1 . Table manners are the ultimate way to show respect or some accidental disrespect to your host.
In France, you are supposed to use two hands to eat — either fork and knife or fork and bread. Bread isn't meant to be an appetizer.
Finishing everything on your plate is a no-no in many Asian countries.
Among the local people of China and the Inuit people of Canada, a light burp （打嗝）at the end of a meal is considered a compliment, as it indicates that you've eaten well.
| A．Furthermore, don't lick your chopsticks |
| B．Instead it serves to assist the food to the fork |
| C．It suggests that your hosts didn't feed you enough |
| D．Many people in Japan believe that good service is standard |
| E．In Brazil, bread and pizza are normally eaten with a fork and knife, too |
| F．Here are some of the very specific dining do's and don’ts from around the world |
| G．You may also drink directly from the soup bowl — spoons, however, are uncommon |
2 . The rebuilt Notre Dame (巴黎圣母院) could feature a futuristic glass design, solar power, and an urban farm that supports vulnerable and homeless Parisians, if one architecture firm’s vision is realized. In April, French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe announced an international competition for architects to redesign the cathedral’s 19th century spire (尖顶), which fell down after a fire destroyed the 850-year-old Gothic landmark. Paris firm Vincent Callebaut Architectures (VCA) responded to the call with an eco-friendly design that supports the local population and produces more energy than it uses.
The Vincent Callebaut (VC) project is titled “Palingenesis”, a Greek concept of rebirth or recreation. The film proposes a new roof made of galss, oak and carbon fiber, which connects “in one single curved stroke of pencil” to the sloping spire. The rooster which topped the original spire, regained front the remains after the fire, will resume its watch from the new glass design, while the cathedral’s choir will be “bathed in natural light”.
Beneath the spire, the roof will host a fruit and vegetable farm run by charities and volunteers, in order to produce free food for vulnerable local people. “Up to 21 tons of fruits and vegetables could be harvested and directly redistributed for free each year,” the firm said in a press release. “To that end, a farmers’ market would be held every week on the forecourt of Notre Dame.” The roof and spire will also produce electricity, heat and ventilation (air circulation) for the cathedral: an “organic active layer” within the glass will provide solar power, while the roof’s diamond-shaped “scales” will open to offer natural ventilation—a design inspired by termite mounds (白蚁丘). The spire will at as a space in which hot air accumulates in winter.
“How can we write the contemporary history of our country, but also that of science, art and spirituality together?” the firm said in a press release. “We seek to present a supreme project, a symbol of a lively and ecological future.” If the Vincent Callebaut design is selected, the firm said, the reborn Notre Dame will define “the new face of the Church in the 21st century”, presenting “a fairer symbiotic relationship between humans and nature.”
1. What can be learned about the design of Notre Dame by VCA?| A．It is focused on the theme of “green”. |
| B．It gets the most local support than the others. |
| C．It can recover Notre Dame’s original appearance. |
| D．It is from the most famous architect around the world. |
| A．Be made of high-tech materials. | B．Show people the right time again. |
| C．Be removed and placed somewhere else. | D．Overlook Notre Dame again at its original place. |
| A．The inspiration of the design. | B．The function of the roof and the spire. |
| C．A detailed introduction of the VCA project. | D．The symbol of Notre Dame for the local people. |
| A．The future of the new Notre Dame looks black. |
| B．The proposal for the Notre Dame has been approved. |
| C．The VCA is confident about winning the competition. |
| D．The new design of Notre Dame will be a mix of history, science and art. |
3 . Y Not Festival
The festival lineup(阵容): Royal Blood, Craig David Presents TS5, Bombay Bicycle Club, Rag’n’Bone Man.
Y Not Festival has come a long way since it started out 15 years ago, winning the UK’s Best Small Festival award and becoming one of the country’s most popular, small, fresh and loud music festivals in the decade and a half since, attracting world-known performers to participate in. It will take place on the coming summer weekend in the surroundings of Pikehall. Ready to make your online followers envious?
NASS Festival
The festival lineup: Chase & Status, The Streets, Solardo, Andy C, Shy FX, Holy Goof
NASS Festival is the UK’s biggest celebration of music, street art and bicycle motocross. Displayed across four days, from 9th to 12th, July and 11 stages at the Bath& West Showground in Shepton Mallet, NASS Festival lays on a weekend of athletic competitions in skating and bicycle motocross, as well as music performances by distinguished people and bands.
Download Festival
The festival lineup: KISS, Iron Maiden, Kom, Deftones, Disturbed, Volbeat
Probably the most well-known heavy metal festival, Download Festival took over from the MOR Festival at Derby’s Donington Park this summer. Is three days was packed with the biggest names from the 70s right up to the newest generation, with KISS, one of the most famous American rock bands, on stage first.
Kendal Calling
The festival lineup: Foals, Stereophonics, Primal Scream, Supergrass, Blossoms, The Kooks
Annually Kendal Calling mixes a diverse and well-known lineup that covers various types, while also laying on a wide range of food and drink, as well as entertainments, bars, and a market. As a result, it’s a perfect festival to take the family to. All in the beautiful surroundings of Lowther Deer Park.
1. Which festival combines games with music?| A．Kendal Calling. | B．Download Festival. |
| C．NASS Festival. | D．Y Not Festival. |
| A．Pikehall | B．Shepton Mallet | C．Donington Park | D．Lowther Deer Park |
| A．They are aimed at young people. | B．They take place in the same month. |
| C．They are broadcast live online. | D．They involve many musical talents. |
4 . English playwright Arthur Wing Pinero said, “Where there\s tea, there's hope.” Similarly, a Chinese saying goes that “Firewood, rice, cooking oil, salt, sauce, vinegar and tea are the seven necessities to begin a day.”
Tea is, without doubt, welcomed all over the world. According to Statista, a German online portal for statistics; global tea production reached approximately 5.8 million tons in 2018. It has become the most consumed beverage in the world — after water, of course.
In order to celebrate the popular drink, the United Nations General Assembly has designated May 21 as International Tea Day. According to the UN, tea is much more than just a hot drink. It's a big part of many cultures around the world.
You probably know that people in China use top-grade tea to show respect when receiving important guests. Meanwhile, the British tradition of afternoon tea is an important part of that country's identity. Making Malaysia's pulled tea has become a sort of art form, where drinkers take pride in its entertainment aspects. As an expression of Moroccan hospitality and tradition, mint tea — a mix of green tea, spearmint leaves and sugar — is served during gatherings and negotiations.
Apart from its cultural significance, tea is also a medicine, used from ancient times to modern day. “Tea is cold and lowers the fire,” Chinese Ming Dynasty herbalist Li Shizhen once said. The health benefits of tea are still being discovered today: preventing heart disease, obesity and cancer have all been linked to drinking green tea, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information in the US. The mania for healthy tea products continues into a new decade as it's used in moisturizers, lip balms and other beauty products.
Hot or cold, bagged or loose-leaf, tea is more than a drink — it's a social custom and also a magic medicine, a link to the past and a way of life.
1. Why did the author mention the two quotations in the first paragraph?| A．For they are famous. |
| B．To show the significance of tea. |
| C．For enriching the readers’ knowledge. |
| D．To show tea has a long history. |
| A．tea | B．coffee |
| C．water | D．wine |
| A．medicine. | B．drinks. |
| C．art form. | D．cream. |
| A．Tea has a long history in China. |
| B．Tea has many health benefits. |
| C．Tea is a big part of many cultures around the world. |
| D．May 21 is celebrated as International Tea Day. |
5 . Some Famous Libraries in the World
The Royal Library of AlexandriaThe Royal Library of Alexandria in Alexandria, Egypt is probably known as the largest and the most famous library in the ancient world. It is said that the ancient library was burned three times over the centuries. A likeness of the ancient library was built in Alexandria and was opened on October 16，2002.
Celsus LibraryCelsus Library was built in what had been a monument tomb of the governor of the Province of Asia, Celsus Polemaeanus in Ephesus, Turkey. It used to be the third richest of ancient times in the world，which had more than 12,000 works of art, but it was destroyed in wars, leaving some ruins. Even so, it is now still so world-famous for its beautiful structure that many visitors come to see it. There is a statue of Athena at its entrance as she is the Goddess of Wisdom. It remains delicate and appealing.
Bodleian LibraryBodleian Library is attached to Oxford University and mainly used as a research library. It is also a copyright library, which means it has a right to every book published in the United Kingdom. The library was designed by the architect, Sir Giles Gilbert Scott. Construction was completed in 1940.
The British LibraryThe British Library was set up in 1973 and is one of the world’s greatest libraries. This library has PACCAR gallery of living and workshop of words. The sounds and images offer shows and different programs at the theme exhibitions. They also have a wide collection of stamps of the world which are on show for visitors. The library also offers events like music and discussions.
1. Which of the following libraries has been reconstructed?| A．The Royal Library of Alexandria. | B．Celsus Library. |
| C．Bodleian Library. | D．The British Library. |
| A．Read books. | B．Borrow books. |
| C．See a stamp exhibition. | D．Enjoy the beautiful remains. |
| A．It belongs to a university. |
| B．It was once destroyed by fires. |
| C．It is one of the famous ancient libraries. |
| D．It is well-known for its beautiful structure. |
6 . As an old saying in China goes, “The days of the Sanjiu period are the coldest days.” “Sanjiu period” , which is in Minor Cold, refers to the third nine-day period (the l9th to the 27th day) after the day of the Winter Solstice(冬至). There are many different customs related to Minor Cold in China.
Eating hotpot
During Minor Cold people should eat some hot food to benefit the body and defend against the cold weather. Winter is the best time to have hotpot and braised mutton with soy sauce. But it is important to notice that too much spicy food may cause health problems.
Eating huangyacai
In Tianjin, there is a custom to have huangyacai, a kind of Chinese cabbage, during Minor Cold. There are large amounts of vitamins A and B in huangyacai. As huangyacai is fresh and tender, it is fit for frying, roasting and braising.
Eating glutinous rice (糯米饭)
According to tradition, the Cantonese eat glutinous rice in the morning during Minor Cold. Cantonese people add some fried preserved pork, sausages and peanuts and mix them into the rice.
Eating vegetable rice
In ancient times, people in Nanjing took Minor Cold quite seriously, but as time went by, the celebration of Minor Cold gradually disappeared. However, the custom of eating vegetable rice is still followed today. The rice is steamed and is unspeakably delicious. Among the ingredients (原料), aijiaohuang (a kind of green vegetable), sausages and salted duck are the specialties in Nanjing.
1. What do we know about Minor Cold?| A．It refers to the Winter Solstice. |
| B．The Sanjiu period is in this period. |
| C．It lasts twenty-seven days. |
| D．It marks the first day of winter. |
| A．Eating hotpot. | B．Having vitamin A and B pills. |
| C．Having huangyacai. | D．Buying cabbage. |
| A．They fry and toast it. |
| B．They eat it for dinner. |
| C．They mix it with many other things. |
| D．They steam it with soy sauce. |
| A．travel | B．culture | C．fashion | D．science |
Different cultures emphasize(强调)the importance of relationship building to a greater or lesser degree.For example,business in some countries is not possible until there is a relationship of trust.Even with people at work,it is necessary to spend a lot of time in “small talk”,usually over a glass of tea,before they do any job.In many European countries—like the UK or France—people find it easier to build up a lasting working relationship at restaurants or cafés rather than at the office.
Talk and silence may also be different in some cultures.I once made a speech in Thailand.I had expected my speech to be a success and start a lively discussion;instead there was an uncomfortable silence.The people present just stared at me and smiled.After getting to know their ways better,I realized that they thought I was talking too much.In my own culture,we express meaning mainly through words,but people there sometimes feel too many words are unnecessary.
Even within Northern Europe,cultural differences can cause serious problems. Certainly, English and German cultures share similar values;however,Germans prefer to get down to business more quickly.We think that they are rude.In fact,this is just because one culture starts discussions and makes decisions more quickly.
People from different parts of the world have different values,and sometimes these values are quite against each other.However,if we can understand them better,a multicultural environment(多元文化环境)will offer a wonderful chance for us to learn from each other.
1. In some countries,eating together at restaurants may make it easier for people to .
| A．develop closer relations | B．share the same culture |
| C．get to know each other | D．keep each other company |
| A．the English prefer to make long speeches |
| B．too many words are of no use |
| C．people from Thailand are quiet and shy by nature |
| D．even talk and silence can be culturally different |
| A．By sharing different ways of life. |
| B．By accepting different habits. |
| C．By recognizing different values. |
| D．By speaking each other’s languages. |
| A．Multicultural Environment |
| B．Cross-Cultural Differences |
| C．How to Understand Each Other |
| D．How to Build Up a Relationship |
8 . It is commonly believed that the earliest Chinese paper-cuts appeared during the sixth century. Some scholars believe it was even earlier. Legend has it that during the Western Han Dynasty( 206BC-AD24), Emperor Wudi was very sad after one of his favorite concubines, Madame Li, died. A Taoist priest, Li Shaoweng, cut a piece of hemp paper in the shape of Madame Li. When evening fell, the emperor’s servants lit candles in his bedroom; the reflection of that paper-cut on the wall made the emperor think about his beloved concubine.
The Yuxian paper-cut is different from most paper-cuts produced in other regions of China. Paper-cuts from other regions are mostly cut with scissors or knives from single-colored paper, such as red or black paper.
There are four major procedures to making the Yuxian paper-cut: First, sketch the pattern on the draft paper; second, fasten the draft to the paper to be cut; third, use a knife to carve out the pattern; and fourth, dye (染色) the paper-cut with various colors.
Precise cutting skills are needed to make a piece of the Yuxian paper-cut, which highlights the craft maker’s artistic taste and dyeing skills. That explains the following saying: “The successful making of a Yuxian paper-cut is 30 percent dependent on the maker's cutting skills, and 70 percent on the maker’s dyeing skills.”
The traditional Yuxian paper-cut highlights two themes: flowers and characters in Chinese operas. The paper-cut is particularly known for its vivid description of characters in various traditional Chinese operas. In October 2009, the art of Yuxian’s paper-cut was added to the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage (非物质文化遗产) established by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization).
1. The first paragraph is actually about___________.| A．Emperor Wudi's favorite concubine | B．the origins of Chinese paper-cuts |
| C．the inventor of Chinese paper-cut | D．one of the themes of Yuxian paper-cut |
| A．Drawing skill. | B．Cutting skill. | C．Dyeing skill. | D．Carving skill |
| A．lively images of characters in classic operas | B．traditional Chinese operas |
| C．Chinese cultural influence on operas | D．advanced cutting techniques |
| A．The Earliest Chinese Legend | B．The Yuxian Paper-cut Skills |
| C．Emperor Wudi’s Sad Story | D．Chinese Yuxian Paper-cut |
9 . Every year on April 1, April Fools’ Day is celebrated in many countries around the world. In France, it’s called “Poisson d’Avril” or “Fish of April.” In Scotland, the holiday is often called “Gowkie Day.” In Iraq, the holiday is called Kithbet Neesan or “April Lie.”
History experts say people have celebrated April Fools’ Day for a long time. Some believe the tradition comes from the ancient Romans more than two thousand years ago. It was a day of playing games and pretending to be someone else.
Others say the day for fooling began in France in 1564, when King Charles changed the yearly calendar. He moved New Year’s Day from April 1 to January 1. Many people did not know about the change because of communication problems back then. Some people continued to celebrate New Year’s Day on April 1. Other people called them April Fools and played jokes on them.
In the United States, April Fools’ Day is just a day of joking and playing tricks on friends. These kinds of jokes are also called pranks. These jokes typically end in the prankster shouting “April Fools’!”
Simple pranks, like telling a friend a funny lie or making prank phone calls, are still common. But, major companies also get in on April Fools’ Day fun in a much bigger way. A few years ago, on April 1, Starbucks announced it was introducing new coffee cup sizes -- Plenta and Micra. The very large cups, bigger than a human head, remained useful for customers even after finishing all that coffee. According to Starbucks, the cups could be used as a rain hat, a pot for plants, or a lampshade.
It did not take long for customers to catch on to the prank! More and more people use social media or smart phone apps to play pranks on their friends on April Fools’ Day. One very annoying smart phone app, Cat Facts, sends funny facts about cats to your friends’ phones, every day.
1. Why did some people keep the old New Year’s Day?| A．It was known only by the government. |
| B．They wanted to be different from others. |
| C．They like the old celebration. |
| D．They didn’t know the time changed. |
| A．improve the friendship between friends. |
| B．have fun and play jokes on others. |
| C．find a chance to give children gifts. |
| D．escape the stress of their work. |
| A．participate in. | B．turn down. |
| C．break away from. | D．give up. |
| A．To introduce a new festival. |
| B．To tell a story on April Fool’s Day. |
| C．To introduce April Fool’s Day. |
| D．To express love to the friends. |
10 . Mother’s Day is a time of memory and celebration for Mom. The earliest Mother’s Day celebrations date back to ancient Greece in honour of Rhea, the Mother of Gods. During the 1600s, England celebrated a day called “mothering Sunday”. Celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent(四旬斋)，“mothering Sunday” honoured the mothers England.
During the time many of the England’s poor worked as servants for the wealthy.AS most jobs were located far from their homes, the servants would live at the houses of their employers. On Mothering Sunday, the servants would have the day off and were encouraged to return home and spend the day with their mothers. A special cake, called the mothering cake, was often brought along.
As Christianity(基督教) spread throughout Europe, the celebration changed to honour the “Mother Church”---the spiritual power that gave them life and protected them from harm. Over time the church festival combined with mothering Sunday celebration. People began honouring their mothers as well as the church.
In the United States Mother’s Day was first suggested in 1872 by Julia Ward Howe as a day devoted to peace. Then in 1907 Ana Jarvis, from Philadelphia, began a campaign(运动) to establish a national Mother’s Day. Ms Jarvis persuaded her mother’s church in Grafton, Virginia to celebrate Mother’s Day on the second anniversary of her mother’s death, the 2nd day Sunday of May. By the next year Mother’s Day was also celebrated in Philadelphia.
Ms Jarvis and her supporters began to write to ministers, businessmen, and politicians demanding to establish a national Mother’s Day. It was successful as by 1911 Mother’s Day was celebrated in almost every state. President Woodrow Wilson, in 1914, made the official announcement that Mother’s Day was a national holiday and it was to be held each year on the 2nd Sunday of May.
While many countries of the world celebrate their own Mother’s Day at different times throughout the year, there are some countries such as Denmark, Finland, Italy, Turkey, Australia, and Belgium which also celebrate Mother’s Day on the 2nd Sunday of May.
1. What is the author’s purpose in writing the first paragraph?| A．To raise questions. | B．To introduce the topic. |
| C．To interest readers. | D．To solve problems. |
| A．mark the birth of Greece | B．prepare for the autumn harvest |
| C．honour the Mother of Gods | D．honour the mothers of England |
| A．the feast of Mother’s Day in the U.S. |
| B．the origin of Mother’s Day in the U.S. |
| C．the development of Mother’s Day in the U.S. |
| D．the celebration of Mother’s Day in the U.S. |
| A．give readers some information | B．persuade readers |
| C．report a story | D．amuse readers |
