1 . New Year’s Day is meant for food. As the new year arrives around the world, there could be special cakes and breads, for example, long noodles representing long life, field peas representing coins, and pigs representing good luck. The particulars vary, but the general theme is the same: Enjoy food and drink to bring in a year of prosperity. Here are some of the New Year’s food traditions around the world.
Hoppin’ John, American South
A major New Year’s food tradition in the American South, Hoppin’ John is a dish of pork-flavored field peas or black-eyed peas—symbolizing coins—and rice, frequently served with cooked greens—as they’re the color of money and cornbread—the color of gold. The dish is said to bring good luck in the new year.
Twelve grapes, Spain
The people of Spain traditionally watch a broadcast from Puerta del Sol in Madrid, where people gather in front of the square’s clock tower to ring in the New Year. Those out in the square and those watching at home take part in an unusual annual tradition: At the stroke of midnight, they eat one grape for every toll of the clock bell. Some even get their grapes ready—peeling and seeding the—to make sure they will be as efficient as possible when mid-night comes.
Tamales, Mexico
Tamales, corn dough filled with meat, cheese and other delicious additions and wrapped in a banana leaf or a corn husk, make appearances at pretty much every special occasion in Mexico. In many families, groups of women gather together to make hundreds of the little packets to hand out to friends, family and neighbors.
Soba noodles, Japan
In Japanese households, families eat buckwheat soba noodles, or toshikoshi soba, at mid-night on New Year’s Eve to say goodbye to the year gone by and welcome the year to come. The tradition dates back to the 17th century, and the long noodles symbolize longevity and prosperity.
1. The common theme of food for New Year’s Day is _______.A.to show its deliciousness and sell well in market |
B.to celebrate new year and wish for blessings from nature |
C.to eat and drink well and hope for a fancy new year |
D.to say farewell to the old year and welcome the new year |
A.Twelve grapes. | B.Hoppin’John. | C.Tamales. | D.Soba noodles. |
A.The Americans. | B.The Mexicans. | C.The Spanish. | D.The Japanese. |
1. 日常生活中的友善行为;
2. 友善行为的意义或价值;
3. 提出倡议。
注意:
1. 词数100左右;
2. 可以适当增加细节,以使行文连贯。
参考词汇:传统美德traditional virtues
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3 . Food festivals are a common occurrence in the UK and take place in all sorts of places and at all sorts of times. Whatever your taste, there’s a food festival to match — no matter how specialized.
1. Meatopia
This three-day, London-based festival takes place at the end of August and is a meat lover’s paradise. In addition to a range of legally sourced meat products, from juicy burgers to tender steaks, attendees can listen to live music, watch butchery demonstrations, and attend informal meat-based workshops.
2. The National Honey Show
If you have a sweet tooth, then it could be that the National Honey Show, which started in 1921 and is the largest event of its kind, is the place for you to be. This three-day event attracts many local entries who showcase their sweet golden honey, some of which is sold globally.
3. The Orange Sauce Festival
Have you heard about a festival that is devoted only to orange sauce? Held in Cumbria, this sweet, fragrant festival has been running for 3 years. What attracts people most is a competition to find the best homemade orange sauce. There are thousands of participants from over 30 different countries across the globe, bringing their local snacks to share here.
4. The Ginger and Spice Festival
If you’d prefer something with a little more kick to it, then you could attend The Ginger (姜) and Spice Festival held in Market Drayton. Unlike other food festivals, it celebrates its town’s historic connection to Robert Clive, who returned from India with ginger. Because of this, they specialize in baking gingerbread, but also sell a range of traditional spices from mild to hot.
1. What do Meatopia and the National Honey Show have in common?A.Both of them last for three days. | B.Both of them hold workshops. |
C.Both of them originated from London. | D.Both of them have a long history. |
A.The Meatopia. | B.The Ginger and Spice Festival. |
C.The National Honey Show. | D.The Orange Sauce Festival. |
A.It has something to do with a historic figure. |
B.The ginger used in the festival is from India. |
C.It sells spicy food. |
D.The food is cooked by Robert Clive. |
Liu Ruying,
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When Liu got the news that her region would have a cultural exchange with other countries, she had the idea of
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5 . A music festival is a community event focusing on live performances of singing and instrument playing that is often presented with a theme. On the list are the music festivals for fans around the world. Find your favorite now!
Field Day
January 1, 2023, Sydney
Field Day means New Year’s Day for young people in Sydney. Seen as the city’s original multi-stage party, it’s a gathering of friends coming together for a great fun-filled first day of the year. There’s an air of hope and positive energy on a perfect summer’s day.
The Envision Festival
February 27—March 6, 2023, Uvita
The Envision Festival is an annual gathering in Costa Rica that aims to provide an opportunity for different cultures to work with one another to create a better community. The festival encourages people to practice art, music, dance performances, and education. Meanwhile, our connection with nature is expected to be strengthened.
The McDowell Mountain Music Festival
March 2—4, 2023, Phoenix
The McDowell Mountain Music Festival is Phoenix’s musical celebration of community culture. Since its foundation in 2004, it has been the only 100% non-profit music festival designed to support, entertain and educate the community. The festival attracts thousands of visitors each year from around the country, and it is an opportunity to experience true culture.
The Old Settler’s Music Festival
April 20—23, 2023, Dale
The Old Settler’s Music Festival is a nationally known music festival for American music. The festival is held in the country of Texas at the height of the wild flower season. The Old Settler’s Music Festival offers great music and activities for the whole family.
1. In which city can people enjoy a fun New Year’s Day?A.Phoenix. | B.Uvita. | C.Sydney. | D.Dale. |
A.It encourages people to receive education. | B.It is not aimed at making money. |
C.It provides an opportunity for friend gathering. | D.It focuses on cultural exchanges. |
A.Field Day and the Envision Festival. |
B.The Envision Festival and the McDowell Mountain Music Festival. |
C.The Old Settler’s Music Festival and the McDowell Mountain Music Festival. |
D.The Envision Festival and the Old Settler’s Music Festival. |
6 . Gong Linna, renowned Chinese musician and founder of Chinese New Art Music, put her music teaching methods to practice for the first time at the Tracing Roots practice concert and music festival of the Affiliated High School of Peking University on May 23.
The first song of the concert,Search High and Low,is an allusion(暗指)to the classical poem Li Sao, “The road ahead will be long. I shall search high and low.” “It’s arranged to be sung by all performers,indicating that we should all search high and low for our roots,” Gong says.
To explore the education and the popularization of Chinese music, in 2017,Gong established a research and development team, which includes ethnomusicologist, Du Yaxiong, and music historian, Zhao Zhongming, to deliberate her music teaching methods and summarize the vocal skills of Chinese music.
Gong believed that the popularization of Chinese music should rely on primary and secondary schools rather than music academies. The children’s passion for music and their outstanding performance amazed Gong, “When singing, they are completely immersed in the music. Music brings light and richness to one’s spiritual world. So, learning to sing is never about passing examinations, but about enjoying the music.”
Lu Yueming, instructor of the school’s art center, said, “The children worked really hard and kept in mind Gong’s instructions. Seeing their performance, I know that they truly fell in love with traditional Chinese music.”
Lu Yueming, instructor of the school’s art center, said, “The children worked really hard and kept in mind Gong’s instructions. Seeing their performance, I know that they truly fell in love with traditional Chinese music.”
“Seeing the children perform my pieces, I realized I should write more songs for them,” Lao Luo, Gong’s husband said proudly. “It’s a great encouragement for me to see how much they like the songs, and they really need content related to Chinese culture.” With an international vision, Gong will continue to write songs based on Chinese folk music or ancient poems.
Gong said children should learn about the beauty of Chinese music. Only when you know about your own sounds, can you have cultural confidence.
1. Why is the song Search High and Low arranged at the concert?A.Because Gong is a renowned Chinese musician. |
B.Because people are expected to search their roots. |
C.Because Gong’s music teaching method is practical. |
D.Because Gong wants to deliberate her music teaching method. |
A.Music academies. | B.The support of the government. |
C.Primary and secondary schools. | D.Famous musicians across the country. |
A.She will train more children to study abroad. |
B.She will perform more concerts to promote Chinese music. |
C.She will help children learn about the beauty of various types of music. |
D.She will write more songs based on Chinese folk music or ancient poems. |
A.Creating Music Helps Cultural Confidence |
B.Gong Linna—My Dramatist |
C.Music Education Gets New Voice |
D.Chinese Music: Development, Instruments |
Yu Rong, a Chinese artist, thinks of a new way to introduce
Hua Mulan,
To better tell the story, Yu Rong takes inspiration from her several
8 . Fantastic Fall Festivals You Won’t Want to Miss
Seymour Apple FestivalAdmission to the Seymour Apple Festival is free and so is the entertainment! More than 15,000 people from all over the region come out to take part in the activities, ranging from drawings, vendor booths, food, apple contests, bike decorating contests, and more.
Marionville Apple FestivalThe popular Marionville Apple Festival is home to countless activities and events. The carnival, pony rides, and games will keep the kids busy, while adults will enjoy watching the pie-eating contest and browsing dozens of craft vendor booths.
Humansville Fall FestivalThe Humansville Fall Festival may be hosted by a small town, but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking big fun. Perfect for all ages, this fall festival is celebrating its 70th year and will provide three full days of fun. This year’s festival will feature live music from fantastic local musicians, which will definitely make it different from the ones in other years. You’ll also find fun carnival rides, talented artisans selling their goods, and an amazing parade to wrap up the event on Saturday.
Southside Fall FestivalThe Southside Fall Festival is perfect for family celebrations, with an alcohol-free environment and free admission. Enjoy a colorful parade and float contest, delicious food vendors, live music, karaoke, and more.
Fall Into Arts FestivalMake sure to bring the kids along for this festival that celebrates all things creative. The Fall Into Arts Festival features a host of kid-friendly activities like a lego build, sand art, bubble stations, chalk the sidewalk, a jump house, and more. Parents will have plenty to do as well, with an excellent variety of artists, festival food, a mini film festival, and much more.
1. Which festivals are free of charge?A.Seymour Apple Festival and Southside Fall Festival. |
B.Southside Fall Festival and Fall Into Arts Festival. |
C.Humansville Fall Festival and Fall Into Arts Festival. |
D.Seymour Apple Festival and Marionville Apple Festival. |
A.Fun activities on Saturday. |
B.The duration of the festival, |
C.The area of the hosting town. |
D.Musicians’ live performance. |
A.families with kids | B.modern artists |
C.visitors of all ages | D.Movie lovers |
9 . An 85-year-old primary school constructed in 1935 in Shanghai has been lifted off the ground in its entirety and relocated using new technology called the “walking machine.” The project marks the first time this “walking machine” method has been used in Shanghai to relocate a historical building.
Urbanization(都市化)has continued to significantly threaten architectural heritage. In the capital Beijing, for instance, more than 1,000 acres of its historic hutongs and traditional courtyard homes were destroyed between 1990 and 2010.
In the early 2000s, cities including Nanjing and Bejjing-due to the critics’ protest about the loss of old neighborhoods-drew up long-term plans to preserve what was left of their historic sites, with protections introduced to safeguard buildings and restrict developers.
These conservation efforts have taken different forms. In Beijing, a near-ruined temple was transformed into a restaurant and gallery, while in Nanjing, a cinema from the 1930s was restored to its original form, with some additions providing it for modern use. In 2019, Shanghai welcomed Tank Shanghai, an arts center built in renovated(重修的)oil tanks.
“Relocation is not the first choice, but better than destroying,” said Lan, the Shanghai primary school’s project supervisor. “I’d rather not touch the historical buildings at all.” Building relocations he said however, are “a workable option.” “The central government is putting more emphasis on the protection of historical buildings. I’m happy to see that progress in recent years.”
Shanghai has arguably been China’s most progressive city when it comes to heritage preservation. The survival of a number of 1930s buildings and 19th-century “shikumen” (or “stone gate”) house have offered examples of how to give old buildings new life.
“We have to preserve the historical building no matter what, ” Lan said. “The relocation has challenges, but in general, it is cheaper than destroying and then rebuilding something in a new location.”
1. How did cities respond to the loss of historical sites?A.They criticized the developers. | B.They rebuilt the historic hutongs. |
C.They ended the significant threat. | D.They proposed the protection project. |
A.All original form. | B.A new addition. | C.A cinema. | D.A temple. |
A.Provide strong evidence. | B.Introduce different opinions. |
C.Summarize previous paragraphs. | D.Add some background information. |
A.Walking Machine: a New Technology | B.Rebuilding: a New Option for Relics |
C.Old Building Torn down for Modern Use | D.Historical Site “Walks” to New Life |
10 . Children’s Games in Ancient China
Unlike the children nowadays, the children during ancient times didn’t have smartphones or computers to entertain themselves.
Kicking stone balls
During the Qing Dynasty, kicking a stone ball around was a popular sport in the northern part of China, and it was often played in the winter to keep warm. Stones were carved into small balls and kicked along with feet.
Flying kites
Kites have quite a long history. The earliest kites were made of wood, instead of paper. Nowadays, the three most famous kites are the Beijing kite, Tianjin kite and Weifang kite.
Playing hide-and-seek
Hide-and-seek is a traditional game for children, popular around the nation. Even nowadays, many children like playing it. There are two ways to play. One way is covering a child’s eyes while other kids run around to tease him.
The closest thing to watching a film or television for entertainment during ancient times was going to see a shadow play. Folk artists manipulate puppets behind the screen, narrating stories and accompanied by music.
Setting off firecrackers
Firecrackers have a history of more than 2, 000 years. It is said that there was a beast named “Nian” in ancient China.
A.Watching shadow plays |
B.Making a film |
C.Each of them has distinctive features |
D.Different materials are used to make the kite |
E.And to scare off the beast, people burnt bamboo joints to make them blast |
F.More commonly, participants hide and one child must try to find them |
G.Instead, they came up with interesting games to play in their childhood |