1 . As the birthplace of kites in the world, Weifang, Shandong province of China, produces beautiful, vivid, colorful and high-quality kites. Now, more than 70% of kites in the world are exported from Weifang. If you want to see various shapes and sizes of kites covering the sky, you cannot miss the Weifang Kite Festival held on the third Saturday of every April.

But this year, tens of thousands of Chinese participants gathered in Weifang, from Sept 26 to 29 for the 37th International Kite Festival. Held since 1984, the International Kite Festival is an annual event to “exhibit the excellence of the kite lovers to the public,” according to the festival's website.

During the festival, kite lovers can enjoy stunt (特技表演) kite flying, also known as aerial ballet. Controlled by either a single person or a group, the kites form different shapes in the air. People always devote a lot of time and wisdom to making their own kites. From animals that crawl (爬行) on the ground or swim in the water to legends like Monkey King, everything can fly in the sky at the festival. One of this year's highlights was the giant kites decorated with images of medical staff and the Long March 5 rocket, which reflect the hot topics this year.

“Flying a kite is like flying your dream. All the cultural symbols from ancient and modern times can be found in the sky of Weifang,” noted Medium. After more than three decades of development, the festival has become a place to appreciate kites. But most importantly, it serves as a unique cultural event to promote international exchange.

1. What does the text mainly talk about?

A．A kite festival.	B．A kite birthplace.
C．The future of kites.	D．Kite performances.

2. For what purpose is the kite festival held every year?

A．To enjoy animals flying in the air.	B．To show kite-lovers' brilliance.
C．To perform specialized kite flying.	D．To enhance Weifang's global impact.

3. What can be known from Paragraph 3?

A．It takes a lot of trouble to make a kite.	B．Stunt kite flying is the only highlight.
C．Imagination can be shown in the kite.	D．Decorations matter least in the show.

4. What is the most important role the festival plays?

A．It helps organize an international event.

B．It offers tips on how to appreciate kites.

C．It helps make the place known worldwide.

D．It enhances international cultural exchange.

2 . Known locally as sakura, the cherry blossoms in Japan are popular with both locals and tourists alike. For the Japanese, sakura hold much cultural and historical significance that goes deeper than their obvious beauty.     1    

Sakura are usually only in full bloom(盛开) for about one week.     2     The flowers are so small and round that when they eventually start to fall, it’s almost like watching snow fall from the skies.

The specific time of the cherry blossom season varies from region to region each year. Luckily, the Japanese Meteorological Corporation(日本气象厅) has done all the work.               Each year it posts forecasts of when the blooming will begin in each region.     3    They also depends heavily on temperature patterns.

    4     There are a number of celebrations, so you’re likely to find a hanami party wherever you go. What makes up a hanami party, besides sakura viewing, is eating and drinking. Groups of people will set up camp in a park and have a picnic under the trees. Some bring home-cooked meals, some make food on the go and others buy pre-prepared food.     5    

A．It’s easy to plan your trip around the sakura.

B．Most people bring beer or other drinks to mark the occasion.

C．Many people hold flower-watching parties known as hanami.

D．The predictions aren’t just looking at the weather months in advance.

E．The JMC will release updated forecasts with the newest information.

F．The pink flowers have inspired poets, artists and soldiers for centuries.

G．If you manage to catch the tail end of the blooming, you’ll see the beautiful event.

3 . Statistics show that most toddlers (刚学走路的小孩) learn how to say about 20 words by 18 months. Talking is easy. If you ask anyone, none will remember how they started doing it, it just comes naturally.

But what might not flow as smoothly as words, is body language. It's a whole different deal when you're using your hands, eyes or head instead of your tongue. And what makes it even more complicated is the fact that body language differs all around the world.

I find it shockingly amazing how just a small finger gesture could mean one thing in the east and the completely opposite in the west. For instance, in Japan bowing is the most common greeting. It shows respect and Japanese pay a lot of attention to the details like the timing, posture and movement. A bow in Japan represents sincerity, respect and graciousness. While in New Zealand Maori, the pressing of noses and foreheads is the traditional greeting. They call it "hongi”; which is regarded as the breath of life.

For most of us, nodding our head up and down often means agreement, but not for the Bulgarians or Greeks. In both cultures, nodding one's head up and down actually means“no”. The American goodbye wave could actually be interpreted (领会) as a“no”in many parts of Europe and Latin America. And the Italian goodbye wave would be understood in America as a “come here” and the American “come here” gesture would actually be seen as an insult (侮辱) in most of Asia.

So before you travel to explore a different culture, make sure you're aware of alternate meanings for body language. We live in a world with many different cultures, so don't forget how differently one hand gesture can be interpreted!

1. What makes body language misunderstood often?

A．Its wide uses.	B．Its smooth flowing.
C．Its difficulties in understanding.	D．The background of different cultures.

2. What does the pressing of noses and foreheads mean in New Zealand?

A．Breath.

B．Respect.

C．Tradition.

D．Greeting.

3. In which country does nodding mean “no”?

A．America.

B．Greece.

C．New Zealand.

D．Japan.

4. What can be a suitable title for the text?

A．The Origin of Body Language	B．The Limitation of Culture
C．Body Language Around the World	D．The Difference of Culture Around the World

4 . The traditional Chinese lunar calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms More than 2000 years ago, ancient Chinese people created this overall framework to mark the annual passage of time based on observations of the sun's motion. In the international meteorological field (国际气象界) the 24 solar terms are honored as “the fifth great invention of China”.

The 24 solar terms begins with Start of Spring followed by Rain Water, Insects Awaken...and ends up with Minor Cold and Major Cold. Summer Solstice and Winter Solstice are two days of the year with the longest and shortest amount of daylight respectively, while Spring Equinox and Autumn Equinox are days with the most balanced amount of daytime and nighttime. Through these four parts, a year is divided into four part: Spring Summer, Autumn and Winter.

In ancient times this system not only guided agricultural production, instructing farmers to expect the changes in temperature, spring planting and autumn harvest but also directed Chinese folk customs. For example, Winter Solstice was the first one set among 24 terms and later developed into a festival to worship Heaven and ancestors. Every year at Winter Solstice, emperors of Ming and Qing dynasties would go to the temple of Heaven to hold a ceremony to worship Heaven, for good weather for their crop, and peace and prosperity for the country.

Nowadays, the 24 solar terms could not only be applied to farming but also guide Chinese everyday life. They remind people to adapt to the changes in the seasons through suitable food and cultural rituals (文化仪式). Seasonal customs are sill the rage such as eating spring pancakes at Start of Spring, sweeping ancestors' tombs at Qing Ming, gaining weight to keep warm at Start of Autumn and eating nutritious food to store energy at Start of Winter. They have actually became important rituals in Chinese life.

The 24 solar terms is a common cognitive system among Chinese. It reflects the emotional bond, the wisdom and creativity of Chinese, who respect and live in harmony with nature.

1. How were the 24 solar terms created in ancient China?

A．They were the results of leaning from each other.

B．They were set based on the movements of the sun.

C．They were created according to the change of the weather.

D．They were gradually developed from the practical experience.

2. What is a common feature of Spring Equinox and Autumn Equinox?

A．They both have the same amount of day and night.

B．They were set only for guiding agricultural activities.

C．They both play the role in dividing a day into day and night

D．They are the days on which the length of a day is longer than night.

3. What does the underlined word in Paragraph 4 probably mean?

A．Cheer

B．Honor.

C．Appreciation.

D．Fashion.

4. What’s the text mainly about?

A．The reasons for the recognition of the 24 solar terms.

B．The invention of the 24 solar terms in ancient China.

C．The origin and influence of the 24 solar terms in China

D．The ways to handle the relationship between human and nature.

5 . The UK's music festivals are world famous but there are plenty more to celebrate in the country.

Burns Night, Scotland

On 25 January, Scots celebrate the life and works of Scotland's national poet Robert Burns by holding a special Burns Supper. This can be a chance for friends to get together with a huge formal dinner. Guests take it in turn to recite Burns' poems or sing one of his songs.

Hay Festival, Hay-on-Wye, Wales

For 10 days each May, the small town of Hay on-Wye on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales is filled with writers, filmmakers, musicians, and people who come to hear them talk and exchange ideas. The festival celebrates great writing of all genres (体裁) and it all takes place in a village in the town.

Camp Festival, Dorset

As a branch of a festival held in Dorset, it's one of the best family festivals in the UK Held every year in the grounds of the historic Lulworth Castle in Dorset, the festival includes top live music acts, but as the organizer say, “kids are king” at Camp Festival, with a wide variety of entertainment, workshops and fun for kids. The 2020 Camp Festival takes place from 25 to 28 July.

Guy Fawkes Day or “Bonfire Night”

All over the UK on 5 November, the British light bonfires and set off fireworks in their back gardens or, more commonly these days, at organized events in public parks. They celebrate the Catholic Guy Fawkes' failed attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament (议会院) on 5 November, 1605.

1. Which festivals are related to literature (文学)?

A．Hay Festival and Camp Festival.	B．Bums Night and Hay Festival.
C．Burs Night and Guy Fawkes Day.	D．Camp Festival and Guy Fawkes Day.

2. When does the festival most attractive to children take place?

A．In July.

B．In May.

C．In January.

D．In November.

3. What does Guy Fawkes Day celebrate?

A．An impressive building.	B．A successful adventure.
C．An organized game.	D．A historical event.

6 . 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。

April 24th marked the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, the creation of     1     is considered as the beginning of the modern environmental movement by the     2     (major) of people.

Many people continue to stay at home during the recent months. As a result, people are making less pollution, and the air has become     3     (clean).

Smog stopped     4     (cover) New Delhi, one of the world’s most     5     ( pollute) cities. Nitrogen dioxide pollution in    6     northeastern of the United States     7     (drop) by 30 percent up till now. Stars seem more visible at night.

Researchers have been observing sharp drops in traditional air pollutants (污染物), such as nitrogen dioxide, smog and tiny particles. These kinds of pollutants kill up to 7 million people a year worldwide.

“Human activity usually makes it difficult for sea turtles     8     (leave) their eggs on sandy coastlines. Nesting turtles need to be undisturbed. After they come out of their eggs, baby turtles might have difficulty finding their way to the water because of bright lights. But     9     the lights mostly off and people staying at home, the sea turtle nesting     10     (seem) much better at present,” Godfrey said.

“There’s still a hope left for wildlife,” Godfrey said.

7 . As a child, I never imagined that one day a man would walk on the moon. Yet this year we marked the 50th anniversary of the famous Apollo 11 mission. As those historic pictures were beamed (传递) back to Earth, millions of us sat transfixed (使…呆住) to our television screens, as we watched Neil Armstrong taking a small step for man and a giant leap for mankind---and, indeed, for womankind. It’s a reminder for us all that giant leaps often start with small steps.

This year we marked another important anniversary: D-Day. On 6th June 1944, some 156,000 British, Canadian and American forces landed in northern France. It was the largest ever seabourne invasion and was delayed due to bad weather. I well remember the look of concern on my father’s face. He knew the secret D-Day plans but could of course share that burden with no one.

For the 75th anniversary of that decisive battle, in a true spirit of reconciliation (和解), those who had formally been sworn enemies came together in friendly commemorations (纪念) either side of the Channel, putting past differences behind them. Such reconciliation seldom happens overnight. It takes patience and time to rebuild trust, and progress often comes through small steps.

Since the end of the Second World War, many charities, groups and organisations have worked to promote peace and unity around the world, bringing together those who have been on opposing sides. By being willing to put past differences behind us and move forward together, we honour the freedom and democracy (民主) once won for us at so great a cost.

The path, of course, is not always smooth, and may at times this year have felt quite bumpy, but small steps can make a world of difference. And, as we all look forward to the start of a new decade, it’s worth remembering that it is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change.

And so, I wish you all a very happy Christmas.

1. Who does the “I” in the passage probably refer to?

A．Neil Armstrong.	B．Winston Churchill.
C．Queen Elizabeth Ⅱ.	D．Donald Trump.

2. What does the underlined word “bumpy” mean in the fifth paragraph?

A．Smooth.

B．Rough.

C．Flat.

D．Straight.

3. The passage might be a speech on _______.

A．Christmas Day	B．New Year’s Eve
C．the anniversary of D-Day landing	D．Victory in Europe Day

4. What is the purpose of the passage?

A．To honour the achievements of moon-landing.

B．To remember the victory of D-Day landing.

C．To promote reconciliation across the Channel.

D．To urge efforts for a world of peace and unity.

8 . The Four Famous Embroideries (刺绣) of China refer to the Xiang embroidery in Hunan Province, Shu embroidery in Sichuan Province, Yue embroidery in Guangdong Province and Su embroidery in Jiangsu Province.

Xiang embroidery

The earliest piece of Xiang embroidery was unearthed at the No. 1 Tomb of Mawangdui, Changsha City of the Han Dynasty (206 B.C. —A.D. 220). The weaving technique was almost the same as the one used in modern times, which shows that embroidery had already existed in the Han Dynasty. In its later development, it absorbs the characteristics of traditional Chinese paintings and reaches a high artistic level. Xiang embroidery crafts include valuable works of art, as well as products for daily use.

Shu embroidery

Shu embroidery has formed its own unique characteristics: smooth, bright, neat, etc. The works choose flowers, animals, mountains, rivers and human figures as their themes. The craftsmanship of Shu embroidery involves a combination of fine art and practical uses, such as the facings of quilts, pillowcases, coats and screen covers.

Yue embroidery

Influenced by national folk art, Yue embroidered pictures are mainly of dragons and phoenixes (凤凰), and flowers and birds, with neat designs and strong, contrasting colors.

Gold-and-silk thread embroidery is widely used, even for crafts of daily use.

Su embroidery

The weaving techniques of Su embroidery are characterized by the flat surface, dense lines, even pictures and harmonious colors. Su embroidery products fall into 3 major categories: costumes, decorations for halls and crafts for daily use. Double-sided embroidery is an excellent representative of Su embroidery.

1. The unearthed embroidery at Mawangdui shows Xiang embroidery’s _______.

A．time-honoured history	B．excellent designs
C．artistic value	D．advanced techniques

2. If you receive a double-sided embroidery as a gift, it must be ________.

A．Xiang embroidery	B．Shu embroidery
C．Yue embroidery	D．Su embroidery

3. What do we know about the four famous embroideries?

A．All are rooted in folk art.	B．All are valuable artworks.
C．All share the same themes.	D．All have practical use.

9 . 假定你是李华，在美国作交换生，得知当地为庆祝端午节要举办赛龙舟活动，你想邀请好友Louise一起报名参加，请给她写一封信，要点如下：
1. 写信目的；
2. 活动意义；
3. 赛前准备。
注意：1. 词数80左右。
2. 可以适当增加细节，以使行文连贯。
3. 龙舟节 the Dragon Boat Festival
为了纪念 in memory of
提前看视频 watch some videos in advance
分享经验 share experience
Dear Louise,
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Yours,

Li Hua

10 . Traditional Chinese Culture

Chinese culture is over 5000 years old.     1    

The spirit of the tea ceremony

Xi Hu Long Jing （West Lake Dragon Well） and Yunnan Pu'er have long been, world famous.     2     .The spirit of the Chinese tea ceremony captures the Chinese attitude towards life and spirituality. These are the things that people all over the world can benefit from.

A handful of good tea leaves with some boiling water and a set of lovely tea ware are the perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon and gain some insight into the wisdom of this ancient civilization.

    3    

During the 5,000 years of Chinese civilization, many different flavors, styles, and cuisines （烹饪）have developed based on traditional philosophy and culture. This ancient food culture has had a direct impact on the countries, such as Japan, Mongolia, South Korea, Thailand, and Singapore. It has benefited billions of people around the world through such innovations as Chinese vegetarian culture, tea culture, vinegar, pasta medicated diets, ceramic tableware, and the use of soybeans in the diet.

Chinese Confucianism

Confucianism has flourished during the last 2,500 of China's 5,000-year history.     4     . This school of thought has had the most profound and long lasting influence in China's history. Seventy-four Nobel Prize winners and many other highly respected scholars have stated that for the benefit of mankind's livelihood and development into the next century, these teachings should be promoted and adopted worldwide.     5     .

A．Chinese cuisine

B．Traditional Chinese culture

C．It has been the mainstay （支柱〉of this ancient civilization

D．They are pretty popular due to their superior color and flavor

E．The following three items of traditional Chinese culture have had a worldwide impact

F．This wonderfully rich food culture has also had an impact on Europe, America and Oceania

G．This would provide long lasting benefits for man, helping to ensure a peaceful and happy life