1 . Most of us consider winter a great time to stay inside with a good book. Yet the winter months offer great outdoor events.
The Ice Festival at Lake Khovsgol, March 2, 3
Lake Khovsgol, called the Blue Pearl of Mongolia, freezes up to 1.5 meters deep. Each year local residents have a two-day celebration, sharing their traditional songs and dances. Activities including sled races, skating and much more take place on the frozen lake. Visitors from different countries are always surprised to see how much weight the lake can hold.
Anchorage Fur Rendezvous, February 27~March 8
North America’s largest winter festival takes place in Anchorage, Alaska. In the past, the fur trade was one of the state’s most important industries. The festival’s 86th anniversary this year will celebrate Alaska’s pioneer way of life. People can enjoy nearly 70 different activities.
Winter games and sports are a special feature as visitors celebrate the season. Tourists come from around the world to attend the festival.
Troms International Film Festival, January 12~18
If film is your passion, then Norway’s Troms film festival is for you! You will get to meet and interact with people from the international film industry. And you’ll be able to view some of the world’s best international films on Troms’s enormous outdoor screen. More than 50,000 people attend the festival each year.
Grindelwald World Snow Festival, January 19~24
Every January, ice art takes center stage in the beautiful Swiss village of Grindelwald. Artists from around the world arrive in mid-January to accept the ice challenge. They start with meter-high blocks of ice and spend six days creating spectacular sculptures (雕塑). Festival-goers are delighted to see the process as well as the finished pieces.
Don’t let the cold weather keep you inside this season. There are lots of fun and exciting events to attend!
1. What is the purpose of this text?| A．To explain why winter is not a good time to stay inside. |
| B．To introduce some fun-filled winter festivals. |
| C．To tell about the history of the winter festivals. |
| D．To show benefits of some exciting winter festivals. |
| A．It has activities related to ice. | B．It is specially fit for film-lovers. |
| C．Its visitors are from all over the world. | D．It is held on the frozen lake. |
| A．The Ice Festival at Lake Khovsgol | B．Troms International Film Festival |
| C．Anchorage Fur Rendezvous | D．Grindelwald World Snow Festival |
2 . Traveling without a map in different countries. I find out about different ways of giving directions every time I ask “How can I get to the post office?”
Foreign tourists are often puzzled in Japan because most streets there don’t have name signs. In Japan, people use landmarks (标志性建筑) to give directions instead of street names. For example, the Japanese will say to travelers, “Go straight down to the comer. Turn left at the big hotel and go past a fruit market. The post office is across from the bus stop.”
People in Los Angeles, the US, have no idea of distance on the map; they measure distance by time, not miles. “How far away is the post office?” you ask. “Oh,” they answer, “It’s about five minutes from here.” You don’t understand completely. “Yes, but how many miles away is it, please?” To this question you won’t get an answer, because most probably they don’t know it themselves.
People in Greece sometimes do not even try to give directions because tourists seldom understand the Greek language. Instead, a Greek will often say, “Follow me.” Then he’ll lead you through the streets of the city to the post office.
Sometimes a person doesn’t know the answer to your question. What happens in the situation? A New Yorker might say. “Sorry, I have no idea.” But in Yucatan, Mexico, no one answers “I don’t know.” People there believe that “I don’t” is impolite. They usually give an answer, but often a wrong one. So a tourist can get lost very easily in Yucatan! However, one thing will help you reach your destination everywhere in the world. It’s body language.
1. Which of the following is probably an example of Japanese directions?| A．“The post office is at Street Kamira.” |
| B．“Turn right at the hospital and go past a school.” |
| C．“The post office is about five minutes from here.” |
| D．“Go south two miles. Turn west and then go another mile.” |
| A．They prefer to lead you the way. |
| B．They prefer to use body language. |
| C．They use landmarks to give directions instead of distance. |
| D．They often have no idea of distance measured by miles. |
| A．Using street names. | B．Leading the way. |
| C．Using landmarks. | D．Giving people a wrong direction. |
| A．people in Mexico know street names well |
| B．body language makes you get lost in Yucatan |
| C．people in Mexico prefer to use body language |
| D．people in Yucatan sometimes give wrong directions |
3 . In every corner of the globe, there exist people from different religions, different regions, different ethnic identities who speak different languages, and celebrate different holidays.
Culture shapes our identity. It influences how we behave, and it makes us who we are. Culture brings people together equally in celebration and in grief. Without culture and cultural diversity, the world would be a sad and dull place. Cultural diversity is a quality of diverse and many different cultures. Cultural diversity is a system that recognizes and respects the existence and presence of diverse groups of people within a society.
Recognizing that the world is made up of many different people from different backgrounds and cultures is the first step towards a more understanding and harmonious society. Difference is not what divides us, but rather it should be celebrated as something that unites us as humans.
Through diverse cultures, we can explore and understand how other cultures operate and function. Opening our eyes to the existence of diverse and different cultures allows us to see the world from others’ points of view. We can see more, appreciate more, and understand more. Understanding is a crucial step before appreciating. It is the same for understanding different cultures around the world. Even if when we’re unable to understand why certain cultures do the things they do, we’re able to acknowledge it as their custom.
However, total acceptance needs wisdom and awareness. Some cultures and cultural practices may disturb human rights in the general society’s view. We must work towards educating the public with a respect for the community that culture or cultural practices belong to. When diversity is taught early in kids’ lives, they are more likely to communicate and interact with people of any background or culture. At the same time, we must educate ourselves about the pros and cons of cultural diversity so that the change we want to make won’t be one-sided or go against anyone’s rights.
1. What is the first step to understand another culture?| A．Appreciating others’ opinions. | B．Accepting cultural diversity. |
| C．Being smarter and more cautious. | D．Learning more laws about human rights. |
| A．Key. | B．Simple | C．Quick. | D．Perfect. |
| A．To be learned. | B．To become wiser. |
| C．To communicate with others well. | D．To tell the pros from cons of diversity. |
| A．The origin of culture. | B．The function of culture. |
| C．The future of diverse cultures. | D．The importance of cultural diversity. |
4 . Symbol of rebirth, but also of protection, Easter eggs are a must. But what are the traditions that centre on them? Here are some curiosities from around the world.
Easter Egg Hunting in England
Among the most original rituals, the English Easter Egg Hunt deserves a place of honour. On Easter Sunday, children go hunting for eggs in parks and gardens, surrounded by people dressed up as Easter bunnies: only those who find the eggs hidden by family members will receive the surprise brought by the Easter Bunny.
Easter Egg Roll at the White House
In the United States, the annual White House Easter Egg Roll was born for the first time on April 22, 1878. A game that consists in letting the eggs slide on the grass for as long as possible without breaking them, where it’s possible to come across well-known personalities in the role of the Easter bunny.
Colourful Confetti (五彩纸屑) in Mexico
In Central America, a cheerful and unusual ritual: los cascarones. That is egg shells (壳) emptied out and filled with coloured confetti. Tissue paper sheets are used to hold the egg together, but not to worry if the result is not accurate. No one complains: this seems to be a custom brought by Marco Polo from China, where the shells were filled with spices (香料).
The Giant Omelette in France
Easter is associated with “abundance”, and the French prepare a giant omelette with over 4,500 eggs in Haux. Legend has it that Napoleon started this tradition after falling in love with the omelette in the town. It is served in the city’s main square and can feed over a thousand people.
1. What do the first two traditions have in common?| A．They feature some animals. | B．They need family members. |
| C．They involve outdoor activities. | D．They focus on children’s activities. |
| A．Eggs are put in parks and gardens. |
| B．Egg shells are full of various spices. |
| C．It is possible to meet famous people. |
| D．The tradition may have its origins in China. |
| A．Colourful Confetti in Mexico | B．The Giant Omelette in France |
| C．Easter Egg Hunting in England | D．Easter Egg Roll at the White House |
5 . I was born and raised in England in a culture where privacy and “keeping yourself to yourself” were valued traditions. Speaking to strangers was not encouraged. People were most hospitable (好客的) and friendly — but only once they had been introduced to new people.
However, I have been lucky enough to spend some time in both Italy and the US, where I found traditions of hospitality and politeness to be very different.
I experienced Italian hospitality first-hand on a crowded railway carriage traveling, one afternoon, from Genoa to Florence. Sinking gratefully into an empty seat, I was berated (斥责) in rapid Italian by a gentleman who was returning to this seat — it had not been “spare” after all. I apologized in English, and got up to allow him back into the seat. The gentleman obviously had no understanding of the English language, but he, too, realized my genuine mistake. He smiled and gestured for me to remain in the seat, and he himself remained standing in the corridor for the rest of the journey. The other passengers of the carriage smiled and nodded at me and made me feel quite welcome amongst them. I feel that if this had been in England, a foreigner who made a mistake would not always be so kindly treated.
Transport was also obvious in the differences I noticed between English and American culture. I flew to New York on a plane with mainly English passengers. We sat together in near silence. Nobody spoke to me nor, as I expected, to anyone else they did not know. They felt it was not polite to disturb someone else’s privacy. However, when I traveled across the United States, whether by plane or Greyhound bus, I was never short of conversation. Conversation was going on all around me and whoever sat next to me was happy to introduce themselves and ask me about myself, which was usually a pleasant way to kill time. They obviously felt it would have been rude not to speak to another person, whether they were strangers or not.
1. What do we know about the passengers of the carriage when the author was travelling in Italy?| A．They were all on the side of the gentleman. |
| B．They all laughed at the author for this mistake. |
| C．They all showed their understanding of the author’s mistake. |
| D．They would not bear a mistake like the author’s in public. |
| A．they were too tired to speak | B．they are short of topics to talk about |
| C．they were all strangers to each other | D．privacy was a valued tradition in England |
| A．his traveling experiences |
| B．how to adapt ourselves to a new culture |
| C．the culture shock he experienced in Italy and the US |
| D．cultural differences in hospitality and politeness |
| A．Approving. | B．Confused. | C．Negative. | D．Disapproving. |
6 . Every year on June 21st, World Music Day is commemorated in over 120 countries, including its birthplace of France, to honor both amateur and professional musicians. Citizens of a city or country are permitted and encouraged to perform music outside in their neighborhoods, public areas, and parks on Music Day. Free concerts are also held, where musicians perform for the joy of it rather than for a fee.
In the 1970s, American musician Joel Cohen, who was then working for a French radio station, came up with the idea of having musicians perform on the evening of June 21 to celebrate the start of summer. It was finally accepted by France’s Ministry of Culture in 1982. The day started in France and has since extended to countries such as Belgium, the United Kingdom and others. It’s the ideal time to learn a new instrument or listen to songs they wouldn’t ordinarily include on their playlist. Every type of musician can celebrate World Music Day with friends, family, and even strangers, whether they are young, elderly, new, or seasoned professionals. The purpose is to promote music.
It makes no difference how good you are at making music; everyone can do it. This day can be used by even the most tone-deaf folks to sing their hearts out and appreciate the beauty and power of music. Music is not only a great way to express yourself, but it may also be beneficial to your health. A song might bring back a joyful memory or make you feel energized when you listen to it.
1. Where did the World Music Day begin?| A．France. | B．American. | C．Belgium. | D．China. |
| A．For reputation. | B．For entertainment. | C．For experience. | D．For occupation. |
| A．Those who are not expert in music are not welcome. |
| B．Joel Cohen put forward the idea of performing music for free. |
| C．The purpose of it is to instruct tone-deaf people in music. |
| D．You can listen to some songs not included on the playlist. |
| A．Challenging. | B．Critical. | C．Positive. | D．Sceptical. |
7 . Each year, the women of Olney and Liberal compete in an unusual footrace. Dressed in aprons(围裙)and headscarves,they wait at both towns-starting lines.Each woman holds a frying pan with one pancake inside. At the signal,the women flip(抛)their pancakes and they're off!
This “pancake racing”tradition is said to have started on Shrove Tuesday, 1445, in Olney. Shrove Tuesday is the day before the Christian season ofLent(大斋戒)begins.During Lent,many people decide to give up sugary or fatty foods.
Legend says that in 1445, an OIney woman was making pancakes to use up some of her sugar and cooking fats before Lent. She lost track of time and suddenly heard the church bells ring. signaling the beginning of the Shrove Tuesday serviceRealizing that she was going to be late for church, she raced out, still wearing her apron and headscarf and holding her frying pan with a pancake in it.
In the following years, the woman’s neighbors imitated(模仿)her dash to church and pancake racing was bon.Olney women continue this Shrove Tuesday tradition more than 500 years later.
In 1950, inspired by a picture of the OIney Pancake Race in a magazine, a resident of Liberal wanted his town to join in the fun.He called Olney to set up a friendly competition,and the people of Olney accepted.
The rules are simple. Racers must wear the traditional headscarfand apron. They must flip their pancakes twice once before starting and once after crossing the finish line.After the race, there are Shrove Tuesday church services.Then Liberal and Olney connect through a video call to compare race times and declare a winner.
In both towns, the races have grown into larger festivals. OIney's festival is an all-day event starting with a big pancake breakfast.Liberal's festival lasts four days, including a parade(游行)，a talent show, and contests that feature eating and flipping pancakes.
1. What can we know about Olney Pancake Race?| A．It begins during Lent. |
| B．It was founded by a Olney woman. |
| C．It has been held annually since 1445. |
| D．Its origin can date back to 15th century. |
| A．Wear their own clothes. | B．Hold the pancake all the way. |
| C．Throw and catch the pancake twice. | D．Have the pancake cooked while running. |
| A．Olney's festival is held for four days. |
| B．Liberal’s festival has varieties of activities |
| C．Olney’s festival has more various competitions. |
| D．Liberal’s festival starts with a delicious breakfast. |
| A．Positive. | B．Negative. | C．Objective. | D．Subjective. |
8 . Certainly, there are many non-verbal cues that have completely different meanings in different cultures. One of the most important means of non-verbal communication in any culture is eye contact.
Eye Contact in Western Europe
On the one hand, the European customs of eye contact—especially in such countries as Spain, France and Germany—are similar to those in the United States. It is considered proper and polite to keep almost continuous eye contact with another person.
On the other hand, Europeans often avoid eye contact in crowded public situations—such as while walking through a busy downtown or riding public transportation.
Eye Contact in the Middle East
As you can see, it is important to know what eye contact communicates before you visit a new culture.
| A．Be careful not to make eye contact with women. |
| B．And this is especially true in business conversations. |
| C．Such a returning eye contact will be considered impolite. |
| D．All Middle Eastern cultures cannot be grouped into one class. |
| E．Before you travel, you’d better check out about the country you plan to visit. |
| F．Yet, in a country like France, a stranger may feel quite free to look at others. |
| G．What’s more, Middle Eastern cultures have strict rules regarding eye contact between the sexes. |
9 . It is always said that China is the homeland of tea, which has a very long history of tea.
➢Color
➢Flavor(味道)
New tea is extremely clear and transparent with strong aroma(芳香), while old tea is characterized by brown color and weak fragrance. Take green tea and black tea for example, new green tea tastes a little bitter first, and then the fresh sweet taste begins to surface gradually, leaving a long and memorable after taste in mouth.
➢Place of origin
There is great gap of quality among various places of origin.
| A．Every tea leaf has its own shape. |
| B．Some varieties are identified by tightness of the leaves. |
| C．It is always advised to select tea from its main producing areas. |
| D．While you’re selecting tea, you should pay attention to following aspects. |
| E．For foreigners in China, drinking tea may seem like simple refreshment(提神). |
| F．Generally, new tea leaves look fresh and pleasing, with light green or dark green. |
| G．On the contrary, if bitter taste takes the lead and fresh sweet taste subsides(减弱), it is black tea. |
10 . The other day, my friend Jane was invited to a 40th birthday party. The time printed on the invitation was 7:30 p. m. Jane went off with her husband David, expecting a merry evening of wine, food, and songs.
By 9:45, everybody was having great fun, but no food had appeared. Jane and David were restless. Other guests began whispering that they, too, were hungry. But no one wanted to leave, just in case some food was about to appear. By 11:00, there was still no food, and everyone was completely off their heads. Jane and David left, hungry and angry.
Their experience suggests that the words on the printed invitations need to be made clearer. Everyone reads and understands the invitations differently. Most of us would agree that 6:30-8:30 p. m. means drinks only, that after 8:00 p. m. or 8:30 p. m. means possible dinner, and that 9:30 p. m. and any time thereafter means no food — eat beforehand and roll up late.
But this is not always the case. If asked to a students' party at 6:30 p. m., it is normal for guests not to appear before midnight, if at all, and no one cares. Being the first to arrive — looking eager — is social death. When my mother is asked to a party at 6:30, she likes to be there, if not on time, then no later than seven. My age group (late thirties) falls somewhere between the two, but because we still think we're young, we're probably closer to student-time than grown-up time.
The accepted custom at present is confusing, sometimes annoying, and it often means you may go home hungry, but it does lend every party that precious element (要素) of surprise.
1. The underlined words "off their heads" probably mean " ".| A．tired | B．crazy | C．curious | D．hot |
| A．party invitations can be confusing |
| B．party-goers usually get hungry at parties |
| C．people should ask for food at parties |
| D．birthday parties for middle-aged people are dull |
| A．very difficult |
| B．particularly thoughtful |
| C．friendly and polite |
| D．socially unacceptable |
| A．It's safe to arrive late just when food is served. |
| B．It's wise to eat something before going to a party. |
| C．It's important to follow social rules of party-going. |
| D．It's necessary to read invitations carefully. |
