1 . 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.

2. What is special about Colourful confetti in Mexico?

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.

3. Which of the traditions involves making food with thousands of eggs?

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

2 . Why Experiencing a New Culture Is Good for You

Often the best way to really explore a new place and culture is by spending abundant time there. A quick vacation may give you a glimpse (瞥) into your destination.     1    . These opportunities provide a support network as you adjust to new surroundings.

Dealing with culture shock

Culture shock is a response to your new surroundings when abroad that can leave you confused, anxious and feeling lonely. It generally includes frustration at how even the simplest things can be different in the new culture. The thing is though, culture shock can be seen as a problem but also as an opportunity.     2    .

    3    

Perhaps the most obvious lesson learned with travel is the importance of language. Even just learning the basics of the local language can make getting about and making new friends easier. Trying to overcome the language barrier also teaches you about non-verbal communication. Since you can’t rely on what is being said, you learn to adapt, to people’s tone and body language. This makes you a better communicator.

Finding inspiration

    4    . In each of these creative fields you may come across new approaches or elements that you bring home with you; maybe it’s a certain combination of ingredients that you add to your cooking or a new style you adopt for your own home’s design.

Meeting new people

Meeting people and making friends while overseas is both a necessity and one of the most enjoyable aspects of the experience.     5    , which enables you to meet people that you never would have known otherwise. You may be exposed to people from different walks of life, find a similar spirit, or both at the same time.

A．Learning language skills

B．Developing body language

C．So you’re less likely to further experience a new culture

D．Travelling to new cultures is a great way to expand your social circle

E．Experiencing the local culture can expose you to local art, cuisine, architecture, etc.

F．Only by adjusting to and accepting new surroundings can you understand and appreciate it

G．But experiences like student or work exchange programs allow you to immerse(沉浸) in a new culture

3 . 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.

2. Why are some concerts held for free?

A．For reputation.

B．For entertainment.

C．For experience.

D．For occupation.

3. What do we know about the World Music Day?

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.

4. What’s the author’s attitude towards music?

A．Challenging.

B．Critical.

C．Positive.

D．Sceptical.

4 . 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.     1    

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.     2     This may happen when he is interested in them and try to express his interest by making eye contact. Therefore, it is important for visitors to understand the full meanings of what they may be suggesting by returning the eye contact given by someone else.

Eye Contact in the Middle East

    3     But they do have similarities in their rules for the proper eye culture. Eye contact is much less common and considered less proper in many of these cultures than it is considered in the United States.     4     These rules are connected to religious laws. Only a short moment of eye contact would be permitted between a man and a woman, if at all.

As you can see, it is important to know what eye contact communicates before you visit a new culture.     5     Learn how to use eye contact and other body language wisely so that you are regarded as polite, and so that you can better connect with people in a culture that is foreign to you!

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.