1 . Here are four festival s around the world that can offer you special and unique experiences.

Carnival of Oruro, Bolivia       

As one of the largest events in South America which has been held since the 18th century, it was recognized by UNESCO as a masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Every year, dozens of groups wear colorful costumes or masks and perform folk dances that draw crowds up to 400,000 annually, celebrating pre-Columbian traditions.

Underwater Music Festival, the USA       

It starts from 1985 and its founder took music festival s to a whole new level with the aim to protect the corals (珊瑚). The event houses radio playlists and ocean-themed songs streaming live from underwater speakers along with musician-divers and local people playing instruments with strange shapes.

Day of the Little Candles, Colombia

This festival can date back to 1854 and Colombia’s windows, balconies, and sidewalks would come alive on the night of every December 7. And houses and streets are decorated with candles in varying colors and paper lanterns by families. Many people also consider it the unofficial start of the Christmas season when cities and towns debut (初次登场) their Christmas lights and decorations.

World Toe Wrestling Championship, England

This competition is not a new competition, with its history going back to 1976. The sport involves two opponents who lock feet in an attempt to pin each other’s foot down in the least time possible, similar to arm wrestling. There are three rounds played on a best of 2 out of 3 bases. Rounds kick-start with the right foot, then left and followed by right again.

1. What do we know about Carnival of Oruro?

A．It features colorful costumes and folk dances.

B．It is a time for families to reunite.

C．It is no use for the local economy.

D．It only has one single presentation.

2. What does Day of the Little Candles feature?

A．Body strength.	B．Colorful candles.
C．Underwater creatures.	D．Christmas goods.

3. Which festival has the shortest history?

A．Carnival of Oruro.	B．Day of the Little Candles.
C．Underwater Music Festival.	D．World Toe Wrestling Championship.

2 . UNESCO has added Italian opera singing, along with more than 50 other practices from around the world, to its list of Intangible (无形的) Cultural Heritage. The agency created the list in 2008 to help safeguard traditions, festivals, rites of passage, art forms and other practices across the globe. It also recognizes culturally and historically significant buildings, structures and properties with its well-known list of World Heritage Sites. It originates from the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2023.

With UNESCO’s decision, opera singing joins several other Italian traditions on the list, like pizza making. “Performed by people of all genders, Italian opera singing is associated with specific facial expressions and body gestures and involves a combination of music, drama, acting and staging,” writes UNESCO.

The practice dates back to the Medici family in Florence in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Jacopo Peri’s Dafne, which was performed for the Medicis in 1598, is considered the first Italian opera. “This is a confirmation of what we’ve already known: Opera singing is a world excellence,” says Gennaro Sangiuliano, Italy’s culture minister, in a statement.

A wide variety of cultural practices, food dishes and festivals also made the list at UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage meeting in Botswana. The committee narrowed down nominations submitted by 72 nations, ultimately selecting 55 to add to the list. The full list now includes 730 practices from 145 countries. Six of the new additions are “in need of urgent safeguarding”, according to UNESCO. These include Syrian glassblowing, olive cultivation in Türkiye and a traditional Malaysian performance called Mek Mulung. The non-urgent additions include several annual events, such as the Rotterdam Summer Carnival in the Netherlands, the Sango Festival of Oyo in Nigeria, the Junkanoo in the Bahamas and the Shuwalid festival in Ethiopia.

1. Why was Italian opera singing added to the UNESCO’s list?

A．To prove its perfection.	B．To preserve this art form.
C．To strengthen its competitiveness.	D．To celebrate this art’s 20th anniversary.

2. What does UNESCO mention about Italian opera singing in paragraph 2?

A．Its features.

B．Its prospects.

C．Its origin.

D．Its cost.

3. What can we infer about Italian opera singing from Gennaro Sangiuliano’s words?

A．It has a long history.	B．It awaits confirmation.
C．It has received high recognition.	D．It comes from a well-known performance.

4. Which of the following is the best title for the text?

A．The Art Forms in Italy

B．The Introduction to UNESCO

C．730 Practices Are Ready to Be Added to the UNESCO’s List

D．The UNESCO’s List Welcomes Italian Opera Singing & Other Practices

3 . With the arrival of the summer heat, cultural-themed ice creams are once again trending across social media platforms in China.

Museums, scenic spots, amusement parks and even universities have once again rolled out their unique cultural-themed ice creams this year. These ice creams are often tiny copies of famous landmarks or cultural relies that offer visitors a delight for the taste buds.

The trend of cultural-themed ice creams began in 2019 when the Old Summer Palace in Beijing was one of the first scenic spots in China to introduce lotus-shaped ice creams. It was inspired by that in 2017 eleven ancient lotus(莲花)seeds were discovered in a pool at the Old Summer Palace. Six of these ancient lotus seeds bloomed in the summer of 2019. So to mark the occasion, staff at the Old Summer Palace designed ice creams shaped like lotus blossoms. These ice creams were widely loved by visitors, not only serving as a cold treat but also offering a unique way for visitors to sample and connect with their cultural heritage.

To protect their cultural relics, many museums have put up signs prohibiting photography or the use of a flash. However, cultural-themed ice creams provide an alternative way for visitors to catch memories of their visit. Various flavors offer visitors a choice of colors and ingredients for the ice cream, which reflect the local characteristics and charm of these cold treats. It is also suggested by the museums that the visitors can take the carved ice cream bars home with them to use as bookmarks.

For many young people, taking photos of themselves standing alongside cultural landmarks is an artistic preference from their parents’ generation. To them, a selfie(自拍)with a cultural -themed ice cream is a much cooler way to show off their travel experiences and bridge the gap between modern life and distant historical relics.

1. What can we learn about cultural-themed ice creams from the first two paragraphs?

A．Visitors spend much money on them.	B．They may be shaped like landmarks.
C．Visitors are eager to try their taste.	D．They are made due to summer heat.

2. What inspired the idea of cultural-themed ice creams?

A．The Old Summer Palace.	B．The wide love by visitors.
C．The blossoms of the six seeds.	D．The discovery of ancient lotus.

3. For what are cultural-themed ice creams well-received?

A．Protecting cultural relics.	B．Remembering one’s visit.
C．Being used as bookmarks.	D．Offering visitors various flavors.

4. Why do the youth take the selfie with a cultural-themed ice cream?

A．To do something different.	B．To bridge the gap with their parents.
C．To show off their cooler way to travel.	D．To show their connection with culture.

4 . Culture shock is the experience that often accompanies moving to an unfamiliar place. It could be marked by feeling lost, anxious or hesitant.     1     You’ll become accustomed to the same things that initially “shocked” you! Read on for tips for overcoming culture shock in a short time.

When deciding to visit an entirely new place, don’t expect the traditions and cultures followed by your current home to be followed by the new land.     2     So keep your expectations low.

Even though it is an unfamiliar environment hosting different cultures and traditions from the one you’re used to, it’s vital to broaden your mind and be willing to try new things. Don’t be quick to form discriminatory judgments just because it is “odd”. Have a go at something different, like a food or clothing — different isn’t necessarily bad.     3    

Social psychologists claim that lack of information is the biggest contributor to prejudices. Talk to the local population and ask them about how their culture works instead of assuming the worst.     4     Plus, you’ll make some friends who can ease your transformation.

Keep yourself open-minded, await new experiences and familiarize yourself with the conduct of the people.     5     Go out there and have fun!

A．Integrity breaks down barriers.

B．You can gain insight into your surroundings.

C．Culture shock will eventually disappear, though.

D．Every city or country has its own values and beliefs.

E．Never do you know where you might find an interest.

F．Consequently, such memories are what you should treasure.

G．As long as you stick to that, you’ll soon adjust to the new culture.

5 . Literary festivals all over the USA offer opportunities for readers to meet their favorite authors and learn about their new projects. You can start planning your next literary vacation!

Summer Words
Dates: June 19-22
Price: Free

It’s one of America’s most respected literary festivals and writing conferences. Authors are able to attend advanced workshops in order to improve the craft of writing. Besides, they can meet editors and literary agents and attend public panel discussions to gain inspiration and insight.

Book Bonanza
Dates: June 23-24
Price: $250

It is a celebration of books covering multiple styles and always nets a huge list of incredible author attendees. What makes it stand out, however, is not just its impressive list of attendees: it’s the charitable focus. All proceeds are donated to charitable causes, including those that benefit women and children.

Los Angeles Times Festival of Books
Dates: April 22-23
Price: Free, although indoor panels will require tickets

It is a massive celebration of books and the bookish community, with book signings, panel discussions with distinguished professors and experts, art performances and book giveaways. The two-day event has grown to become an essential element of the L.A. cultural scene.

Imaginarium Book Festival
Dates: May 20-21
Price: Free, but VIP tickets for early entry to signing rooms ($45), tickets for the brunch ($50)

It celebrates all things about fantasy and science fiction. In addition to panels where authors will answer your questions, you’ll get to meet and acquire signed books from your favorite authors and have the option of brunching with them at the cosmic (宇宙的) brunch buffet.

1. In which literary festival can you catch a show?

A．Summer Words.

B．Book Bonanza.

C．Los Angeles Times Festival of Books.

D．Imaginarium Book Festival.

2. What is special about Book Bonanza?

A．Its profits go to charity.

B．It’s meant for women and children.

C．It doesn’t charge admission fee.

D．It features workshops for notable writers.

3. What can you do in Imaginarium Book Festival?

A．Get an author-signed photograph.

B．Dine with your admiring writers.

C．Interact with science fiction supermen.

D．Obtain one-on-one reading training.

6 . Recently, I was walking with some parents when we came across a five-pound note lying on the ground. We stood around it for a moment, a bit awkwardly, until someone suggested putting it on a nearby bench. Then one of the parents remarked that we’d probably have behaved differently — that is, we would have just taken the money — had we been alone.

This relates to a classic question in studies of human generosity: do we behave more selfishly when we aren’t being observed? The debate goes on across the psychological and biological sciences, as well as in popular culture, about whether kindness can exist in a competitive world.

Yom Kippur is a Jewish (犹太人的) religious holiday when Jewish people fast and ask for forgiveness for the wrongs they’ve committed. One of the points of Yom Kippur is to behave better regardless of who is watching. There’s an evolutionary beauty to the teachings of Yom Kippur, which are the products of thousands of years of cultural changes and evolution.

The Maasai people of Kenya practice osotua: relationships between people that operate based on need. When someone forms an osotua relationship with another, they enter into an unwritten contract to help their partner in times of need. And hunter-gatherer groups, which can represent the circumstances our species evolved in, have many similar examples.

Cultural evolution helps to explain the existence and complexity of these systems. Cultural changes are far faster than biological evolution, allowing intelligent species like humans to develop behavioral adaptations for managing complex social environments. Osotua, or any other practice that helps to maintain good treatment of others in society, is the result of tens of thousands of years of cultural trial and error. The customs passed down over time are those that help us to develop as cultural groups.

The study of those changes has helped us to understand how we successfully spread around the world as cooperative groups. Biological evolution has helped humans be more cooperative, but cultural changes have accelerated this process.

Cultural evolution helps us to overcome our selfish natures. Try to understand rules before you ignore them — and next time you find a fiver on the ground, you might think about the awkward situation your discovery represents.

1. What made the parents feel a bit awkward?

A．The difficulty sharing the money.

B．The difficulty finding the owner of the money.

C．The thought of putting the money on the bench.

D．The thought of keeping the money for themselves.

2. Why is “Yom Kippur” talked about in the text?

A．To highlight a fact.	B．To draw a conclusion.
C．To make a comparison.	D．To support an argument.

3. How is biological evolution different from cultural evolution?

A．It evolves much slower.	B．It takes much less time.
C．It is a more complex process.	D．It makes humans more cooperative.

4. What does the author intend to explain in the text?

A．How cultural evolution takes place.	B．Why people sometimes behave selfishly.
C．Why kindness exists in a competitive world.	D．How kindness spreads throughout the world.

7 . The first word on an ancient Roman scroll carbonized by Mount Vesuvius’ eruption in 79 C.E. has recently been decoded, opening the door to eventually decoding the rest of the texts which haven’t been read in the past 2,000 years.

The scroll, along with some 800 scrolls unearthed in the ancient Roman city of Herculaneum, looks more like a burnt log. It’s so fragile (易碎的) that it would fall apart if researchers tried to unroll it. Early attempts to unroll and read it caused irreversible (不可逆的) damage and no such attempts have been made since the 19th century.

Brent Seales, a computer scientist from the University of Kentucky has been perfecting CT scan technology to see what’s inside the scrolls without actually touching them, a process he calls “virtual unwrapping”. Because commonly the ink contains metal, it can be seen on Seales’ CT scans. Unfortunately, the Herculaneum scrolls were written in carbon-based ink made from charcoal (木炭) and water. When Seales scanned them, nothing appeared to the naked eye.

Earlier this year, Seales’ team launched “the Vesuvius Challenge”, encouraging people to use AI to further explore researchers’ scans. In early August, a contestant called Casey Handmer got a reward of $10,000 for being “the first person to find substantial, convincing evidence of ink within the unopened scrolls.” As a follow-up, a 21-year-old computer science student Luke Farritor drew inspiration from his discovery and created a machine-learning algorithm (算法) that identified ten clear letters spelled as the English word “purple”, marking the first dive into an unopened ancient book.

These discoveries are critical steps toward decoding the remaining unopened scrolls. “Some 95 percent of the material from this important philosophical periods of humanity is lost,” says Robert Fowler, a classicist at the University of Bristol. “Recovering them would transform our knowledge of the ancient world in ways we can hardly imagine. The impact could be as great as the rediscovery of manuscripts during the Renaissance,” he adds.

1. Which of the following can be the reason why the scroll has become fragile?

A．It was made of a burnt log.	B．It was unearthed 200 years ago.
C．It was unrolled by some researchers.	D．It was carbonized by a volcanic eruption.

2. Why were Seales’ scans unable to read Herculaneum scrolls?

A．Because the scrolls were wet with water.

B．Because the carbon-based ink dirtied the scrolls.

C．Because the writing material contained no metal.

D．Because virtual wrappers were touched by hands.

3. What is mainly talked about in paragraph 4?

A．The influence of the research.	B．The further plans to unroll the scrolls.
C．The reason for launching the program.	D．The process of decoding the text with AI.

4. What does Robert Fowler think of these discoveries?

A．Imaginary.

B．Groundbreaking.

C．Conventional.

D．Unidentifiable.

8 . The sunmao (榫卯) method of joinery was commonly used in ancient Chinese architecture and furniture. But when modern technology discourages many in mastering this ancient skill, Jia Jing, a junior student at Hubei Ecology Polytechnic College, offers his answer.

“It is essential to train young people in this craft,” said the 20-year-old. “Not only does it ensure the preservation of carpentry (木工) skills, but there exist delicate wooden artifacts from ancient times that machines still cannot repeat.”

Growing up in a family with a carpenter father, Jia would constantly observe his father doing woodwork and sometimes assist him. This early exposure ignited (点燃) his passion and talent for carpentry. But as a child, he couldn’t build furniture on his own. So, he conveyed this passion into building with Lego bricks at the age of 8.

“At that time, I would think before going to bed about what I would build tomorrow,” Jia recalled. “I brainstormed a framework in my mind, and the next day I would start building it.”

This hobby significantly benefited Jia’s future furniture-making skills. Before making any piece, Jia can quickly sketch a draft in his mind, which proves useful during the carving process.

When the moment arrived for Jia to head to college, he chose interior design at the suggestion of his father. Beyond his theoretical studies, Jia also signed up for school furniture-making training center. Sawing, planning, and carving wood repeatedly every day can be an extremely dull job for most young people. While other students were enjoying their college life, Jia had already learned to bear loneliness and focus on achieving excellence. “This experience not only improved my skills but also tested my character,” Jia said.

Recently, Jia’s commitment to this craft achieved a significant milestone. He was chosen as one of the candidates to compete on behalf of China at the 47th World Skills Competition in Lyon, France next year.

“If I can represent China on the global stage, I will exert all my efforts to become the winner,” Jia said.

1. Why should young people learn the sunmao method according to Jia Jing?

A．It is key to making Chinese furniture.	B．It is better than modern technology.
C．It exhibits traditional Chinese culture.	D．It exhibits ancient carpentry wisdom.

2. How did Lego benefit Jia Jing?

A．Arousing his interest in carpentry.	B．Assisting his father in furniture making.
C．Improving his carpentry skills.	D．Preparing him for his ideal university.

3. What did Jia sacrifice during his college time?

A．His leisure time.	B．His practical skills.
C．His theoretical studies.	D．His original character.

4. What can be the best title of this text?

A．Making furniture against technology.	B．Preserving carpentry inside Lego.
C．Carving dreams in wood.	D．Continuing passion on global stage.

9 . As the most typical part of the art of Chinese language, idioms have contributed to the inheritance and development of the old Chinese culture.     1     This set of stamps includes three Chinese idioms often used to enlighten and encourage people.

The idiom Yu Gong Yi Shan (The Foolish Old Man Who Removed the Mountains) is from Liezi. In ancient times, there was an old man in front of whose house were Taihang and Wangwu Mountains.     2     So he gathered his family and began to dig the mountain and move the earth elsewhere, believing that with their continuous efforts, the mountains would finally be leveled.     3    

The idiom Wo Xin Chang Dan(Sleeping on Brushwood and Tasting Gall)is from Records of the Grand History. In the Spring and Autumn Period, the State of Wu defeated the State of Yue, and captured the king of Yue, Gou Jian. After he was released and returned to his country, Gou Jian, never forgetting his shame, slept on a pile of brushwood and tasted gall before every meal.     4     This story encourages those who were once defeated to inspire themselves and struggle hard for recovery.

The idiom Wen Ji Qi Wu (Rising up to Practice Swordplay upon Hearing the Rooster Crow) is from The Book of Jin Dynasty. In the Jin Dynasty, to realize his ambition of serving the country, Zu Ti rose up every morning at the moment he heard the crow of a rooster to practice swordplay, and finally became a capable general.     5    

A．Chinese language has a long history.

B．That made it inconvenient for him to come and go.

C．This idiom implies that ambition and diligence pay off.

D．This story tells us that tough perseverance may lead to success.

E．This story calls on the patriotic spirit and courage to serve one’s country.

F．They contain simple expressions, deep-hidden meanings and vivid stories.

G．After several years of endurance and preparation, he finally conquered his enemy.

10 . The list of music festivals seems to double each year, so we think we’d save you some time by presenting our picks that reflect a deep sense of place.

New Orleans Jazz Festival

This week-long festival was established in New Orleans, America in 1970 to celebrate the city’s status as the birthplace of jazz. Headliners that attended the first celebration included singer Mahalia Jackson and pianist Duke Ellington. Over the years, this festival has grown to showcase much more than jazz. Attendees have long enjoyed the latest hit-makers alongside booths and exhibits featuring Louisiana’s native cuisine, arts, and crafts.

Newport Folk Festival

Founded by George Wein in 1959 and best known for introducing the world to the likes of Joan Baez and Bob Dylan, Newport Folk Festival is one of the oldest music festivals in America. Like New Orleans Jazz Festival, this Rhode Island event gives a false impression about the types of music one can expect to find, although it has been remaining true to its roots.

Interceltic Festival

When most people hear the word “Celtic”, they think of Ireland. But this festival takes place each summer in the heart of the seaport town of Lorient in northwestern France. While emphasizing music and dance, the ten-day festival also provides a platform for colorful expressions of Celtic art, food and drink, theater, literature, and sports.

Roskilde Music Festival

England’s Glastonbury, Hungary’s Sziget, and Denmark’s Roskilde are Europe’s three biggest music festivals. Roskilde stands out not only for its impressive and eclectic music, but for its nonprofit approach. All concert incomes are donated to support charities, music and cultural programs since its founding in 1971. With lake swimming, an on-site skate park, and an annual “naked run”, the event has earned a name for being a week-long summer camp for adults.

1. Which festival is held in Louisiana?

A．Interceltic Festival.	B．Roskilde Music Festival.
C．Newport Folk Festival.	D．New Orleans Jazz Festival.

2. Who started Newport Folk Festival?

A．Joan Baez.

B．Bob Dylan.

C．George Wein.

D．Mahalia Jackson.

3. What do the last two festivals have in common?

A．They include some sports.	B．They emphasize one type of music.
C．They donate all their profits.	D．They last for the same period of time.