| A．Peru. | B．Britain. | C．Mexico. |
As a distinctive visual art symbol of China, Chinese paper cutting, has been around for centuries. With
Due to their
The oldest
3 . Dragons, a famous imaginary beast born from fantasy, are often present in stories in the west and east. In both cultures, dragons are generally recognized as massive creatures capable of flight. They have great power and are often associated with magical abilities. However, due to their different cultural roots and images, there exist significant differences in the way dragons are regarded in the west and east, particularly in China.
Chinese dragons most resemble snakes, and have four claws and no wings. They often have features of other animals, including carp, tigers, and eagles. In the contrast, Western dragons look like huge lizards with big claws and large bat-like wings, and are often shown with spines or rough scales.
In traditional Chinese culture, a dragon is a symbol of luck, power and high status. They can cause weather changes and bring rainfall to the fields to ensure rich harvests. They are considered divine (神圣的) creatures, which hold an important position as the head of the four spirits. Therefore, to symbolize their power, ancient Chinese emperors decorated their clothes with dragon patterns. These clothes are known as dragon robes. Many Chinese view the dragon as a national symbol, proudly referring to themselves as “descendants of the dragon”. In the west, however, a dragon symbolizes an evil creature that spreads violence and terror throughout the land. They are believed to be transformed by the devil, with the ability to breathe fire or spit poison. Many western tales show dragons being defeated and killed to protect people from danger.
Today, dragons continue to evolve, exceeding traditional boundaries and finding new significance in global culture. They are no longer associated with evil or good, but rather as complex characters with their own unique personalities and motivations. For example, Toothless from How to Train Your Dragon begins as a dangerous dragon but evolves into a misunderstood being with love and compassion. This challenges the idea of dragons as naturally evil, presenting them as complex beings with emotions and motivations.
1. What do western dragons and eastern dragons have in common?| A．They have rough skin. | B．They are huge and powerful. |
| C．They are in the shape of snakes. | D．They have big claws and wings. |
| A．Western dragons are a symbol of authority. |
| B．Dragons in China can protect people from danger. |
| C．Chinese dragons can control rainfall and breathe fire. |
| D．Dragons are believed to cause chaos in western culture. |
| A．They are regarded as adventurous creatures. |
| B．They are closely associated with evil or good. |
| C．They have more diverse emotions and personalities. |
| D．They tend to represent human spirits facing challenges. |
| A．The Dragon Elements in Global Culture |
| B．The Origin of Dragons in Chinese History |
| C．The Magical Animals in Different Countries |
| D．The Images of Dragons in Western Traditions |
Since its first appearance in Paris in mid-December, the Yuyuan Garden Lantern Show
It is the first time that the lantern show,
The show, which opened on Dec.15 in Paris at the same time as the one that opened in Shanghai’s Yuyuan Garden,
According to the event’s organizer Yuyuan Inc., 3,000 online tickets
At the brightly lit double dragon-shaped gate, long lines
1. What interests the man most?
| A．Chinese history. | B．Chinese opera. | C．Chinese music. |
| A．To develop a new interest. |
| B．To take part in a competition. |
| C．To get a better understanding. |
| A．Imagination. | B．Language. | C．Development. |
1.清明节的概况：时间、活动、意义等；
2.你今年清明节的安排；
3.邀请James来中国感受传统节日。
注意：
1.可适当增加细节，以使行文连贯；
2.词数100词左右；
3.参考词汇：pay respects to 祭拜 sweep tombs 扫墓 offer sacrifices 供奉祭品
Dear James,
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Yours,
Li Hua
Two things are unique about 2024. First, it’s a leap year, and second, it has
In this wave of discussions about calendars, some netizens also asked, “Are there still people using paper calendars currently?” Regarding this, some netizens said, “Although everyone now uses electronic
A netizen exclaims, “When
It is not unusual for leap year calendars to be
Qing Ming is
Believing that he could force Jie out by burning the mountain, the lord ordered his men to set fire to the forest. To his disappointment, Jie chose to remain where he was and was burnt to death.
The “cold food” festival occurs on the eve of Qing Ming and
9 . With a few hours until curtain call, a quiet but noticeable energy fills the backstage dressing room of the famous Sunbeam Theatre, known as “Hong Kong’s Grand Palace for Cantonese Opera” Tonight, it’s the annual Rose family performance.
Some of the performers are eating takeout boxes of food, sure to sustain them through the bows-long show ahead. Others are getting a head start on their make-up. A few are being helped into their colorful costumes by eager assistants.
But there is something unexpectedly unusual about this particular performance that becomes obvious as soon as the curtains rise some of the people on stage aren’t Chinese.
Mike Brady, who comes from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, stands on stage in full costume. But he has never seen a Cantonese Opera, let alone been in one. As a background character, he has no spoken lines.
This unlikely actor owes his first performance to Lyle Rose, a fellow American who stands next to him in a similar costume. When it comes to performing, Lyle, a native New Yorker who now lives in Hong Kong, is not as green of a performer as Mike; in fact, he is the mastermind behind tonight’s show.
The entire Rose family is on stage. Mike himself is actually a new addition to the group: his daughter recently married Lyle’s younger son.
Cantonese Opera is a family affair for Lyle. Every year, Lyle, his wife, Cynthia Hu-Rose, a Hong Konger, and two sons put on a performance to raise money for local charities. But their true purpose for doing it is simply to introduce people to it. Though Cantonese Opera remains an important part of Hong Kong culture, it has to compete with many other forms of entertainment for the attention of younger generations, who associate n with their grandparents. “We love Cantonese Opera,” Lyle said. “We want people of all ages to come and watch.”
1. What scene is described in Paragraph 2?| A．Actors are practicing a play backstage. |
| B．Actors are getting ready for an upcoming show. |
| C．The audience are lending a hand to a performer. |
| D．The audience are eagerly waiting for a big show. |
| A．Some of its performers are American. |
| B．Most of its performers have no spoken lines. |
| C．Some of its performers wear newly styled costumes |
| D．Most of its performers have never performed before |
| A．He lacks performing experience. |
| B．He has seldom seen Cantonese Opera. |
| C．He directs and plays a part in tonight’s show. |
| D．He always plays a background character in opera shows. |
| A．To make a living abroad. |
| B．To collect money for local charities. |
| C．To change elders’ opinions about operas. |
| D．To attract younger audiences to Cantonese Opera. |
10 . 阅读下面短文, 在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式 (1-3 词)。
Ollivier Jean-Baptiste, 25, a vlogger (视频博主) from France living in China, delivered a speech titled “Bridging Cultures: A Personal Journey from France to China”. He spoke about his initial impressions of China
The idea of visiting China first
Later, a Chinese woman introduced him personally to the everyday life of Chinese people. He learned to use WeChat, Alipay, and Chinese social media,
Apart from his personal experiences in China, Jean-Baptiste noticed that friendly interactions between the two countries are increasing. After learning about the 15-day visa-free travel from France to China, his family and friends couldn’t wait
“I’m overjoyed to host them during the 60th anniversary of China-France diplomatic (外交的) relations,
