2 . Halloween is a festival celebrated on October 31st. The name of the holiday means “hallowed” or “holy evening” because it happens the day before All Saints Day. It is said that Halloween is the children’s New Year’s Eve. They dress up with special costumes (服装), they eat too much, and they stay up too late celebrating.

Children go around the neighborhood wearing make-up, and dress in masks and colorful costumes. The most common costumes are witches (巫师), ghosts, skeletons (骷髅), and popular TV, movie and storybook characters. Some costumes are homemade; others are bought in stores. The children go from door to door saying “trick or treat”. People give them candy, cookies, fruit or money. Sometimes money is collected to help UNICEF, United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund.

Homes, stores, and classrooms are decorated in the traditional Halloween colors, orange and black. Usual decorations are witches, ghosts, skeletons, and Jack-o’-lanterns, Jack-o’-lanterns are pumpkins that are carved (雕刻) to look like faces. They are placed on doorway entrances and in windows. Horror movies and ghost stories are shown on TV on this day.

Adults and older children also celebrate Halloween with parades, festivals, and costume parties. Some people create their costumes; other people rent them. Contests are held, where the best costume receives a prize. One of the party events popular with children is dunking (浸泡) for apples. Apples are put in tubs filled with water. People try to get the apples using only their mouths; hands cannot be used.

1. Why is it said that Halloween is the children’s New Year’s Eve?

A．Because Halloween comes the day before All Saints Day.

B．Because children can get money from their parents on Halloween.

C．Because only on that day can children go around the neighborhood.

D．Because children dress up with special costumes, eat a lot, and stay up late celebrating.

2. Which of the following statements is NOT true about the common costumes according to the text?

A．They are colorful.

B．All of the costumes are bought in stores.

C．Some of the costumes are homemade.

D．They are witches, ghosts, skeletons, popular TV characters and so on.

3. What are the traditional Halloween colors?

A．Orange and brown.	B．Red and green.
C．Black and white.	D．Orange and black.

3 . Here are some wonderful festivals around the world that happen in spring. If you want to know more about them, please click Here or visit http://wws.buddhanet.netlfestival.Htm

SongKran — Thailand

Dates: 13th — 15th, April

In Thailand, people celebrate a festival called Songkran, when people bead out to the streets with water guns to spray (喷洒) everyone who walks past. It’s a very important traditional celebration in the country.

Naghol — Vanuatu

Dates: Every Saturday from April to May

Every year, villagers come together to celebrate the harvest of yams (甘薯), an important part in the people’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 (藤) tied to their feet.

Cherry Blossom Viewing — Japan

Dates: The cherry blossom season is different from year to year depending on the weather.

The festival is well-known. The Japanese celebrate the days when the flowers finally blossom. Only a few days later, the petals (花瓣) fall to the ground, like pink snowflakes. That means the traditional festival only lasts for several days. 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 East Asia, this is the time when people 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 will most likely happen to a tourist walking in the street during SongKran in Thailand?

A．He will get wet.	B．He will hurt his feet.
C．He will be treated to delicious foods.	D．He will see some petals falling.

2. Where can you go to see dangerous actions during the festival?

A．Thailand.

B．Vanuatu.

C．Japan.

D．Sri Lanka.

3. How is Cherry Blossom Viewing different from the other festivals?

A．It is a traditional festival.	B．It is a very famous festival.
C．Its date is different every year.	D．It provides visitors with delicious foods.

4. Where are you most likely to find the text?

A．On TV.

B．In a report.

C．On the Internet.

D．In the newspaper.

4 . Immersion (沉浸) in music is a remarkable way to relax. Now, music lovers he a chance to please your ears. The following four festivals must bring you great surprise.

Moab Music Festival
Where: Moab, Utah
When: Aug. 29 — Sept. 9

This area is better known for mountain biking than for music. But since 1992, it has hosted a private festival that brings classical, jazz, Latin and other types of music to the land. This year there will be 16 concerts, including there “Grotto Concerts”, where guests take a 45-minute boat ride down the Colorado River to performances.

Events start at $25. moabmusicfest.org.

Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival
Where: Becket, Massachusetts
When: June 15 — Aug. 24

Each summer, this influential dance center presents a number of classes and performances by more than 50 companies from around the world. Highlights (最精彩的部分) this season include the Dance Theater of Harlem’s production of Alvin Ailey’s “The Lark Ascending”, which opens the festival.

Many events are free. Ticketed performances start at $22. jacobspillow.org.

Cheyenne Frontier Days
Where: Cheyenne, Wyoming
When: July 19 — 28

There’s something for everyone at this 117-year-old festival, from an “Indian village” and Old West museum to country concerts. But the competition is still the main attraction, with cowboys and cowgirls competing for major money in the world’s largest outdoor stage.

Competition tickets start at $18, and concert tickets at $23. cfdrodeo.com.

The Glimmerglass Festival
Where: Cooperstown, New York
When: July 6-Aug. 24

Each summer, opera lovers from around the country (and the world) travel to upstate New York to watch productions that include stars like Nathan Gunn and Ginger Costa-Jackson. This year’s performances include Wagner’s “The Flying Dutchman” and Verdi’s “King for a Day”, in honor of the 200^th birthdays of both composers (作曲家).

Tickets start at $26. glimmerglass.org.

1. Which date is suitable for you to enjoy a “Grotto Concert”?

A．June 15.

B．September 4.

C．August 24.

D．July 19.

2. You’re advised to go to ________ if you like Verdi.

A．Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival.	B．Cheyenne Frontier Days.
C．The Glimmerglass Festival.	D．Moab Music Festival.

3. Which part of a website is the text probably chosen from?

A．Art.

B．Literature.

C．Business.

D．Education.

5 . Chinese Festivals

As an ancient country, China has various festivals.

The Spring Festival

In the evening before the Spring Festival, families get together and have a big meal. Children also get lucky money from parents.

The Lantern Festival

During this festival, there is special food called “tang yuan”, which is said to symbolize both the first full moon and family unity and completeness. Part of the Lantern Festival tradition involves a game to guess riddles (谜语) attached to the lanterns.

Stilt walking, drumming and the dragon and lion dance are the main entertainment forms of the Lantern Festival.

The Dragon Boat Festival

It is to celebrate the patriotic poet Qu Yuan, a loyal and highly respected minister, who brought peace and prosperity (繁荣) to the state but ended up drowning himself in a river as a result of being vilified (诽谤).

The Double Seventh Festival

On the 7th day of the 7th lunar month, there is a traditional festival full of romance. Recently the youth have celebrated it as Valentine’s Day in China.

The Mid-Autumn Festival

It is a traditional festival for both the Han and minority nationalities in China.The custom of worshipping (礼拜) the moon can be dated back to the ancient Xia and Shang dynasties. The Mid-Autumn Festival is also a holiday for members of a family to get together.

The Double Ninth Festival

On the ninth day of the ninth month in the Chinese lunar calendar, people celebrate the Double Ninth Festival. People usually climb mountains and eat double-ninth cakes, which means our life will become better and better.

1. Which is NOT included in the entertainments of the Lantern Festival?

A．Guessing riddles.	B．Lucky money.
C．Drumming.	D．Dragon dance.

2. Which of the following festival tells about a Chinese ancestor who showed his love to his homeland?

A．The Dragon Boat Festival.	B．The Spring Festival.
C．The Double Seventh Festival.	D．The Mid-Autumn Festival.

3. What aspect is the Mid-Autumn Festival unique in?

A．Families’ reunion.

B．Festival full of romance.

C．Worshipping the moon.

D．Symbolizing the first full moon.

7 . China’s famous museums include ancient buildings and world class modern museums with big collections. They are excellent places for sightseeing and learning about China.

Sanxingdui Museum

The museum is on the path less beaten by tourists, but it makes one of the top museums for the 3,400-year-old artworks. If you’re an ancient history fan, this place will attract you. If you love art, its style will surprise you a lot.

The Palace Museum

The museum is one of the largest old buildings kept in the country with a history of 600 years old. Built at the beginning of the Ming Dynasty between 1406 and 1420, it was the home of 24 rulers and their courts. It is one of the finest buildings in China and a good place to study Chinese history.

The Shanghai Museum

The big modern museum is popular with foreign tourists. It is probably the most modern museum with the focus on creative art displays about the history of the whole area. Located in People’s Square, the museum is most famous for its huge collection of china.

The Shaanxi History Museum

Since 14 historical dynasties founded their capitals and developed in Shaanxi Province, the museum may have the oldest treasure of all the museums in China. The artworks show the greatness of the museum, and the displays are modern and well laid out.

1. What do we know about the Palace Museum?

A．The museum is one of the oldest buildings in China.

B．The museum was built at the end of the Ming Dynasty.

C．The museum was the home of 26 rulers and their courts.

D．The museum is a good place to learn Chinese history.

2. Which museum is located in People’s Square?

A．Sanxingdui Museum.	B．The Palace Museum.
C．The Shanghai Museum.	D．The Shaanxi History Museum.

3. Who will be interested in this passage?

A．A person who is fond of music.	B．A person who is into Chinese culture.
C．A person who has passion for movies.	D．A person who is interested in sports.

8 . Here are four activities in October. Go and get yourself out of your house.

Activity 1: Hope with Every Step 5K Race

It will be held on Saturday, October 7 at Taglienti Field on the Spruce Mountain High School campus. This event is held in honor of Josh Brochu, 13 and his sister Brook Brochu, 10, both of whom have a rare disease that affects children. All the money collected from the event will go to the A-T Childrens’ Project, a non-profit (非盈利的) organization which raises money for medical research and health centers. Visit www. atcp. org for more information.

Activity 2: A Free Movie Supported by Farmington Baptist Church

It will be shown at 7: 00 pm on October 3 at 194 Whittier Road in Farmington. The movie When the Game Stands Tall tells the true story of the De La Salle Spartans High School football team, which set 151-game winning streak (连胜) record. Football coach Bob Ladouceur’s belief always was, “We don’t expect you to play perfectly, but to give a perfect effort.”

Activity 3: Wilton Free Public Library’s Birthday Party

The library is turning 100 years old! All are welcome to attend the party celebrating 100 years of the beautiful library building. From 10: 00 am to 1: 00 pm on October 3, families are welcome to come to the library for some food and fun! There will be historical displays, fun book-themed food, face painting, and games and presents for kids. Please come and celebrate!

Activity 4: The Fourth Annual Pumpkin Festival

It will take place on Saturday, October 7. There will be various family activities, including movies, dog shows and children’s gifts.

All events will take place in the Front Street Neighborhood. For more information, please visit the website: farmingtonpumpkin festival. net.

1. Where will the Fourth Annual Pumpkin Festival be held?

A．At 194 Whittier Road.	B．At Taglienti Field.
C．In Wilton Free Public Library.	D．In the Front Street Neighborhood.

2. What is the aim of Activity 3?

A．To collect money.	B．To explore nature.
C．To celebrate something.	D．To start an organization.

3. When will the film When the Game Stands Tall start?

A．At 10: 00 am on October 3.	B．At 7: 00 pm on October 3.
C．At 7: 00 pm on October 7.	D．At 1: 00 pm on October 7.

9 . Many travellers are familiar with the UNESCO’s World Heritage List. However, less is known about the organization’s List of World Heritage in Danger. It currently specifies 53 World Heritage sites under threat of “serious and specific dangers” due to factors such as climate change, armed conflict, and development pressures. The accelerated degeneration of these cultural treasures is a reality that should concern the world, since the younger generation may not have the opportunity to visit them.

For this reason, insurance company Budget Direct, and NeoMam Studios, a creative studio based in the UK, have created a series of GIFs to restore World Heritage sites and demonstrate what these ruins would have looked like if they had been preserved.

Drawing attention to sites at risk, the project aims to give everyone the opportunity to visit these sites virtually. It started with in-depth research around the sites on the List of World Heritage in Danger. Based on the results, the team made a selection according to two main criteria: First, they were man-made places. Second, they still had standing elements. Focusing on the selected sites, the team worked with architects Jelena Popovic and Keremcan Kirilmaz and industrial designer Erdem Batirbek to research and illustrate six of these legendary locations.

In this series of GIFs, six sites are digitally restored to their former glory. They include Hatra in Iraq, Leptis Magna in Libya, Palmyra in Syria, Portobelo-San Lorenzo in Panama, Nan Madol in the Federated States of Micronesia as well as the Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls.

Time does not stand still, and neither does technology. Thanks to these photorealistic images and electronic devices, we can travel, without leaving home, to those places that, whatever their future may be, will always be part of the collective memory.

1. What does the underlined word “degeneration” in Paragraph 1 probably mean?

A．improvement

B．increasing

C．adaptation

D．worsening

2. Why did the team develop the project?

A．The List of World Heritage in Danger is not well-known.

B．Natural and human forces are destroying World Heritage sites.

C．Young people may lose the chance to visit some World Heritage sites.

D．They wondered what some World Heritage sites originally looked like.

3. What endangered World Heritage sites could be chosen for this project?

A．Natural sites that had standing elements.

B．Man-made sites that had standing elements.

C．Natural sites that were damaged severely.

D．Man-made sites that were destroyed completely.

4. What does the author try to convey in the last paragraph?

A．Technologies make travelling around more convenient.

B．Technologies help people visit World Heritage sites virtually.

C．More sites on the list are digitally restored to their former glory.

D．There is no need to worry about the future of World Heritage sites.

10 . The traditional Chinese solar calendar divides a year into 24 solar terms. The Spring Equinox Chinese (春分), as the fourth term of the year starts on March 21 and ends on April 5 this year.

The Spring Equinox signals the equal length of the day and night time. On the day of the Spring Equinox, sun is directly above the equator. After the equinox, the sun moves northwards, resulting in gradually longer day time in the Northern Hemisphere and longer night in the Southern Hemisphere.

Here are 6 things you may not know about the Spring Equinox.

Swallows fly north

The ancient Chinese people divided the fifteen days of the Spring Equinox into three “hou’s,” or five-dayparts. As the old saying goes, swallows fly back to the North in the first hou; thunder cracks the sky in the second hou; lightning occurs frequently in the third hou, which vividly reveals the climate feature during the Spring Equinox.

Egg-standing games

Standing an egg upright is a popular game across the country during the Spring Equinox. It is an old custom that dates back to 4, 000 years ago. People practice this tradition to celebrate the coming of spring. It is believed that if someone can make the egg stand, he will have good luck in the future.

Flying kites

Spring Equinox is a good time to fly kites. In ancient times, people did not have good medical resources. So to pray for health, they wrote their medical issues on paper kite. When the kite was in the air, people would cut off the string to let the paper kite float away, symbolizing the flying away of diseases.

Later flying kites developed into a popular game of spring. On the Spring Equinox, people write a blessing on the kite, hoping that the gods in the sky would see it.

Eating spring vegetables

Eating spring vegetables during the Spring Equinox is a commonly practiced custom in many regions of China. ‘Spring vegetables’ refers to seasonal vegetables that differ from place to place. The ancient teachings in the Chinese classic, Huangdi Neijing, suggests that people eat seasonal foods to help preserve health and bring good luck.

Sacrifice to the Sun god

During the Spring Equinox, an old tradition practiced by Beijing locals is offering sacrifices to the Sun god. This tradition is called “Zhonghe Festival”. The “Sun Cake”, a round cake made from wheat and sugar, serves as the main offering.

Reward farm cattle

This practice is popular in the southern area of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. As the Spring Equinox comes, farm work starts and both the farmers and the cattle start to become busy. Farmers will reward cattle with sticky rice balls to express their gratefulness. Meanwhile, people will also make sacrifice to birds, to thank them for bringing signals for farm work and to ask them not to eat grains later in the year.

1. Which of the following is true about the Spring Equinox?

A．It falls on March 20 every year.

B．The day time is longer than night time.

C．After the Spring Equinox, day time is longer in the Northern Hemisphere.

D．Before the Spring Equinox, night time is longer in the Southern Hemisphere.

2. People cut off the string of the kite in the hope that________.

A．they could have great fun	B．the kite will fly freely in the sky
C．they could get good medical resources.	D．the diseases will fly away with the kites.

3. which word can replace the underlined word “issues”?

A．Treatments.

B．Problems.

C．Questions.

D．Instruments.

4. People do all the things to wish for good luck except__________.

A．playing egg-standing games	B．flying away kites
C．eating spring vegetables	D．rewarding farm cattle