On the 14th day, it is a custom for a boy to take his girlfriend out to dinner, buy her flowers and chocolates, write poems, sing to her or even spell out her name with rose petals! This is what you see on Valentine’s Day, a day named after Valentine who was a priest（牧师） in the third century Rome. When the emperor (皇帝) decided that single men could become better soldiers than those with wives, he didn’t allow marriage. But Valentine continued to perform（主持） marriage ceremonies（典礼） for young lovers in secret. When his actions were discovered, the emperor sentenced him to death. While in prison（监狱）, it is said that Valentine fell in love with the daughter of his prison guard. Before his death, he wrote her a letter, which he signed （签名）“From your Valentine”, an expression that is still in use today. Valentine died for what he believed in and so he was made a Saint (圣徒), as well as becoming one of history’s most romantic characters.
Nowadays, Valentine’s Day is also popular among Chinese young people. Some students are planning to make Valentine’s cards for parents, teachers and friends. Others want to hold parties at which they will exchange small gifts and eat heart-shaped（心形的） cakes. The idea is to have fun and encourage people to share in the spirit of St. Valentine.
1. Why did the emperor in Rome not allow marriage in his country?
| A．Because there were few women in his country at that time. |
| B．Because he wanted to control the birth rate. |
| C．Because there wasn’t enough food for so many people. |
| D．Because he thought men without wives could be better soldiers. |
| A．he killed one of the soldiers |
| B．he didn’t obey the emperor’s order |
| C．he stole a lot of food |
| D．he didn’t want to be a soldier |
| A．students in China send cards to their teachers |
| B．Valentine’s Day is also popular in China now |
| C．it is interesting to celebrate Valentine’s Day in China |
| D．it is a good idea to celebrate Valentine’s Day in China |
| A．Valentine’s Day in China | B．A Brave Priest |
| C．Valentine’s Day | D．A Romantic Man |
2 . Most people buy a lot of gifts just before Christmas. But some people think we buy too much. They have started a special day called Buy Nothing Day. They don’t want anyone to go shopping on that day.
Buy Nothing Day is November 29. It’s 25 days before Christmas. It’s after Thanksgiving Day and often the first day of Christmas shopping. At this time, we see ads in Newspapers and on TV telling us to “buy, buy, buy!”
The idea for Buy Nothing Day started in Vancouver, British Columbia. Now people all over the world celebrate Buy Nothing Day. In California, parents and children get together to read stories, sing songs, and paint pictures. The children talk about why they don’t need a lot of toys. This year, in Manchester, England, people dressed up in costumes (统一服装) to tell people that we buy too much.
In Albuquerque, New Mexico, high school students wanted to tell other students about Buy Nothing Day. They organized a spaghetti dinner to give people information about Buy Nothing Day. They asked restaurants in the neighborhood to donate (捐赠) the food. They made posters and talked to other students about it. The dinner was a big success, and many students agreed not to buy anything on November 29. The students at high schools liked the idea of this new tradition. Next year, they want to have another dinner to tell more people about Buy Nothing Day!
1. Which of the following is NOT the day for people to celebrate Buy Nothing Day?| A．November 29. | B．25 days before Christmas. |
| C．After Thanksgiving. | D．The first day after Christmas. |
| A．before Thanksgiving | B．on Christmas |
| C．before Christmas | D．anytime |
| A．In California, parents and children get together to play games. |
| B．In England, people celebrate by performing plays. |
| C．In Mexico, high school students dress up. |
| D．They buy nothing and persuade others not to buy things. |
| A．They donated the food of their own. |
| B．They talked to others about it. |
| C．They made some slogans (标语口号) for it. |
| D．They organized a luxurious (奢华的) dinner. |
3 . Each year, millions of people go abroad to work, study or travel. It's a great way to find out what life is like in another part of the world! You're probably hoping to make new friends and learn about the culture in your host country—everything from attitudes and beliefs to social customs and popular foods. But constantly having to deal with new situations can be frustrating, even stressful.
Homesickness, stress, fear and confusion are all symptoms of "culture shock". At first, you may feel like getting on the plane and heading home. It's OK to have those feelings, and the following are some tips to help you handle the challenges that you will face.
Don't expect to be perfect. You may feel frustrated that you have culture shock, especially since you probably spent so much time preparing for your trip. No matter how much information you read, or how well you speak the host language, it is natural to feel overwhelmed sometimes. If you give yourself some time, things will gradually get easier.
Have an open mind. While it's certainly OK to feel frustration or confusion in your new surroundings, try not to form an opinion about the new culture too soon. Don't think of the host culture as better or worse, just different—you'll be more willing to try new things.
Participate. This is obvious, but everybody needs to be reminded. Just watching life go on around you isn't good enough. You really need to try things for yourself. Don't worry about making a mistake; people in your host country will generally be very understanding and willing to help if you have questions.
Your study abroad experience is a unique and special time in your life—one that you'll never forget. If you follow our suggestions, you'll be able to handle it well, and have a wonderful time. Good luck!
1. What is culture shock according to the passage?| A．Something that you feel surprised and shocked at. |
| B．The problems you have when you go to another country. |
| C．The frightening feelings you have. |
| D．Something different from your own culture. |
| A．Go back to your own homeland. |
| B．Talk to someone about your problems. |
| C．Give yourself some time to get used to it. |
| D．Stop thinking of it. |
| A．It is natural to feel overwhelmed sometimes. |
| B．Not everything is perfect. |
| C．Try to form the opinion about the new culture as soon as possible. |
| D．Tell others about your problems. |
| A．How to overcome culture shock. |
| B．Why people have culture shock. |
| C．Who might have culture shock. |
| D．When you will have culture shock. |
