1 . The traditional Chinese Longtaitou Festival, or Dragon Head-Raising Festival, falls on the second day of the second lunar month every year, and recognizes the start of spring and farming. This year it falls on March 14.
Ancient people believed that after this day, rainfall increases because the rain-bringing Dragon King has awoken from his winter sleep. A well-known phrase goes, “Er yue er, long tai tou”, meaning “On the second day of the second lunar month, the dragon lifts his head.”
The festival celebrates ancient Chinese agrarian culture, and while some of traditional ways to celebrate it are no longer practised, others continue to exist.
The most famous tradition is getting a haircut. Some believe that going to the barber on this day gets rid of bad luck, while others believe getting a haircut during the first month of the lunar calendar brings bad luck. Another saying warns that cutting your hair in the first lunar month will cause your uncle to die. Although today few pay attention to it, it was once a tradition to line up outside barbershops on the day of Longtaitou.
People eat tofu balls in East China’s Fujian Province during the festival, and often make tofu and vegetable balls to pray for family and business. Fried beans are the traditional festival food for people in parts of Shandong Province. Eating chengyao cakes, which are made with sticky rice, during the festival is a tradition in Suzhou, East China’s Jiangsu Province, owing to the saying, “If you eat chengyao cakes on Longtaitou, your waist won’t hurt all year.” Meanwhile other foods, like noodles, dumplings, and spring rolls, are named after dragon body parts to mark the day. Noodles are dragon’s beard (long xu), dumplings are dragon’s ears (long er), and spring rolls are dragon’s scales (long lin).
1. What did ancient people believe after Dragon Head-Raising Festival?| A．The dragon lifts his head. |
| B．There’s more rainfall. |
| C．The dragon is still sleeping. |
| D．There’s less rainfall. |
| A．Agricultural. | B．Industrial. | C．Travelling. | D．Manufacturing. |
| A．Tofu balls. | B．Fried beans. | C．Chengyao cakes. | D．Dumplings. |
| A．The history and development of China’s Longtaitou Festival |
| B．Cut your hair on China’s Longtaitou Festival |
| C．The culture and traditions of China’s Longtaitou Festival |
| D．Food about China’s Longtaitou Festival |
2 . What better way to experience the history of a site than to have a hand in actually preserving it? This was the thought behind the founding of Adventures in Preservation(AIP) in 2001. The nonprofit's founders.Judith Broeker and Jamie Donahoe, were both long time preservationists and world travelers. They had seen a great many buildings in poor condition, as well as buildings that had been“restored" without the benefit of conservation expertise.
Twelve years on, they are still involved in the day-to-day management of the organization, supported by a volunteer staff located around the world, Judith' s favorite projects have long been the ones in Eastern Europe, and she enjoys opportunity to travel there each year. She, along with anyone else who's joined an adventure, always quotes their fellow jammers, as they' re called, as the highlight of each project. The groups are made up of people from all different ages, occupations, and cultures.Yet each time, they form a strong bond and work so well together that the work becomes fun. Which,after all, is the point of a working vacation, no?
Raising understanding of people's own heritage(遗迹) is another part of AIP projects. In many places, there is so much focus on the news that not only are heritage buildings being lost but so are the traditional building skills needed to keep them. By providing training and raising awareness of the importance of their heritage, AIP is helping keep both alive.
Next year, AIP has projects in Europe and the US. There will be even more projects the following year as projects currently under development in Ghana, Armenia, Ukraine and the US come on line. Each project is also an opportunity for travel, adventure, and personal growth, and AIP welcomes people from around the world to join a project and“"jam" with them.
1. For what major purpose was AIP set up?| A．To gain wonderful benefits. | B．To protect old buildings. |
| C．To hunt for experts. | D．To train fresh hands. |
| A．Machines. | B．Projects. | C．Colleagues. | D．Organizations. |
| A．Ambition. | B．Education. | C．Wealth. | D．Effort. |
| A．AIP' s boom(繁荣). | B．AIP' s eagerness. |
| C．AIP' goal. | D．AIP' function. |
3 . International tourism is becoming interestingly popular, and large numbers of people from all over the world come to visit famous places such as the Great Wall of China and the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican.
As for the damage, there are many different causes. For example, the paintings in the Sistine Chapel are being damaged by people breathing onto them when they visit.
In short, it is necessary to control tourism at famous places.
| A．For example, special paths can be built. |
| B．What can we do to deal with these problems? |
| C．The Great Wall was built over 2,000 years ago. |
| D．However, these visitors have caused many problems. |
| E．Traveling is the best way for us to get to know the world. |
| F．If we do not do this, these places will disappear from our planet. |
| G．Their breath contains very small drops of water that are present in the air. |
4 . When the leaves begin to change colors,it means one thing for many travelers：Fall festival season is here.If you’re interested in visiting a fall festival in America,here are some of the country’s best fall festivals for you to choose from.
Wellfleet Oysterfest
Wellileet Oysterfest is a two-day event held in Wellfleet,Mass.The meeting on Cape Cod is one that the locals look forward to all year long.Feed on oysters(牡蛎）and other seafood，while you watch the fastest oyster-eaters in the world compete in the famous Oyster Shuck-Off,a competition for taking the outer covering of oysters.The competition is taken very seriously.
Harvest on the Harbor
It takes place in Portland,Maine.The festival celebrates all that is best about Maine’s food and wine.This celebration is held every October,and includes the Maine Lobster Chef of the Year Competition and Savory Samplings at the Marketplace.The latter allows travelers to taste the best local food that Maine has to offer at Casco Bay.
Killington Hay Festival
If you’re looking for a fall festival that includes hay sculptures(干草雕塑)，take part in the yearly Killington Hay Festival.When you begin to see the giant hay sculptures,you’ll know you’ve arrived.Past sculptures have changed from a 20-foot-tall kangaroo to a family of penguins.
1. What can we learn about the meeting on Cape Cod?| A．It takes place twice a year. | B．It lasts three days in all. |
| C．It’s loved by the locals. | D．It’s not open to tourists. |
| A．People who want to go to a festival in November. |
| B．People who want to try Maine’s local food. |
| C．The fastest oyster-eaters worldwide, |
| D．The best cooks around the world. |
| A．They all serve seafood. | B．They are all liked by eaters. |
| C．They all last for two days. | D．They all take place in fall. |
5 . A survey has shown that what you do on a plane can be determined by which nationality is listed on your passport. According to the results of an international passenger survey, Australians are the biggest drinkers on board with 36 percent choosing to down the hatch, compared to 35 percent of Americans and 33 percent of Brits.
The Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) spoke to around 1,500 people aged 18 and older, who have traveled by plane at least once during the last three months and were living in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, China Singapore, Australia and Brazil.
The results found Chinese travelers are most likely to nod off once the seat-belt sign switches off. They are also the first to take out their credit card for some in-flight shopping and the biggest fans of gaming. Americans on the other hand like to use their time in the air more productively—when not drinking—choosing to work while flying at 35,000 feet.
Meanwhile, Brits and Germans are the best at making a chat with random strangers—spending 50 percent more time than any other nationality. Comparatively, Brazilians conduct their conversations online via email, messaging apps or social media.
Despite plane food having a bad reputation, seven out of ten interviewees said they were happy to eat up on the selection of in-flight snacks and meals. In-flight magazines were also popular with four out of five passengers.
The international flyers, who travelled on eight major airlines, did however express their desire for better in-flight entertainment. ''The industry has greatly improved the comfort, entertainment and onboard service, and passengers are accepting those improvements'' said Russell Lemieux, APEX executive director. ''At the same time, passengers are demanding more from their air travel experiences which will drive more improvements touching all aspects of the journey.'' he added.
1. What can you probably see in the flight according to the passage?| A．Brazilians choose to drink. | B．Americans do in-flight shopping. |
| C．Germans chat to kill the time. | D．The Chinese switch off the seat-belt sign. |
| A．most passengers like to read in-flight magazines |
| B．passengers from one nation have little in common |
| C．more than half of the passengers don’t enjoy plane food |
| D．most people tend to have a good sleep during in-flight time |
| A．Flyers care not a little about entertainment. |
| B．Flyers are expecting better flight experiences. |
| C．Flyers are not satisfied with the improvements. |
| D．Flyers have more and more demands from airlines. |
| A．To entertain readers with interesting stories. |
| B．To criticize impolite behaviors on the plane. |
| C．To encourage people to take flight if possible. |
| D．To inform readers about the results of a survey. |
6 . Reports tell us that Americans work more and vacation less than people in other major developed countries. Still millions of Americans do try to get away from home for a week or two in the summer months. Some might even have the time and money to spend longer on vacation.
For example, many retired(退休的) Americans can be found driving around the United States in big recreational vehicles, known as R.V's. These serve as a home away from home. In fact, It might even be their only home as they see the country.
Some American families get in their cars and drive to historic places like Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia. There, they can experience what life was like for early Americans. If that is not exciting enough, also in Williamsburg is a water park and an amusement park with rides.
Other Americans visit national parks like Yellowstone or Yosemite out in the West. They want to spend time with nature. Or they take their vacation by a lake or the ocean. They might swim or fish. But many just want to sit and enjoy the feeling of doing nothing, except maybe reading a book.
Some families fly to other countries on vacation. Or they go on a cruise ship and stop in different ports. Cruise ships are like floating cities.
But not everyone goes someplace special on vacation. This might be the only time for people to work on things like home improvement projects.And while they do that, they might think of all the fun their friends are having.
1. What can be the best title for the text?| A．Not all Americans take summer vacations. |
| B．Americans enjoy more work and less vacation. |
| C．Where Americans go on their summer vacations. |
| D．Different places have different summer vacations. |
| A．to visit historic places | B．to see the country |
| C．to stay by a lake | D．to visit national parks |
| A．People choose different places depending on different interests. |
| B．All the people just do nothing but relax themselves for vacations. |
| C．Not all Americans can afford time and money to go on a vacation. |
| D．People interested in history can have fun in Colonial Williamsburg. |
| A．They think of their work at home as a special kind of vacation. |
| B．They can imagine what fun their friends are having on vacation. |
| C．They fully enjoy doing their work on home improvement projects. |
| D．They might admire their friends for having time going on vacation. |
7 . USA TODAY 10Best's Readers Choice Awards are currently on hold.We asked our readers to vote for the top events across six categories:music,general food,specialty food,film,cultural and emerging industries(founded in the past five years).These are some of the winners:
Kutztown Folk Festival
The nine-day Kutztown Folk Festival is the nation's oldest continuously operated folk life festival,drawing visitors from around the globe.A celebration of Pennsylvania Dutch culture and heritage,the event includes America's largest quilt sale,200 craftsmen and folk artists,local food and family friendly entertainment.
Water Lantern Festival
The Water Lantern Festival is all about connections.Magical nights in cities across the US include food,live music and the beauty of thousands of lanterns decorated with letters of love, hope and dreams floating on the water.
Carnaval of Quebec
The Quebec Carnaval is a 10-day festival of winter,the world's largest,complete with nighl parades(庆祝游行），ice skating,snow sculptures and a towering ice palace.Other highlighls include ice canoe racing,a sugar shack and iconic Caribou drinks.
San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade
San Francisco has celebrated its Chinese heritage during its annual Chinese New Year Festival&Parade since just after the Gold Rush.The parade ranks among the best in the world, with 100 units,fancy costumes,fireworks and a 268-foot Golden Dragon,which takes a team of 100 men and women to march through the streets.It has become one of the largest events of its kind in the world,drawing some three million spectators and television viewers.
1. What can you see during Kutztown Folk Festival?| A．Modern arts. |
| B．Quilts for sale. |
| C．Traditional weddings. |
| D．Shows on stage. |
| A．Kutztown Folk Festival. |
| B．Carnaval of Quebec. |
| C．Water Lantern Festival. |
| D．San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade. |
| A．include special food |
| B．relate to parades |
| C．take place only at nights |
| D．have sculpture exhibitions |
8 . The annual celebration of St. Patrick's Day is coming soon to the Canton Tower. St. Patrick's Day is an Irish cultural and religious celebration occurring annually on March 17. The festival celebrates the life of St. Patrick, who helped the poor and taught the Irish people good things, The Lanton lower has become one of, the premier (最初的)party sites for this international and lively event. As part of the celebration, the tower will brighten the night with brilliant light shows. Participants (参加者)are sure to enjoy the festive Irish atmosphere.
As in the past years, camping lovers will gather to spend a night beneath the Canton Tower, The time for the camping adventure will be from 3 p. m. on March 17 to 9 a. m. on March 18. The event offers people a great chance to enjoy this special and free camping site.
Artists will perform a range of music with instruments played typically in Irish folk music, featuring tin whistles and wind pipes. Foodies also will be in for a treat, as the taste of traditional Irish food will surely attract everyone.
To celebrate this festival, dancers dressed in Irish green, the colour of Ireland, will pop up around the Canton Tower. The parade will go along the main streets and thousands of people will watch, waving flags. Good luck if you meet with these "green spirits."
1. What does the underlined word "parade" most probably mean in Paragraph 4?| A．A ceremonial group including people marching. |
| B．A traditional ceremony that is held every year. |
| C．A historical place where people often gather. |
| D．A programme specially designed by local people. |
| A．It. lies in the birthplace of St. Patrick in Ireland. |
| B．It's decorated with brilliant lights at night. |
| C．It's been a place to celebrate St. Patrick's Day for long. |
| D．It was first built on March 17 as a cultural site. |
| A．Artists waving flags. | B．Cooks making Irish food. |
| C．Pop stars singing. | D．People in green. |
| A．The Canton Tower. | B．St. Patrick's Day. |
| C．The Life of St. Patrick. | D．The Irish Tradition. |
9 . There are always stories in the life that can hardly be forgotten and will restore our hope for holidays every time we recollect.
Johnny and I, along with our two young sons, Barry and Doyle, lived in a village in southern Alabama in 1979. We had bought the boys a bicycle for the New Year, and had hidden it in the garage ,where Johnny would assemble (组装)it on New Year5 s Eve after the kids fell asleep. But that day, Johnny had to go to Brookley Air Force Base in Mobile, an hour away, to repair a jet. I had my hands busy with baking, preparing for holiday dinner and caring for two energetic boys.
Just as I was making the chocolate cake, a neighbor knocked on the door. It was Beatrice, who was the only person on our road with a telephone. The base had called to say that a heavy tool had come apart suddenly, hitting Johnny's arm and breaking the bone. My brother Otto took me to the base hospital while my mother stayed with the children.
We got there to find Johnny with a cast (石膏)on his arm, anxious to get home regardless of the doctor's orders. It was New Year's Eve, Johnny argued, and he had the bike to assemble for his boys. The doctor said he'd consider dismissing him the next morning if Johnny could find someone to drive him home. On New Year's morning, Johnny called the base and was told everyone was off duty； there was no one to drive him home. Johnny kept making calls. At last, a big blue car with the Air Force sign rolled up.
I was putting dinner on the table when hearing the car. We were thrilled to see Johnny assisted by a uniformed Air Force officer. With Otto's help, Johnny assembled the boy's gift, and they all had a good time that afternoon. Our hearts were full of gratitude to the people who had gone the extra mile to bring us together.
1. What had Johnny planned to do on New Year's Eve?| A．Repair a jet. | B．Buy his sons a bike. |
| C．Prepare a surprise gift. | D．Assemble a bike with his sons. |
| A．To relay a message. | B．To make a phone call. |
| C．To lend out her telephone. | D．To take the author to the hospital. |
| A．Diligent | B．Stubborn | C．Considerate | D．Complicated |
| A．A Hard - won New Year Present | B．A Treasured New Year Memory |
| C．An Unexpected New Year Dinner | D．A Life - changing New Year Experience |
10 . Taking a vacation is a perfect way to help family members connected with one another, which is especially important when you consider the effects it has on children.
The following will help you know how to choose the right vacation for bringing your family together.
Making the time
With summer filled with school work there are fewer times available for families to take vacations together.
Choosing the location
The first step you'll want to take is picking a place. There are plenty of choices, but one of the best choices is a place connected to the outdoors.
Setting some goals
One thing you don't want is your children not getting along well with each other. Often the best solution is to keep your schedule full and include different activities. Perhaps include your children's opinions on what they want to do.
Family vacations can lead to a real turning point for family members providing a memorable experience that also makes everyone happier.
| A．Keeping the kids happy |
| B．Planning some great activities |
| C．So, next time you plan your trip, plan accordingly. |
| D．But winter and spring provide their own opportunities |
| E．There are plenty of activities that are fun for the whole family. |
| F．You can take a hike, watch wildlife, or camp outside with your kids |
| G．Vacation shouldn’t just be about getting away from work or seeing sights. |
