1 . The 24 solar terms (节气) are part of the traditional Chinese calendar. The Chinese people divided a year into 24 parts based on the sun’s position.
Solar terms were instructions for agricultural production and people’s daily lives. They mark things like seasons, temperature, precipitation (降水), growth of the crops and weather conditions.
Most of the solar terms have rich social and cultural meanings.
The culture reflects the Chinese people’s respect for nature and tradition, their unique understanding of the universe, their wisdom to live in harmony with nature. It is the youth of China who can best help carry on this significant part of our culture.
| A．Each part is called a solar term. |
| B．Many farmers still rely on the solar terms to work in the fields. |
| C．The sun’s positions bring about many things related to human life. |
| D．For instance, during the “Start of Winter”, people eat dumplings. |
| E．Their creativity and consciousness can bring new life to ancient culture. |
| F．Their wisdom for life and nature made the solar terms system popular today. |
| G．This has long been a central element of life in China, and we must protect it. |
2 . To give a tip or not? If so, how much? They can be headaches even for the most experienced tourists. This week, the main political parties in the UK have finally come to rescue by passing laws to forbid bars and restaurants taking tips from the customers.
However, not every country in the world takes the matter as seriously as the British, who are believed to have invented the custom in the 17th century — originally as a noble practice of giving small gifts to the so-called “inferior (低等的) classes”. Later, tipping has become a habit widely accepted in the world, although it is influenced by a nation’s culture and values.
A common joke among Americans is that only getting tax return is more confusing than tipping. Tips were imported into the country in the 19th century, when wealthy Americans began travelling to Europe. The custom was originally disapproved in the US. Critics accused tippers of creating a class of people who “begged for favors”. Fast forward to the 21st century and you will still find Americans debating the pros and cons. But tipping is now completely ingrained (根深蒂固的) in the national soul.
Like many Asian countries, China is largely a no-tipping culture for decades it was actually prohibited and considered illegal. To this day, it remains relatively uncommon.
Japan’s complex manner system includes tipping. It is socially acceptable on special occasions such as weddings, but on the other occasions, it can actually make the receiver feel ashamed, if not abused. Even on occasions where tips are expected,the money is expected to be sealed in special envelopes as a sign of gratitude and respect. Otherwise, it will be refused because tips are usually included in the payment for the service.
1. What’s the original purpose of tipping?| A．To please the ordinary people. |
| B．To praise people’s good deeds. |
| C．To indicate people’s thanks to the poor. |
| D．To show noble kindness to the lower class. |
| A．Americans are used to giving tips. |
| B．It is quite normal to tip in America. |
| C．Tipping is very complex in the US. |
| D．Getting tax return is simpler than tipping. |
| A．Tips are totally forbidden in China. |
| B．Tipping will become popular very soon. |
| C．Good services should be put before tips. |
| D．Tips can be accepted for special celebrations. |
| A．Law | B．Culture | C．Economy | D．Tourism |
3 . Paper cutting is one of China's most popular folk arts. Archaeological (考古学上的) finds show that the tradition started in the 6th century; it is even supposed that the beginning of paper cutting is even a few centuries earlier.
Paper cuts have special importance at festivals and on holidays. To get rid of the old and bring good luck, people put up paper cuts on the windows on the Eve the Spring Festival.
Paper cuts are not produced by machine but by hand. They are done all over China, but are different in the method in different areas. There are two methods of making paper cuts-by using scissors (剪刀) or knives. As the name suggests, scissors cuttings are made with scissors. Several pieces of paper (up to eight pieces) are placed together. The patterns are then cut with pointed scissors. Knife, cuttings are made by putting several pieces of paper on a table. Following a pattern, the artist cuts the patterns into the paper with a knife.
In the past, paper cuts were usually made only by women and girls. They used scissors and paper to cut all kinds of pictures such as apple trees, peach blossoms, mice, fighting roosters (公鸡) and rabbits eating carrots.
This used to be one of the skills that every girl was to master. Professional paper cutting artists are, on the other hand, almost always men who can make a living by working together in workshops.
1. How long has paper cutting lasted at least?| A．About 600 years. | B．About 1, 500 years. |
| C．About 2,000 years. | D．About 2, 700 years. |
| A．make them look more beautiful |
| B．show others their excellent skills |
| C．bring them good luck in the new year |
| D．sell them on the Eve of the Spring Festival |
| A．Two kinds of paper cuts. | B．Paper cuts are made by hand. |
| C．Paper cuts are made by machine. | D．The process of making paper cuts. |
| A．family members of the artists | B．sports and social activities |
| C．fights between animals | D．things in our daily life |
4 . 2021 is the Year of the Ox according to Chinese zodiac(中国生肖). In China you will find various ox figures made of gold, wood, plastic, paper, shell and stone on sale in stores and on streets to celebrate the return.
Centuries ago, most people earned their living through farming. For example, the ox was used to help plow, cultivate (耕) and carry heavy goods. Besides, the ox has long had a significant place in Chinese culture.
Oxen seldom bully (欺负) the weak or fear the strong.
So naturally, those who were born in the Year of the Ox are often expected to be hardworking, reliable and loyal. “They never seek to be the center of attention and do not look for praise,” the website China Highlights noted.
| A．They are loyal and work hard. |
| B．But why was the ox chosen to be one of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs? |
| C．They never like to be the center of attention and enjoy being praised. |
| D．The spirit is highly praised and many people follow it as their work rules. |
| E．Ancient Chinese poets and writers frequently described the ox in literature. |
| F．Those who were born in the Year of the Ox like to farm and carry heavy goods. |
| G．The ox is considered a symbol of diligence and earnestness (认真) in Chinese culture. |
5 . Have you ever heard about Black Friday and Cyber Monday? Surely, they are all about finding the best deals on holiday gifts for yourself and family members. And have you heard about GivingTuesday? Here is something about it!
GivingTuesday is observed annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, which encourages people to help those in need by making financial donations or doing good in their local community. The “Global Day of Giving” was started in 2012 by New York City nonprofit 92nd Street Y and the United Nations Foundation.
Unlike Black Friday, GivingTuesday serves a more altruistic purpose. In its first year, the movement brought in almost $10 million for charities, and things have only improved since. In 2019, many GivingTuesday social media campaigns worldwide helped raise an amazing $ 1.9 billion from 27 million donors! Over the past five years, many higher education institutions have also been using the Tuesday after Thanksgiving to ask alumni for donations. In 2019, the University of Michigan, which calls it Blueday, received 5887 gifts totaling over $4 million, while Pennsylvania State University raised $710 000 to benefit over 85 University programs.
Though donating money certainly helps, there are many other ways to support the great cause, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can video tutor kids struggling with online learning, or team up with an adult to get groceries or medications for an elderly neighbor. Alternatively, call on your peers to help you with a service project that addresses an issue close to your heart, or pick one from the several ideas suggested on the GivingTuesday website. You can also donate your gently-used clothes and toys to local shelters, or mail a handwritten note to a grandparent or a friend you miss seeing.
What are you going to do to make a positive difference in your community on GivingTuesday? Let us know by adding your comments below!
1. Why does the author mention Black Friday and Cyber Monday in Paragraph 1?| A．To make a comparison. | B．To lead to the topic. |
| C．To arouse readers’ interest. | D．To express his doubt. |
| A．To promote the development of economy. | B．To attract people to buy more holiday gifts. |
| C．To call on more universities to donate money. | D．To encourage people to help those in need. |
| A．Selfless. | B．General. | C．Specific. | D．Complex. |
| A．Where people can offer their kind help. | B．What people can do on GivingTuesday. |
| C．How people can stay safe during COVID-19. | D．Why people need to support the great cause. |
6 . A holiday is any day when people lay aside their ordinary duties and cares. The word came from Old English. At first, holidays honored some holy events or persons. People in Great Britain and other countries speak of holidays as Americans speak of vacations.
Every nation has its special holidays. China observes New Year’s Day (January 1), May Day and National Day as legal holidays, as it was on Oct.1,1949 that the People’s Republic of China was founded. The Chinese have long celebrated the Chinese lunar year. In the United States, congress has declared several days as legal holidays such as New Year’s Day (January 1), Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday, Washington’s birthday, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day and so on. Some holidays celebrate special events in the development of a country, such as Greece’s Independence Day, Italy’s Liberation Day and India’s Independence Day.
In the United States, banks and schools usually close on a legal holiday. When such a holiday falls on Sunday, the following Monday is usually observed. Schools and organizations often observe days known as traditional holidays, although schools and business do not close then. Those holidays include Valentine’s Day and Halloween.
1. From the passage we know that China’s National Day is ___________.| A．January 1 | B．May 1 | C．October 1 | D．December 25 |
| A．praises | B．spends | C．celebrates | D．cares |
| A．Chinese will no longer observe the Spring Festival |
| B．students don’t have to go to school on any holiday |
| C．Chinese and Americans share at least one holiday |
| D．Americans can easily draw money from banks on legal days. |
| A．China’s National Day | B．Valentine’s Day |
| C．Italy’s liberation Day | D．Independence Day |
SongKran--Thailand
Dates: 13th-15th, April
In Thailand, it’s time to celebrate the coming monsoon season, which will bring the rain many people have been looking forward to. They celebrate it with a festival called Songkran, when people head out to the streets with water guns to spray(喷，洒）everyone who walks past. If you walk on the streets where the festival is celebrated, prepare to get soaked!
Naghol--Vanuatu
Dates: Every Saturday from April to May
Every year, villagers come together to celebrate the harvest of yams, an important part in the peopls’s diet in Vanuatu. The festival is most famous for its “land diving ceremony”. During the ceremony men and boys dive to the ground from high wooden towers with only two thin vines attached(附于)to their ankles(脚踝）. The divers’ heads have to lightly touch the ground when they jump---something very dangerous if the vines are not measured（测量）properly.
Cherry Blossom Viewing ---Japan
Dates: The cherry blossom season is different from year to year depending on the weather forecast.
The cherry blossom season has huge importance to the people of Japan, who celebrate the days when the flowers finally blossom. Only a few days later, the petals(花瓣） fall to the ground, like pink snowflakes. This is one of the most beautiful things to see. In Japan, almost everyone has picnics in the parks to view the flowers.
Sinhalese New Year--Sri Lanka
Dates: 13th or 14th, April
Just like in many other countries in South an South East Asia, this is the time when the Sinhalese celebrate the traditional New Year, an ancient celebration which marks the end of the harvest season and is one of two times of the year when the sun is straight above Sri Lanka. There are a lot of delicious foods during the celebration.
1. . What does the underlined word “ soaked” in Paragraph 2 probably mean?
| A．tired | B．wet | C．crazy | D．interested |
| A．the divers may fall onto the ground if the thin vines break |
| B．the divers may bump into （撞在…上）the wooden tower on the way down |
| C．the divers’ ankles may get injured if the vines are tied too tightly |
| D．the divers may injure（伤害）their heads if the vines aren’t measured properly |
| A．the Cherry Blossom Celebration usually lasts a long time in Japan |
| B．the Cherry Blossom Celebration is the most important festival in Japan |
| C．the time for the Cherry Blossom Celebration in Japan can be different yearly |
| D．people usually stay at home for celebration during the cherry blossom season. |
8 . Welcome to Edinburgh, the world's leading festival city.
Edinburgh International Science Festival
Time: 6 April to 20 April
Edinburgh International Science Festival, founded in 1983, is the world's first public science festival. The two-week festival gives audiences amazing experiences through a diverse program of inspiring events. Alongside the annual festival in Edinburgh, the organization has a strong focus on education and runs a touring program that visits schools around Scotland throughout the year.
Edinburgh International Book Festival
Time: 10 August to 20 August
Edinburgh International Book Festival is the largest public celebration of the written word in the world, which was first held in 1997. Every August around 1,000 writers and thinkers from across the world gather with the audiences in Edinburg. Here book lovers can rub shoulders with world-renowned authors --- or just relax in the sunshine with a deckchair, a drink and a favorite read.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival
Time: 19 October to 31 October
Beginning in 1989, the Scottish International Storytelling Festival is the largest storytelling event in the world. Drawing heavily on traditional tale-tellers from Scotland — as well as international guests with stories from their own cultures, the festival is a very special celebration of the oral tradition. Skilled storytellers draw their audiences in, bringing together past and present, real and unreal, for an attractive 10 days.
Edinburgh International Children's Festival
Time: 25 May to 2 June
Edinburgh International Children's Festival is the one dedicated specifically to children. It brings some of the world's best theatre, dance and plays made for young people to Edinburgh for nine days of inspiring and entertaining shows and special events. The Festival began in 1980 and is now spread over 10 activity fields, attracting a loyal audience of 10,000 families, schools and artists.
1. What is the duration of Edinburgh International Science Festival?| A．About one week. | B．Less than 10 days. |
| C．About two weeks. | D．More than half a month. |
| A．Meet world-famous authors. | B．Buy all their favorite books. |
| C．Relax by listening to stories. | D．Share stories with audiences. |
| A．Edinburgh International Science Festival. |
| B．Edinburgh International Book Festival. |
| C．Scottish International Storytelling Festival. |
| D．Edinburgh International Children's Festival. |
9 . Living in a culture that is different from your own can be both an exciting and challenging experience. You have to learn different cultural practices and try to adapt to them.
In China, elders are traditionally treated with enormous respect and dignity while the young are cherished and nurtured. In America, the goal of the family is to encourage independence, particularly that of the children.
Chinese people have different meanings to define friends.
As is well known, Chinese like to save.
| A．Just hanging out together from time to time is not friendship |
| B．American people put more emphasis on business and virtues |
| C．Chinese people value education and career more than Americans |
| D．Unlike Chinese, older Americans seldom live with their children |
| E．They are always conservative when they are planning to spend money |
| F．Basically China values the community and the US values the individual |
| G．Chinese people do not have the same concept of privacy as Americans do |
10 . Living in a foreign culture can be exciting, but it can also be confusing(令人迷惑的). A group of Americans who taught English in other countries recently discussed their experiences. They found that miscommunication was always possible, even over something as simple as “yes” and “no”.
On her first day in Micronesia, an island in the Pacific, Lisa thought people weren’t paying any attention to her. The day was hot. She went into a store and asked, “Do you have cold drinks？” The woman there didn’t say anything. Lisa repeated the question. Still the woman said nothing. She later learned that the woman had answered her: She had raised her eyebrows(眉毛), which in Micronesia means “yes”.
Jan remembered an experience she had in Bulgaria, a country in Europe. She went to a restaurant that was famous for its cabbage. She asked the waiter, “Do you have cabbage today？” He nodded his head. Jan waited, but the cabbage never came. In that country, a nod means “no”.
Tom had a similar problem when he arrived in India. After explaining something in class, he asked his students if they understood. They answered with many different nods and shakes of the head. He thought some people had not understood, so he explained again. When he asked again, they did the same thing. He soon found out that his students did understand. In India, people nod and shake their heads in different ways depending on where they come from. You have to know where a person is from to understand whether they mean “yes” or “no”．
1. The Americans teaching English in other countries found that they ________.| A．had problems with communication | B．needed to learn foreign languages |
| C．should often discuss their experiences | D．should go abroad for vacations |
| A．nodding heads | B．raising eyebrows |
| C．shaking heads | D．saying “no” |
| A．he didn’t know where the students came from |
| B．he didn’t explain everything clearly enough |
| C．some students didn’t understand his questions |
| D．he did not know much about Indian culture |
| A．In Bulgaria, nodding heads means “no” |
| B．Jan taught English on a Pacific island. |
| C．Lisa was trying to buy some cabbage. |
| D．In India，only shaking heads means “yes”. |
