1 . Winter Solstice Celebrations From Around the World

The winter solstice (冬至), the longest night of the year, falls on December 21 or 22 in the Northern Hemisphere and June 20 or 21 in the Southern. Since ancient times, people all over the world have recognized this important occurrence and celebrated the following “return” of the Sun in a variety of different ways. Old solstice traditions have influenced holidays we celebrate now, such as Christmas and Hanukkah. Here are some solstice traditions both new and old to help light your way to longer days.

Soyal

Soyal is the winter solstice celebration of the Hopi Indians of northern Arizona. Ceremonies include purification, dancing, and sometimes gift-giving. At the time of the solstice, Hopi welcome the kachinas, some protective gods from the mountains. Prayer sticks are crafted and used for various blessings and other ceremonies.

Yalda

The Persian festival Yalda, or Shab-e Yalda is a celebration of the winter solstice in Iran that started in ancient times. It marks the last day of the Persian month of Azar. Yalda is viewed traditionally as the victory of light over dark, and the birthday of the sun god Mithra. Families celebrate together with special foods like nuts and some stay awake all night long to welcome the morning sun.

Midwinter in Antarctica

Even Antarctica gets its share of solstice celebration, thanks to the researchers staying there over the long, dangerously cold season. While those of us in the Northern Hemisphere are enjoying the most daylight hours, in the Southern Hemisphere they are celebrating Midwinter. Festivities include special meals, films, and sometimes even handmade gifts.

1. What can be learned about winter solstice?

A．It is a traditional Christmas celebration.	B．It is a big event only in Southern globe.
C．It has a great influence on the climate.	D．It enjoys global recognition.

2. How do Hopi Indians observe Soyal?

A．By making prayers in the day.	B．By wandering the wilderness.
C．By dancing and sending gifts.	D．By staying up all night long.

3. Where can you expect films during winter solstice?

A．In Antarctica.

B．In China.

C．In India

D．In Iran.

2 . My son’s seventh birthday is approaching, so conversation at my house has naturally turned to organizing his party.

For his sixth birthday, we booked the local trampoline(蹦床) park. This worked out well. But the whole event cost us hundreds of pounds. This year, I’m trying to convince him that the dinosaur-themed park down the road offers just as much fun—and you don’t even need to wear special socks! This will be cheaper, because we aren’t required to hire a space—we can simply buy tickets for his mates.

But I still keep pondering over one thing—party bags. Why should a bunch of seven-year-olds, who have already been treated to a day out and a mountain of sugar, also be handed a bag full of pound-shop gifts for simply bothering to show up?

Party bags are an environmental disaster. I reckon my son attends 20 parties per year, and at each party there are 20 kids in attendance, which means 400 plastic bags in total. Within these 400 bags are perhaps 800 plastic toys, almost all of which fall apart on the journey home and then get binned instantly. The waste is shocking, and I don’t want to be part of it.

I know there are some party bag alternatives: one couple I know covered a table with Mr. Men books and got the kids to choose one each. At another party, I saw the hosts fill a bucket with soft toys and crumpled newspaper, and do a lucky dip (抽奖). Admirable efforts.

Even if that is a nice try, and even if the contents in the party bags don’t fall apart, so what? Will our guests think more highly of our child because of the party bags from our party? Will my child’s ability to make and keep friends be improved?

Well, the tradition for kid’s party bags ends with me, and it ends here, and it ends now. Who’s with me?

1. Why does the author recommend the dinosaur-themed park?

A．Because it’s more enjoyable.	B．Because it provides socks.
C．Because it can reduce cost.	D．Because it offers free tickets.

2. What may be put in party bags?

A．Gifts brought by guests.	B．Gifts prepared by hosts.
C．Gifts distributed by parks.	D．Gift a donated by charities.

3. What is the author’s attitude towards party bags?

A．Intolerant.

B．Objective.

C．Favorable.

D．In different.

4. What do the underlined words “get binned” mean in paragraph 4?

A．Be recycled.

B．Be repaired.

C．Be thrown away.

D．Be given away.

3 . It seems a bit strange to imagine ancient Egyptians celebrating their birthdays with layered cakes topped with lighted candles.    1    

The first birthday cakes were nothing of what they are today and weren’t even called birthday cakes.    2    At that time only they could afford to celebrate with something sweet. That is how cake became associated with special occasions.

Ancient Egyptians are credited with“inventing”the birthday celebration. And ancient Greeks borrowed the tradition but rightfully realized that a dessert would make the celebration all the more meaningful. So they baked moon-shaped cakes to offer up to the moon.    3    

It wasn’t just the ancient Egyptians and Greeks who celebrated with sweet cakes.    4    And it’s believed that the original birthday cake came from them. Rather than just celebrating birthdays, though,ancient Rome was known for celebrating all things with a cake including wedding,but there was an exception—the birthdays celebrated were only for men who were citizens,and they had to be famous.

Modern birthday parties are said to get their roots from the 18th-century German celebration. On the morning of a child’s birthday, he or she would receive a cake with lighted candles that added up to the child’s age plus one.    5    The birthday child would make a wish,try to blow out all the candles in one breath,and dig in.

A．Ancient Romans also had their traditions.

B．Rather,they were symbolic of the noble class.

C．Ancient Greeks made the first birthday cakes.

D．On birthday,children would eat cakes made by their mums.

E．They also decorated the cakes to make them shine like the moon.

F．This extra candle was called the light of hope for another new year.

G．However, they’re the ones who first came up with the idea to do so.

4 . Tibetan New Year, also known as Losar, is the most important festival in Tibet and is celebrated for 15 days, typically falling in February or March.    1    The celebrations include a range of customs and traditions that reflect the unique culture and identity of the Tibetan people.

Before the arrival of the New Year, Tibetans engage in thorough cleaning of their homes and surroundings.    2    They also make offerings to the gods and ancestors to seek blessings for the upcoming year. Decorating homes and public places is a common custom during Losar. In addition, people also decorate their clothes with patterns, and their hair is styled in fashion.

    3    Traditional dishes such as momos, a type of steamed dumpling filled with meat or vegetables, and Tibetan butter tea, made from yak butter and tea leaves, are served. Sweet treats like Tibetan butter cookies and dried fruit are also enjoyed.

Tibetan people offer prayers and make offerings to the gods and deities during Losar. The offerings typically include food, incense and flowers.    4    

Music and dance are part of the Losar celebrations. Villagers gather in public spaces and dance around bonfires, singing and playing traditional instruments.

    5    People gather in public spaces and light incense and candles while offering food, drinks and other items to the gods. This is followed by the ceremony of throwing Tsampa, a roasted barley flour, into the air as a symbol of letting go of the past year and embracing new beginnings.

The customs of Tibetan New Year are deeply rooted in the culture and traditions of the Tibetan people.

A．In 2023, Tibetan New Year fell on Feb 21.

B．Using them, people show gratitude to the elderly people.

C．In the festival, people hold various events to celebrate it.

D．These offerings are believed to bring good luck to people.

E．This practice is to get rid of bad luck in the previous year.

F．The Losar celebrations come to an end with a grand ceremony.

G．During the New Year, Tibetans enjoy feasts with their family and friends.

5 . Summer is coming. Are you looking for a part-time job? Here are some possible options.

Lifeguard

Are you a strong swimmer and a good communicator? Would you like a challenge? We are looking for lifeguards for our busy summer season. No experience is necessary as you will get two weeks of training before you start the job. As well as being physically fit, you need to be available for work Mon-Fri, 7- 11 a.m.

Store assistant

We are looking for store assistants for our busy gift store. Applicants need to be reliable, friendly, and enjoy speaking to customers. A second language is preferred as many of our customers are tourists from other countries. The positions are part-time and you need to work from Thursday to Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Fashion designer

Are you interested in the latest styles? Are you creative and good at art? If so, Dresswise is looking for a young person to create new looks for our teen department. This is a great opportunity to gain experience in the clothing industry. You will need to work four days a week and we’ll pay you for each design we use. We’ll also give you samples of your designs to wear.

Game tester

Are you into technology and creative? Would you like to play and test educational games and get paid for it? This is an exciting part-time job for somebody who loves playing games. We offer flexible hours. If this is for you, write a description of your favorite game and why you like it in no more than 150 words.

If you are interested in any of the above jobs, please contact us at studentunrion @campus.com.

1. What is a shared requirement for lifeguard and store assistant?

A．Communicative ability.	B．A second language.
C．Professional experience.	D．A strong body.

2. Which job can you apply for if you can only work on weekends?

A．Lifeguard.	B．Store assistant.
C．Fashion designer.	D．Game tester.

3. What can you get from the job as a fashion designer?

A．Samples of the latest styles.

B．Payment for each of your designs.

C．Experience in the fashion industry.

D．Chances to design clothes for adults.

6 . International Youth Celebrations

Local youth groups, together with students from various countries including Spain, Finland, Austria and Estonia, are each performing three dance pieces. Then they will join together in a play about international friendship. The evening will finish with the singing of songs from different countries.

Songs of Summer

The Hunton Consort consists of eight voices singing music from hundreds of years ago right up to modern times. The group will perform songs, old and new, all of which are about the summer.

Life Flows Between Us

Kent Arts and Libraries present the first performance of a new dance group called the Street Dancing Company. The group will perform old traditional dances on several of the bridges in the town.

A Star May Be Born

Toni Arthur produces plays with seven- to eleven-year-olds, performed at weekends for parents, family and friends. The plays come from children’s stories, and encouragement from the audience is always very welcome.

River Festival

A day of fun on the riverbank, with a Chinese theme. Street entertainers and pop musicians perform during the day, followed by fireworks in the evening. Something for everybody to watch, both children and adults.

Variety Music Evening

A great evening with the latest pop songs and dancing from several great and unusual performers. Members of the audience will be invited to join in and will have the chance of winning tickets to a theatre show.

1. What can people enjoy at the Life Flows Between Us?

A．Beautiful fireworks.

B．Old and new songs.

C．Dances from the past.

D．Plays from different countries.

2. What is a characteristic of Toni Arthur’s plays?

A．They are based on children’s stories.

B．They are performed on some bridges.

C．They are about international friendship.

D．They invite members of the audience to join in.

3. Which activity highlights Chinese culture?

A．International Youth Celebrations.

B．Songs of Summer.

C．River Festival.

D．Variety Music Evening

8 . In summer of this year, we have options for your young artiste (专业演员) to learn a new creative art or develop an existing talent around the sound. Here are just 4 of a dozen highly unique activities being offered by us in Seattle.

Broadway Bound

Broadway Bound will be offering 12 weeks of in-person musical theater camps this summer. Campers will work together to learn acting, singing and dancing, and then put on a performance at the end of the week.

Dates: June 13-Sept. 2

Ages:5-14

Cost: $ 400

Stone Soup Theatre

Stone Soup will hold its Summer Stage day camps outside at two parks: Meridian Playfield in North Seattle and Jefferson Park in South Seattle. Camps run 9 a. m.—3 p. m, with early-arrival care and aftercare free of charge. Kids can act their hearts out.

Dates: June 13-Aug. 22

Ages: 6-14

Cost: $ 395

School of Rock

Join a band this summer! At School of Rock, kids can spend a week learning and making music at fun day camps. No experience is needed for some camps, such as Rookies Camp, though some require some experience. Most camps come to an end with a live performance.

Dates: June 20-Aug. 26

Ages: 5-17

Cost: $ 495

Gage Academy of Art (Seattle, online)

Gage Academy’s full-day and in-person camps and half-day online camps offer practical art instruction in drawing, painting, sculpting and digital design. The curriculum encourages students to explore new materials and techniques, develop problem-solving skills and celebrate self-expression.

Dates: June 27-Aug. 26

Ages:6-18

Cost: Varies by programs, before-/after-care provided for an additional fee

1. What will campers do at the Broadway Bound?

A．Visit a theater.

B．Give a performance.

C．Meet a famous star.

D．Work for dancers.

2. What is special about Stone Soup Theatre?

A．It offers free aftercare.

B．It will be held in summer.

C．It encourages early arrival.

D．It is about kids’ performance.

3. Which camp will attract children who are interested in making music?

A．Broadway Bound.

B．Stone Soup Theatre.

C．School of Rock.

D．Gage Academy of Art.

9 . Art lovers around the world are remembering Leonardo da Vinci who died in France 500 years ago, on May 2, 1519.

A British art expert announced on Thursday that Britain’s royal family has a portrait (肖像) of the famous artist, often known simply as Leonardo. Martin Clayton, a royal art adviser, said the portrait’s owner is Queen Elizabeth II. He added that the image was made by one of Leonardo’s assistants shortly before his death. Clayton said the “straight nose” and other details look very much like the only other known portrait of Leonardo done in his lifetime. That picture was the work of Italian painter Francesco Melzi. It will be on display at the Queen’s Gallery with about 200 drawings from her collection of Leonardo’s works.

On Thursday, the presidents of Italy and France gathered in the French town of Amboise to mark the anniversary of the artist’s death. He spent the final years of his life in the town. Today art lovers around the world are celebrating Leonardo’s work. He is considered a true Renaissance man, working not only as an artist, but as a scientist and inventor. “There really hasn’t been anybody then or since who has combined this extraordinary genius for these totally different areas,” said Gregory Rubinstein. He is the worldwide head of Old Master drawings at Sotheby’s auction house. “I think that’s what’s at the heart of our fascination.”

Sotheby’s announced Thursday that an important Leonardo drawing is going on display in its New York offices next month. The drawing, called “Leda and the Swan”, was painted in 1506. It is based on a story from Greek mythology (神话). It has not been shown in public since 2003. Leonardo appears to have made the painting while he was also working on “Mona Lisa”, his most well-known painting. The Mona Lisa hangs in the Louvre Museum in Paris. Rubenstein said the “very complete and very beautiful” drawing appears to have been preparatory work for a painting that was never made or was lost. “It’s a very mysterious one because there is no surviving record. and no painting survives,” he said.

1. How will the British remember Leonardo this year?

A．By exhibiting a portrait of Leonardo.	B．By holding a party at the royal family.
C．By showing Melzi’s work of Leonardo.	D．By displaying Queen’s collection of works.

2. Why did the presidents of Italy and France go to Amboise?

A．To visit the Queen’s Gallery.	B．To remember Leonardo da Vinci.
C．To attend the funeral of Leonardo.	D．To celebrate the anniversary of the Renaissance.

3. Why are people so fascinated by Leonardo?

A．He is a true lover of art.	B．He is a genius in everything.
C．He is a person with many gifts.	D．He is a man living in the Renaissance.

4. What do we know about “Leda and the Swan”?

A．It is about a mysterious Italian story.	B．It is a rarely seen Leonardo drawing.
C．It was painted by Leonardo’s assistant.	D．It is a preparatory work for “Mona Lisa”.

10 . Happy Campers Summer Retreat

As a parent, your child’s health and happiness are the most important things to you, which can be difficult to achieve. The Happy Campers Summer Retreat was developed to help parents with this challenge.

Founded in 1998 by Michael Gibson, our summer camp is open to children during the holidays, from May to September. We look after lots of children every single year. Our camp is based in the Colorado Mountains, and it offers a lot of different activities for children.

Our program helps improve:

• Physical fitness

• Problem-solving skills

• Social skills

• Sports ability and experience

The Happy Campers Summer Retreat can benefit all children. Some children are good at school, but rarely active. Our program will help encourage an interest in sports. Other children are mainly interested in sports. These children will not only play sports, but will also learn new skills, such as teamwork skills, social skills, and communication skills. Children will also have the chance to try new activities. Our program is designed to help develop a complete and fully active child.

At very affordable prices, our program is available to any family in America. Your child’s stay can be as short as a week or as long as six weeks.

Why not call us today or click here to join our camp? Take action now and give your child this great chance!

1. How long does the camp last every year?

A．One week.	B．Five months.
C．Six weeks.	D．One month.

2. What can a child learn from the camp?

A．How to deal with people.	B．How to choose a strong team.
C．How to avoid physical problems.	D．How to stay interested in something.

3. What is the purpose of the text?

A．To describe the history of the camp.

B．To compare the camp with other activities.

C．To encourage parents to send their children to the camp.

D．To tell parents about the benefits of outdoor activities.