1 . On the 1st of March Bulgarian people celebrate a traditional holiday called Baba Marta and it is related to welcoming the approaching spring. People all over the world meet spring with joy and new hopes but in Bulgaria it is saved as an ancient tradition.

On that day, Bulgarians exchange so-called "Martenitsa" and tell each other, "Chestita Baba Marta!"(Happy Grandma Marta! ). This custom is essentially to wish great health, good luck, and happiness to family and friends. The name "Martenitsa" is taken from the Bulgarian word for March, or, as a legend tells, an angry old lady called Grandma Marta-Baba Marta in Bulgarian.

In Bulgarian folklore Baba Marta is a grumpy old woman who changes her mood very rapidly and it reflects in the changeable March weather. When she is smiling the weather is sunny and warm, but if she gets angry the cold will stay for longer and it may even snow. By wearing the red and white colors of the Martenitsa, they hoped that it will make winter pass faster and bring spring.

The Martenitsa is made of twined red and white threads-woollen, silk, or cotton. The white is a symbol of strength, purity and happiness. The red is associated with health and blood.

When someone gives you a Martenitsa you should wear it either pinned on your clothes, on the hand tied around the wrist, or around your neck until you see, or a fruit tree in blossom for the first time in the season. After that you can tie it on a blossoming tree for fertility. Like kind of amulet, Martenitsa was regarded as a magic power believed to protect folks from "ill fortune", diseases and an evil eye.

The custom of wearing Martenitsa is probably one of the most interesting Bulgarian traditions and it is considered to be unique to Bulgaria. According to one of the many legends, this tradition is also related to the founding of the Bulgarian state in 681 AD.

1. What do we know about Martenitsa?

A．It lasts from March 1st until around the end of May.

B．It is a traditional holiday connected with welcoming spring.

C．It marks a huge improvement on agriculture.

D．It is celebrated by Bulgarian people on May 1st.

2. What does the underlined word "grumpy" in Paragraph 3 mean?

A．Easy-going.	B．Cold-blooded.
C．Open-minded.	D．Ill-tempered.

3. How should a Martenitsa be worn correctly?

A．By tying it around the wrist.	B．By sticking it on the trousers.
C．By pinning it on the head.	D．By drawing it on the body.

4. What is the author’s purpose in writing the text?

A．To introduce a Bulgarian tradition.	B．To show how to make the Martenitsa.
C．To promote cultural research.	D．To tell people what to do in spring.

2 . 2021 is the Year of the Ox according to Chinese zodiac(中国生肖). In China you will find various ox figures made of gold, wood, plastic, paper, shell and stone on sale in stores and on streets to celebrate the return.    1    .

Centuries ago, most people earned their living through farming. For example, the ox was used to help plow, cultivate (耕) and carry heavy goods. Besides, the ox has long had a significant place in Chinese culture.     2     In the Classic of Poetry, the oldest existing collection of Chinese poetry, the animal was mentioned in nine out of the 305 pieces.

    3    To this day, the phrase “the spirit of ox” still refers to controlling anything that may present itself as an obstacle(障碍，阻碍).    4    When someone achieves a great achievement through hard work, people often use “niu”, meaning “awesome”, to describe him or her.

Oxen seldom bully (欺负) the weak or fear the strong.     5    This is reflected in a couplet from a poem by Lu Xun (1881-1936), “Fierce-browed, I coolly defy a thousand pointing fingers; Head bowed, like a willing ox I serve the children”, which fully expresses the poet’s loyalty (忠诚) to the people.

So naturally, those who were born in the Year of the Ox are often expected to be hardworking, reliable and loyal. “They never seek to be the center of attention and do not look for praise,” the website China Highlights noted.

A．They are loyal and work hard.

B．But why was the ox chosen to be one of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs?

C．They never like to be the center of attention and enjoy being praised.

D．The spirit is highly praised and many people follow it as their work rules.

E．Ancient Chinese poets and writers frequently described the ox in literature.

F．Those who were born in the Year of the Ox like to farm and carry heavy goods.

G．The ox is considered a symbol of diligence and earnestness (认真) in Chinese culture.

3 . 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。

With the Year of the Ox on the horizon, you will find     1    common to see various ox figures made of gold, wood, plastic, and stone on sale in stores. The ox is not merely an     2    (influence) representative of the farming, but a symbol of diligence and responsibility in China.

The ox has also long played     3     significant role in Chinese literature. Ancient Chinese poets and writers     4     (constant) described the ox. In the Classic of Poetry, which is the oldest existing collection of Chinese poetry and reflects the     5    (wise) of ancient Chinese people, the ox appeared in nine out of the 305 pieces. A couplet from a poem     6    (write) by Lu Xun:   “Fierce-browed, I coolly defy a thousand pointing fingers; Head bowed, like a willing ox I serve the children”, fully expresses the poet’s devotion     7     the people.

To this day, when someone achieves a great accomplishment through hard work, people often use “niu”,     8     (mean) “awesome”, to describe him or her.

So naturally, those born in the Year of the Ox     9     (expect) to be hardworking, reliable and loyal. “    10     is special about oxen is that they never seek to be the focus and do not look for praise.” the website China Highlights noted.

4 . Things To Do in Los Angeles on Labor Day weekend, September 18-20, 2020

Families will find fun things to do with your kids this weekend from September 18th to 20th. Make some art, visit a museum, enjoy a drive-in movie, and more!

Bowers Museum
2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, CA 92706

The Bowers Museum is now open and ready to safely welcome your family. Current exhibitions include Inside the Walt Disney Archives: 50 Years of Preserving the Magic, a 10,000-square-foot traveling exhibit that features more than 400 objects. Timed tickets will be required. Make your reservation online.

The Virtual Orange County Children’s Book Festival
3857 Birch Street, Suite 414, Newport Beach, CA 92660

The Virtual Orange County Children’s Book Festival begins on Monday, September 14th and continues until Saturday, September 26th. A variety of activities are planned including story times, illustrating demonstrations, interactive activities, discussion panels, and much more. Check the website for a complete schedule of events.

Sawdust Art Festival: An Outdoor Marketplace
935 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach, CA 92651

The Sawdust Art Festival: An Outdoor Marketplace opens this weekend on Saturday, September 19th from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. The Outdoor Marketplace will be open on weekends only, and advance tickets are required. Families will have the opportunity to safely shop, watch live art demonstrations, and enjoy outdoor dining and live music. Tickets are available online. Admission is $10 for adults and free for kids 12 and under.

Drive-In Movies at the Mall: The Princess Bride
500 Lakewood Mall, Lakewood, CA

Enjoy a drive-in screening of The Princess Bride at the Lakewood Center Mall on Saturday, September 19th. The movie starts at 8:00 pm and the parking lot is not accessible until 7:00 pm. A free goody bag will be provided to each car. Tickets are available online.

1. Which of the following does NOT require tickets?

A．Bowers Museum.

B．Sawdust Art Festival.

C．Drive-In Movies at the Mall.

D．The Virtual Orange County Children’s Book Festival.

2. What can visitors do on Sawdust Art Festival?

A．Appreciate live music.	B．See drive-in movies.
C．Enjoy dining indoors.	D．Watch free art demonstrations.

3. When should visitors arrive to enjoy The Princess Bride in full length?

A．6:25 pm, September 19th.	B．7:25 pm, September 19th.
C．9:00 pm, September 19th.	D．8:25 pm, September 19th.