1 . Yuck! Chicken blood splashes onto the floor and insects fly everywhere in the market. The old Indian woman waves the butcher knife. You’re speechless. Your friend who moved to India a few months before you notices your horror. “It’s just something they do,” he clarifies.
You’ve heard living abroad is good for you. Experiences like this one make you say “Seriously?”
Yes. Seriously.
Researchers William Maddux and Hajo Adam have discovered not only that cultural experiences are good for you, but they’ve also discovered why they’re good for you. Cultural experiences can make you more creative.
Maddux and his team discovered that learning about new cultures you encounter deeply is key to obtaining cognitive rewards. The team did a series of experiments with people who had lived abroad for a long time. They asked the sojourners (旅居者) to recall experiences where they: learned something about the culture they lived in abroad; learned something about their own culture; did something unrelated (like visiting a supermarket). Those who recalled learning something about a new culture did much better on a creative problem-solving task immediately afterward.
Maddux and his team wondered, though. Does learning new cultures always help? Is it enough to just notice that another culture is different? In another experiment they had a group of people recall an experience where they learned something new about a foreign culture but hadn’t been able to learn about the reasons for it.
The people who later were made aware of the hidden reasons for the novel, different, or unexpected behaviors they had come across were much more creative afterward than those who weren’t.
This means that even though discovering cultural differences exist is great, it’s not enough to influence how you think in other situations. You have to learn why a cultural difference exists. That’s what helps you spot new connections later, in other aspects of your life.
1. Why is the scene mentioned in the first paragraph?| A．To show us an appropriate example. |
| B．To prove the advantages of living abroad. |
| C．To provide evidence for the writer’s viewpoint. |
| D．To draw readers’ attention to the following exploration. |
| A．What is necessary to be creative. |
| B．What influence creativity has on people. |
| C．What benefits cultural experiences bring. |
| D．What they can learn from their own cultures. |
| A．learning new cultures is always of great help |
| B．it’s not enough just to notice similarities between cultures |
| C．knowing the reasons for the difference is the key to creativity |
| D．culture difference has an impact on your way of thinking |
| A．A research report. | B．A geography textbook. |
| C．A travel brochure. | D．A science magazine. |
2 . Following a design shown on her cell phone, Ruan Xiyue, 35, quickly sketched a manned spacecraft on a gourd (葫芦), completing the first step of gourd sculpture, an intangible (非物质) cultural her it age of northwest China’s Gansu Province.
Coming from a family engaged in gourd sculpture for almost 90 years in Lanzhou, Ruan is not satisfied with just perfecting her technique. Instead, the fourth-generation inheritor (继承人) aims to bring traditional craftsmanship closer to young people through marketing and sharing.
Dating back over 1, 600 years, gourd sculpture was first developed as a decoration on people’s portable wine pots made of gourds. The pronunciation of “gourd” in Chinese, which resembles that of “luck and fortune”, partly explains its lasting popularity.
For Ruan, the fragrance of gourds is the smell of home. Upon graduating from college, she started learning gourd sculpture from her mother, sitting for hours every day practicing calligraphy and painting, which she views as the essential training to become a qualified sculptor. Later, Ruan developed innovative products such as gourd mirrors and gourd necklaces to tap the market potential, believing they can help the craft reach more people.
Her family opened a gourd sculpting studio in 2010, displaying their works as well as a history of the art. Ruan likes talking with visitors to the studio, and their interactions inspired her to launch a curriculum for people to experience the craft in 2016. According to Ruan, around 800 people attend the courses every year. Among them are students eager to learn something new, and young parents who bring their kids along to enjoy some lovely family time. “Many participants told me that our courses enable them to know more about the history of Lanzhou, and help make the city’s memories last longer,” said Ruan.
Under Ruan’s influence, her mother is now live streaming on social media everyday sharing her stories of gourd sculpture with viewers across the country. “Sharing is inheriting,” said Ruan. “When we share our skills and knowledge with more people, the traditional culture will naturally be spread on a wider scale,” said Ruan.
1. What do we know about Ruan?| A．She is a designer of manned spacecraft on a gourd. |
| B．She took up gourd sculpture under the influence of her family. |
| C．She first sculpted on a portable wine pot made of a gourd. |
| D．She is good at teaching young people the craftsmanship. |
| A．Inspiring and touching. | B．New and memorable. |
| C．Popular and enjoyable. | D．Lovely and practical. |
| A．Spreading the gourd sculpture is to share the stories. |
| B．Stories of gourd sculpture a reviewed across the world |
| C．Live streaming on social media is the best way to share. |
| D．Traditional culture will be spread wider through sharing. |
| A．Ruan Xiyue: an Inheritor of an Intangible Cultural Heritage. |
| B．Gourd Sculpture: a Traditional Craft Popular with the Chinese. |
| C．Social Media: a Useful Tool to Share Gourd Sculpture. |
| D．Cultural Courses: an Approach to Learning Something New. |
3 . In the world of art and creativity, there are countless materials that artists use to express their ideas and emotions. One of the materials that have gained popularity in recent years is woven paper (编纸). It is a classic art form that involves the weaving of paper to create various objects and products.
The origin of woven paper can date back to ancient civilizations and at first it was mainly used for practical purposes such as making baskets.
Creating a woven paper artwork requires time, accuracy, and a deep understanding of the textures (质地). Artists start by outlining their design, thinking about how the weaving pattern forms the final piece.
Woven paper art not only shows the artistic skills of the creator but also carries deeper meanings and messages.
| A．It does take a lot of effort to make woven artworks. |
| B．Gradually, artists began to include it in their artworks. |
| C．Woven paper products offer several advantages. |
| D．Weaving also encourages creative thinking and problem-solving. |
| E．They carefully select colors and textures of paper to enhance a good artwork. |
| F．And it’s worth exploring whether you are a professional or simply curious about it. |
| G．Through colors and patterns, artists express emotions and explore cultural themes. |
4 . Falcons are powerful birds that may be trained to hunt in cooperation with humans. The art of training falcons as “hunting dogs of the skies” is called falconry (训鹰术). It was developed in the ancient Arabian Desert around 4000 B. C. In the past, falconry mainly involved hunting with falcons to supplement one’s diet. But now, it has become the favorite sport and pastime in the Arabian Peninsula.
Falconry includes three major processes: acquiring the falcons, training them, and hunting with them. Every year, falconers begin capturing wild falcons in June and July, the migration season. The best birds to catch are the ones with naturally nurtured hunting skills, aged one or two years. Once the falcons are captured, their heads are immediately covered with a leather hood. This is essential because they imprint as their master whomever they see first after the hood is removed. Right after a bird is caught, the training process starts. It begins by depriving (剥夺) the bird of food to make it easier to tame. The birds are taught to know their own name and respond to their master when called. Arab falconers live with their birds day and night in order to build a strong relationship with them.
By the end of October or mid-November, the trained falcons are ready to hunt in the desert. They have excellent vision, 2. 6 times greater than that of a human. They are also the fastest divers on the planet. One hunting technique that sets them apart from other animals is that they can be trained to deliver their prey, without killing it first. This is vital in Islamic culture because animals used for food must still be alive to ensure that the meat is halal, that is, properly prepared according to Islamic law.
Falcons have played such a crucial role in traditional Islamic cultures that a number of countries in the Middle East have made them their national bird. Falconry has grown so popular that specialist hospitals have been established to take care of these magnificent birds. Falcons are even issued their own passports. They are the only animals in the United Arab Emirates that are legally allowed to travel inside planes, enjoying a level of luxury that some humans can only dream of.
1. What is the main reason for Arabic people to hunt with falcons today?| A．To serve as entertainment and exercise. |
| B．To supplement their diet. |
| C．To replace the practice of hunting with dogs. |
| D．To honor their national bird. |
| A．Falconers don’t give food to falcons in order to capture them. |
| B．Falcons are not allowed to see their masters during the training process. |
| C．Wild falcons with natural hunting skills are ideal for falconers to catch. |
| D．The trainers’ names are written on the hoods covering the birds’ heads. |
| A．Falcons keep their prey alive before delivering it to falconers. |
| B．Falcons can form a strong bond with their owners quickly. |
| C．Falcons’ vision is particularly suitable for hunting in deserts. |
| D．Falcons are relatively easy to train for specific hunting. |
| A．Free air ticket. | B．Passports issued by the King. |
| C．Expensive meals. | D．Access to specialized medical care. |
5 . Nanjing Yunjin brocade is traditional Chinese silk art with a history of about 1,600 years. Its complex weaving techniques, various colors and patterns, and its particular choices of materials make it valuable and ancient people said, “An inch of brocade, an inch of gold.” Today, the traditional characteristics and unique skills of yunjin remain to be an award-winning art treasure. Its techniques are passed down from generation to generation by artisans.
Zhou Shuangxi, a national-level inheritor of yunjin weaving techniques, is one of them. Back in 1973, he graduated from a mining school and was selected to become a student at the NanjingYunjin Research Institute along with five other students, just because he was “in good shape”. There were only several masters in their 70s and not even a loom (织布机) to use. “The old masters finally remembered a loom was stored somewhere. When I opened the door, I saw what seemed like a pile of wood,” Zhou recalled.
“Weaving was difficult, but different from mining. Mining requires heavy physical labor, but working with the soft and thin silk requires studying and practicing in front of a loom for decades until you master the technique. My hands became quite awkward due to mining, so I used to put my hands in warm water whenever I could. In this way, they could become softer and weave the silk more easily,” he said.
Out of the six or so students, Zhou is the only one who has insisted on the trade to this day. Having devoted the past five decades to yunjin production despite all the sweat and struggles, he has developed his techniques to the point where he can weave the antique dragon robes in all their small details. He also made various artworks that not only show China's intangible cultural heritage but also serve as Zhou Shuangxi's artistic creations.
“I am lucky to be in such a good era and I have the honor of being a representative inheritor,” Zhou said.
1. What was Zhou's original impression of yunjin weaving techniques as a student?| A．They faced an uncertain future. | B．They were popular among the public. |
| C．They required much physical strength. | D．They were closely related to his schooling. |
| A．To relieve the pain of mining. | B．To make them much handier. |
| C．To gain an attractive appearance. | D．To rest his hands and draw inspiration. |
| A．Determined and creative. | B．Awkward and hesitant. |
| C．Encouraging and honest. | D．Adventurous and sociable. |
| A．The ups and downs of yunjin. |
| B．People's appreciation of a traditional art treasure. |
| C．Artisans' struggle to pass down traditional techniques. |
| D．A national-level inheritor of yunjin weaving techniques. |
6 . Books That Celebrate Diverse Holidays and Traditions
It’s important to remember there are a diverse set of holidays available to explore. Below are a few books that help introduce children to different holiday cultures and traditions.
Too Many Tamales by Gary Soto, illustrated by Ed Martinez
While helping her mother with Christmas celebration, Maria is tempted to try on her mother’s diamond ring. After getting caught up in the joy of the holiday and playing with her cousins, Maria realizes the ring is missing! That’s when she and her cousins come up with a plan to eat all of the tamales, in hopes of finding the ring.
Together for Kwanzaa by Juwanda G. Ford, illustrated by Shelly Hehenberger
This is a story about a little girl named Kayla who wants to see her older brother Khari come home so they can celebrate Kwanzaa together as a family. Khari is stuck at college when a snowstorm hits and his car breaks down. Will he make it home in time for Kwanzaa?
A Child’s Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas, illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman
This book is a funny, nostalgic tale of Christmas Eve afternoon through Christmas night in Wales, and is full of unique imagery and poetic prose. It will arouse a sense of familiarity for some young readers while introducing them to different aspects of Christmas traditions.
We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Frane Lessac
The word otsaliheliga is used by members of the Cherokee Nation to express gratitude. This is an amazing story that describes a journey through the seasons with a modern-day Cherokee family. Cherokee history and traditions are also woven into the story in a very kid-friendly way.
1. What makes it difficult for Khari to return home in time for Kwanzaa?| A．A car crash. | B．Delayed flights. | C．Extreme weather. | D．Academic pressure. |
| A．Traci Sorell. | B．Ed Martinez. | C．Dylan Thomas. | D．Trina Schart Hyman. |
| A．how to find hidden treasures at home | B．how to strengthen bonds with friends |
| C．the lifestyles of different ethnic groups | D．different holiday celebrations and customs |
7 . Best festival events in San Francisco
The perfect festival event in the Bay Area is waiting for you to celebrate.
Chinese Dumplings(Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, 6: 30 pm-8:30pm)
Tickets: $86+ $6 Fee(General Admission 1)
Location: 152-11 89th Avenue Queens, NY
Discover your passion about Chinese Dumplings in cooking class! Chef Raina will teach traditional shapes and folding techniques to wrap Chinese Dumplings. Receive Additional 15% Discount-Book Direct or Call us Today!
Coffee Festival(Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024)
Tickets: $58+$9.52 Fee
Location: Mason Center Festival Pavilion, 2 Marina Boulevard San Francisco
Get ready for an impressive coffee experience! Enjoy the unique atmosphere! Try the best beans and flavor with a soundtrack provided by live entertainment.
Pet Pictures with a Movie Star(Jan. 27, Feb. 3 & 10, 2024)
Tickets: $20+ $3.18 Fee(1 Pet 1 Picture)
Location: Expert Pet 1649 Ocean Avenue San Francisco
Expert Pet is proud to present a very special event this festival season. A movie star in a fancy dress will be in our shop three days! He shall be here from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Be sure to drop in on time to take your picture with a movie star.
Bone Jour Festival Feast(Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.)
Tickets: $39+ $3.39 Fee
Location: Berber, 1516 Broadway San Francisco
Themed for the Spring Festival Season, enjoy an 8-course Chinese traditional feast. Bring your pet dog for our festival feast. Note: get puppy food for only a $10 add-on!
1. How much will you pay for the cooking class if you book direct?| A．73.1 | B．78.2 | C．86 | D．92 |
| A．It features taking pet pictures with a star. | B．It shows the techniques of coffee making. |
| C．It provides an 8-dish festival feast for free. | D．It allows you to enjoy coffee to live music. |
| A．Jan. 27, 3:00 p.m. | B．Feb. 7, 12:00 p.m. |
| C．Feb, 3, 10:00 a.m. | D．Feb. 10. 11:00 a.m. |
8 . If you’d like to go sightseeing, the following World Heritage sites (世界遗产保护地) may be your best choices.
Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area
Jiuzhaigou Valley, which lies in the northern part of Sichuan Province, China, reaches a height of more than 4,800m, with a series of different forest ecosystems (生态系统). It’s particularly famous for its narrow landforms and excellent waterfalls. Some 140 kinds of birds also live in the valley, as well as a number of endangered plants and animals, including the giant panda. Jiuzhaigou Valley was recognized as a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1992.
Khami Ruins National Monument
The city of Khami, which developed after the capital of Great Zimbabwe had been given up in the mid-16th century, is of great archaeological (考古的) interest. The discovery of objects from Europe and China shows that Khami was a major centre for trade over a long period of time. It joined the World Heritage List in 1986.
Henderson Island
Henderson Island, which lies in the eastern South Pacific, is one of the few atolls (环礁) in the world whose ecology (生态) has been untouched by humans. It is particularly famous for the 10 plants and 4 birds that can only be seen on the island. It was recorded in the World Heritage List in 1988.
Old City of Jerusalem
As a holy (神圣的) city for three different religions in the Middle East, Jerusalem has always been of great religious importance. It was given a World Heritage Status in 1981 and placed on the “World Heritage in Danger List” the following year.
1. Which of the following is TRUE about Jiuzhaigou Valley?| A．Wonderful waterfalls can be seen there. |
| B．It is famous for many ancient objects. |
| C．It has been untouched by human beings. |
| D．It lies in the southern part of Sichuan Province. |
| A．was ruined in the mid-16th century |
| B．was once business center for trade |
| C．has over 140 kinds of birds living there |
| D．is a holy city for three major religions |
| A．Henderson Island. | B．Khami Ruins National Monument. |
| C．Old City of Jerusalem. | D．Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic and Historic Interest Area. |
9 . Cultural Differences of Teenagers
Knowing the cultural differences between yourself and others of your age can help you understand friends who are of a different race or culture.
Family
Family comes first in the Asian culture.
Friendship
Some Asian teens generally prefer having a small group of life-long friends. They are committed and loyal to their friends. Americans often prefer a larger group of friends. There might be less commitment to keeping friends for life because of their bigger pool of possible friendships.
Working Relationships
If you are working on a group project with teens from China or other Asian countries, they might focus on developing a good relationship with you.
In China and many other Asian countries, making direct eye contact is considered rude and disrespectful. However, in America and some European countries, it is not only seen as appropriate but also necessary because it means the person is paying attention. In Asian culture people are usually more comfortable with less personal space than Americans arc. A touch on the shoulder or an arm is common for Asians even if you don’t know one another.
It’s important to keep in mind that when learning about cultural differences, you should not generalize those differences.| A．Eye Contact |
| B．Body Language |
| C．In this way, you’ll experience cultural differences. |
| D．Teenagers have a strong attachment to their parents. |
| E．With this understanding, you won’t be thought impolite. |
| F．However, American teens tend to first focus on the task. |
| G．The key to understanding them with your friends is to ask them for advice. |
10 . The Spring Festival is the most important celebration in China. There are some interesting Spring Festival traditions about Don’ts & Dos. Let’s take a look!
Don’t take out the rubbish
Taking out the rubbish, on that day, is said to stand for sweeping luck and wealth from the house.
Don’t give a watch or clock as a gift
A clock is an unpopular gift at any time of the year in China, as the phrase “giving a clock” sounds exactly like the Chinese words for “song zhong”.
During the festive period, you’ll see amazing decorations all over China, and your house should be no exception.
Popular decorations include red lanterns driving away bad luck, door couplets showing wishes for the coming year, and the character(fu) meaning good fortune.
Give hongbao or fruit
Hongbao, or a red envelope containing money, is a popular gift for adults to give children.
Fruit, especially tangerines or kumquats, are safe for friends.| A．Wear red for luck |
| B．As red is a lucky color |
| C．Make your house attractive |
| D．Spring Festival is a time for delicious food |
| E．A clock also stands for running out of time |
| F．You will often see them on the table during the Lunar New Year |
| G．In fact, cleaning any kind of thing on the first day of the lunar calendar is considered unlucky |
