1 . 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 |
2 . As Christmas Eve approached, I found myself in New York City, far from my family and friends in Taiwan. I was feeling homesick and lonely, but my Jewish friend, Rachel, who, like me, doesn’t get connected with Christmas due to any religious things, invited me to join her for a dinner in a Chinese restaurant. She explained that it was a tradition for many Jewish people to celebrate this holiday by eating Chinese food on Christmas Eve.
We went to Jing Fong, a fancy restaurant in Chinatown. The place was packed with people, and the atmosphere was lively and festive. We ordered a variety of dishes. Everything was delicious, and I felt grateful to be sharing this experience with Rachel. As we ate, we talked about our families and our cultures. We laughed and joked, and for a moment, I forgot about my homesickness.
A moment later, a group of carolers (唱圣诞歌的人) came into the restaurant, singing Christmas songs. At first, I was puzzled. Why were they singing in a Chinese restaurant? But then I realized that this was part of the magic of New York City. People from all different cultures and backgrounds could come together and celebrate the holidays in their own way. Rachel and I joined in the singing, and soon the whole restaurant was filled with music. It was a beautiful moment, and I felt blessed to be part of it.
What a night! I learned that even when you’re far from home, you can still find joy and connection with others. Rachel and I may come from different cultures, but we shared amazing food, joyful music, and most importantly heartfelt company. And that’s exactly what all the holidays are all about.
1. Why did Rachel invite the author to join her for dinner?A.To show respect to God |
B.To celebrate Christmas in the Jewish way |
C.To share stories about their families |
D.To forget about their homesickness |
A.Fearful | B.Joyful |
C.Disappointed | D.Confused |
A.By focusing on religious traditions |
B.By celebrating with family and friends |
C.By enjoying a variety of festive dishes |
D.By embracing diverse ways of celebration |
A.A personal blog | B.A commercial promotion brochure |
C.A travel guide of New York | D.An academic article |
3 . Born in Wuzhen in Zhejiang, Qian Lihuai has a unique bond with bamboo and whether it’s in the form of indoor bamboo bonsai or backyard bamboo groves, the material is an essential element in his home.
Qian grew up in the village known for its bamboo weaving and after studying industrial design at the Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, he began to develop an interest in the technique, learning how to do it himself.
He also traveled widely in Hunan, Hubei, Sichuan and Yunnan provinces to learn local bamboo weaving techniques. “The variations are quite large in amount across the regions, and bamboo weaving comes in a wide arrange of forms. It’s sometimes used to make agricultural tools, sometimes to make daily necessities, and sometimes for artistic purposes.” Qian said. “In Wuzhen, each place focuses on producing a specific item. For instance, our village’s distinguishing feature is in making bamboo trays especially for raising silkworms.”
During a visit to a traditional basket maker in Shengzhou, Zhejiang, Qian saw that instead of using nails to fasten the basket together, the craftsman used a slanting (倾斜的) cut on the bamboo to create a precise fit that caused the joint to not be noticed. “I rarely encounter such a level of craftsmanship. He even creates small molds and modifies tools himself to improve the weaving process,” Qian says.
During his visits, he was moved by the dedication of the weavers to their craft. These experiences inspired him to return to his hometown of Wuzhen and throw himself into the bamboo weaving industry in 2013.
Bamboo techniques he has developed or improved are now widely used in everything from home furnishings to clothing, part of a growing trend toward replacing the use of plastic with bamboo, that demonstrates a continuity of the traditional Chinese culture in which bamboo has long been cherished as a topic for arts and a material for daily objects that we use in our home.
1. Why does he has a special bond with bamboo?A.Because of the living environment. | B.Because of university majors. |
C.Because of his interest. | D.Because of his family background. |
A.There are cultural differences in different regions. |
B.Bamboo grows in many places. |
C.Bamboo weaving techniques have diversity and uniqueness. |
D.Bamboo weaving techniques are used in raising silkworms. |
A.His bamboo weaving experiences. |
B.His experience of visiting bamboo weaving craftsmen. |
C.The rare level of craftsmanship among craftsmen. |
D.Craftsmen’ s dedication to bamboo weaving. |
A.Weaving the wonder of bamboo. |
B.Development of Bamboo techniques. |
C.Bamboo woven items at home. |
D.A visit to a traditional basket maker. |
4 . Here are a few interesting facts about Teachers’ Day around the world.
China celebrates Teachers’ Day on September 10. The tradition began in the 1980s to improve teachers lives and status and encourage everyone to respect teachers.
In India, Teachers’ Day is celebrated on September 5, in honor of Dr. Radhakrishnan. He was India’s second president and a person who believed in good education. Traditionally on this day, the teaching is done by the senior students while the teachers get a much-deserved break from their work.
The United Nations (联合国) has made October 5 World Teachers’ Day. This special day was started to let the world see what teachers have done and listen to the teachers’ worries and the things they want to change.
In the United States, National Teachers’ Day is always on the Tuesday of the first week of May, so the actual date is different every year. The history of celebrating this day goes back to 1944.
In Germany, Teachers’ Day is celebrated on June 12 every year. People will express their respect to teachers with many activities. Teachers always receive prizes, presents, beautiful cards and other things.
Teachers’ Day is celebrated in Brunei (文莱) on September 23.
January 15 is Teachers’ Day in Venezuela (委内瑞拉).
North Korea celebrates Teachers Day on September 5.
1. How many countries mentioned in the passage have their Teachers’ Day?A.7. | B.8. | C.6. | D.9. |
A.Radhakrishnan was the first president of India. |
B.Radhakrishnan attached great importance to education. |
C.On Teachers’ Day the teachers in India are still working hard. |
D.Teachers’ Day is celebrated on December 5 in India. |
A.To encourage everyone to respect and honor teachers. |
B.To let the world realize teachers’ contributions and encourage people to care about and help teachers. |
C.To see what teachers have done in the year. |
D.To have a dialogue with teachers. |
A.India. | B.Germany. |
C.Brunei. | D.Venezuela. |
5 . One of the world’s oldest preserved human settlements has been significantly damaged by pouring rain in Pakistan as the country battles the worst floods in its history.
Moenjodaro, a World Heritage site in the Indus River valley 508 kilometers (316 miles) from Karachi, was built in the Bronze Age, some 5,000 years ago. “Unfortunately we witnessed the mass destruction at the site,” reads a letter from the Cultural, Tourism & Antiquities Department of Singh state sent to UNESCO and signed by director Ihsan Ali Abbasi and architect Naveed Ahmed Sangah. The letter adds the site was being used as temporary accommodation for surrounding residents whose own homes had flooded.
Moenjodaro’s significance can’t be underestimated when it was added to UNESCO’s register in 1980, the organization wrote that Moenjodaro “bears exceptional proof to the Indus civilization,” comprising “the most ancient planned city on the Indian subcontinent”.
The letter explains some of the immediate actions the site team has taken to mitigate the flood damage, like bringing in water pumps and repairing brickwork. But it’s clear that these measures will not be enough.
Abbasi and Sangah ended their letter by asking for 100 million Pakistani rupees ($45 million) to cover the costs of full repairs. UNESCO has responded to the request for help, allocating $350,000 from its emergency fund for damaged historic sites in Pakistan during UN Secretary General António Guterres’s visit to the flood-stricken country this week.
The funds will go to Moenjodaro and other sites including the Amri Museum. While the sum is far less than needed to fully repair the sites, it will pay for urgent work while UNESCO and local organization consider the best way forward. Sadly, the conservators of Moenjodaro have known for some time that flooding could bring a serious risk to the site.
In their letter, Abbasi and Sangah express concern that Moenjodaro could be added to the list of UNESCO sites in danger, which the preservation body updates periodically to highlight historic places that are at severe risk of ruin.
1. What makes Moenjodaro special to Pakistan?A.The geographic feature it bears. |
B.The role it played in fighting floods. |
C.The mass destruction it suffered in history. |
D.The value it holds in history and architecture. |
A.Reduce. | B.Suffer. | C.Avoid. | D.Assess. |
A.Creative. | B.Worrying. | C.Impractical. | D.Satisfactory. |
A.Pakistan’s Deadly Floods Causing Widespread Damage |
B.Moenjodaro Calling for Attention to Its Severe Damage |
C.Moenjodaro Added to the List of UNESCO Sites in Danger |
D.Pakistan UNESCO Site Moenjodaro Badly Damaged by Flooding |
6 . Students’ Journey to Empower Rural Heritage
From Aug. 18 to 22 a team of 15 Tsinghua University students, representing diverse backgrounds from China, South Korea, Malaysia, and Indonesia, set foot on an overseas research exploration focusing on rural revitalization(振兴) in Indonesian villages, particularly within Nusa Tenggara Barat(NTB).
With the diverse cultural heritage, Indonesia is home to over 83,000 villages, each radiating its own charm and character.
The research mission took the students to Sukarara and Sade villages, two of NTB’s tourist destinations.
As the journey came to an end, the students carry with them not only the memories of their experiences there, but also the responsibility to make a positive impact on these remarkable places.
A.While these villages possess undeniable fascination, many remain underdeveloped. |
B.This effort includes the knowledge exchange between the students and local villagers |
C.Both were selected for revitalization efforts led by the Village Revitalization Team. |
D.In Sukarara, a local tradition requires girls master weaving skills before marriage |
E.They decide to be a bridge between tradition and progress, united for their growth |
F.It’s about preserving the cultural heritage and ensuring traditions being passed down |
7 . You’ve heard the phrase “home for the holidays”, but I would like to introduce a new phrase: hygge for the holidays. A hygge holiday is all about peaceful, quiet and cozy(温暖舒适的) surroundings. Sounds perfect, doesn’t it? Holiday hygge is easy and comforting. Most people are already doing at least some of these simple hygge holidays without even knowing it.
Hygge is a Danish word originally coming from an old Norwegian word meaning well-being and protection from the outside harm. It’s known that winters in Denmark are severe and last long. The concept of hygge has been used by Danish people to keep themselves mentally positive in the dark winter season and fill their homes with comfort and love.
Hygge is a very important word to Danish people, often used to describe what their culture is all about and it is not necessarily a thing, something you can buy, but rather more of something you feel. Hygge really is a reflection of one aspect of Danish living, and, happily, in the last five years the concept of hygge has made its way to the US and many other countries. I mean what’s not to like about nurturing(培育)peace and quiet and coziness?
Here are some more descriptive words for hygge: comfort, familiarity, friendship, laughter, and even seasonal homemade food and drinks. While it is possible to achieve hygge any time of the year with hygge activities-an outdoor BBQ with friends and a movie under the stars with family are good examples of summertime hygge, it is most commonly associated with the colder months because of its ability to lift one’s spirits during dark winter months.
Hygge is the most suitable for the November and December holiday season because it’s all about peaceful and cozy surroundings that fill you with contentment. There is indeed something you can do to bring holiday hygge into your home this season.
1. Why do Danish people choose a hygge holiday?A.To deal with cold and long winters. | B.To follow the latest holiday trend. |
C.To fight against nature physically. | D.To spend more time with their family. |
A.It reflects Danish living totally. | B.It is mainly about some feeling. |
C.It is limited to Denmark and the US. | D.It represents ancient Danish culture |
A.People do hygge in more ways. | B.Hygge is preferred in summertime. |
C.Hygge is still perfect for winter. | D.People access hygge in certain time. |
A.Ways of hygge celebrations. | B.Tips on achieving hygge. |
C.Different opinions about hygge | D.Benefits of bringing hygge into home. |
8 . Interesting festivals in the world
Throwing tomatoes-Spain Spain takes “tomatoes fights”to a whole new level.But the tomatoes are thrown,not eaten.The festival takes place during the last Wednesday in August.Trucks carry tomatoes into the square.People rush to the tomatoes and throw them into the crowd. |
Rolling cheese-England This festival is celebrated on the last Monday in May. It takes place on Cooper’s Hill. A large wheel of cheese is rolled down Cooper’s Hill. The festival is actually a race where people run down the hill after the rolling cheese. The first person to cross the finish line at the bottom of the hill wins the cheese. |
Burning man-The United States The Burning Man Festival lasts a week,and it falls on the first Monday in September in America. The festival takes place in the Black Rock Desert. The best part of the festival is the burning of a large sculpture (雕塑) of a man. |
Pouring water-Thailand The Songkran Festival is the celebration of the New Year in Thailand. Thailand celebrates the New Year from April 13th to April 15th. Thai people run after each other and pour water. Songkran is one of the most important reasons why foreigners travel to the beautiful land. |
Enjoying Snow Ice-China Snow&Ice Festival is held in Harbin in China from Jan.5 to Feb 5 every year. It lasts a month. The Harbin festival is the largest snow and ice festival in the world. There are all kinds of full-size buildings made of ice and many ice and snow sports activities. All of the people in Harbin do ice and snow activities. |
A.Two. | B.Three. | C.Four. | D.Five. |
A.In February. | B.In April. | C.In May. | D.In August. |
A.Throwing tomatoes. | B.Rolling cheese. |
C.Burning man. | D.Pouring water. |
A.China. | B.England. | C.The United States. | D.Thailand. |
9 . Traveling to every part of the world gets easier, but how well do we know and understand each other? Here is a simple test. Imagine you are planning to hold a meeting at four o’clock. What time should you expect your foreign business friends to arrive? If they are Germans, they’ll arrive on time. If they are Americans, they’ll probably be 15 minutes early. If they are British, they’ll be 15 minutes late, and you should allow up to an hour for the Italians.
The British seemed to think since the English language is widely used in the world, and people would always understand what they do. However, they found they were completely wrong. For example, the Englishmen are happy to have a business lunch and discuss business matters and have a drink during the meal. The Japanese prefer not to work while eating. Lunch is a time for them to relax and get to know each other and they don’t drink at lunchtime. The Germans like to talk business before dinner. The French like to eat first and talk afterwards. They have to be well fed and watered before they discuss anything.
1. What do the Germans prefer when they go to a meeting?A.They prefer to be on time. | B.They prefer to arrive very early. |
C.They prefer to arrive very late. | D.They prefer to wait others. |
A.The Englishmen. | B.The Americans. |
C.The Italians. | D.All. |
A.To drink. | B.To get to know each other. |
C.To talk business. | D.To sing. |
10 . Out- of- hours: an introduction to China
200ct 2022-17 Dec 2022
Journey through the extraordinary cultures of China in this special guided tour before the Museum opens to the public.
In the Sir Joseph Hotung Gallery of China, you will gain an insight into the development of Chinese history and culture from 5000 BC to the present day.
In a beautifully refurnished space which has recently re-opened, this introductory tour will give you a deep appreciation for the magnificent objects on display featuring Tang dynasty tomb figures buried around AD 728 and beautiful Ming dynasty blue-and-white porcelain (瓷器).
Gallery on this tour:
• Room 33: China (Sir Joseph Hotung Gallery)
Booking information
• The tour will begin at 9:00 and will last for 60 minutes.
• Please meet at the Main entrance on Great Russell Street (WC1B 3DG) at 8:50 with your email confirmation.
• This tour is limited to a maximum of 20 places per session. If you would like to bring a group of 10 or more people or arrange a special out-of-hours tour, please email traveltradebookings@britishmuseum.org to discuss your options.
• To ensure a safe and enjoyable visit, face coverings are required for the protection of yourself and others. Please be considerate of people and exercise social distancing where you can — especially in smaller spaces. Hand sanitizer (洗手液) stations can be found throughout the Museum and we recommend washing your hands regularly.
• All measures are subject to change in accordance with government guidelines (Opens in new window) and Museum regulations. Further information can be found in our FAQs section.
Meeting point:
Main entrance — Great Russell Street (WC1B 3DG)
Price:
• £33
• £16 (Ages 5-15 years)
• Free tor under 5s and disabled visitors’ assistant (no booking required)
1. What is the characteristic of the exhibition?A.You will gain an insight into Chinese history. |
B.You will have to follow government guidelines. |
C.You can arrange a special out-of-hours tour. |
D.You can appreciate relics of Tang/Ming dynasty. |
A.£99. | B.£82. | C.£132. | D.£66. |
A.Prepay the admission fees. | B.Meet at the Main entrance at 9:00. |
C.Schedule their visit on weekdays. | D.Email to discuss in advance. |