1 . The “three ox spirit” (三牛精神) first appeared in President Xi Jinping’s speech at a New Year’s gathering last December. The ox is a symbol of diligence (勤劳), progress and strength. On Feb 18, the first working day of the new year, Hua Chunying, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, explained it on the social media to encourage people with the “three ox spirit”—the serving-the-people ox, the pioneering ox, the persisting ox.
Centuries ago, most people earned their living through farming. The ox was used to help in the field and carry heavy goods.
The ox has played an important place in Chinese culture. Ancient Chinese poets and writers often described the ox in literature. In the Classic of Poetry, the oldest collection of Chinese poetry, the animal was mentioned in nine out of the 305 pieces.
Oxen seldom bully (欺负) the weak or fear the strong. They work hard and make sacrifices (牺牲). 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 (横眉冷对千夫指，俯首甘为孺子牛)” fully expresses the poet’s love to our country and the people.
So naturally, those who were born in the Year of the Ox are often expected to be hardworking and dependable. “They never want to be the center of attention or look for praise,” the website China Highlights noted.
1. When was the “three ox spirit” first appeared?| A．2018. | B．2019. | C．2020. | D．2021. |
| A．The progressing ox. | B．The serving-the-people ox. |
| C．The pioneering ox. | D．The persisting ox. |
| A．Because the ox is weak. | B．Because the ox is loving. |
| C．Because the ox is helpful. | D．Because the ox is proud. |
| A．They always want to look for praise. | B．They want to be the center of attention. |
| C．They are hardworking and dependable. | D．They bully the weak and fear the strong. |
2 . Despite usually being associated with the Chinese, the Lunar New Year is also celebrated in other countries. Here are several places in America to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
New York City
New York City, which has one of the largest populations of ethnic（少数民族）Chinese people outside of Asia, is a great place to experience the Lunar New Year. There are around 10 different Chinatowns in New York City. Visitors will find parades, performances and foods in most of these areas but some of the festival characteristics are unique to the particular district.
San Francisco
San Francisco's lunar New Year celebrations are the longest runnings in America. They date back to the 1860s, during the “Gold Rush” period. Today, numerous events take place around the Bay Area, but the headline is the massive Chinese New Year Parade that draws as many as 1 million viewers.
Washington DC
Washington DC has a historic Chinatown. There is a parade here with floats, firecrackers, dancers and music. The Smithsonian American Art Museum can host hands on arts and crafts events that feature performers invited from China. The Kennedy Center stages themed performances, including folk music and symphonies from China.
Chicago
Despite low temperatures in January and February, Chicago celebrates the Lunar New Year in a big way. There are two parades, usually held on different days of the same weekend. One is in the city's traditional Chinatown on the South Side, and the other takes place on Argyle Street. Asian culture is on full display during these parades, and other Chicago com munities also take part.
1. Which city has the longest history of celebrating the Lunar New Year?| A．New York City. | B．San Francisco. |
| C．Washington DC. | D．Chicago. |
| A．Serve Chinese food. | B．Show Chinese dancers. |
| C．Play Chinese court music. | D．Invite Chinese art performers. |
| A．Festival parades. | B．English concerts. |
| C．The American culture weekend. | D．The American-style art exhibitions. |
