1 . When it comes to an ox, very similar to a bull, people will think of 2009, the Year of Ox. The Ox is a representative of the farming culture of China. In the farming economy, oxen are the major animals pulling plows (梨).
Of course, the good of oxen is not limited to plowing. In fact, they are seen as “boats on land” for their ability to carry loads. Besides, the whole body of an ox is full of treasures. Their meat and milk are food full of nutrition, and their skin can be used to make clothes and shoes. With all these qualities, oxen are regarded as generous creatures.
In the past, oxen played an important role in the spiritual life of the Chinese. Even today, oxen still play a special part in some folk activities. For example, some people who live in southwest China will cook cattle bone soup and share it among family members when holding the ceremony for children who reach 13. They believe that the cattle bone soup represents the blood relationship among family members. In order to express their love for oxen, people in some other areas will run to shake off diseases on the 16th day of the first month by the lunar calendar, and during their run they will take their oxen along, which indicates they regard the creature as human.
Because of the contribution of oxen in their lives, the Chinese people are very grateful to the animal. In addition, the use of oxen in ceremonies and the thanks people owe to oxen help to develop various traditional customs, which becomes an important part of the folk culture of the Chinese nation.
1. The second paragraph focuses on ______.A.the qualities of oxen | B.creatures for pulling plows |
C.treasures of the folk culture | D.tools in the farming economy |
A.Oxen are no more important today than in the past |
B.Ceremonies are held when people cook cattle bone soup |
C.Oxen are treated as human in some areas of China |
D.People run with oxen to shake off diseases every month |
A.The special role of oxen in farming. |
B.People’s respect and love for oxen. |
C.The practical value of an ox’s body. |
D.The contribution of oxen to the economy. |
A.To stress the importance of oxen in history. |
B.To introduce the Chinese folk culture. |
C.To describe how to celebrate the Year of Ox. |
D.To explain how to develop agriculture with oxen. |
2 . Students’ Journey to Empower Rural Heritage
From Aug 18 to 22 a team of 15 Tsinghua University students, representing diverse backgrounds from China, South Korea, Malaysia, and Indonesia, set foot on an overseas research exploration focusing on rural revitalization (振兴) in Indonesian villages, particularly within Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTB).
With the diverse cultural heritage, Indonesia is home to over 83,000 villages, each radiating its own charm and character.
The research mission took the students to Sukarara and Sade villages, two of NTB’s tourist destinations.
A.In Sukarara, a local tradition requires girls master weaving skills before marriage |
B.They decided to be a bridge between tradition and progress, united for their growth |
C.Both were selected for revitalization efforts led by the Village Revitalization Team |
D.While these villages possess undeniable fascination, many remain underdeveloped |
E.It’s about preserving the cultural heritage and ensuring traditions being passed down |
F.As the journey came to an end, all the students regarded it as a rewarding experience |
G.This effort includes the knowledge exchange between the students and local villagers |
3 . Psychologists tell us that there are four basic stages that human beings pass through when they enter and live in a new culture.
Culture begins with the “honeymoon stage”. This is the period of time when we first arrive in a country where everything about the new culture is strange and exciting. We may be suffering from “jet lag” but we are thrilled to be in the new environment, seeing new sights, hearing new sounds and language, eating new kinds of food.
Unfortunately, after we have settled down into our new life, we can become very tired and begin to miss our homeland and our family, friends, pets. All the little problems in life seem to be much bigger and more disturbing when you face them in a foreign culture.
The third stage is called the “adjustment stage”. This is when you begin to realize that things are not so bad in the host culture. Your sense of humor usually becomes stronger and you realize that you are becoming stronger by learning to take care of yourself in the new place. Things are still difficult, but you are now a survivor.
The fourth stage can be called “at ease at last”. Now you feel quite comfortable in your new surroundings. You can cope with most problems that occur. You may still have problems with the language, but you know you are strong enough to deal with them.
There is a fifth stage of culture shock which many people don’t know about. This is called “reverse culture shock”. Surprisingly, this occurs when you go back to your native culture and find that you have changed and that things there have changed while you have been away. Now you feel a little uncomfortable back home. Life is a struggle!
1. How do you feel during the first stage of culture shock?A.Happy and excited. | B.Bored and homesick. |
C.Lonely and depressed. | D.Angry and frustrated. |
A.he gradually gets used to the language and culture |
B.he has to understand jokes in a new culture |
C.humor can help him to become stronger |
D.he often plays jokes on others to be popular |
A.It hardly ever happens. | B.It is extremely stressful. |
C.It is unexpected. | D.It only happens to young people. |
4 . Minor Cold is the 23rd solar term of the 24 traditional Chinese solar terms. For most areas of China, it marks the start of the coldest days of the year. Still, bitter cold can’t prevent people from enjoying their lives.
Enjoy Mutton hot pot and baked sweet potato.
Mutton hot pot, and baked sweet potato are two recommended foods for Minor Cold.
Eat Laba porridge.
Another important traditional food for Minor Cold is Laba porridge.
People in Nanjing used to take Minor Cold quite seriously, and they still keep a custom of eating vegetable rice to celebrate this solar term. The rice is steamed with aijiaohuang, sausage and salted duck that are all the specialties in Nanjing.
Make Chinese traditional herbal medicine.
A.Stock up for New Year. |
B.Taste Nanjing vegetable rice. |
C.It is made from over 20 kinds of nuts, cereals and dried fruits. |
D.Minor Cold is also the busiest time for doctors and pharmacies, |
E.Here are some things that help us stay warm during Minor Cold. |
F.Beef, sesame and walnuts are also good choices for Minor Cold. |
G.According to Chinese tradition, people eat food containing more yang energy. |
5 . In our country, it is very important for people to have Chinese traditional festivals (传统节日). They bring love and happiness to us. Let’s see what people are doing during these festivals.
Today is Spring Festival Eve. At 7:00 p.m., Wu Ming’s family are all together at home. His grandparents are cooking. His parents are cleaning the house. He is helping them to clean the table. An hour later, they will have a big dinner together. | |
It is 9:00 p.m. on the Lantern Festival. Li Fang is going out to watch the lanterns with his cousins. There are many kinds of tiger lanterns on the street. They are so happy and having a good time. | |
Today is Dragon Boat Festival. It is 8:00 a.m. and Li Lei’s family are very busy. His father is making zongzi with his grandma. It takes them two hours to finish it. His family are watching the boat races on TV when they are eating zongzi. | |
Ling Tao and his family are in the garden now because today is Mid-Autumn Festival. They are talking with each other and sharing the story about Chang’e. It is an interesting story. At the same time, they are eating mooncakes and watching the round moon. |
A.cleaning the house | B.watching TV |
C.cooking the soup | D.cooking the food |
A.Li Lei | B.Ling Tao |
C.Li Fang | D.Ling Fen |
A.eight in the morning | B.seven in the morning |
C.nine in the evening | D.we don’t know |
A.in the garden | B.on the street |
C.at home | D.at the hotel |
A.people clean up the house before festivals |
B.people like to have festivals with their family |
C.people are always spending festivals outside |
D.people don’t like to have festivals with their family |
6 . Edinburgh is the world’s “festival city”. The city holds 12 festivals throughout the year, half of which are celebrated during the months of July and August. Hundreds of thousands of people visit the Scottish(苏格兰的)capital during that time. Here are some of the events they can enjoy.
The Edinburgh International Festival
This is the original(最初的)Edinburgh festival, which began in 1947. Actors, musicians, dancers and opera singers from all over the world perform for large audiences(观众). You need tickets for most of the festival’s events, which take place in theaters around the city.
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe
This is the largest art festival in the world, with thousands of performances. Anyone can perform at the festival. Over 20,000 artists can take part. Go to the Royal Mile, one of Edinburgh’s main streets, to watch performers such as magicians, acrobats(杂技演员)and comedians. However, it can get very busy, as thousands of tourists and local(当地的)people fill the city streets to enjoy the shows.
The Edinburgh International Book Festival
The largest book festival in the world began in 1983 and takes place every year in Charlotte Square Gardens in the center of Edinburgh. There are over 700 events for children and adults. You can meet many authors, talk to them, ask them to sign a book or listen to them talk about their stories.
The Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival
Music lovers come to this festival to enjoy musical performances all over the city. Artists perform street theater, dance and circus(马戏)shows in amazing costumes(戏装). Everyone can enjoy the music and dance performances.
1. In which season are half of the festivals in Edinburgh?A.Spring. | B.Summer. | C.Autumn. | D.Winter. |
A.For 76 years. | B.For 82 years. | C.For 71 years. | D.For 81 years. |
A.Edinburgh is an important city in Scotland. |
B.You need tickets for all the festival events. |
C.Over 20, 000 artists take part in the music Festival. |
D.The Edinburgh International Book Festival takes place every 2 years. |
A.The Edinburgh International Festival. |
B.The Edinburgh International Book Festival. |
C.The Edinburgh Festival Fringe. |
D.The Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival |
A.In a travel guide. | B.In a novel. | C.In a textbook. | D.In a newspaper. |
7 . In the long history of about 5,000 years, numerous Chinese traditional festivals were celebrated in honour of gods or some significant days, some of which are passed down from generation to generation and people always practice special traditional activities in each festival.
The Qingming Festival
The Qingming Festival is on the 15th day after the Spring Equinox (春分), around April 4 or April 5 every year.
The Double Ninth Festival
The Winter Solstice (冬至)
The winter solstice is on around December 22 or 23 of the solar calendar each year. From that day on, the daytime will be longer and longer.
In China, this festival is in late January or early February, the last day of the lunar year. People celebrate it by having a family reunion dinner, setting off fireworks and staying up late. Breaking the dishes and bowls is a thing all the people are afraid of, but if you did it, you should say “Sui sui ping an!”
A.The Spring Festival |
B.New Year’s Eve |
C.People will go to commemorate (纪念) their ancestors |
D.People always visit their friends and relatives |
E.It is celebrated on Sep. 9th of the lunar calendar, around in October of the solar calendar |
F.It’s a holiday which is regarded as important as the Spring Festival |
G.It is a double-meaning word, meaning you will be safe during the new year |
8 . Top Festivals In Europe
Carnival of VeniceDates: 12 Feb, 2023—1 Mar, 2023
The Carnival of Venice, which began in 1979 as an effort to revive the culture of this city, is one of the best festivals featuring masks. Each year, almost 3,000,000 people attend this 20-day-long biggest festivals in Europe. There is a water parade, a grand ball with old and modern music, and a popularity contest for best mask design.
Glastonbury FestivalDates: 22 Jun, 2023—26 Jun, 2023
Of all the famous European music festivals, the Glastonbury Festival has a special place. Held in Somerset, England, since the 1970s, the festival is a major part of the British culture. Major pop act performers are invited to perform and headline. The festival sees as much as 175,000 people in attendance and is the world’s largest greenfield festival.
TomorrowlandDates: 22—24Jul, 2023 & 29—31Jul, 2023
For the music lovers, Tomorrowland is one of the largest electronic music festivals which takes place in Belgium. The festival is hosted at the town of Boom, Belgium. First organized in 2005, this festival has become an annual tradition which is visited by people from far and wide.
Sziget FestivalDates: 10—15 Aug, 2023
The Sziget Festival is one of the best cultural festivals in Europe. Started in 1993 and hosted in an island of Budapest, this festival gives an amazing holiday, with around 400,000 fans from around 70 countries. The festival features the non-stop party and amazing live concerts.
1. What can people do in the Carnival of Venice?A.Swim in the river. | B.Design different masks. |
C.Attend music contests. | D.Watch pop performances. |
A.Tomorrowland. | B.Sziget Festival. |
C.Carnival of Venice. | D.Glastonbury Festival. |
A.They each have a parade. | B.They take place in summer. |
C.They are British festivals. | D.They are related to music. |
9 . When people think of Beijing, the hutong style always comes to mind. It is no exaggeration (夸张) to say within hutong lives the city’s history.
The word “hutong” referred to a place where people live, which was borrowed from the Mongolian word to mean “water well” about 700 years ago. Hutong we see today are made up of small paths formed by walls of siheyuan. They were built during the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties.
When the People’s Republic of China was founded in 1949, there were more than 3,000 hutong. Most of the city’s population lived in this traditional housing. But with the modernization of the city in the 1980s and early 1990s, many hutong were pulled down to build roads, skyscrapers and modern houses.
The government has recognized the importance of hutong to Chinese cultural heritage. In 2002, Beijing listed 40 protected historical zones and increased its efforts to rebuild some key relics and older streets in the city. Nearly 500 hutong have survived.
Hutong that still exist are like oases (绿洲) of calm in the noisy city. Walking through them, it’s common to see groups of elderly people sitting together playing cards, mahjong (麻将) or Chinese chess. In the early mornings and evenings, they gather to practice traditional forms of exercise such as Taijiquan as well as dancing and singing folk songs or Peking Opera. Hutong have become a museum of Beijing’s folk customs and history.
1. What is the purpose of paragraph 2?A.To add background information of hutong. | B.To bring in the topic of the context. |
C.To stress the importance of hutong. | D.To introduce the benefits of hutong. |
A.More hutong were built. |
B.Lots of hutong disappeared. |
C.Most hutong became historical zones. |
D.Some hutong were placed under protection. |
A.The future of hutong. | B.The change of hutong. |
C.The beauty of hutong life. | D.The history of hutong life. |
A.Negative. | B.Unclear. | C.Supportive. | D.Doubtful. |
10 . For the British, the home is a private place in which he or she goes to hide away from the troubles of life. It is very seldom that one would be invited to a British person’s home. It is rude to knock on a person’s door if you are not invited. If you are invited, don’t ask to see more than the downstairs that your British host invites you into. Never ask how much the house or any of the items in it cost.
To the American, most of them want their home to be a place where they can entertain (款待) and share their lives with their friends. They may be delighted to give you a full tour of their houses. They may also be pleased when you show your interest and pleasure in their houses.
Both British and American people will engage in quite a bit of chat and a drink or two before the meal is served. After the first mouthful, you should say how delicious the food is and ask something about it. Remember, never eat with your mouth open and make very little noise while eating. It would be nice of you to help your host in any way. Maybe offer to pour some drinks or clear up after the meal.
1. If your British friend invites you to his home, you can _________.A.see anything you like |
B.ask how much his house is |
C.only see the downstairs that you’re invited into |
D.ask the cost of any the items in it |
A.happy | B.angry | C.sad | D.worried |
A.参与 | B.陷入 | C.回避 | D.限制 |
A.Different table manners between British and American people. |
B.Some manners on visiting British and American people’s home. |
C.Different ideas about the home between British and American people. |
D.Different ideas about how to get along well with neighbors between British and American people. |