1 . We will soon enter the Year of the Dragon. Or should that be the Year of the Loong? That is a question that has aroused heated debate.
Influenced by Greek mythology (神话), the dragon is often the keeper of treasure, so the dragon is often a symbol of greed and destruction. In addition to the image of “Saint George slaying the dragon” in the medieval manuscripts of Europe, there is also the Great Red Dragon in the Christian Bible’s Book of Revelation, which refers to Satan and the end times. For Europeans, dragon is usually a monster keeping distances away from people, a symbol of darkness. With four legs and two huge black wings, they can spit fire or even poison gas out of their mouth, with great destructive power.
Such symbolic resonance (共鸣) can be seen in the enduring appeal of dragons in Western popular culture today where they are important parts of fantasy literature, films, video games, and TV shows, often representing a mix of awe-inspiring and fearsome qualities that put them at the heart of struggles between good and evil.
Contrary to the evil image of European dragons, Chinese dragons traditionally symbolize different meanings. The loong has been a central symbol in Chinese culture for thousands of years, and its origins can be traced back to early Chinese civilization through mythology, folklore and religious beliefs. They even had jobs, as in Chinese legends dragons were appointed head of the four seas where they must keep order, as well as the job of bringing rain to the earth. Since loong were believed to have control over natural phenomena such as rain, storms and water, and were associated with the life-giving properties of water and the fertility of the land, loong became symbols of strength and good fortune, and they became associated with balance, harmony and the natural order of the universe.
The differences in perception of the mythical creatures in China and the West are rooted in their different cultural values. Thus the answer to the question at the beginning is clear: Whether or not to use loong instead of dragon is not important. What is important is that as we enter a new lunar year people globally appreciate the cultural values embodied in such Chinese symbols as loong.
1. Which of the following best describes Westerners’ attitude towards the dragon?A.Lovable. | B.Frightened. | C.Acceptable. | D.Favorable. |
A.By presenting numbers. | B.By telling ancient stories. |
C.By making a definition. | D.By making comparison. |
A.The long history of loong. | B.The various jobs loong had. |
C.People’s positive beliefs in loong. | D.Loong’s ability to control nature. |
A.People only in China appreciate the cultural values. |
B.Different cultures have different understanding of dragon. |
C.It’s important to identify the differences between dragon and loong. |
D.Everyone expects to enter a new lunar loong year. |
内容包括:1. 表示理解;2. 给她提供建议。
注意:1. 词数80左右;2.可以适当增加细节,以使行文连贯。
参考词汇:文化冲击culture shock
Dear Lily,
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Yours,
Li Hua
1. Where is the speaker staying now?
A.In England. | B.In America. | C.In China. |
A.Once a week. | B.Twice a week. | C.Three times a week. |
A.Eating food. | B.Taking a trip. | C.Mountain climbing. |
4 . The Hadza hunter-gatherers of Tanzania live a life that has not changed much over ten thousand years. They have no crops, no house animals, no permanent shelters. In spite of long exposure to agriculturalist groups around them, the Hadza have maintained their lifestyle.
The story of the spread of agriculture is the story of growing population density (密度). Villages formed, then cities, then nations. Agriculture’s rise, however, came with a price. It introduced infectious diseases, social inequality, occasional famines (饥荒) and war. Professor Jared Diamond of UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) has called the adoption of agriculture “the worst mistake in human history”— a mistake from which we have never recovered.
Looking at the Hadza, you can see why he came to this conclusion. They do not engage in warfare. They do not live densely (稠密地) enough to be threatened by an infectious outbreak. They have no known history of famine (饥荒). The Hadza diet is more stable (稳定 的) and varied than that of most of the world’s citizens. They live almost entirely free of possessions. They enjoy an extraordinary amount of leisure time, “working” — actively pursuing food — only four to six hours a day.
The chief reason the Hadza have been able to maintain their lifestyle so long is that their homeland is not an inviting place. Recently, however, population growth has brought a flood of people into Hadza lands. The region has generally been viewed by outsiders as unused, a Place in need of development. The Hadza, who by nature are not a combative (好战的) people, have almost always moved away instead of fighting.
There are many things to envy about the Hadza, mostly what free spirits they appear to be. Free from schedules, jobs, bosses, bills, traffic, taxes, laws, social duties and money. But who of us could live like them? It’s incredibly risky. Medical help is far away. One bad fall from a tree, one bite from a snake, and you’re dead. The fact is that it’s too late for us to go back to the Hadza lifestyle. Of greater concern is that soon it may be impossible for them to maintain theirs.
1. What does the underlined word “It” in paragraph 2 refer to?A.Agriculture’s rise. | B.The growth of population. |
C.The formation of village. | D.The appearance of a city. |
A.They are always busy in all seasons |
B.They like fighting with the other nations |
C.They are often in hunger because of fight |
D.They are always leading a free life without fight. |
A.It’s convenient for the people of Hadza to get medical care. |
B.It’s worth visiting the beautiful scenery of the Hadza. |
C.Visitors can be welcomed warmly by the people of the Hadza. |
D.The author is worried about the current situation of the Hadza. |
A.Agriculture of the Hadza | B.The Unique Hadza Lifestyle |
C.The Attractive Diet of the Hadza | D.The Medical Care of the Hadza |
5 . For the British, the home is a private place in which he or she goes to hide away from the troubles of life. It is very seldom that one would be invited to a British person’s home. It is rude to knock on a person’s door if you into. Never ask how much the house or any of the items in it costs.
To the American, most of them want their home to be a place where they can entertain and share their lives with their friends. They may be glad to show you around their houses. They may also be pleased when you show your interest and pleasure in their houses.
Both British and American people will engage in (参与) quite a bit of chat and a drink or two before the meal is served. After the first mouthful, you should say how delicious the food is and ask something about it. Remember, never eat with your mouth open and make very little noise while eating. It would be nice of you to help your host in any way. Maybe offer to pour some drinks or clear up after the meal.
1. British people ________invite friends to their home.A.often | B.always | C.seldom | D.never |
A.you can use anything you like | B.you can ask how much his house is |
C.you may ask the cost of the items in it | D.you are not free to go wherever you wish |
A.angry | B.happy | C.sad | D.worried |
A.Differences between British and American home. |
B.Differences between British and American table manners. |
C.Development of table manners of British and the United States. |
D.Some manners on visiting British and American people’s home. |
6 . I had just arrived in this Asian country for a one-year teaching position. One day, I took a subway to visit some ancient palaces and temples in the downtown. What happened to me next on the subway has taught me much about culture difference.
Since all the seats were taken, I stood. Suddenly, I felt someone pulling on my bag. Assuming I probably was in someone’s way, I moved over slightly. But in one quick motion, I felt my bag removed from my back, and in a flash, it was gone. I turned around to see who the thief was. I looked at the people standing behind me, but didn’t see my bag or anyone suspicious. My heart began to beat wildly and I began to panic.
I looked around, only to find directly across from me was an elderly lady, and sitting on her lap was my bag. I tried to get it back from her lap. But as I began to pull it up, she quickly took it back and held onto it. I looked around at the people standing beside me, and those sitting beside her, but no one took any notice of the situation. Trying not to cause a scene, I tried to negotiate through gestures. I used my hands as much as I could, but she ignored my requests for my bag and pointed to my back. She picked up my bag, showing how heavy it was. I finally began to understand. She was holding my bag to help me.
At the next stop, a middle-aged woman got on the crowded subway. Another elderly woman sitting down took her bag, setting it on her lap. They didn’t talk; yet this older woman was more than pleased to sit with this stranger’s bag on her lap throughout her journey.
As the subway pulled into the main downtown station and I was getting ready to get off, the woman gently handed me back my bag. But before I had a chance to thank her, she had disappeared into the crowd.
1. What happened after the writer got on the subway?A.The writer’s bag was stolen by an elderly lady. | B.The writer stood in someone’s way. |
C.An old lady asked the writer to sit beside her. | D.A stranger offered help to the writer. |
A.Feel frightened. | B.Feel grateful. | C.Feel relaxed. | D.Feel ashamed. |
A.The middle-aged woman and the elderly woman were good friends. |
B.The passengers on the subway were very unfriendly. |
C.Helping standing passengers with heavy bags was common on local subways. |
D.There were many thieves on the subway. |
A.To warn us of the potential risks in travelling abroad. | B.To tell us a culture difference. |
C.To recommend a travel destination. | D.To give us some tips on taking a subway. |
1. Who is the speaker probably?
A.A hostess. |
B.A professor. |
C.A tour guide. |
A.Traditional. |
B.Unlucky. |
C.Friendly. |
A.Gifts are exchanged within companies. |
B.The witch gives gifts to adults. |
C.Wedding guests “buy” the groom’s tie slices. |
A.A coffee cup. |
B.A T-shirt. |
C.A baseball cap. |
8 . 5 of the Most Interesting Customs in the World
Switzerland—Honesty shopping
There are little shops in the middle of the Swiss Alps that allow you to buy your fresh cheese, milk, bread, honey, and butter without anyone to watch you. In fact, no one watches these shops because they are owned by farmers who are out taking care of the animals.
South Korea—NOT tipping
Tipping is in the blood for someone who is raised in the United States along with many other European countries. But in South Korea, employees in the food service industry are given fair wages and take pride in their work, and it is insulting to attempt to tip them.
Iceland—Christmas Eve books giving
People puzzle over the eternal question of Christmas gifts. Iceland has solved this problem with the Christmas Eve tradition of giving a book. After everyone unwraps the books, they spend the evening reading together.
Japan—Pushers on the subway
Japan's subway is crowded during rush hours. But instead of settling for the inefficiency that personal space demands, Japan has "pushers". They are exactly what they sound like-employees whose only job during rush hour is to push more people onto the train.
Russia—Offering vodka
It is the custom to welcome new friends with shots of vodka. What better way to break the ice than with some stomach- warming shots of this Russian tradition? That's something we can all toast to, or, as they say in Russia, "Na zdorovye!".
1. In which of countries is it a tradition to give books as a Christmas gift?A.Japan. | B.South Korea. | C.Russia. | D.Iceland. |
A.It is a tradition for Swiss to welcome guests with vodka. |
B.No one watches you shop in Switzerland because people are busy. |
C."Pushers" in Japan help you get off the train faster. |
D.Tipping is in the blood for people in South Korea. |
A.Those who intend to travel in their home country. |
B.Those who want to study abroad. |
C.Those who are interested in diverse customs around the globe. |
D.Those who are fond of natural sceneries. |
9 . In England recently three foreign gentlemen came to a bus stop and waited. About five minutes later, the bus they wanted came along. They were just going to get on when suddenly there was a loud noise behind them. People rushed onto the bus and tried to push them out of the way. Someone shouted at them. The bus conductor came rushing down the stairs to see what all the trouble was about. The three foreigners seem all at sea and looked embarrassed. No one had told them about the British custom of lining up for a bus that the first person who arrives at the bus stop is the first person to get on the bus.
Learning the language of a country isn't enough. If you want to have a pleasant visit, find out as much as possible about the manners and customs of your host country. You will probably be surprised just how different they can be from your own. A visitor to India would do well to remember that people there consider it impolite to use the left hand for passing food at table. The left hand is supposed to be used for washing yourself. Also in India, you might see a man shaking his head at another to show that he doesn't agree. But in many parts of India a shake of the head means agreement. Nodding your head when you are given a drink in Bulgaria will most probably leave you thirsty .
In that country, you shake your head to mean 'yes'— a nod means 'no'. At a meal in countries on the Arabic Peninsula, you will find that your glass is repeated refilled as soon as you drink up. If you think that you have had enough, you should take the cup or glasses in your hand and give it a little shake from side to side or place your hand over the top.
In Europe it is quite usual to cross your legs when you are sitting talking to someone even at an important meeting. Doing this in Thailand, however, could bring about trouble. Also, you should try to avoid touching the head of an adult — it's just not done in Thailand.
1. The British people tried to push the three gentlemen out of the way, because the gentlemen _______.A.were foreigners | B.didn't have tickets |
C.made a loud noise | D.didn't line up for the bus |
A.learn the language of the country |
B.understand the manners and customs of the country |
C.have enough time and money |
D.make friends with the people there |
A.to use the right hand for passing food at table |
B.to pass food with the left hand |
C.to eat food with your hands |
D.to help yourself at table |
A.a common habit | B.an important manner |
C.a serious trouble | D.a bad manner |
People in all cultures use clothing and other forms of bodily decoration to communicate status, intentions and other messages. In North America, we dress differently for business and various leisure activities. North American women usually are much more knowledgeable of little difference in messages communicated by clothes than men. At times, this leads to silly mistakes of understanding of female intentions on the part of men. Of course, clothing styles also are intended to communicate messages to members of the same gender.
Long before we are near enough to talk to someone, their appearance tells their gender, age, economic class, and often even intentions. We begin to recognize the important cultural clues at an early age. The vocabulary of dress that we learn includes not only items of clothing but also hairstyles, jewelry, and other body decoration. In most cultures, however, the same style of dress communicates different messages depending on the age, gender, and physical appearance of the individual wearing it.
Putting on certain types of clothing can change your behavior and the behavior of others towards you. This can be the case with a doctor’s white lab coat, or an army uniform. Most uniforms are clearly symbolic so that they can rapidly and unmistakably communicate status. For instance, the strange hairstyle and clothing of the English “punks” are essential aspects of their uniforms.
1. Which of the following is the best title for this passage?
A.Clothing and Culture. |
B.Ways of Sending Message. |
C.Communication through Clothing |
D.Clothing and Social Behavior |
A.To hide their fear for the exam. |
B.To provide protection against bad weather. |
C.To make them more comfortable. |
D.To call for supernatural help. |
A.Age. | B.Dress. | C.Status. | D.Gender. |
A.Clothing plays an important role in social activities. |
B.Words of dress are unable to communicate different messages. |
C.Dress is better than language in communicating messages. |
D.Messages communicated by clothes are the same in different cultures. |