1 . 假定你是李华，你的留学生朋友 Mason要参加“中国古诗词朗读大赛”。请你给他写信推荐一首古诗，可用唐朝诗人李白的《静夜思》或其他你喜欢的古诗进行推荐。
附：《静夜思》(Thoughts on a Tranquil Night)
李白(Li Bai)
床前明月光，(Before my bed a pool of light—)
疑是地上霜。(Can it be hoar-frost on the ground?)
举头望明月， (Looking up, I find the moon bright;)
低头思故乡。(Bowing, in homesickness I’m drowned.)

(许渊冲译)

注意：
1.写作词数应为 80左右;
2.请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
Dear Mason,
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Yours,

Li Hua

2 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

Among the Han people, which make up a vast majority of     1     (China) total population, the passage into adulthood is no longer celebrated,     2     in those very traditional families. In ancient times, this ceremony marked a person’s transition to adulthood and     3     (refer) to as the capping or hair-pinning ceremony.

This ceremony started from the clan society (氏族社会) and continued to be held until the Qing Dynasty. The Manchu rulers then felt that this ceremony was     4     (meaning) and thus abolished this ceremony which     5     (last) for thousands of years. From then on the Han people have to enter the stage of adulthood without knowing it. Nowadays, it is mainly in those minor ethnic groups that this life passage is still celebrated. In some parts of China, this ceremony is experiencing a     6     (revive).

When a young man reached 18 or 20 years old, the capping ceremony,    7     (consist) of several procedures, would be held. The hair of the young man should be done up and pinned, and after     8     three caps of different materials should be placed on the youth’s head. The hair-pinning ceremony,    9     the mother or another senior pinned the girl’s hair, would be held when a girl was 15 years old.

There are other interesting customs concerned. For example, boys of the Yao nationality have to pass about ten dangerous tests and take oaths (宣誓)     10     (conduct) bad deeds.

3 . Traditions are customs and beliefs that form a part of our culture. They are practiced to remind us of our history and are passed down from generation to generation. Some traditions are interesting and widespread, while others are quite strange and practiced only by a small group of people. Continue reading to dig more into some interesting traditions from around the world.

Smigus Dyngus in Poland

Also known as “Wet Monday”, Smigus Dyngus is a unique tradition practiced in Poland, where people throw water at each other. It is celebrated annually on Easter Monday. The traditional way to do it is for boys to throw water at girls, and it is believed that the girl who receives the most water has the greatest chance of getting married.

Hanging coffins (棺椁) in Sagada, the Philippines

There is an old tradition in Sagada where people hang their coffins in stone caves. It was carried out by the Igorot tribe (部落) of Mountain Province. The people there believe this custom prevents large animals from taking the dead bodies, and also purifies or blesses the departed soul.

The Polterabend custom in Germany

Family members and friends of future married couples meet at dinner, and break a lot of porcelain (瓷器). The couple is then asked to clean up the entire mess. This is supposedly to teach them the importance of unity and hard work, and bring good luck. Germans think this tradition is essential in making marriages last a lifetime.

Boryeong Mud Festival in the ROK

The Boryeong Mud Festival in the ROK is a fascinating and unique celebration that draws crowds from around the world. It is a major cultural event, attracting over a million visitors annually. People participate in various mud-related activities, including mud baths, mud wrestling and even a mud marathon. The festival features live music, food stalls, and wonderful street performances.

1. Why are the coffins hung in caves in Sagada?

A．To pray for good luck.

B．To protect the dead bodies.

C．To ensure a future reunion.

D．To conserve more land resources.

2. Which tradition contributes to a lasting marriage?

A．Smigus Dyngus.

B．Hanging coffins in Sagada.

C．The Polterabend custom.

D．Boryeong Mud Festival.

3. What can visitors do during the Boryeong Mud Festival?

A．Throw water at girls.

B．Learn about Igorot culture.

C．Meet famous people.

D．Enjoy mud baths.

4 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

Shortly after the silk and feather umbrellas became popular in China, their manufacturers managed     1     (discover) a new kind of material from wood paper, enabling the     2     (create) of highly stylized, decorative and lightweight umbrellas.

In addition to providing protection from sun and limited protection from rain, oil-paper umbrellas     3     (view) as symbols of wealth, and power in the past. During the height of umbrella popularity in China, you could easily recognize the owners by the designs and colors of their umbrellas—royal family members used yellow or red colors,     4     the wealthy carried blue. Even in today’s Chinese and Japanese society, umbrellas play     5     important role. They are one of the most essential items     6     (present) to newly -wed brides, symbolizing blessing, protection from evil spirits and wishes    7     more babies.

The beauty of the Chinese paper umbrellas had     8     an impact on worldwide trends that their     9     (elegant) crafted materials and their canopy designs showcasing dragons, flowers, and landscapes quickly traveled via trade routes to distant Europe. Paper umbrellas today represent one of the best -known Chinese traditional exports, with businessmen selling them to     10     (passer-by) on streets worldwide.

5 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

The Guangdong Lion Dance, a national tradition popular in Foshan and Guangzhou, is a typical Southern Lion Dance.

Lion dancing    1     (date) back thousands of years, to the Tang Dynasty, and a legend about the emperor having a dream    2    a lion saved his life. And later it    3     (introduce) to the south by migrants from the north. The Guangdong Lion Dance developed into    4     (it) modern form during the Ming Dynasty (AD 1368-1644). In Chinese tradition, people regard the lion as    5    symbol of braveness and strength, which can drive away evil and protect humans and livestock. Lion dancing    6     (main) focuses on the performance of the lion dance, attaching much attention to movements    7    scratching an itch (抓痒), shaking the mane (鬃毛) and licking (舔) the hair.

The Guangdong Lion Dance, a    8     (combine) of martial arts, dance and music, is popular not only in Guangdong and Guangxi provinces, but also among overseas Chinese in Southeast Asian countries,    9     (make) it a cultural bridge for overseas Chinese keeping in touch with their national roots. It is considered to be a tradition with far-reaching cultural value. Lunar New Year is the perfect time    10     (share) and celebrate that culture and heritage.

6 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入适当的内容或括号内单词的正确形式。

When Zhao Shuxian started working at an art and craft factory in 1973, the then 19-year-old was given the job of     1     (master) the time-honored craft of making “velvet” flowers from silk. His goal was to be promoted to the designer’s workshop     2     he would be able to make whatever he wanted, and earn a     3     (good) living. Today, Zhao is recognized as one of the few seasoned     4     (make) of this ornament (装饰).

The practice of wearing velvet flowers     5     (believe) to date back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907). They were sent to palaces during the reign of Wu Zetian,     6     they became a popular hair embellishment (点缀) for women serving at the court.

“It was common for court ladies     7     (decorate) their hair with flowers,” Zhao says. “But fresh flowers are not available all year around, so     8     (gradual) fabric flowers became a substitute.” Velvet flowers are called ronghua in Mandarin, a homophone for the characters meaning “prosperity”. Wearing them as     9     blessing became popular at wedding ceremonies, Lunar New Year, and Mid-Autumn Festival. Today, Zhao’s customers, who come from all over the world, wear his flowers both as an everyday item and     10     special occasions.

7 . 阅读下面材料, 在空白处填入适当的内容 (1个单词) 或括号内单词的正确形式。

Hiking around tea plantations (种植园) in China. John Smagula used to carry his instant coffee flask (瓶). But something happened one day     1     switched his faith from the dark, strong coffee     2     the fine, refreshing fragrance of green tea.

There came     3     turning point that motivated him to taste and test Chinese tea, and more     4     (deep) explore Chinese tea culture. “I would go to a tea store and hear the stories behind each tea. It’s interesting and     5     (provide) the cultural background,” he said.

Smagula recalled     6     (connect) different types of tea with different impressions of the brew (煮；泡) using his imagination. “It is a way of connecting with distant places in a meaningful way,     7     the people who were there, I remember those experiences and they give me a     8     (great) appreciation for the tea.”

“There’s something about that environment where we have exchange of ideas, which will then allow us     9     (cross) our national boundaries and eventually create a dialogue. It has been a great way of bringing down     10     (wall) and barriers that may have existed,” Smagula said.

8 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. Why do some American churches cancel (取消) Christmas Day services?

A．To buy gifts and go to parties.

B．To celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ.

C．To let people gather with their families.

2. What’s “Silent Night”?

A．The name of an old man.

B．The name of traditional music.

C．The name of Christmas Day service.

3. Who probably celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday?

A．All Americans.

B．Non-Christians.

C．Christians.

4. When does Santa Claus leave presents under the tree?

A．On Christmas Eve.

B．On Christmas noon.

C．On Christmas Day.

9 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

The Spring Festival Gala (Chunwan) is an annual television show broadcast on China Central Television (CCTV) on the eve of the Chinese New Year. The Gala is a four-hour TV show featuring     1     (diversity) performances, including traditional and modern dance acrobatics (杂技), comedic acts, and musical performances by popular singers and     2     (celebrity). It also features special parts     3     (highlight) Chinese culture, history, and achievements.

The Gala     4     (become) an important part of the Chinese New Year celebrations since 1983. Families and friends gather around their televisions to watch the show,     5     is seen as a symbol of unity, prosperity (繁荣), and good luck for the coming year.

The Gala is     6     (typical) four hours long, but it can sometimes run longer. It is estimated that over 10,000 people     7     (involve) in its production. The Gala is hosted by a team of popular CCTV hosts, and it features performances by some of the biggest names in China.

The Spring Festival Gala is     8     unique and remarkable event that shows the best of Chinese culture and     9     (entertain). It is a cherished (珍贵的) tradition that brings people together     10     helps to create a festive and joyous atmosphere for the Chinese New Year.

10 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填写适当的内容或括号内单词正确形式。

Tomb-Sweeping Day is a Chinese holiday that     1    (celebrate) in China for centuries. It is one of the Chinese Twenty-four Solar Terms, which falls on either April 4^th     2     5th of the Gregorian calendar. It’s also a time for people to remember family members     3     have passed away.

The day is also regarded as the start of spring. As trees turn green and the sun shines brightly, people will go outside and enjoy the     4    (amaze) spring. They will take this opportunity to travel together and go on long walks in parks, laughing and     5    (chat). Therefore, Tomb-Sweeping Day not only is a day     6    (memorize) the dead, but it is also a time for people to enjoy     7       (they). There are many different activities, such as taking a spring outing, or flying kites.

On Tomb Sweeping Day, people often eat a kind of green colored balls     8    (make) from glutinous rice(糯米). The green color is from     9     juice of brome grass(雀麦草) that is added in the rice.

All in all, Tomb-Sweeping Day is a combination of sadness and     10    (happy).