1 . In the long history of about 5,000 years, numerous Chinese traditional festivals were celebrated in memory 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.

Qingming Festival

Qingming Festival is on the 15th day after Spring Equinox, round April 4 or April 5 every year.     1     They remove the weeds growing on the ancestors’ tombs to make them clean, so this festival is also called Tomb-sweeping Festival. In some areas, people are forbidden to use fire to cook food, so they only eat cool food.

Double Ninth Festival

    2    The Chinese character of September is the same as 9, so we get this special name. Chinese people, especially the north Chinese, climb the mountains to the peak to enjoy the wonderful scenery, and admire the beauty of chrysanthemum.

Winter Solstice(冬至)

Winter Solstice is on around December 22 or 23 of solar calendar each year. From Winter Solstice on, the daytime will be longer and longer.     3     In the northern region, people eat dumplings and wonton(馄饨), while in the southern region rice balls.

    4    

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 scare, but if you did it, you have to say: “sui sui ping an”.     5    

A．New Year’s Eve

B．Spring Festival

C．People will go to worship their ancestors.

D．People always visit their friends and relatives.

E．That day people in different regions eat different food.

F．It is a pun(双关语), meaning you will be healthy every year.

G．It is celebrated on Sept. 9th of the Lunar Calendar, around October.

2 . New movies set holiday eve record

Chinese moviegoers set a box office （票房） record for the eve of the week—long National Day holiday. By 9:30 p.m. September 30, new movies had brought in 630 million yuan.

The major movies contributing to the box office record were My People, My Country, The Captain and The Climbers.

My People, My Country ranked first by bringing in around 270 million yuan. It was made up of seven short stories which were set in historic moments to look back at New China’s 70 years of existence. The movie was co-directed by Chen Kaige, Zhang Yibai, Guan Hu, Xue Xiaolu, Xu Zheng, Ning Hao and Wen Muye.

Another well-received film, The Captain, earned 194 million yuan to occupy second place. Starring actor Zhang Hanyu, the film is based on heroic Sichuan Airlines pilot Liu Chuanjian, who completed one of the most miraculous （奇迹的） emergency landings in China’s civil aviation （民航） history.

Also adapted from real events, The Climbers earned 157 million yuan. With an excellent cast including Zhang Ziyi and Wu Jing, the film is about Chinese mountaineers’ climbing to the top of Mount Qomolangma.

Wu Jing said the film filled a gap in the market, with sports-themed titles quite rare in the world’s second-largest movie market.

Besides the three movies, eight other films will be on during the holiday ending on Oct 7.

1. My people, My country was directed by the following directors except ________.

A．Zhang Yibai	B．Zhang Yimou
C．Chen Kaige	D．Xu Zheng

2. The film The Captain has earned ________ yuan according to the passage.

A．194 million	B．157 million
C．270 million	D．630 million

3. Why did Wu Jing say The Climbers filled a gap in the movie market?

A．Because it is about climbing Mount Qomolangma.

B．Because it is a very successful movie.

C．Because its theme is about sports.

D．Because it is adapted from a real event.

3 . The Lantern Festival, a traditional Chinese festival, is celebrated on the 15th day of the first lunar month. And it falls on Tuesday this year.    1    The day leads to the first full moon night of the year, and is also the night when the earth returns to spring.

It was also a romantic festival in ancient China, providing an opportunity for unmarried men and women to meet.    2    But during the Lantern Festival, it is a tradition that all people? including those young women，come out for lantern shows. People hang lanterns everywhere, in their house or in the streets, which depict various characters, like flying birds, leaping fishes, and shining fireworks, showing an atmosphere of joy.    3    .

Another activity，guessing the answers to lantern riddles，gave young people a chance to interact with each other and know more about each other. For thousands of years, there have been numerous love stories originating during the Lantern Festival.

Besides watching lanterns and guessing the answers to lantern riddles，there are many other traditions for the festival.

1. Dragon lantern dance

    4    At the festival, people perform dragon lantern dances and look forward to this year’s good weather and peace.

2. Lion Dances

It is similar to the dragon lantern dance，delivering good wishes and good luck.

3. Eating yuanxiao

Eating yuanxiao on Lantern Festival is another tradition.    5    The stuffing includes bean paste, sugar，hawthorn various kinds of fruit and so on. It can be boiled, fried or steamed   to eat.

A．Chinese people regard the dragon as a symbol of good luck.

B．Here is a guide for you to spend a happy I intern Festival.

C．Yuanxiao is made of glutinous rice, either solid or stuffed.

D．Almost all people will come out and appreciate the beautiful scene.

E．As a traditional food, YuanXiao appeals to a lot of people.

F．In ancient times, young women, especially daughters of respected families, hardly stepped out their houses.

G．It is a continuation of celebrating the Spring Festival.

4 . Music festivals in Europe

Visiting a festival abroad can be a great reason to travel and a way to experience different cultures. These days there is such a number of choices that it’s possible to spend the whole summer watching live music in exciting places. Of course, it’s also a chance to meet people from across the world.

Melt! Festival, Germany

This festival takes place on the site of an open air museum for industrial machinery. There’s also a lake which can be used for swimming when it’s hot. This year’s line-up has over 120 different bands (乐队). Around 90% of the people attending the festival are German providing a perfect chance to practise speaking the language.

Exit Festival, Serbia

Set on the banks of the Danube in an old fortress (城堡), the festival began as a way to show people’s dissatisfaction with the government. These days it’s less political (政治的) but still worries about people who are poor, ill, old, etc and tries to help them. This year’s festival will host many famous bands. From electronic music and dance music to hard rock, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Open’er Festival, Poland

Held in an airfield near the northern city of Gdansk, each year Open’er has a seriously good selection of bands. This year is no exception, with many famous bands set to play. Not only are there amazing artists, but both Poland and the festival itself also provide very excellent value for money.

Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival, Scotland

Set on a Scottish estate (庄园) near Inverness, this year Belladrum will welcome artists from around the world. The most enjoyable part of the weekend is the ceilidh (traditional Scottish dance and party) which is always a lively event. It doesn’t even matter if you’re a beginner because the band teaches you each dance.

1. What is special about Melt! Festival?

A．It provides German lessons.	B．It is held by a local museum.
C．The bands are from 120 countries.	D．Most of the festival goers are German.

2. Why did Exit Festival begin?

A．For political reasons.	B．For personal reasons.
C．To help stop a fight.	D．To offer help to the poor.

3. What makes Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival different from the others?

A．It falls in summer.

B．It is a live music festival.

C．It teaches people Scottish dances.

D．It invites the most famous bands.

5 . Customs on either side of the Atlantic

We all know that Britain and the US are two countries connected by a common language. But in fact,     1    . as BBC did in a recent story called 8 Situations When Britons Behave Differently From Americans. Below Teens has picked out four for you. Take a look.

When someone knocks into you.

If someone bumps into an American, the victim will most likely look the accidental aggressor in the face and expect an apology. If however,     2    . chances are that the victim will say "sorry" before the other can make his or her own apology.

    3    

Britons don’t all change into evening dress for supper like what you may have seen in popular TV shows like Downton Abbey. But they do tend to make an effort when going out for dinner somewhere nice. Americans, however, will probably wear a casual shirt to a fancy eatery.

When you don't finish your food.

When dining out at a restaurant,     4     They think the food is somehow "tainted" once they’ve poked at it with a knife and fork. In the US, wrapping it up to take home is a standard practice.

When you get into a taxi.

Britons will give the cab driver an address, then assume that’s it for the interaction until it’s time to pay. Even if they’re being taken in a roundabout way,     5     In the US, however, most passengers think nothing of telling the driver what route to take after telling him or her the destination.

A．When you get dressed for dinner

B．When you go out with your friends

C．the differences are more fun to observe

D．they’re very unlikely to say anything

E．the victim happens to be British

F．Britons wouldn’t think to take the leftovers home

G．they will point it out immediately and politely

6 . I travel a lot, and I find out different “styles”(风格)of directions every time I ask “ How can I get to the post office?”
Foreign tourists are often confused(困惑的)in Japan because most streets there don’t have names. In Japan, people use landmarks(地标)in their directions instead of street names. For example, the Japanese will say to travelers, “ Go straight down to the corner. Turn left at the big hotel and go past a fruit market. The post office is across from the bus stop.”
In the countryside of the American Midwest, there are not usually many landmarks. There are no mountains, so the land is very flat. In many places there are no towns or buildings within miles. Instead of landmarks, people will tell you directions and distances. In Kansas or Iowa, for example, people will say, “ Go north two miles. Turn east, and then go another mile.
People in Los Angeles, California, have no idea of distance on the map. They measure distance in time, not miles. “ How far away is the post office?” you ask. “ Oh,” they answer, “ it’s about five minutes from here.” You say, “ Yes, but how many miles is it?” They don’t know.
It’s true that a person doesn't know the answer to your question sometimes. What happens in such a situation? A New Yorker might say, “ Sorry, I have no idea.” But in Yucatan, Mexico, no one answers “ I don't know”. People in Yucatan believe that “I don't know” is impolite. They usually give an answer, often a wrong one. A tourist can get very, very lost in Yucatan!
1. When a tourist asks the Japanese the way to a certain place, they usually _______ .

A．describe the place carefully

B．show him a map of the place

C．tell him the names of the streets

D．refer to recognizable buildings and places

2. What is the place where people measure distance in time?

A．New York.	B．Los Angles.
C．Kansas                 C. Iowa

3. People inYucatan may give a tourist a wrong answer ________ .

A．in order to save time	B．as a test
C．so as to be polite	D．for fun

4. What can we infer from the text?

A．It’s important for travelers to understand cultural differences.

B．It’s useful for travelers to know how to ask the way properly.

C．People have similar understanding of politeness.

D．New Yorkers are generally friendly to visitors.

7 . Reading Oktoberfest

Palmer Park is the perfect place to host the first Reading Oktoberfest, which takes place 15-18 September 2016.

You can experience everything that makes Oktoberfest, held in a huge Beer tent. We’ll have live music and DJs and thousands of people going crazy.

Opening hours:
Thursday 15 September 17:00-23:30
Friday 16 September 17:00-23:30
Saturday 17 September 12:30-23:30
Sunday 18 September 12:30-19:00
Ramsbottom Festival

With its riverside location (位置), Ramsbottom Festival is one festival which can truly be called beautiful. Here you can enjoy a mix of music, great arts and family shows, as well as a variety of Great British and international food.

Ramsbottom Festival takes place 16-18 September 2016 at Ramsbottom Cricket Club, Bury, easily reachable by public transport from Manchester city centre.

The Willow Festival Dorset

The Willow Festival — the world’s largest festival showing new and undiscovered live music bands and artists is coming to Dorset. Fun for all the family, the event also has a shopping area, a world food village, and plenty of activities for kids.

Tickets are just £10.00, which covers a come-and-go attendance (出席) for all three days.

River Cottage Festival

It’s our first ever family-friendly music festival, right here at River Cottage HQ in Devon.

On 17-18 September 2016, the farm will be filled with live music from popular bands in the UK. In between all that dancing you’ll be able to watch shows from local craftspeople (匠人) and make your own piece of jewelry.

Tickets will cost you just £35, or £10 for children under 12 (babies under 2 go free).

1. What can visitors enjoy at Ramsbottom Festival?

A．Family shows.

B．Dancing on the farm.

C．Making beautiful things by hand.

D．International bands’ performances.

2. Both The Willow Festival Dorset and River Cottage Festival _____.

A．are held in 2016 for the first time

B．ask visitors to pay the same price

C．take place near a river

D．are family-friendly

3. Which festival lasts the most days?

A．River Cottage Festival.

B．Ramsbottom Festival.

C．Reading Oktoberfest.

D．The Willow Festival Dorset.

8 . Our Annual Cultural Events

A Night in Rio
We are proud to bring the energy and enthusiasm of Brazilian Carnival to Charlotte with A Night in
Rio! Get a taste of Carnival through dancing, live music, authentic food, drinks and marketplace. Put on your green and yellow, and join us for the unforgettable experience of Brazilian Carnival!
Date: Saturday, February 24, 2018
TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLY AT THE DOOR
Location: Neighborhood Theatre, Charlotte
Time: 7 PM
Ritmo & Sabor

We are thrilled to bring the annual celebration Ritmo & Sabor Festival! Featuring dance performances and FREE dance lessons and delicious, authentic Latin cuisine, this festival will be a fantastic celebration for the entire family to enjoy! Food and beer will be available for purchase. Come out to enjoy a great summer evening of Ritmo & Sabor!

Date: Saturday July 2, 2018
Location: International & Cultural Center, Charlotte
Time: 5-11 PM
FREE ADMISSION
Las Américas

Join us in the annual celebration LAS AMÉRICAS! We display our history and identity of Latin America through musical performances, story-telling and poetry. Enjoy yourself with local artists, shop your way through a market of arts and crafts and join in some of the finest Latin American cuisine.

Date: August 18, 2018
Location: Midwood International & Culture Center, Charlotte
Time: 2-7 PM
Admission is FREE.
Latin American Festival

Festival Latinoamericano returns for its 28th year, with musical artists and dance performances, a diverse authentic selection of Latin American food, visual artists, and a street festival environment with activities for the whole family.

Location: Symphony Park at South Park Mall, Charlotte
Date: Saturday Sept. 29 (1-8pm)
Admission: $10; Children aged 8 & under are free.
1. What does Ritmo & Sabor mainly provide?

A．Music and visual art.	B．Food and beer.
C．Dance and poetry.	D．Dance and food.

2. What can you do at Las Américas?

A．Buy some local crafts as souvenirs.

B．Enjoy typical Latin American beer.

C．Dance in green and yellow clothes.

D．Watch local dancers’ performances.

3. Which event requires a ticket for a seven-year-old child?

A．Las Américas.	B．Ritmo & Sabor.
C．A Night in Rio.	D．Latin American Festival.

9 . Some Famous Libraries in the World

The Royal Library of Alexandria

The Royal Library of Alexandria in Alexandria, Egypt is probably known as the largest and the most famous library in the ancient world. It is said that the ancient library was burned three times over the centuries. A likeness of the ancient library was built in Alexandria and was opened on October 16，2002.

Celsus Library

Celsus Library was built in what had been a monument tomb of the governor of the Province of Asia, Celsus Polemaeanus in Ephesus, Turkey. It used to be the third richest of ancient times in the world，which had more than 12,000 works of art, but it was destroyed in wars, leaving some ruins. Even so, it is now still so world-famous for its beautiful structure that many visitors come to see it. There is a statue of Athena at its entrance as she is the Goddess of Wisdom. It remains delicate and appealing.

Bodleian Library

Bodleian Library is attached to Oxford University and mainly used as a research library. It is also a copyright library, which means it has a right to every book published in the United Kingdom. The library was designed by the architect, Sir Giles Gilbert Scott. Construction was completed in 1940.

The British Library

The British Library was set up in 1973 and is one of the world’s greatest libraries. This library has PACCAR gallery of living and workshop of words. The sounds and images offer shows and different programs at the theme exhibitions. They also have a wide collection of stamps of the world which are on show for visitors. The library also offers events like music and discussions.

1. Which of the following libraries has been reconstructed?

A．The Royal Library of Alexandria.	B．Celsus Library.
C．Bodleian Library.	D．The British Library.

2. What can you do in Celsus Library?

A．Read books.	B．Borrow books.
C．See a stamp exhibition.	D．Enjoy the beautiful remains.

3. What is special about Bodleian Library?

A．It belongs to a university.

B．It was once destroyed by fires.

C．It is one of the famous ancient libraries.

D．It is well-known for its beautiful structure.

10 . My guide Farah, a tall, slim woman in her late 30s, wears jeans and a simple manteau. In public, wearing this robe(长袍）,covering neck to knee is a must for women in Iran. Her long, straight black hair is hidden beneath her headscarf.

We're heading to Tajrish Bazaar in north Tehran, to explore ten different kinds of dried plums and other goodies. We choose the Metro- Farah for its convenience, and I, for a chance to go underground in the capital of Iran, because it provides a picture of the city most tourists never see.

Women and men sit separately on the train, but the rule is relaxed during busy times, like now. We, along with a few other women, clasp(握紧）our hands around a pole, standing next to men, young and old. Two stops later, and about 20 commuters（通勤者）fewer, segregation happens naturally-women at one and,men at the other, still within view,but separate.

A handful of fashionable girls admire their own reflections in the window. They wear tight leggings under their brightly colored robes, pushing back headscarves and boundaries. We find seats next to a group of conservative women dressed in black cloaks（斗篷）called chador. They are nothing like the other women I have met, most of them liberal.

＂We're a nation with one language," Farah says, “divided in two-traditional and modern."She tells me that it' all began, not with imports from the West, but with the 1979 revolution. A combination of education and a bad economy created a society where women now have independence, careers, and husbands feel obliged to help with household chores.

1. Why did the author choose to take the Metro?

A．Because it was accessible and convenient.

B．Because she would see a more realistic city.

C．Because she could sit separately on the train.

D．Because she would travel markets for goodies.

2. When did the author most probably set out for Tajrish Bazaar?

A．In rush hours.

B．At dawn.

C．At midday.

D．At midnight.

3. What does the underlined word in Paragraph 3 probably mean?

A．Conflict.

B．Isolation.

C．Combination.

D．Discrimination.

4. What can be inferred from the article?

A．Iranian girls can dress as freely as they like.

B．Iran has strict rules for seating arrangements.

C．Iranian men never offer help with housework.

D．Wearing a robe is a daily routine of Iranian women.