3 . The United States celebrates Valentine's Day each year on February 14. Many other countries celebrate Valentine's Day, too, each in their own way. Here is a look at the Valentine's Day traditions in three countries.

Wales：land of love spoons

In Wales, it is called St. Dwynwen's Day, which takes place on January 25. The traditional romantic gift on this day is a love spoon.

Beginning in the 17th century, Welsh men made beautiful wooden spoons as a show of their love for that special person in their lives. Each shape of the spoons has a different meaning. For example, horseshoes mean good luck； keys represent the key to a lover's heart； and wheels are a sign of support.

Argentina：a week of sweets

Argentina celebrates Valentine's Day in February, but also gives a whole other week to love in July. They call it Sweetness Week. If you kiss someone, they have to give you a sugary treat.

Sweetness Week started in 1989 with a candy company called Arcor. They made an advertisement called “Candy for a Kiss”. The idea was to give the company's chocolates and other candies in exchange for a sweet kiss on the cheek. The campaign had a stronger effect than the company expected—it led to a new holiday!

Every July, couples who take part give each other candies and kisses all week long.

South Korea: three is a charm

For South Koreans, Valentine's Day happens in three parts： February 14, March 14 and April 14.

On February 14, women traditionally give men gifts of chocolate to show their love. One month later, on a holiday known as White Day, men show their thanks by giving women a sweet gift. The name “White Day” comes from the custom of giving white-colored gifts.

Let's not forget Black Day on April 14. Single people who did not get gifts on February 14 or March 14 often gather on Black Day to eat noodles with black bean soup.

1. What does a key-shaped spoon mean?

A．Strong support.	B．Good luck.
C．Deep love.	D．Real thanks.

2. When is Sweetness Week celebrated?

A．In July .	B．In June.
C．In March.	D．In February .

3. What would be a good gift on White Day?

A．White   chocolates.	B．Silver spoons.
C．Black candies.	D．Black beans.

4 . While some customs like setting off fireworks and counting down the last few seconds seem universal, many countries have their own unique New Year’s Eve traditions.

Denmark: Break plates

A Danish tradition is to throw plates and dishes against friend’s and neighbor’s front doors. It’s a bit of a popularity contest as the bigger the pile of broken china is the next morning, the more friends and good luck you’ll have in the coming year.

Germany: Pouring lead

In Germany, people melt small pieces of lead in a spoon over a candle, then pour the liquid into cold water. The shapes from the lead pouring are supposed to reveal what the year ahead will bring. If the lead forms a ball, luck will roll one’s way, while the shape of a crown means wealth; a cross means death and a star will bring happiness.

Spain: Twelve grapes of luck

In Spain, one New Year’s tradition is to eat 12 grapes, one for each month of the coming year, to secure prosperity (繁荣). You need to eat one grape with each bell strike at midnight. The tradition dates from 1909 when farmers in Alicante came up with this idea to sell more grapes after an exceptional harvest.

Philippines: Round food, round clothes, round everything

In the Philippines, the start of the new year is all about the money. The locals believe that surrounding themselves with round things (to represent coins) will bring money or fortune. As a result, clothes with dots are worn and round food is eaten.

1. What is believed to bring good luck for the coming new year in Denmark?

A．A red candle.

B．Round food.

C．Broken china.

D．A lead cross.

2. What inspired the New Year’s tradition of eating grapes?

A．A way to make coins.	B．An act to keep power.
C．A desire to be popular.	D．An idea to gain profit.

3. Which section of a magazine is the text probably taken from?

A．Fashion.

B．Travel.

C．Culture.

D．Entertainment.

5 . Tell a Joke Day

On August 16, make everyone around you laugh by telling them a joke because it is Tell a Joke Day.     1     Yet we can all safely believe that the creator of this unofficial holiday was aiming to make the world a happier place by encouraging people to tell and listen to jokes.

    2     They can be verbal like in the case of a whole story or in the form of a question and answer, where the answer provides the humor. Jokes can also be physical such as in the case of a practical joke, where the act rather than the words provides the humor.     3    

Jokes have been an integral (不可分割的）part of human history and a great many minds have spent time and energy trying to understand what makes jokes funny.

The day is known in the US as National Tell a Joke Day.     4     Every time you meet someone on this day, tell them a joke. Just make sure the jokes are proper to the setting.       5     Watch your favorite comedians do their thing either on TV or on stage and enjoy a few hours of humorous entertainment. Fancy yourself as a comedian. Play a harmless trick on your co-worker or friend.

A．A joke can be of different types.

B．Everyone enjoys being with pleasant people.

C．The origins of this very funny day are unknown.

D．But don’t be confused with International Joke Day on July 1.

E．Pick up a joke book and spend your lunch hour reading it.

F．Either way, the main purpose of a joke is to provide humor.

G．You may want to know how to become a person with humor.

6 . We know that St. Patrick's Day festivities may include a little bit of drinking. But there are plenty of kid-safe St. Patrick's Day events around metro Phoenix, too. Here are the lucky St. Patrick's Day celebrations for kids.

3/17: Lucky St. Patrick's Day Cupcakes

Kids can make their own treats at the Children's Museum of Phoenix this St. Patrick's Day. Children can make and decorate their-cupcakes with rainbow candies and chocolate pots of gold. To-go containers will also be provided.

Details：1-3 p. m, Friday, March 17. Children's Museum of Phoenix, 215 N.7th Street, Phoenix. $3 for members. $4 for non-members. 602-253-0501.

3/17-19: Fountain O'Green Artisan Market

This community festival will include sculptures paintings, handcrafted jewelry and apparel from selected local and regional artists, live music and dance performance throughout the weekend. There will also be a food court.

On Friday, emerald-colored water will shoot from the town's fountain at noon. Take the kids to see the annual tradition and picnic in the park.

Details: 10 a. m.-5 p. m., Friday-Sunday, March 17-19. Avenue of the Fountains and Saguaro Boulevard, Fountain Hills. Free. 480-488-2014.

3/17: St Patrick's Day Party at AZ Air Time

Kids above 12 years old can collect their free, green glow necklaces and jump for three hours, scale the rock climbing wall or dive into the giant pit of foam. Jump sacks required.

Details: 8-11 p. m. Friday, March 17. AZ Air Time. 13802 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 145, Scottsdale. $15, which is a $14 savings, 480-427-2000.

1. In which program can kids find the food court?

A．St. Patrick's Day at the Irish Cultural Center.	B．Fountain O' Green Artisan Market.
C．St. Patrick's Day at AZ Air Time.	D．Lucky St. Patrick's Day Cupcakes.

2. Which program is free for children?

A．Lucky St. Patrick's Day Cupcakes.	B．St. Patrick's Day at the Irish Cultural Center.
C．Fountain O'Green Artisan Market.	D．St. Patrick's Day at AZ Air Time.

3. For whom is the passage intended for?

A．Parents of younger children.	B．People addicted to alcohol.
C．Organizers of festivals.	D．Educators and businessmen.

7 . Always something to celebrate

Edinburgh is the world's festival city. There are 12 festivals throughout the year, half of which are celebrated during the months of July and August.

Hundreds of thousands of people visit the Scottish capital during the summer. Here are some of the events they can enjoy:

The Edinburgh International Festival

This is the original Edinburgh festival, which began in 1947. Actors, musicians, dancers and opera singers from all over the world perform to huge audiences. You need tickets for most events which take place in theaters around the city.

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe (艺穗节)

This is the largest arts festival in the world with thousands of shows taking place across the city. More than 20,000 artists take part, as the festival is open to anyone. Visitors can choose from a huge variety of acts.

Join thousands of visitors and locals at the Royal Mile, Edinburgh's main street, to watch all kinds of performers and shows.

The Edinburgh International Book Festival

The largest book festival in the world began in 1983 and takes place every year in Charlotte Square Gardens, in the centre of Edinburgh. There are more than 700 events for children and adults who love books. You can meet many authors, talk to them, ask them to sign a book or listen to them talk about their stories. Children can listen to stories and watch illustrators (插画家) draw pictures.

The Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival

Music lovers come to this festival to enjoy music shows around the city. One of the highlights (精彩部分) of this musical event is the street carnival (嘉年华), which is free to all. Artists perform street theatre, dance and circus (马戏团) shows in amazing costumes, and everyone can join in the dancing.

1. What do we know about the Edinburgh International Festival from the article?

A．It started in 1947.

B．It's held at the Royal Mile.

C．It's free to Scottish people.

D．It takes place in July every year.

2. Which is the largest arts festival in the world?

A．The Edinburgh International Festival.

B．The Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

C．The Edinburgh International Book Festival.

D．The Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival.

3. According to the passage, what can visitors do at the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival?

A．They can try on different costumes.

B．They can join a singing competition.

C．They can take part in a street carnival.

D．They can get pictures from famous painters.

8 . Tomato Festival

Started in 2005, the Tomato Festival has grown into a local tradition in Malta. In recent years, the festival has added amusement park­style rides and a yearly Creature Feature, which screens old horrible movies. There are also dance competitions, parades and pancake breakfast. Third weekend in August.

Address: 833 Tinkham Rd, Fountain Park, Wilbraham, Massachusetts 01095

Phone: (413)599-0010

Brat Days

Don’t mistake this festival for a day filled with poorly behaved children. Begun in 1953, the gathering is the biggest festival in the city each year and features more than 50 stands (摊位) selling the sausage, as well as a contest to see who can quickly eat the most bratwurst (德国式小香肠) in ten minutes.Early August.

Address: 17th and New Jersey sts, Kiwanis Park, Sheboygan, Wisconsin 53081

Phone: (920)457－9491

Hope Watermelon Festival

The festival dates back to the 1920s, when many trains went through this small town and local watermelon growers would sell their watermelon to parched travellers. These days, the festival sees a Watermelon Queen crowned (加冠的) and sometimes a world­record watermelon grown. There are also more than 300 stands selling arts and crafts from a six­state area, as well as a car show and the Watermelon Olympics. Early August.

Address: 108 W 3rd St, Hope, Arkansas 71801

Phone: (870) 777-3640

Oyster Festival (牡蛎节)

Featuring appearances from tall ships and oyster boats, this festival has regularly drawn 60,000 visitors a year since it began in 1978. More than 3,000 volunteers make the festival possible each year. Norwalk is less than a two­hour drive from many of New England’s larger cities, making it easy to attend the festival during a trip to New York or Hartford. Weekend after Labor Day.

Address: Sea view Ave, Veteran’s Park, East Norwalk, Connecticut 06855

Phone: (800) 866-7925

1. Which of the following festivals has the longest history?

A．Oyster Festival.

B．Tomato Festival.

C．Brat Days.

D．Hope Watermelon Festival.

2. In which of the following activities can you enjoy the frightening films?

A．The Creature Feature.

B．The Watermelon Olympics.

C．The Eating­bratwurst Contest.

D．Dance Competitions.

3. If it is August 15 today this year, you might still attend .

A．Brat Days

B．Tomato Festival

C．Hope Watermelon Festival

D．Oyster Festival

9 . Everyone knows about New Year’s Eve and Independence Day. But did you know that there are enough holidays to fill every day of the year? Here are just a few we found interesting.

World Hello Day

To celebrate this day, say hello to at least ten different people. World Hello Day began in the autumn of 1973, shortly after the end of a war in the Middle East. Brian and Michael McCormack of Omaha, Nebraska, wondered what they could do to encourage world peace. They felt the best way was by getting people to talk with one another.

The McCormacks sent letters to the leaders of every country in the world about the first World Hello Day. They wrote the letters in as many different languages as they could. Officials wrote back from sixteen countries and encouraged Brian and Michael to make World Hello Day a yearly event. The holiday has been held on the third Sunday of November every year since. The McCormacks have received letters from many famous people congratulating them for their efforts.

International Day of the Seal (海豹)

March 22 is the official International Day of the Seal. But the National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C., and many other zoos and research centers around the world celebrate this holiday on the third weekend of March. The holiday was created to tell people about the dangers seals face from pollution and fishing nets.

At the National Zoological Park, you can find out how seals live and ways to help protect their habitats (栖息地).

Do it! Day

Are you a procrastinator? Here’s a day to finish all those things you’ve been meaning to do. Do It! Day is celebrated on the first Wednesday in September. “The whole idea is to feel good about getting things done,” says the founder of Do It! Day, Ethel Cook. She came up with the idea as part of her work helping businesses get organized. Cook hopes everyone will turn their Do Its into Did Its.

1. World Hello Day was set to        .

A．create peace worldwide

B．stop the war in the Middle East

C．encourage foreign language learning

D．spread knowledge about different countries

2. How did the McCormacks advertise World Hello Day?

A．By reporting it on TV.

B．By meeting famous people.

C．By publishing it in the newspapers.

D．By writing letters to world leaders.

3. When does the National Zoological Park celebrate the International Day of the Seal?

A．On March 22.

B．On the third weekend of March.

C．On the third Sunday of November.

D．On the first Wednesday in September.

4. The underlined word “procrastinator” in the last paragraph refers to a person who        .

A．cleans up things quickly	B．puts off things until later
C．always comes up with good ideas	D．feels good about getting things done

10 . Birthdays at the Canadian Children’s Museum

The perfect place for a memorable birthday party!

Celebrate at the Canadian Children’s Museum with creative and fun-filled activities designed to excite the interest of children aged 3 to 12.

The party includes:

●One hour in a private party room;

●Admission to the museum;

●Unlimited time in the Children’s Museum (until closing);

●One hour animation(动画片)(Only with the “scene-Stealers” and “round the World” themed party. ) Payment is due(到期的)in full upon registration. Registration is required at least two weeks in advance.

Scene-Stealers (Ages 3 to 8)

Step into the spotlight (聚光灯)with a behind-the-scenes trip to the Canadian Children’s Museum Theatre. The Director will help you warm up with some theatre games, and teach you some stage skills to get you ready for the audience!

Cost: $190 for up to 10 kids and 2 adults; $10 for each extra child.

Around the World (Ages 4 to 7)

Take an unforgettable trip around the world to learn a traditional Mexican dance! This unforgettable journey through the International Village is packed with fun and creative activities for young adventurers.

Cost: $190 for up to 10 kids, and 2 adults; $10 for each extra child.

DIY Party (Ages 5 to 12)

DIY Party includes Museum admission, and one hour of free time in one of the Museum’s party rooms. A great choice for parents looking to plan their own activities!

Cost: $100 for up to 10 kids and 2 adults; $8 for each extra child.

1. What should you know about celebrating birthdays at the Canadian Children’s Museum?

A．It is for kids aged 3 to 7.

B．It provides animation in all parties.

C．It should be booked ahead of time.

D．It is required to be within one hour in the museum.

2. What can you do at a Scene-Stealers party?

A．Make a new movie.	B．Learn some stage skills.
C．Visit the International Village.	D．Practice traditional paper-making art.

3. How much should a couple pay if they bring 12 kids to a DIY Party?

A．$100.

B．$116.

C．$190.

D．$210.