1 . The traditional Chinese solar calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms. Start of Autumn, the 13th solar term, reflects the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. The fruitful season is approaching. The following are several things you should know about it.
“Autumn Tiger”
Although Start of Autumn indicates the beginning of autumn, hot weather won’t come to an end. The period of hot days after Start of Autumn, is called “Autumn Tiger”. Because of decreasing rainfall, it is even more sweltering (闷热的) during this period than during Major Heat.
Eating longans
The Start of Autumn period is harvest time for Taiwan longan. People believe that eating longan will help their children become senior officials.
Eating red beans
Starting from the Tang Dynasty and the Song Dynasty, people in Yiwu, Zhejiang province, have eaten red beans on Start of Autumn day. They take 7 to 14 little beans, swallowing them with well water. When taking the beans, one must face west, it is said, so as not to get dysentery (痢疾) during the autumn.
Eating gourds (葫芦)
During the Qing Dynasty, people would put gourds outside for a day before the Start of Autumn, and eat them on Start of Autumn day to drive off the summer heat.
Today people in Tianjin still keep this custom, believing that eating melons such as towel gourd, white gourd and bitter gourd can prevent diarrhea (腹泻) in autumn.
1. What causes “Autumn Tiger” according to the passage?| A．The reducing rainfall. | B．The ending of summer. |
| C．The approaching autumn. | D．The beginning of the solar term. |
| A．To avoid heat. | B．To keep the custom. |
| C．To prevent diseases. | D．To help children become senior officials. |
| A．Sports. | B．Culture. | C．Entertainment. | D．Politics. |
2 . Chinese Teapot Escaping from British Museum Goes Viral
Chinese state media has praised a viral video series telling the story of a jade teapot coming to life and fleeing the British Museum to make its way back home.
The set of three short videos, entitled Escape from the British Museum, shows the teapot turning into a young woman in a green dress, who then engages a London-based Chinese journalist to help her reunite with her family. It appears to have struck a chord (弦) in China after first being released by independent vloggers on Douyin. By Monday evening, it had reportedly received more than 310 million views. The plot line taps into growing Chinese criticism of the British Museum after reports last month that more than 1,500 priceless objects, including gold jewelry, semi-precious stones and glass, were missing, stolen or damaged.
In August the state media Global Times called for the return of Chinese artifacts from the museum “free of charge” in the wake of the controversy. “The huge holes in the management and security of cultural objects in the British Museum exposed by this scandal (丑闻) have led to the collapse of a long-standing and widely circulated claim that ‘foreign cultural objects are better protected in the British Museum’,” it said. It strongly supported the video series for touching on a “powerful message” about the importance of cultural heritage and reflecting “Chinese people’s desiring for the repatriation of the Chinese cultural relics.”
State broadcaster CCTV also gave the short films a glowing review saying: “We are very pleased to see Chinese young people are passionate about history and tradition... We are also looking forward to the early return of Chinese artifacts that have been displayed overseas.”
The museum scandal made headlines around the world and reawakened earlier demands by the Chinese media to restore the country’s relics. The new three-part show has triggered a wave of nationalism among viewers, with many praising the creative plot that reduced them to tears by showing how the teapot experienced the happiness of returning to China to see pandas and watch a flag-raising ceremony on Tiananmen Square.
1. What excuse does Britain give for keeping other nations’ cultural objects in its museum?| A．It has taken possession of these objects by all lawful means. |
| B．These objects are safer and taken better care of in its museum. |
| C．It is requested by other nations to protect their cultural objects. |
| D．These objects may come to life, flee their countries and go viral. |
| A．Repair. | B．Reflection. | C．Reserve. | D．Return. |
| A．China had already demanded the restoration of its cultural relics before the scandal. |
| B．The museum’s awful management and security systems are involved in the scandal. |
| C．The Britain Museum is under pressure to return the cultural relics to China sooner or later. |
| D．A London-based Chinese journalist has contributed a lot to the viral three-part video series. |
| A．To appeal to Britain to return China’s cultural objects. |
| B．To introduce a viral video series about a fleeing jade teapot. |
| C．To arouse readers’ concern about Chinese cultural objects abroad. |
| D．To praise Chinese young people’s passion for history and tradition. |
3 . Want good luck in 2023? Hit the kitchen. Throughout the world, New Year’s day means celebrating with traditional foods. For your holiday menu, greet the new year with the following foods.
Fish
The Chinese eat fish because the word for “fish” sounds like the word for “a large quantity”. But in other cultures, the custom results from the practicality of cod s (鳕鱼) easy preservation. Among the fishy dishes out there are: boiled cod in Denmark, dried salted cod in Italy, and seafood salad in Sweden.
Grapes
In the early 1900s, Spanish grape growers had a good harvest, and there was born a tradition. When the clock strikes midnight, revelers (狂欢者) pick up a grape for every strike, with each of the twelve grapes representing a month of the coming year. If the particular grape is especially sweet, you can expect an especially happy month matching which grape it was. For example, if the second grape was sweeter than the rest, your February will bring you much happiness.
Beans
Speaking of money, it couldn’t hurt to pair cash with coins. That’s the idea behind eating foods that are small and round. Italians and Germans eat small beans, while the Japanese prefer sweet black beans. In the American South, eating black-eyed peas is thought to bring success, a tradition which started with Sephardi Jews who moved to Georgia in the 1700s.
Cake
What’s a meal without dessert? The meal for the New Year’s Day, commonly a round cake completes the meal. You’ll find pastries in the Netherlands, Poland and Italy. Some cultures hide a meaningful treasure within, and whoever gets it is guaranteed a great year. In Greece, look out for a coin; in Scandinavia, a nut is buried in rice pudding.
1. According to the text, which of the following is TRUE?| A．The custom of eating fish has its origin in China. |
| B．Spanish grapes were used to celebrate a good harvest. |
| C．Small and round beans were used as a kind of coins. |
| D．The meal for the New Year’s Day often ends up with a round cake. |
| A．symbolize good fortune | B．promote national development |
| C．are beneficial to a balanced diet | D．are popular throughout the world |
| A．Food recipes. | B．Historical stories. |
| C．Traffic and holidays. | D．Culture and customs. |
4 . Rookery Bay Festival of Birds
January 1-31
Join Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and partners in January for the2023 Festival of Birds. All month long, festival participants can enjoy expert speaker presentations and virtual live adventures online. This 19th annual event is hybrid, so you can join Rookery Bay Research Reserve from wherever you are! A festival pass is required and it includes free admission to the Environmental Learning Center all month long!
Virtual lectures
● Brown Pelican Biology by Rochelle Streker(1/6,2:00—2:45 pm)
● Audubon Florida’s Rooftop Nesting Program by Rebekah Snyder(1/7,2:00—2:45 pm)
● Birds Need Natural Climate Solutions by Renee Wilson(1/13,2:00——2:45 pm)
●The Race to Save Seabirds Around the Globe by Ada m DiNuovo(1/19,2:00—2:45 pm)
● Birding Coast to Coast: The Life of a Big Year Birder by David McQuade(1/27,5:30—7:00 pm)
Live from the Field (1/11, 1/19 and 1/26, 11 :00 11 : 45 am). Join Rookery BayResearch Reserve staff behind the scenes to observe how species and habitats in the Reserve are monitored and conserved for future generations.
Included with your Festival of Birds pass- $ 50
● Children’s Book Author Signing
● Bird Banding Demonstration
● Eco-Tours: boat tours at Rookery Bay Research Reserve
● Access to 24 trips to Area Hotspots (additional fees may apply): Big Cypress NaturePreserve, Bunche Beach Preserve, Clam Pass Park, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, DonnaFiala Eagle Lakes Community Park, Harns Marsh, Rookery Bay Research Reserve, and Tigertail Beach.
Notice: If you purchase your festival pass and use your unique festival code to register, you will receive a 10% discount.
1. What is special about the Festival of Birds?| A．It offers free children’s books to participants. |
| B．It lasts for almost three months each year. |
| C．It consists of both lectures and field trips. |
| D．It has been celebrated for 19 years so far. |
| A．David McQuade. | B．Rochelle Streker. |
| C．Rebekah Snyder. | D．Adam DiNuovo. |
| A．$40. | B．$45. | C．$50. | D．$55. |
5 . This Summer’s Classical Music Festivals around Europe
Edinburgh International Festival, Scotland
Edinburgh International Festival is Edinburgh’s arts offering, and in 2023 welcomes violinist Nicola Benedetti in her first year as festival director. Picking up the baton (指挥棒) from previous director, Fergus Linehan, the Scotish violinist has described the role as “the honour and responsibility of a lifetime” and she is—perhaps unbelievably —the first Scottish and the first female festival director since the festival began in 1947.
August 4-August 27, eif.co.uk
Verbier Festival, Switzerland
The festival, marking its 30th anniversary, has become known for attracting the biggest soloists (独奏者) in the world. But the real magic of Verbier is connecting great musicians at the height of their careers with young artists through the Verbier Festival Academy. This year, 223 students from all over the world will receive training and attend master classes with the greats.
July 14-July 30, verbierfestival.com
Puccini Festival, Italy
Since 1930, the festival has been presenting Puccini’s masterpieces to crowds of thousands every summer. We’re picturing the Italian summer days closing with a gentle warmth, accompanied by fine opera and a cool glass of wine in hand, and the waters of Lake Massaciuccoli and the Tyrrhenian Sea rippling nearby.
July 14-August 26, puccinifestival.it
Granada International Festival, Spain
In 2023, as in previous years, the festival will team up with University of Granada to invite students to take part in the Manuel de Falla Courses, which offer master classes and workshops in composition, musical analysis, performance and more.
July 21-August 19, granadafestival.org
1. What is special about this year’s Edinburgh International Festival?| A．The performers. | B．The tailored baton. |
| C．The woman director. | D．Edinburgh’s art works. |
| A．They have a history of 30 years. | B．They are hosted by universities. |
| C．They allow guests to sing solos. | D．They provide students with masterclasses. |
| A．Verbier Festival. | B．Granada International Festival. |
| C．Puccini Festival. | D．Edinburgh International Festival. |
6 . The minutes leading up to a vacation are often an exciting time. As people check their homes and pack the last items into their suitcases, they often dream about the fun times that lie ahead. In Russia, however, there is one final step that people take to ensure a good trip. Before they walk out the door, Russians take a brief pause and silently sit on their suitcases for a few moments.
“Sidet’na chemodanakh” or “sitting on suitcases” is an ancient custom that will be a familiar ritual to anyone who grew up in Russia, or any migrant family that obeyed motherland customs. This unusual ritual started hundreds of years ago. In the years before Christianity, Russians believed that good and evil spirits lived inside their homes. They thought that the key to living a good life was to keep these spirits happy at all costs. If a person rushed out of his or her home before a trip, there was a good chance they would forget something. When that person returned a few minutes later to get it, they would disturb the evil spirits in the home. In response, the spirits might follow them out the door and accompany them on their trip. Since the spirits were offended by the person, they would bring them bad luck and possibly cause them harm.
Although many years have passed since suitcase sitting began, the practice continues to this day. As the Soviet Empire grew during the Cold War, suitcase sitting even spread throughout Eastern Europe. Although it is rooted in superstition (迷信), suitcase sitting is actually quite practical. It can prevent people from forgetting passports, plane tickets, or other items that are needed during trip. In addition, it also provides a brief moment of relaxation that can help get a journey started on the right foot. Besides that, if someone has packed too many clothes, suitcase sitting can help get it zipped up.
1. What is this passage mainly about?| A．A spirit that might annoy anyone living in Russia. |
| B．A popular vacation spot in ancient Russia. |
| C．An old tradition that is based on scientific research. |
| D．A habit meant to bring good luck to travelers. |
| A．Right | B．Justice | C．Tradition | D．Characteristic |
| A．To test the strength of their suitcases. |
| B．To keep spirits from following them. |
| C．To invite good spirits to come on vacation. |
| D．To ask spirits to protect their homes. |
| A．It spread superstition across the world. |
| B．It is practiced outside of Russia as well. |
| C．It started in Russia many years ago. |
| D．It is not based on Christian ideas. |
| A．It’s an old practice that should be forgotten. |
| B．It is necessary for travelers’ right foot. |
| C．It makes people stressed out before a trip. |
| D．It has benefits that everyone can experience |
7 . In China under imperial rule, National Day was a celebration of the Emperor’s birthday or his rise to the throne. On October 1, 1949, Mao Zedong declared the formation of the People’s Republic of China.
The first seven days of October are referred to as the Golden Week. This is a time of travel and leisure that is celebrated differently in various parts of China. People in cities often travel to rural areas to relax and enjoy the quiet surroundings. People from urban areas also travel to other cities throughout China to take part in celebrations.
Beijing’s National Day festivals are filled with military performances, food vendors, live music, and various other activities. In Beijing and other cities, musical and dance concerts are held to celebrate National Day. Crafts, painting, and a range of other activities can be enjoyed by people of various ages.
In addition to patriotic celebrations, National Day in China is also a time for people to enjoy being with their families. Family members of all ages will often use this as an opportunity to travel to a central location to reconnect after months of working.
Although National Day is entered around patriotism and China’s history, National Day is also a time of shopping.
| A．On the evening, a grand and elaborate fireworks demonstration is performed. |
| B．Beijing is the center of the largest National Day activities. |
| C．Many companies offer very large discounts on products during Golden Week. |
| D．Ever since then, the first day of October has been a day of patriotism and national celebration. |
| E．On National Day, thousands of soldiers and civilians take part in the massive parades. |
| F．This helps eliminate the stress of work and helps make sure that families remain close. |
| G．China celebrates the Chinese National Day on October 1st every year, |
8 . Few parlor games (室内游戏) have left a larger global impact than mahjong, which is at once a mainstay at immigrant family gatherings.
Mahjong is a four-player game that, like poker, operates on the interplay between chance and skill. Chinese icons are visible in tiles’(麻将牌) “suits”, which include bamboos and circles, which represent ancient Chinese currency; arrows or “dragons”, which symbolize the ancient art of archery; and flowers, which represent the four Confucian plants, including chrysanthemum and orchid.
There are more than 40 versions of the game across the world, according to Annelise Heinz, author of the bestselling Mahjong: A Chinese Game and the Making of Modern American Culture. She says the material connection and core tile design keep it recognizable.
The rhythms of mahjong are especially conducive to building community, Heinz says. Whereas the shuffling of cards in between poker games takes mere seconds, mahjong players must sit through extended pauses to reset tiles after every round. The interval encourages conversation.
In the early 1920s, American businessman Joseph P. Babcock brought the game to the U.S., where it became an “enormous national fad” that Heinz says reflected the country’s shifting cultural norms. Dubbed “the game of a hundred intelligences” and “the gift of heaven”, the first imported mahjong sets quickly sold out at Abercrombie & Fitch in New York City.
Over the past century in the US, mahjong has changed into a staple that extends far beyond the Chinese immigrant family. More recently, the record-shattering 2018 romantic comedy Crazy Rich Asians, which features a crucial mahjong scene, brought the game back into popular culture, fueling interest among Asian American millennials and Gen Zers. Mahjong’s lasting popularity, Heinz says, speaks to rapid cultural changes that have unfolded over the past century. “It also offers a kind of hopeful vision of positive identity building and community building that this game can be a part of into the future,” she says.
1. Which of the following is the synonym for underlined word “mainstay” in Para.1?| A．Backbone | B．Guest | C．Maintainer | D．Decoration |
| A．Confucian plants and thoughts. |
| B．Chinese arrows or “dragons”. |
| C．Ancient forms of art. |
| D．Ancient Chinese currency. |
| A．Quick shuffling between rounds. |
| B．Extended pauses to reset tiles. |
| C．Interplay between chance and skill. |
| D．Complex game rules and strategy. |
| A．The rhythms of mahjong is catchy. |
| B．The imported mahjong sets are costly. |
| C．It is outdated for the young generations. |
| D．It is widely influential and promising. |
9 . To celebrate the Thanksgiving Day, there’re a lot of things to experience in the River City Richmond in the state of Virginia.
Holiday Light Show
There’s a feast of LED-light displays at the Holiday Light Show, through New Year’s Eve at the Richmond Raceway Complex. It celebrates diverse holiday traditions. There’s about a mile of lights, and it takes just under a half hour to ride through. It opens at 5 pm each night, and admission in advance is $25 per carload, or $62.50 for unlimited admissions.
Good Burger Market
“Welcome to Good Burger, home of the Good Burger. Can I take your order?” That line from the 1997 film Good Burger brings us a feeling of nostalgia (怀旧). The upcoming shopping event on November 26, Good Burger Market, is from the idea of the funny film, from noon to 5 pm, when CobbleStore Vintage and Last Pick Vintage will host the Good Burger Market, featuring local vendors (小贩), live tunes and burgers.
Model Railroad Show
The 45th annual Model Railroad Show rolls back into the Science Museum of Virginia for the weekend. This year’s show features train displays, steam engine displays, a live train scene and rides on the Teddy Bear Express, tracking the technological footprint. Entry to the show is included with a general admission ticket, but registration is required from 9:30 am to 4:15 pm on November 25, 26 and 27. Ticket prices vary.
Symphony Pops Concert
Kick off the holiday season with the Symphony Pops Concert “Let It Snow” on November 26 and 27 at the Carpenter Theatre. The symphony will perform holiday classics and songs. Before the concert, bring the kids to the “Cocoa with Jack Frost & the Snow Queen” event. There’ll also be cookie decorating, crafts, and games. Concert tickets are $10-$85, and tickets for the “Cocoa with Jack Frost & the Snow Queen” event are $31-$35.
1. How will the visitors experience the holiday light show?| A．By walking. | B．By boat. | C．By helicopter. | D．By car. |
| A．Holiday Light Show. | B．Good Burger Market. |
| C．Model Railroad Show. | D．Symphony Pops Concert. |
| A．At the Richmond Raceway Complex. | B．At CobbleStore Vintage. |
| C．At the Virginia Museum. | D．At the Carpenter Theatre. |
10 . Many people still remember the magic of Father Christmas from when they were children. As parents, they try to keep that magic alive for their children for as long as they can.
That is why Letters from Father Christmas could be the perfect book for those who regard Christmas as a special time of year. The man who wrote these letters is one of the most famous names in English literature — J.R.R. Tolkien, author of The Lord of the Rings. The letters were Tolkien’s way of keeping Father Christmas alive for his four children, over a period of more than twenty years.
Every Christmas, an envelope with a North Pole stamp arrived. It was addressed to Tolkien’s children. Who could it be from? The children must have been very excited as they opened it. Inside, they would find a handwritten letter from Father Christmas. The letters were also beautifully illustrated—each must have taken its true author, Tolkien, a long time to complete.
The letters told wonderful stories about Father Christmas’s life and adventures at the North Pole. A regular character in the letters was Polar Bear, who once climbed the North Pole (an actual pole in this case) and fell through the roof of Father Christmas’s house. In another letter, Father Christmas complained about how he could not stop his helpers playing games with the toys instead of wrapping them up. Interestingly, the letters did not contain the usual warnings to children that they might not receive their presents if they were not good. The letters did, however, change as Tolkien’s children got older：
...but if you find that not many of the things you asked for have come, and not perhaps quite as many as sometimes, remember that this Christmas all over the world here are a terrible number of poor and starving people.
Letters from Father Christmas tells us that as well as enjoying the adventures of Father Christmas, Polar Bear and other characters at the North Pole, we can all share the true spirit of giving at Christmas time. By expressing love for his children in such a special way, Tolkien may indeed have been the real Father Christmas.
1. What is Tolkien famous for?| A．His novel The Lord of the Rings. | B．His letters to Father Christmas. |
| C．His fantasy childhood memories. | D．His introduction to Father Christmas. |
| A．They were sent from Father Christmas. | B．They were wrapped up in good boxes. |
| C．It was hard to write the different stories. | D．The beautiful pictures were hard to make. |
| A．Life will be easy if you work hard. | B．It’s no use complaining about life. |
| C．We should learn to give care to others. | D．Children love presents with pictures. |
| A．He addressed all his letters to Father Christmas. |
| B．He showed his love for his children in a special way. |
| C．He got others to know some people were starving. |
| D．He discovered the spirit of Father Christmas. |
