a fact?

A．Women were wearing wedding rings long before men were.

B．One finger on the left hand contains a vein leading to the heart.

C．Both ancient Romans and Egyptians wore the ring on the same finger.

D．The wedding ring tradition began in Egypt thousands of years ago.

3. Which of the following aspects of a wedding ring is NOT discussed in the passage?

A．How the tradition of it spread around the world.

B．What couples do with their wedding rings.

C．How to choose suitable wedding rings.

D．Materials used to make early rings.

4. How does the author feel about the tradition of wedding rings?

A．It will most likely last forever.	B．It has already fallen out of date.
C．It should be taken more seriously.	D．It holds no significance in modern society.

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。

Spring cleaning is a tradition ingrained in societies worldwide, with roots     1     (trace) back to ancient times. The tradition symbolizes the transition from the inactive winter to the energetic     2     (grow) of spring. Human behavior is greatly influenced by the cycles of nature. In the colder months, we have less energy to spare for     3     (chore). We’re not being lazy; limited daylight makes us     4     (sleep).

Before the Lunar New Year, it’s common to clean the home of bad luck and misfortune in China. Known as “sweeping the dust,” cleaning makes way     5     the new year’s prosperity. Cleaning must be done before the holiday,     6     (typical) in January or February, since sweeping after the festivities     7     (see) as removing good luck.

In Thailand, it’s customary to deep clean homes, schools, and public spaces to     8     (pure) them ahead of the Thai New Year. People toss water at each other in the streets to wash away the previous year’s bad luck and ensure luck for the year to come.

As spring comes, it is sensible to open the windows     9     (air) out stuffy homes, remove dirt, and repair any damages     10     occurred during the winter months. Inventions such as vacuum cleaners, washing machines, and cleaning agents have made the process more efficient and convenient.

7 . 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 lantern fair in Zigong, southwest China’s Sichuan Province, which     1     (own) a history of more than 1,000 years, is once again fascinating visitors with its brilliant shining lanterns.

Covering     2     area of nearly 37 hectares, the 30th International Dinosaur Lantern Show received around 450,000 visitors during the Spring Festival holiday from February 10 to 17.

To mark the Year of the Dragon, many of the lanterns     3     show feature the Chinese sign of the zodiac (生肖), but there are also a wide variety of other lantern designs to meet different needs. Visitors     4     prefer traditional lanterns can find lanterns with flowers and birds, legendary figures, and landscapes, while lanterns with modern themes such as cartoon characters, cultural trends and online games are gaining     5     (popular) among young people.

The lantern show is also expressing the concept of environmental protection. For example, a dragon lantern     6     (measure) over 200 meters long was made by tying together some 200,000     7     (abandon) water bottles.

This year’s show received more than 3,000 children’s artworks from around the world. Some of the art pieces were turned into lanterns by     8     (profession) craftsmen. Visitors can also enjoy acrobatics (杂技), folk arts, and Chinese music performances during     9     (they) lantern-viewing tours.

Famous for lantern-making, Zigong saw its lanterns lighting 80 cities across China during the Spring Festival holiday and Zigong lanterns     10     (light) up in more than 20 countries overseas last year.

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。

Chinese opera, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. There are various types of Chinese opera, each with its own unique characteristics and traditions. Kunqu Opera, for example,     1     (consider) an old form of Chinese opera, characterized by its elegant lyrics and beautiful melodies. Peking Opera, another famous type, is noted     2     its colorful costumes, facial makeup and movements.

One of the     3     (remarkable) features of Chinese opera is its integration (融合) of singing, dancing, acting, and acrobatics. The singing in Chinese opera is an impressive aspect. In addition to singing,     4     fascinates people most is actors’ dance and acrobatics. These     5     (performance) require years of training and dedication, making Chinese opera actors true masters of their craft.

The stories     6     (tell) through Chinese opera are often drawn from historical events, legends and folklore. These narratives not only entertain but also educate,     7     (pass) down cultural values and moral lessons from generation to generation. The themes of loyalty, bravery and filial piety (孝) are repeated, which promotes social harmony and moral behavior.

In     8    (conclude), Chinese opera is a treasured art form     9     (deep) rooted in Chinese culture. Whether you’re a fan of theater     10     simply interested in Chinese culture, Chinese opera is definitely worth exploring.

10 . 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。

Wearing traditional Chinese dress,some foreigners in Shanghai    1    (show)up at a Chinese-style market at the River Mall in the Pudong New Area on Thursday,    2    (express)their love for Chinese culture and traditional clothing.

A series of activities including    3    market as well as traditional Chinese culture displays and parades of traditional Chinese fine clothing are rolling out in the city between Thursday and Sunday    4    (promote)traditional Chinese culture among young people.

The market drew some foreign Hanfu    5    (love).Zerin Moirang them,a university student from India,arrived in Shanghai last July.He used to participate in a lot of Hanfu activities during his stay in Kunming,Yunnan Province,and he joined a Hanfu society.“I have around 15 collections of Hanfu,and I took friends to the parks,wearing Hanfu,”hetold Shanghai Daily.“I am crazy    6    Hanfu and I really love it,”he said.“In the future,I want to bring Hanfu culture to my country,showing    7    (it)beauty.”

It was the first time for Katrina Andrushkevich from Belarus to wear Hanfu.“I am     8    (interest)in Chinese culture and history,”she said.“I feel    9     (incredible) special today and cherish this moment a lot.”

There is an interactive experience area    10    visitors can enjoy the fun of chess playing, calligraphy,tea ceremony,and riddle guessing to experience the charm of traditional Chinese culture