1 . Once a year in a small mountain village, the Mande people gather to hear the folk stories of their traditions. The man playing an instrument called Sosso-Bala while singing is the storyteller. He holds all the folk knowledge of the Mande people.
Most of us don’t have a musical instrument that ties us together, but we have someone in our lives who’s the keeper of our folk knowledge. Often it’s a grandmother, who keeps all our stories of wisdom ready to tell upon request.
Traditionally, we share it in small units—families sharing around a dinner table.
But we don’t gather once a year to reality check our “folk stories” as the Mande people do; nor do we center our folk traditions around a musical instrument. The internet has no reality except its own and, left unchecked, its wisdom has no rhythm(节奏).
| A．It’s just chaos. |
| B．This is why we do it. |
| C．Human wisdom has been passed down through generations. |
| D．The stories can be useful for dealing with all sorts of doubts. |
| E．Nowadays, folk knowledge has expanded to digital networks. |
| F．Now the internet has made valuable folk wisdom at your fingertips. |
| G．Recently, we discovered that this very human practice isn’t limited to humans. |
2 . The cuisine that marks Christmas is as diverse as the people feasting on it. Here’s a look at how the locals celebrate Christmas through cuisine in their countries, which will give you a glimpse of the celebrations.
England
The real festivities start on Christmas morning with champagne and smoked salmon. After the King’s or Queen’s annual Christmas speech, it’s time for the main meal, typically including a turkey or roast beef accompanied by various side dishes.
France
The French celebrate their Christmas Eve with a lavish meal, with seafood served first. The main course usually consists of a rooster that’s renowned for its tenderness. Fine red wine from Burgundy can’t be missed of course.
Italy
Similar to France, Italians celebrate Christmas on the eve. The locals typically attend midnight Mass and then indulge in a lavish meal before heading to church. For the main course, northern Italians often have stuffed turkey, while those in seaside areas may feast on a large baked sea bass accompanied by roasted potatoes and vegetables.
Greece
After attending an early morning holy communion in church on Christmas, Greeks go home for an all-day eating gathering. Families gather around the fireplace, feasting on a special wheat bread only made at Christmas. Later, the main course may include roast chicken stuffed with chestnuts.
1. What activity distinguishes England in Christmas celebration?| A．The seafood-themed dinner. | B．The yearly Royal address. |
| C．The religious ceremony. | D．The main course featuring turkey. |
| A．France and Italy. | B．England and France. |
| C．England and Greece. | D．Italy and Greece. |
| A．Religion and culture. | B．Diet and health. |
| C．Festival and tradition. | D．Sports and fitness. |
3 . Embrace Diversity: 2024 International Cultural Festival
Welcome to the 2024 International Cultural Festival, a celebration of diversity, unity, and global harmony! This year’s festival promises to be a spectacular showcase of cultures from around the world, bringing people together to appreciate the richness and uniqueness of each heritage.
Cultural Extravaganza:
Join us for a mesmerizing journey through the diverse cultures represented at the festival. From captivating dance performances to tantalizing culinary delights, the International Cultural Festival is a feast for the senses. Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors, enchanting music, and the spirit of camaraderie that transcends borders.
Interactive Workshops:
Engage in hands-on activities and workshops that offer a deeper understanding of various cultures. From traditional art and craft demonstrations to language tasters, these interactive sessions provide a unique opportunity to learn and appreciate the slight differences that make each culture special.
Global Marketplace:
Explore the Global Marketplace, where you can shop for unique handicrafts, traditional clothing, and exotic spices. This is a chance to support local artisans and take home a piece of the world’s cultural tapestry.
Educational Forums:
Research on deeply thought-provoking discussions and presentations on the importance of cultural diversity in today’s interconnected world. Learn how embracing different perspectives can foster understanding and tolerance, and ultimately contribute to global peace.
The 2024 International Cultural Festival is not just an event; it’s a celebration of the shared humanity that unites us all. Mark your calendars and join us in promoting harmony through cultural diversity. Let’s make this festival a memorable testament to the beauty of our global tapestry.
1. What is the main focus of the 2024 International Cultural Festival?| A．Sports competition. | B．Cultural diversity celebration. |
| C．Technological advancements. | D．Political symposium. |
| A．Cooking competitions. | B．Scientific experiments. |
| C．Virtual reality games. | D．Practical cultural activities. |
| A．To emphasize the significance of cultural diversity. |
| B．To discuss global economic policies. |
| C．To promote traditional Chinese culture. |
| D．To organize cultural competitions. |
4 . There comes a time when the old must give way to the new, and it is not possible to preserve everything from our past as we move towards the future. Finding and keeping the right balance between progress and the protection of cultural sites can be a big challenge.
Big challenges, however, can sometimes lead to great solutions. In the 1950s, the Egyptian government wanted to build a new dam across the Nile in order to control floods, produce electricity, and supply water to more farmers in the area. But the proposal led to protests. Water from the dam would likely damage a number of temples and destroy cultural relics that were an important part of Egypt’s cultural heritage. After listening to different voices, the government turned to the United Nations for help in 1959.
A committee was established to limit damage to the Egyptian buildings and prevent the loss of cultural relics. The group asked for contributions from different departments and raised funds within the international community. Experts investigated the issue, conducted several tests, and then made a proposal for how the buildings could be saved. Finally, a document was signed, and the work began in 1960.
The project brought together governments and environmentalists from around the world. Temples and other cultural sites were taken down piece by piece, and then moved and put back together again in a place where they were safe from the water. In1961, German engineers moved the first temple. Over the next 20 years, thousands of engineers and workers rescued 22 temples and countless cultural relics. Fifty countries donated nearly $80 million to the project. When the project ended in 1980, it was considered a great success. Not only had the countries found a path to the future that did not run over the relics of the past, but they had also learnt that it was possible for countries to work together to build a better tomorrow.
The spirit of the Aswan Dam project is still alive today. If a problem seems too difficult for a single nation, the global community can sometimes provide a solution.
1. What was the major concern regarding the construction of the new dam?| A．The damage to local farms. |
| B．The high cost of the construction. |
| C．The disapproval of local communities. |
| D．The potential harm to cultural remains. |
| A．By rebuilding similar cultural sites. |
| B．By building fences around them. |
| C．By taking them down into pieces. |
| D．By removing and piecing them together again. |
| A．International cooperation is not necessary for large-scale projects. |
| B．It is possible to achieve progress without sacrificing cultural heritage. |
| C．The opinions of experts should be ignored in favor of popular opinion. |
| D．Countries should always prioritize their own interests over global concerns. |
| A．Trial and error. | B．Adequate investment. |
| C．Global cooperation. | D．Careful investigation. |
5 . Guy Noble, one of Australia’s most famous conductors, who conducted the touring concert “East Meets West”, said he’d like to learn more about Chinese music. “I’m impressed by the history and the beauty Chinese music has,” he’s said in an interview recently.
“East Meets West” concert tour in Australia was resumed this year after being postponed twice due to the pandemic. It was hosted in Canberra last Saturday, bringing audiences some well-known Chinese and Western pieces such as Jasmine Flower, Carmen, Romeo and Juliet, and The Yellow River.
While it was called “East Meets West”, music from China and the West with the same themes was brought together. Chinese singer Ya Fen and Australian singer Victoria Lambourn performed a duet (二重唱) Hope Betrayed, which was inspired by the Chinese classic novel A Dream of Red Mansions. Noble said he loved the duet as it showed completely different singing styles: traditional Chinese opera style and Western opera style. “They’re not exactly the same, but they came together,” he said.
Having been a professional conductor for more than 20 years, Noble called music an international language. He noted that most music at the concert was about love, which was also an international language. He also spoke highly of some Chinese musicians, such as pianist Lang Lang who he thought has inspired many kids in China to learn music.
Noble admitted his knowledge of Chinese culture was limited. He said that conducting the Canberra concert was “an experience that I’ve enjoyed”, which made him more interested in discovering the background and history of the music, as well as the stories behind it. Noble is ready to create more things that can involve dance or calligraphy or some of the other aspects of Chinese culture, and put them together with music.
1. What does the underlined word “resumed” in paragraph 2 mean?| A．Restarted. | B．Expanded. |
| C．Paused. | D．Concluded. |
| A．Because it impressed him with its history. |
| B．Because it was inspired by a classic novel. |
| C．Because it showed two performing styles. |
| D．Because it was performed by an Australian. |
| A．He is an amateur conductor. |
| B．He speaks highly of all Chinese musicians. |
| C．He has a wide knowledge of Chinese culture. |
| D．He intends to integrate more Chinese elements into music. |
| A．Guy Noble: A Famous Australian Conductor |
| B．An Australian’s Passion for Chinese Culture |
| C．Music: A Bridge to Understanding Each Other |
| D．The Cooperation Between Foreign Musicians |
6 . MUSICAL HERITAGES FROM ANCIENT CHINA
Since remote antiquity, Chinese people have used music to record their lives and describe the ideals in their hearts. Catchy tunes are not only played on precious instruments, but also visualized in carvings, paintings, and buildings. Feel free to explore here!
Han Dynasty (202 BC-AD 220)
This period marked the significant development of the manufacturing of gugin and its music. The example unearthed from the Mawangdui Han Dynasty Tomb in Changsha, Hunan province, proves that gugin had developed into the form known today during that period. It shows 7 strings and 13 markers indicating the pressing positions of overtone series.
Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534)
Buddhism and its musical culture spread extensively during this period. Buddhist temples provided places for musical activities, which were recorded in. many of the-existing stone carvings. Located in Gongyi, Henan province, the Grotlo Temple is-famous for its reliefs representing musical events. They are precious historical materials reflecting the music characteristics of the dynasty.
Song Dynasty (960-1279)
With economic development, a variety of musical cultures emerged to meet the entertainment needs of different social classes. Part of the painting Life along the Bian River al the Pure Brightness Festival vividly reveals a storytelling performance. The painter adopted delicate techniques to truly record a street performer, whose superb skills are reflected by each listener’s show of appreciation.
Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)
At this time, traditional Chinese operas developed rapidly, promoting the formation of many singing styles. People began to enjoy operas and drama stages were built. Covering a construction area of more than 160 square meters, the Fancun village drama stage in Shanxi province provides rich materials for the study of the local folk culture.
1. Which heritage would a fan of classical instruments explore?| A．The Ming Dynasty drama stage. | B．The Song Dynasty painting. |
| C．The Northern Wei Dynasty temple. | D．The Han Dynasty tomb. |
| A．Economy. | B．Politics. | C．Religion. | D．Technology. |
| A．Han Dynasty. | B．Northern Wei Dynasty. |
| C．Song Dynasty. | D．Ming Dynasty. |
7 . Early in my time in China, I asked a coworker if she noticed anything Americans do that is strange. “You’re always fighting, even with your best friend.” she said. She had never seen me fight with my friend, so I was surprised, until I realized she was referring to a philosophical debate. Though passionate, my friend and I would hardly have considered it a fight. According to him, many Chinese wouldn’t tell their friend to “shut your mouth when you speak to me” or tell them, “your logic is so dumb — you don’t have object permanence”, which is opposed to social harmony.
Words are metaphors, serving to comprehend abstract ideas or beliefs. Each language possesses an inner logic, influencing how its speakers structure sentences and understand words. This uniqueness extends beyond mere vocabulary; it spreads to the system of expression, shaping thoughts and ideas. Regardless of how skilled one becomes at communicating, or how many dictionaries they’ve read, they can not guarantee that the listener understands them correctly.
Each language barrier exists within speakers of the same language. In 2013, I worked with a British man who had lived in China for a decade and spoke Chinese fluently. It took him about 10 years to fully understand the culture. Either I’m silly, or he was kidding me.
I can confidently say that after all this time, I’m even more confused than I was then...The concepts and ideas I learn about Chinese culture expand endlessly, and I suspect that will always be true. If I’m lucky, I’ll have another 30 years of life, less time than more intelligent men than I have spent studying culture.
Perhaps I’m not meant to understand China. There is acceptance and peace in that. With my foreign friends, I will joke and even tease them and with my Chinese friends, I will ask questions to avoid giving the impression I am fighting with them. I will embrace cross-cultural confusion and persist in understanding my Chinese friends, family, coworkers and neighbors, because that knowledge bears gifts of wisdom and joy. My life is better for it.
1. What impression does the author leave on his Chinese friend?| A．He specializes in debating. | B．He is kind of rude to friends. |
| C．He argues with others much. | D．He is passionate about philosophy. |
| A．Its inner logic | B．Its significant complexity |
| C．Its abstract origin | D．Its changing structure |
| A．Profound Chinese culture | B．His British friend’s, experience |
| C．Little time spent with family | D．Different understanding of humor |
| A．He will take China as it is. | B．He will return to his motherland. |
| C．He will be more serious in China. | D．He will persist in academic study. |
8 . India is an ancient civilization with rich cultural heritage (遗产), and its cultural heritage is related to all major religions (宗教) of the world. Here we take a look at some of the top heritage destinations in India.
Sun Temple, Konark
As the name suggests this temple is all about the power of the sun God. A huge chariot (二轮战车) drawn by seven horses and twelve pairs of wheels show the importance which ancient people placed on the power of the sun. The pictures of animals and humans give this place a special look.
Churches Goa
Goa is the only Indian state which was controlled by the Portuguese, so the scene in Goa is dotted with (点缀着) Portuguese style churches. Some of the famous churches include the church of Saint Catherine, church of Saint Augustine and church of saint Francis of Assisi. These churches show beautiful paintings and flower design’s which make them a must visit.
Ajanta and Ellora Caves
These caves contain well designed paintings which are widely regarded as the most outstanding works of-Buddhist religious art.
Taj Mahal, Agra
Built on-the bank of the Yamuna River, it is an excellent building. The writing and paintings on the outside structure provide the finest examples of the outstanding style of buildings.
Sanchi
Sanchi is a UNESCO world heritage site with numerous Buddhist temples dating back to the seventh and eighth centuries.
On your visit to India, be sure to visit some of these heritage destinations. An Indian journey is not wonderful without experiencing the beauty of these heritage destinations.
1. What can we learn from the passage?| A．The church of Saint Catherine is the earliest one in the world. |
| B．The Portuguese controlled the whole India two centuries ago. |
| C．Ellora Caves only have statues of animals. |
| D．Indian cultural heritage has something to do with religions. |
| A．animals | B．the sun’s power | C．ancient temples | D．ancient civilization |
| A．Introducing several top heritage destinations in India. |
| B．The great effect that Indian religion has on culture. |
| C．India is an ancient civilization with rich cultural heritage. |
| D．India is famous for its cultural heritage. |
9 . If you’re looking for some festive atmosphere, here’s part of the Florida festival calendar.
Kumquat Festival, Dade City, Jan. 27
The downtown in Dade City fills with as many as 35, 000 people for this free event celebrating the tangy little fruit grown locally. Along with dozens of booths and live entertainment, a highlight is enjoying kumquat treats, from kumquat pie, kumquat cookies to kumquat salad.
Sunnyland Boat Festival, Tavares, Mar. 22-24
This antique and classic boat festival is one of the largest classic wood boat shows in the country with as many as 250 to 300 restored ancient boats on display in the water and along one third of a mile of Lake Dora shoreline at Wooton Park in Tavares, which is really a feast to the eye for free.
Siesta Key Sunsculpting Festival, Sarasota, Nov. 10-13
Two dozen professional artists compete in creating sculptures on the gorgeous Siesta Key beach. Those who buy tickets can watch the sculptures take shape, view them under colored lights at night, see demonstrations and take lessons. The party atmosphere includes a tent with ful bar (no ticket required) and a vendor(小贩) village.
Art Basel Miami Beach, Miami Beach, Dec. 8-10
Art Basel, an international art fair, draws top galleries from around the world plus the rich and celebrities to South Florida. A far cry from the street art festivals all over Florida, this is an event that is not cheap-Tickets start at $65. Over the years, however, a variety of satellite events have developed, creating art-related events for regular folks, including Miami Art Week.
1. What can visitors do at the event held in Dade City?| A．Learn sculpturing skills. | B．Taste a special local fruit. |
| C．Set up a tent of your own. | D．Compete with professionals. |
| A．They charge for admission. | B．They take place on the same beach. |
| C．They are designed for artists. | D．They have generated smaller events. |
| A．Kumquat Festival. | B．Sunnyland Boat Festival. |
| C．Art Basel Miami Beach. | D．Siesta Key Sunsculpting Festival. |
10 . The Biggest Events in the States
Mardi Gras
Mobile, Alabama
Attendance: One million
Believe it or not, the Mardi Gras celebration in Mobile is even older than the one in New Orleans since this Gulf Coast city has much of the same French and Cajun culture as the latter. The celebration dates back to 1703 and includes nearly a month of parades, running from mid-January up through Late February.
Mount Marathon Race
Seward, Alaska
Attendance: 40, 000
This 103-year old tradition is the 10th-oldest foot race in America, but it’s by far the most scenic. The short-but-dangerous competition is held every July 4, racing up the side of Seward’s Mount Marathon through cliffs, waterfalls, and breathtaking views of southeast Alaska. Once at the top, racers look back down to the finish line with top finishers completing the three-mile roundtrip in just over 40 minutes.
Little Rock Riverfest
Little Rock, Arkansas
Attendance: 100, 000—200, 000
This annual music festival held along the Arkansas River has been running for over 40 years, bringing some of the biggest names in rock music. The festival runs every Memorial Day weekend, and this year featured Peter Frampton, Young the Giant, and Highly Suspect.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Norwich, Connecticut
Attendance: 300,000
In just five short years, little Norwich, Connecticut, has developed one of the biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the country, with an estimated 300, 000 people coming to this town of 40, 000 for bagpipes, beer, and plenty of Irish food. The mile-long parade is held on March 4, the early date giving people with other St. Patrick’s plans the chance to have two holidays, which might be a big reason for its popularity.
1. What do Mobile and New Orleans have in common?| A．They are coastal cities. |
| B．They have large populations. |
| C．They are related to French culture. |
| D．They enjoy a history of about 300 years. |
| A．It has the most participants of all. |
| B．Racers see striking scenery along the way. |
| C．Racers run great risks on the mountaintop. |
| D．It is the oldest marathon event in America. |
| A．Mardi Gras. | B．Little Rock Riverfest. |
| C．Mount Marathon Race. | D．St. Patrick’s Day Parade. |
