1 . Culture can affect not just language and customs, but also how people experience the world on surprisingly basic levels.

Researchers, with the help of brain scans, have uncovered shocking differences in perception(感知) between Westerners and Asians, what they see when they look at a city street, for example, or even how they perceive a simple line in a square, according to findings published in a leading science journal

In western countries, culture makes people think of themselves as highly independent entities(实体) .When looking at scenes, Westerners tend to focus more on central objects than on their surroundings. East Asian cultures, however emphasize inter-dependence. When Easterners look at a scene, they tend to focus on surroundings as well as the object.

Using an experiment involving two tasks, Dr Hedden asked subjects to look at a line simply to estimate its length, a task that is played to American strengths. In another, they estimated the line's length relative to the size of a square, an easier task for the Asians.

The level of brain activity, by tracking blood flow, was then measured by Brain Scanners. The experiment found that although there was no difference in performance, and the tasks were very easy, the levels of activity in the subjects’ brains were different. For the Americans, areas linked to attention lit up more, when they worked on the task they tended to find more difficult--estimating the line's size relative to the square. For the Asians, the attention areas lit up more during the harder task also--estimating the line's length without comparing it to the square. The findings are a reflection of more than ten years of previous experimental research into east-west differences

In one study, for instance, researchers offered people a choice among five pens, four red and one green. Easterners were more likely to choose a red pen while Westerners were more likely to choose the green one.

Culture is not affecting how you see the world, but how you choose to understand and internalize(使内化) it. But such habits can be changed. Some psychological studies suggest that when an Easterner goes to the West or vice versa, habits of thought and perception also begin to change. Such research gives us clues on how our brain works and is hopeful for us to develop programs to improve our memory, memory techniques and enhance and accelerate our learning skills.

1. According to the passage, Chinese people are most likely to_________.

A．emphasize independent thinking more

B．always focus more on their surroundings

C．focus on the context as well as object

D．think of Westerners as highly independent entities

2. We know from the passage that people's brains will be more active when_________.

A．the task is much easier

B．the blood flow is tracked

C．people begin to choose colors

D．the task is more difficult

3. What do the findings of the experiments mentioned in the passage indicate?

A．They indicate that culture has a great impact on the way people talk and behave.

B．They show that Easterners and Westerners have great differences in perceiving the world

C．They suggest that people's habits of thought and perception can be changed in different cultures.

D．They make it clear that Easterners and Westerners lay emphasis on different things

4. It can be inferred from the passage that_________.

A．Easterners prefer collectivism to individualism

B．East Asian cultures lay more emphasis on independence

C．It took over ten years to find out how to improve our brainpower

D．Americans will change their habits of perception when they're in Britain

2 . Essay

April 12   Rainy Today, I arrived at my friend Worawut’s house outside of Bangkok for the holidays. His family was doing a spring-cleaning of their pretty wooden house in preparation for Songkran Festival. They put their hands together to greet me with a traditional gesture called the wai. April 13   Cloudy         That smells wonderful! The women were cooking Thai foods for the next day’s ceremonies. We men went to the river and brought lots of sand to the village wat. The wat was a beautiful Buddhist temple where the monks lived. We left the sand in piles near the wat. April 14   Sunny We all dressed up and went to the village wat. The monks waited with their bowls at a long table. Monks are used to a life of sacrifice and discipline, but not today. We filled their bowls with rice and all kinds of palatable foods. Everyone smiled and music played as the monks ate. After that, we attended the bathing ceremony. We poured water over little stone Buddhas. Young people poured some sweet water into the hands of older people to show respect for them. Outside, everyone used sand we had brought to make sand pagodas. April 15   Sunny Today was the last day of the festival, and Worawut told me to get ready for some water throwing. We put lots of buckets of water on the truck and drove into the village. Everyone was throwing buckets of water. Nobody escaped dry! On such a hot day, the water felt really good. I can’t wait to come back next year!

1. The passage is most probably taken from _______.

A．a festival poster

B．a traveler’s festival journal

C．a festival brochure

D．a traveler’s festival poem

2. According to the passage, Songkran Festival is held _______.

A．in middle April

B．when the weather turns cold

C．in the beginning of April

D．at the end of April

3. During Songkran Festival, if young people in Thailand want to show respect for older people, they should _______.

A．cook various kinds of foods for older people

B．take sand from the river, and then use the sand to make pagodas for older people

C．pour smelly water all over older people

D．pour the water that smells good into the hands of older people

4. The writer wants to come back to Thailand next year, mainly because _______.

A．the throwing of water made him feel joyful

B．the delicious Thai foods left him with a deep impression

C．his friend Worawut treated him very well

D．dancing with the monks brought him a lot of fun

3 . It is 9:05 a.m. and a group of Chinese businessmen are outside a hotel conference room in Sao Paulo, waiting for their Brazilian (巴西的) hosts. The meeting was scheduled to start five minutes ago, but, like many meetings in Brazil, it did not start on time. The Brazilians arrive, complaining loudly about the morning’s traffic and go immediately to breakfast. Cultural differences between the two countries become clear.

In 2009, China replaced the US as Brazil’s biggest trading partner. As a result，Brazilian companies are keen to understand the Chinese better and find the best way to do business together.

For companies already working with China, getting to know the culture is a priority. At Chinbra, São Paulo’s biggest Chinese language school, students, who mainly work in the import business, take evening classes to learn Chinese. About half the lesson is about culture issues. They ask questions such as “Should I give my business card with two hands?” and “What presents should I give-something Brazilian?”

Some business deals fail because of small things like a misunderstood e-mail. “In addition to language problems, there is also a lack of cultural understanding between the two countries.” says Charles Tang, president of the Brazil-China Chamber of Commerce.

One big issue is timing. For successful deals with the Chinese, it is important to be on time for meetings and to meet deadlines.                                In Brazil, because of high inflation (通货膨胀) during the 1980s and early 1990s and many failed plans, long-term planning was not a priority. Today, many companies still prefer to plan as they go along and fix problems when they happen. The Chinese are totally different. They like to plan everything in advance and in detail.

1. According to paragraph 1, Brazilians are most likely to ________ when they host international conferences.

A．have breakfast	B．make it a priority to arrive on time
C．warn of the bad local traffic conditions	D．be late and keep their guests waiting

2. What do students focus on at Chinbra?

A．Practical tips jellyfish on doing import business.

B．Proper manners in multinational companies.

C．The Chinese language and cultural knowledge.

D．The survival skills needed in Chinese companies.

3. Which of the following sentences best fits in the blank in the last paragraph?

A．Another issue is planning.	B．It’s a matter of principle.
C．Otherwise conflict will arise.	D．Things may differ elsewhere.

4 . Directions: Read the following two passages. Fill in each blank with one proper word or the proper form of the given word to make the passage coherent. Make sure that your answers are grammatically correct.

The Origin of New Year’s Resolutions

Happy New Year! For many in the UK, if the New Year means anything, it means       1     (turn) over new leaf. And to do this, many of us make New Year’s resolutions-a list of ways     2     we intend to improve ourselves in the year ahead. We reflect on our past mistakes and make up our minds not to do them again.     3     (give) up smoking is ever popular, as is a promise to take up more exercise or spend more time with family.

But have you ever wondered when the idea of a New Year’s resolution comes from? The answer might lie in ancient Babylonia, according to History. com. The Babylonians     4     (believe) to be the first to hold recorded celebrations for the New Year. The 12 day-long celebration,     5     (name) Akitu, allowed them not only     6     (show) their loyalty to the King, but also to appeal to the gods to pay their debts and return the borrowed objects.

The ancient Romans too had similar traditions. New Year’s Day was a time     7     all government officers would take an oath(发誓) that they     8     obey the laws and support the city leader. Incidentally, the month of January is named after the Roman god Janus. He is the god of beginnings, transitions and time, among other things and is described as having two faces-one looking to the past and     9     facing forward to the future.

Whether you’re looking at a quick behavioral change     10     a huge personality checkup, you’re taking part in a tradition that goes back centuries. I wish you all the best sticking to your resolutions. Happy New Year!

5 . Most of time black and white appears as opposites. White means light and purity(纯洁),while black is darkness and evil. But it is not always true. Sometimes the words are used differently.

White hats and black hats represent the traditional meaning of the words. The hats are used to tell the “good guys” and the “bad guys” in American western movies. Now the tradition of white hats and black hats is no longer a part of movie making,but you still hear the expression when people talk about good guys and bad guys. “A black sheep” is a person who does things that are not accepted,who breaks tradition. “A black sheep” is rejected(被排斥)because he brings shame to his group. A family may have a member who is thought of as “a black sheep”,a person who is not welcome at family gatherings.

Black is also used in some expressions that describe good things. Being “in the black” for example,is a good thing for anyone. It is a business expression that means a company is making money. When someone says his business is “in the red”,he means it is losing money.

White usually means something good. A “white collar” job,for example,is the kind of job many people want. It is a job where you work at a desk,using your brain instead of your muscles. Sometimes white is used in an expression that is not good. “Whitewash” is such an expression. At first “whitewash” meant to paint over something with a white paint to make it look better. But now “whitewash” has a different meaning: to hide or cover up mistakes or failures.

1. When a person is called “a black sheep”,it shows that______.

A．he is as black as a sheep

B．he always feels on top of the world

C．he will create wonders

D．he is not welcomed by people around him

2. Which of the statements is NOT true according to the passage？

A．People usually think of black and white as opposites.

B．White hats and black hats are only used in movies.

C．White hats and black hats represent the “good guys” and the bad guys.

D．Black usually means something bad while white often means something good.

3. All of the following expressions mean something not good EXCEPT______.

A．a black sheep

B．black hats

C．in the black

D．whitewash

6 . Directions: After reading the passage below, fill in the blanks to make the passage coherent and grammatically correct. Use one word that best fits each blank.

The word taboo comes from the Tongan language and is used in modern English to describe verbal and nonverbal behavior that is forbidden or to be avoided.     1     what some may think, taboos are not universal. They tend to be specific to a culture or country, and usually form around a group’s values and beliefs.     2     is considered acceptable behavior in one country may be a serious taboo in another. Therefore,     3     you travel to another country, on business or vacation, it is helpful to learn some of that country’s customs     4     you don’t insult the local people.

Verbal taboos usually involve topics     5     people believe are too private to talk about publicly, or release to one’s manner of speaking. In many cultures, for example, it is considered bad manners to discuss subjects     6     sex or religion in public. In some countries, the volume of one’s voice may annoy people.

Nonverbal taboos usually relate to body languages. One of the biggest difference among many Western Asian, and African cultures is the use of eye contact. In the USA, people make eye contact when talking to others. If a person avoids eye contact, others might think they are being honest or     7     they lack confidence. In many Asian and African cultures, however, children are taught to lower their eyes when talking to their elders, or     8     of higher rank, as a way to show respect.

Certain gestures made with the hands can have very different meanings depending on     9     you are. For example, Crossing your middles finger over your forefinger is the sign for good luck in many western countries, in Vietnam and Argentina, however, it is an unsuitable gesture.

Behavior that is acceptable and non-offensive in one culture can be highly offensive in another. When visiting a foreign country, be aware of some of the basic differences,     10     will help to ensure a more enjoyable trip.

7 . Direction: After reading   the passage below. Fill in the blanks to make the passage coherent and grammatically correct

Increasingly, various phrases have been taking over a good old-fashioned "thank you" or "you’re welcome" in daily conversations in the United States. While     1     (dine)at a restaurant, when a waiter comes by to ask Americans     2     .they would like more water or bread, do you notice that they often say " I'm good,” rather than "no, thank you?” When someone thanks them for holding the door open, "no problem "is almost the same response as "you're welcome”.

Are Americans becoming ruder,     3     (abandon) traditional polite phrases, or are the words they use now just updated versions of the same emotion?

According to Lisa Gache, co-founder of Beverly Hills Manners, the decline of these magic words in our everyday conversation has to do with the preference     4     all things casual in our society today. Casual conversation, casual dress and casual behavior are present in all areas of life.

And apparently Americans agree with her. A survey     5     (conduct)by Rasmussen Reports revealed that 76 percent of those surveyed thought that Americans were becoming "ruder and     6     (civil).”

But is using phrases like "no problem"or “you bet"or " enjoy” really rude? Does more casual

phrasing erase the original emotion of gratitude? Doesn’t "no, thank you" sometimes sound a little too formal, perhaps even a little too harsh(刺耳的),     7     it begins with a “no”?

Emily Post Senning,     8     great-grandmother set the standard on manners with the book Etiquette, thought that while the principles of respect and consideration are "universal and timeless, " actual manners change over time and between cultures,     9     do the words used to express gratitude and appreciation.

It's probably not a bad idea     10     (remember)to say "please" and "thank you,” but don’t beat yourself up thinking you're a horrible person if you say "have a good one" instead of "have a nice day.”

8 . Many of China’s ancient architectural treasures smashed to dust before Lin Huiyin and Liang Sicheng began documenting them in the 1930s. The husband and wife team were among the first preservationists to operate in China, and by far the bestknown. Their efforts have since inspired generations of people to speak out for architecture threatened by the rush toward development.

Becoming China’s best architectural historians was no easy accomplishment. The buildings they wanted to save were centuries old located in distant parts of the country.In many cases, they had to journey through dangerous conditions in the Chinese countryside to reach them. Exploring China’s remote areas during the 1930s meant traveling muddy, poorly maintained roads by mule（骡子）or on foot. Inns were often dirty food could be polluted, and there was always risk or violence from rebels, soldiers and robbers.

Their greatest discovery was the Temple of Buddha’s Light, in Wutai County, Shanxi Province. The breathtaking wooden temple was built in 857 A. D., making it the oldest building known in China at the time.

Liang and Lin crawled into the temple’s most forbidding, forgotten areas to determine itsage, including one hideaway inhibited by thousands or bats and millions of bedbugs, covered in dust and littered with dead bats. “In complete darkness andamong the awful smell, hardly breathing, with thick masks covering our nosesand mouths, we measured, drew, and photographed with flashlights for several hours. When at last we came out to take a breath of fresh air, we foundhundreds of bedbugs in our bag. We ourselves had been badly bitten. Yet the importance and unexpectedness of our find made those the happiest hours of myyears hunting for ancient architecture.” Liand wrote of the experience in anaccount included in “Liang and Lin; Partners in Exploring China’s ArchitectualPast.”

1. On their way to the ancient buildings in 1930s,Liang and Lin faced following risks EXCEPT ________.

A．accommodations	B．personal security
C．road conditions	D．vehicles

2. Liang and Lin raised public awareness of ________.

A．documenting smashed historical buildings

B．rebuilding historically valuablebuildings

C．saving the oldest temples in China

D．Protecting historical buildings.

3. While exploring the Temple of Buddha’s Light,________

A．Liang and Lin caught insects with awful smell.

B．Liang and Lin were forbidden to breathe inside

C．Liang and Lin were pleased at something unhoped for

D．Liang and Lin determined its age by studyingbedbug’s hideaway

4. Which of the following is the best title for thepassage?

A．Creativeness results in discovery	B．Difficulty produces achievement
C．Efforts contribute to happiness	D．Responsibilities make development

9 . Directions: Read the following passage. Fill in each blank with a proper sentence given in the box. Each sentence can be used only once. Note that there are two more sentences than you need.

Make traditional treasures come alive

The Palace Museum Director Shan Jixiang delivered a cultural heritage speech on Feb 27 in Beijing, which was co-organized by the Beijing Diplomatic Service Bureau and Beijing Housing Service Corporation for Diplomatic Missions.     1    

On the theme The World of the Palace Museum and the Palace Museum of the World, the 64-year-old director shared his ideas about how to make traditional treasures come alive again. During the speech, which lasted two and a half hours, Shan touched on topics including upgrading museum infrastructure(基础设施), restoring cultural sites, digitalizing online museums, setting up restoration hospitals, providing better visitor experiences and promoting the Palace Museum’s cultural items.

“The abundant collection of cultural objects at the Palace Museum is the inspiration for the creative souvenirs and cultural items available,” Shan said. “    2    ” Throughout 2017, the total sales of Palace Museum’s cultural items have been more than 1 billion yuan ($158million). Explaining the huge success of Palace Museum’s cultural souvenirs, Shan said: “The museum opened a shop on the e-commerce website Taobao in 2008, but sales remained neither high nor low for years, as more than 80 percent of the souvenirs sold in stores in the past were not related to our museum.” “Therefore, I wanted to change the situation. Now, souvenirs from the Palace Museum cover almost every aspect of life. After all, what matters to a museum is not how many visitors they have, but how close they are to people’s daily lives.”

    3     Around 200 “doctors” are employed to analyze, examine, detect flaws or damage in ancient objects and restore them using more than 100 pieces of specialized equipment, including 3-D printers and scanners. The restoration hospital covers 13,000 square meters and boasts the nation’s most advanced restoration workshops.

John Aquilina, Malta’s ambassador to China said that Shan’s speech showed a totally different Palace Museum to foreign people. “China enjoys a long and profound culture and many of the national treasures have been preserved at the Palace Museum. It is no easy task to preserve them well.     4    ”

A．I truly express my respect for Shan and his team for their contributions.

B．With regard to cultural heritage restoration, Shan said the museum opened a restoration hospital at the end of 2016.

C．A total of 600 people from all walks of life, including over 100 foreign guests, participated in the activity.

D．I will learn more about Chinese culture from the magnificent ancient objects.

E．Our design teams often study consumer demands and create cultural items that are nice to look at and practical to use.

F．Traditional craftsmanship is combined with modern methods, and the lives of ancient cultural objects will be lengthened by the so-called doctors.

10 . Directions: After reading the passage below, fill in the blanks to make the passage coherent and grammatically correct. For the blanks with a given word, fill in each blank with the proper form of the given word; for the other blanks, use one word that best fits each blank.

In two days, it will be Christmas, children all over world     1     (look) forward to this day for weeks. People celebrate Christmas with food, decorations, music and more. But for many people, gift-giving is the most exciting part of the holiday.

I have found memories of Christmas shopping with my family as a child. I enjoyed the challenge of keeping my parents’ gifts a secret. It was hard to buy gifts right.     2     their noses without them seeing. Everyone placed     3     (wrap) gifts under the Christmas tree until Christmas morning,     4     we opened them.

Picking a great gift require     5     (know) the person you’re giving it to. You need to know the person’s tastes and find something the person doesn’t already have. This can be quite a big challenge. Often it’s wise to provide a receipt     6     the person needs to exchange the gift.

The best gifts are personal. Many Americans don’t feel money constitutes a good gift     7     it doesn’t require any thought. They prefer something chosen just for the person. If the gift is a high-quality homemade gift, that’s even better.

Gift-giving reflects the reason     8     people celebrate Christmas. Christians in particular remember the birth of Jesus. When he was born, wise men traveled many miles to visit him,     9     (bring) expensive gifts. But the greatest gift wasn’t from the wise man, but from God—the baby Jesus. God gave this gift because everyone needed it. We needed God to forgive our bad actions so that we     10     live forever with him. So on Christmas we give presents to imitate God’s action of giving the perfect gift.