2 . Let’s play games from different countries and learn about different cultures.

Otedama (Japan)

It is played alone with five small sandbags. The player kneels down behind the sandbags, throws one in the air, then uses the same hand to quickly pick up another bag and catch the first. Keep going until you’re holding all five. Too easy? Throw up all the bags and catch them on the back of your hand.

Fengzheng (China)

Fengzhengs or kites are believed to have been invented in China during the fifth century BC by Mozi and Lu Ban. By the fifth century AD, paper kites were being used for military purposes such as signaling and measuring distances. These days, locals commonly fly handmade kites to mark the arrival of spring. In Beijing, the kite string is traditionally cut to allow bad luck to be blown away by the wind.

Topfschlagen (Germany)

Germany is the world’s top exporter of chocolate, so no wonder this game is based on the sweet reward. Put some chocolate under an overturned cooking pot. Kids take turns crawling on the ground blindfolded and lightly strike whatever’s in their path with a wooden spoon. When the spoon hits the pot, the chocolate hunter gathers up the treasure.

EI Gatoy El Raton (Costa Rica)

It is a favorite group circle game for kids. One plays el gato (the cat); another is el raton (the mouse). The rest hold hands, forming a circle around the mouse. As the group skips and sings “the cat wants to get the mouse”, the cat runs outside the circle trying to touch the mouse. The players forming the circle raise and lower their arms to block the cat, and the mouse runs around to avoid being touched. When the cat “gets” the mouse, start over with a new cat and mouse.

1. Which game was once used for wars?

A．Otedama.

B．Fengzheng.

C．Topfschlagen.

D．EI Gatoy El Raton.

2. What is the reward for the Topfschlagen players?

A．Kites.

B．Beans.

C．Meat.

D．Chocolate.

3. What is special about El Gatoy El Raton?

A．It requires at least four players in each round.

B．It is related with a country’s top exported goods.

C．It must be played by children and adults together.

D．It started in the East and spread all around the world.

3 . Use this list of winter festivals to plan your trip or plan around them, as many of these festivals will tie up transport and accommodations and drive up prices. It’s all up to you: either plan your travel dates around them, or arrive early enough to jump into the festive atmosphere!

Lighting Festival

A day-trip away from South Korea’s capital Seoul, the Garden of Morning Calm is a must-see during the Festival. The lights there cover an area of some 330,000 square meters, using 30,000 colorful LED lights hanging from the trees. Wander around the fairy-like wonderland created by the lights-through such fields like Bonsai Garden, Moonlight Garden, and the Garden of Eden.

·Where: Gapyeong County, South Korea

·When: December-Mid-March

Harbin Ice Festival

Millions of tourists visit this icy festival every year, drawn by the massive ice sculptures that decorate the fairgrounds next to Songhua River. The sculptures, ice palaces, mazes and slides are simply massive in scale, constructed from some 260,000 cubic yards of ice blocks harvested from the river. They range in size from life-scale carvings of animals and fantastic creatures, to massive 250-foot structures that tower over the crowds.

·Where: Harbin, China

·When: January 5-February 5

Sapporo Snow Festival

Japan’s biggest winter festival has expanded in size and scope since its first celebration in 1950.The Festival covers two main sites in Sapporo. The centerpiece Odori Park site features some 100 ice sculptures dazzlingly lit up after dark. The Susukino district site features a smaller scale of ice sculptures decorating the district. The sculptures cover animals both real and fantastic, including anime-based creatures like Pokemon. Visitors can also enjoy snow mazes, street food, musical performances and skating on the ice rink near Odori Park.

·Where: Sapporo, Japan

·When: February 4-11

Sky Lantern Festival

The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival in Taiwan, China is Taiwan’s most visited lantern festival, lighting the skies with floating lanterns bearing messages for the gods. Its counterpart in the Yangshui District favors a noisier kind of illumination-the Tainan Yanshui Fireworks Display takes place at Tainan’s Wumiao Temple, where locals dare to be hit by small fireworks as a test of their strength and to ward off evil.

·Where: Pingxi and Yangshui, Taiwan, China

·When: February

1. Which winter festival has the longest duration?

A．Lighting Festival.	B．Harbin Ice Festival.
C．Sapporo Snow Festival.	D．Sky Lantern Festival.

2. Which of the following statements is true?

A．All of the sculptures in Harbin are massive in size.

B．Sapporo Snow Festival has a history of over 70 years.

C．The sculptures in Sapporo are smaller than those in Harbin.

D．Visitors can enjoy colorful lights in Seoul during Lighting Festival.

3. What is the purpose of the passage?

A．To encourage visitors to experience winter festivals.

B．To popularize well-planned visits to potential customers.

C．To promote a better understanding of winter festivals among the public.

D．To offer information to help winter festival enthusiasts make good plans.

5 . The traditional Chinese lunar calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms, which reflect the Chinese people’s understanding of time. Here several special solar terms are listed.

Rain Water

Rain Water signals the increase in rainfall and rise in temperature. With its arrival, the river water defreezes, wild geese move from south to north, and trees and grass turn green again. Extra care is needed to cope with a returning cold spell in this period. The wet and damp weather during Rain Water period is considered harmful for people’s spleen (脾) and stomach according to Chinese medical practice. Therefore, a bowl of nutritious porridge is the best choice to nourish the body.

Awakening of Insects

As the third solar term in the lunar year, its name implies that animals sleeping in winter are awakened by spring thunder and that the earth begins to come back to life. It is the key time for spring agricultural activities. Modern meteorological science shows that around this period, the earth becomes wet, the hot humid air from the north is strong and creates frequent winds. For this reason, thunder often occurs.

Spring Equinox

Spring Equinox signals the equal length of the day and night time. On the day of the Spring Equinox, the sun is directly above the equator. After the equinox, the sun moves northwards, resulting in gradually longer day time in the Northern Hemisphere. Standing an egg upright is a popular game during this period. It is believed that if someone can make the egg stand, he will have good luck in the future.

Grain Rain

Grain Rain originates from the old saying, “Rain brings up the growth of hundreds of grains", which shows that this period of rainfall is extremely important for the growth of crops and people are busy working on the land. Grain Rain falls between the end of' spring and the beginning of summer, with infrequent cold air moving to the south and lingering cold air in the north. With dry soil, an unsteady atmosphere and heavy winds and sandstorms become more frequent.

1. What can we know about Rain Water?

A．River water starts to freeze.

B．Taking off the thick coats is advisable.

C．Lively spring-like scenery can be seen.

D．It falls between the end of spring and the start of summer.

2. What do Awakening of Insects and Grain Rain have in common?

A．Farming season.	B．Animal activities.
C．Air temperature.	D．Frequent thundering.

3. In which solar term would people most probably put on masks?

A．Rain Water.	B．Grain Rain.
C．Spring Equinox.	D．Awakening of Insects.

6 . On a summer day in the remote Transylvanian village of Micasasa, Romanian architect Eugen Vaida is busy organizing a team of volunteers to help breathe new life into a centuries-old castle on the edge of ruin. "It's in a state of damage and it's a symbol of national importance," said Vaida, who launched the Ambulance for Monuments project.

The Ambulance for Monuments has a simple task: to race around the country, giving care to as many historical buildings as possible that are in a state of damage before it's too late. Since it was launched, Ambulance for Monuments has rescued 55 historical structures, including ancient churches,historic walls and ancient UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Situated in a broad valley at the foot of the Carpathian Mountain, the 16th-century Brukenthal Castle is one such endangered building being rescued by the project. The old castle remained unnoticed for more than two decades. Its roof is leaking and its wood is rotting（腐烂）. It is in serious need of attention. "It probably would have reached a stage where it could barely be saved. It would have become a ruin you cannot build again," Vaida said, "heritage is not renewable."

The project is supported by dozen of volunteer who are playing an important role in preserving Romania's past. Young people are starting to get more aware of their cultural identity. One person directly involved in the efforts to save the endangered building from ruin is 30-year-old Timotei Pacurar. For him, saving the Brukenthal Castle holds a great significance. "When I started school, I was here in this room, in the first class—we have a lot of good memories here," Pacurar said, "I was disappointed to see that the building almost fell down. The future is in our hands, and we can change things. We can make this building look good again—like a treasure for our community."

Rescuing as much of Romania's architectural heritage is Vaida's chief aim. "Over the next five years, the plan is to expand over the whole country," he said, "every Romanian should at some point come to put a brick or a nail on a roof to save their own endangered buildings."

1. What is the mission of the Ambulance for Monuments project?

A．To build new Romanian castles.

B．To remove ruins of ancient buildings.

C．To attract people to visit heritages.

D．To restore damaged old buildings.

2. What was the public's previous attitude towards preserving Brukenthal Castle?

A．Prejudiced.

B．Positive.

C．Doubtful.

D．Unconcerned.

3. Why does Pacurar think it important to save the castle?

A．Because it witnessed the beginning of his education.

B．Because it stored some treasures at the bottom.

C．Because it is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

D．Because it reminds him of the importance of the community.

4. What is the best title for the text?

A．Historic Buildings Are Threatened.

B．Romania Races to Save Its Past.

C．Heritage Is Our Cultural Identity.

D．Ancient Buildings Are National Symbols.

7 . Despite usually being associated with the Chinese, the Lunar New Year is also celebrated in other countries. Here are several places in America to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

New York City

New York City, which has one of the largest populations of ethnic（少数民族）Chinese people outside of Asia, is a great place to experience the Lunar New Year. There are around 10 different Chinatowns in New York City. Visitors will find parades, performances and foods in most of these areas but some of the festival characteristics are unique to the particular district.

San Francisco

San Francisco's lunar New Year celebrations are the longest runnings in America. They date back to the 1860s, during the “Gold Rush” period. Today, numerous events take place around the Bay Area, but the headline is the massive Chinese New Year Parade that draws as many as 1 million viewers.

Washington DC

Washington DC has a historic Chinatown. There is a parade here with floats, firecrackers, dancers and music. The Smithsonian American Art Museum can host hands on arts and crafts events that feature performers invited from China. The Kennedy Center stages themed performances, including folk music and symphonies from China.

Chicago

Despite low temperatures in January and February, Chicago celebrates the Lunar New Year in a big way. There are two parades, usually held on different days of the same weekend. One is in the city's traditional Chinatown on the South Side, and the other takes place on Argyle Street. Asian culture is on full display during these parades, and other Chicago com munities also take part.

1. Which city has the longest history of celebrating the Lunar New Year?

A．New York City.	B．San Francisco.
C．Washington DC.	D．Chicago.

2. What can the Smithsonian American Art Museum do on the Lunar New Year?

A．Serve Chinese food.	B．Show Chinese dancers.
C．Play Chinese court music.	D．Invite Chinese art performers.

3. What common activity is held in the listed cities on the Lunar New Year?

A．Festival parades.	B．English concerts.
C．The American culture weekend.	D．The American-style art exhibitions.

8 . He had two armed guards protecting him until his death aged 55. He also had two massive tusks（象牙）and, just as important, he had a name. Ahmed the elephant received the special treatment until his death in 1974, under an order from Kenya’s then-president Jomo Kenyatta. The name helped give Ahmed and, by extension, the cause of elephant conservation greater recognition.

With Ahmed the elephant in mind, Kenya last week launched the Elephant Naming Festival in which people get the chance to adopt an elephant after contributing money toward their chosen animal’s conservation.

The initiative gives the adoptive parent priority when it comes to choosing the first name of the elephant. The second name will be a Maasai（马赛族）one based on the animal’s profile, history, role in the family and physical attributes like the state of its tusks.

Launching the program, Najib Balala, a top official at the Ministry for Tourism and Wildlife, said the elephant-naming initiative will bring greater awareness of the need for conservation and promote tourism. Balala said the event will be held each year on Aug 12, observed as World Elephant Day.

“We feel that this is a great opportunity for everyone to be part of the sustainability of tourism and wildlife in Kenya for future generation,” Balala said.

“Wildlife is a big part of Kenya’s heritage and ensuring that future generations enjoy this resource should always remain the most important. The launch of the Magical Kenya Elephant Naming Festival builds on the good work that the Kenya Wildlife Service and other partners have been doing over the years.”

1. What has the special treatment to Ahmed brought about?

A．More people are willing to protect elephants.

B．More people are anxious to collect tusks.

C．More elephants are guarded by armed soldiers.

D．More elephants are released to the wild.

2. What can adoptive parents do in the Elephant Naming Festival?

A．Adopt an elephant according to its role in the family.

B．Take priority for giving their elephant’s first name.

C．Contribute money toward launching the initiative.

D．Consult the elephant’s profile to give it the second name.

3. Why was the Elephant Naming Festival launched?

A．To be in memory of the dead elephant Ahmed.

B．To raise money for the cause of elephant conservation.

C．To contribute to wildlife protection and sustainable tourism.

D．To offer people a chance of naming and adopting an elephant.

4. What is Najib Balala’s attitude to the elephant-naming initiative?

A．Supportive.

B．Objective.

C．Doubtful.

D．Disapproving.

9 . Whatever she likes, you can always find something perfect for your mom, whether it is wine, coffee or clothes.

►For the bookworm

For the woman who took you to the library to get your very first card, show how much you appreciate her love of language and words with one of these book-themed cups for a Mother’s Day gift. You can choose from a good old-fashioned library card, a funny banned book’s pattern, or ones featuring your favorite literary characters, including Edgar Allen Poe and Alice in Wonderland. These are some of the most meaningful Mother’s Day gifts that moms have ever received. Library Card Cup, $ 18.49, Amazon. com.

►For the business traveler

When she’s not busy teaching her children how to tie their shoes and mind their manners, the mom you love is flying across the country for an important client meeting. She needs clothes that don’t give her anything else to worry about. It dries quickly and resists wrinkles. Florence Travel Dress by Orvis, $ 119, Amazon. com.

►For the gardener

If gardening is your mom’s beloved pastime, introduce her to the rapidly growing world of succulents (多肉植物) with this DIY kit (工具箱). Inside, you’ll find a white moss ball planter, a metal chain and hanging hook, two colors of reindeer moss (驯鹿苔), planting instructions, and an optional live succulent. Succulent Kokedama String Garden Kit, $ 33.97, windowbox. com.

►For the coffee lover

Every kid knows the number one rule of the household: Don’t talk to mom until she’s had her coffee. Show your understanding with a monthly brew (酿造) subscription. The coffee beans come from all over the world, including Peru, Brazil, Papua New Guinea and more. Atlas Coffee Club Subscription, $ 60 for three months, atlascoffeeclub. com.

1. Which of the following gifts should you send your mother if she loves reading?

A．A cup with a library card.	B．A fashioned library card.
C．A banned book’s pattern.	D．A book with literary characters.

2. What’s the advantage of Florence Travel Dress?

A．It can resist being wet.	B．It’s convenient to carry.
C．It seems cheap to buy.	D．It can be wrinkle-free.

3. What can be learned from the last two paragraphs?

A．Moms looking after kids require more coffee.

B．Atlas Coffee Club provides world-class coffee beans.

C．People must purchase succulents in advance.

D．Succulents are popular nowadays.

10 . Holiday Celebrations Throughout Orlando

It's time again for our best free holiday events in Orlando! This year we could all use a little extra holiday cheer. Thankfully, despite some changes, there are still lots of free holiday events in Orlando and throughout Central Florida.

Winter Park "Ye Olde Hometown" Parade(游行)

December 5,2020, starts at 9: 00 a.m.

Central Park on Park Avenue, Winter Park

The Winter Park Chamber of Commerce is proud to host the 68th annual Winter Park Ye Olde Hometown Christmas Parade. The event has been held each December for more than 60years, making it the oldest continuous holiday parade in Central Florida. Reserved spaces for the live event are full, but the parade will be streamed live via Facebook.

20th Annual Christmas Parade

December 5, 2020, starts at 10;00 a.m.

Downtown Mount Dora

Enjoy this annual parade through the streets of downtown Mount Dora. Pets are notallowed.

Winter at Lake Eola Park

December 12, 2020, 5:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.

Lake Eola Park

There is an annual tree-lighting, announcement of holiday art contest winners and, of course, Santa Claus at Lake Eola Park. Masks and social distance are among the safety measures to be in place.

9th Christmas Light Ride

December 12,2020,7:00 p.m.

Retro City Cycles, Orlando

Ride through Ivanhoe Village and College Park to take in the great light displays. Ride starts at Retro City Cycles and will be about 6 miles at a casual pace; all bikes are welcome! Don't forget to decorate your bike !

1. What do we know about the event in Winter Park?

A．It enjoys a long history.	B．It has lost its popularity.
C．It is hosted by Facebook.	D．It requires reservations online.

2. Which of the following places will probably attract the most artists?

A．Winter Park.	B．Downtown Mount Dora.
C．Lake Eola Park.	D．Ivanhoe Village.

3. What must you do to take part in the 9th Christmas Light Ride?

A．Wear face masks.	B．Keep social distance.
C．Make your bike more beautiful.	D．Arrive at Ivanhoe Village before 7 :00 a.m.