1 . Festivals are a part of our culture. We have grown up around them and have embraced them as a part of our lives.     1     Festivals to them mean decorations, sweets, gifts, games and lots of other celebrations. However, there are a lot of things that children can learn from celebrating festivals.

Festivals are celebrated with people.     2     This teaches children the importance of community and the joys of working together. When kids take part in preparations for a festival, they make a place for themselves in this community of people.

Festivals also mean that the entire family can be together and celebrate something they believe in. Kids and parents find time to help each other to decorate their house, prepare delicacies, make gifts, etc.     3     Kids are also able to spend time and bond with their grandparents, cousins, and other relatives.

Festivals also mean gift-giving and sharing. The exchange of gifts teaches children to share joys during festivals     4     Children learn to share and care for others who may not be able to celebrate festivals without their help. This teaches them the importance of generosity and humbleness. They also learn to be thankful for what they have and receive.

    5     A child can be taught more about their culture and their country during festival s and celebrations. This teaches them about their roots in the world and makes them proud of their country and culture. It is during festivals when stories of the past come forward to teach children about the past and help them understand the importance of celebration through generations.

A．Festivals have much more to offer to the people.

B．Festivals are a great way to understand one’s culture.

C．This allows children to form a stronger bond with their family.

D．Children are particularly the ones who enjoy festivals more than adults.

E．On these days people from all walks of life come together to celebrate life.

F．Children share sweets and gifts with relatives and friends to spread the joy of celebrations.

G．Celebrations always involve people coming together and helping each other to have a good time.

3 . Four Autumn Festivals Recommended in Australia

Bright Autumn Festival, From Late April to Early May

Nothing says autumn like red and orange leaves and comfort food. Enjoy the ten-day Bright Autumn Festival in Victoria’s High Country. The tree-lined avenues, small-town charms and delicious fresh produce won’t disappoint, with everything from open gardens, historical tours, live music, markets to a dedicated Nut Festival.

Kartini Waingi-Water Lights,Early May

Visit Robinvale on the banks of the Murray River for the four-day Water Lights Festival. Kids and adults alike will marvel at this attractive laser show that presents the vibrant, diverse and rich culture of the region.

Grampians Grape Escape, Early May

Food and wine devotees, you’re in luck. The Grampians Grape Escape at Halls Gap is an unforgettable two-day experience that’s all about top-quality wines, gourmet food and live music -the perfect trio. You may even learn a few skills from one of the cooking demonstrations and masterclasses.

La Fiera Italian Festival, Mid-May

Every year in mid-May, the Myrtleford community celebrates its Italian roots with a three-day festival dedicated to all of the region’s cultural and culinary delights. There are food stalls, wine tastings, a movie night, kids’ activities and even a soccer tournament to look forward to, as well as markets and entertainment. Also a traditional grape stomp, part of the wine-making process, can be experienced. It showcases grapes being crushed by foot to release their juices.

1. What will attract you at the Bright Autumn Festival?

A．Fantastic light show.	B．Splendid autumn scenery.
C．Masterclasses in cooking.	D．Soccer’ competitions.

2. Which festival lasts the shortest?

A．Bright Autumn Festival.

B．La Fiera Italian Festival.

C．Grampians Grape Escape.

D．Kartini Waingi-Water Lights.

3. Where can you experience a conventional wine-making method?

A．In the Myrtleford community.

B．In Victoria’s High Country.

C．At Halls Gap.

D．At Robinvale.

4 . When I was a kid, I really looked forward to all holidays.     1     A lot of delicious food, a lot of toys and the whole family in one place. I look forward to them even now, of course, as things have stayed pretty much the same, except that I don’t get toys anymore.

    2     We get filled with warmth knowing that everyone always has a place to go back to, no matter what part of the world their lives take them to. A lot of people prefer to chase their ambitions (追求他们的抱负), which is tiring and filled with stress.     3     It feels so good seeing someone after a long time and catching up on each other’s lives.

    4     It’s always been associated (联系) with a feeling of connection. Taking part in the preparation of a meal together with your family is such a worthy experience.     5     Also, you’ll enjoy it more knowing that everyone helps bring the food to the table. It brings smiles to our faces when we have that meal together. It’s also fun to help clean up the dishes when everyone’s full.

A．I knew what they meant for me.

B．It’s more about bringing back good memories.

C．I think the feeling of surprise never seems to disappear.

D．Food has always been the center part of many holidays.

E．Holidays are perfect occasions to enjoy some easy time with our family.

F．The most important part of any holiday is the gathering of the whole family.

G．The longer you prepare it, the more satisfied you will be later when it’s done.

6 . The Albuquerque Balloon Festival

Every autumn, the sky above the city of Albuquerque in the south-western United States turns into a mass of bright colours. This is the Albuquerque Balloon Festival, a nine-day event.

The first festival was held in 1972 to celebrate the 50th birthday of the local radio station. There were about 12 hot-air balloons and they took off from the car park in the middle of Albuquerque. From these small beginnings the festival has grown steadily. This year at least a thousand balloons are expected at its current out-of-town site.

What to do

The pilots light up the burners of their balloons at the same time. These are known as “balloon glows”. However, you must arrive just after night has fallen or before 5:30 am to see these “glows” as the balloons rise into the dark sky.

During the day, you can walk around among the balloons. The balloons come in all sizes and colours, some in the shapes of animals or cartoon characters.

In the afternoon, why not take to the sky yourself by booking a balloon flight with the Rainbow Ryders? This company is allowed to take guests during flight. Another possibility is to take the cable car (缆车) to the top of the nearby mountains and enjoy a bird's-eye view of the festival.

There are other attractions for visitors of all ages, including balloon races.

Practical advice

Tickets are available online. Buy them in advance and save yourself a long wait to get into the festival site. Wear several layers of clothing. At night and in the early morning it can be quite cool, but during the day sunglasses are necessary. Bring a flashlight for night-time events and, of course, bring your digital camera for evening and night-time pictures.

1. What do we know about the Albuquerque Balloon Festival?

A．It runs for nine days.

B．It started as a big event.

C．It takes place every two years.

D．It was held in memory of a pilot.

2. What can you do with the Rainbow Ryders during the festival?

A．Take a cable car tour.

B．Ride a hot-air balloon.

C．Enter balloon competitions.

D．Make balloons in different shapes.

3. What are you advised to do to attend the festival?

A．Wear cool clothes.

B．Buy tickets online.

C．Arrive in the early morning.

D．Take pictures in the daytime.

7 . America’s Skies Will Be Filled with Hot Air Balloons

In September hot air balloon festivals are held around the United States. No two are alike.

Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival
Union Vale, New York September 2-4

It’s a Labor Day lift-off in the Hudson Valley, with 100 balloon launches (发射) scheduled. Now let’s just hope the weather is good. But even if it doesn’t there are plenty of activities on offerlike helicopter rides. When the sun goes down the balloons light up like fireflies.

Ticket: $15
Great Reno Balloon Race
Reno, Nevada
September 9-11

Some people say the Great Reno Balloon Race is the world’s largest free hot air ballooning event. This year events for the three-day affair include 5 a.m.Glow Shows, where balloons are tethered(拴住) and lit from within. There’s a daily ascension(升空) of 100 balloons and kids can take a $5 tethered ride for charity.

Ticket: Free
Paris Balloon & Music Festival
Paris, Texas
September 9-12

Don’t know what an “Airmadillo”is? Find out at the Paris Balloon & Music Festival.Float (飘) on up yourself for $275, or just watch: the festival also features evening balloon glows and morning launches (balloon volunteers still needed), and, a live painting competition and music from local bands.

Ticket: $5
Lancaster Hot Air Balloon Festival
Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania
September 16-18

Bird-in-Hand, Pennsylvania, is home to one of the most unique hot air balloon festivals in the country. Here, you can not only see fireworks, watch magic shows, and of course watch the launch of colorful balloons as well as take a ride yourself for $400, but also learn a bit about local culture, with plenty of delicious food.

Ticket:$10-$30
1. When can people attend an event for free?

A．On September 2.	B．On September 9.
C．On September 12.	D．On September 16.

2. At which of the festivals will a painting competition be held?

A．Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival.

B．Lancaster Hot Air Balloon Festival.

C．Paris Balloon & Music Festival.

D．Great Reno Balloon Race.

3. What do we know about Lancaster Hot Air Balloon Festival?

A．It will introduce local culture.	B．It will offer people free rides.
C．It will look for volunteers.	D．It will last for four days.

9 . The harvest season falls at different times of the year depending on region and climate, but festivals celebrating its arrival are held all over the world Some are the start of the season and the fist crops, while other are celebrations to give thanks for the blessing of a harvest.

Rice Harvest Festival (May ~ June)

The harvest festival is dedicated to Dewi Sni-the goddess of rice and fertility(丰产) celebrated by the people of Bali, Indonesia.

Mid-Autumn Festival (September ~ October)

Mooncakes and tea are served on Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival. Mid-Autumn Festival is also known as the Moon Festival, because it coincides with the full moon on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. It is also a time of family gatherings.

Yam Festival (August or September)

Men are carrying yams(山药) at the Yam Festival on the Trobriand Islands, Papua NewGuinea. The people there celebrate the end of the rainy season and the first appearance of yams.

Sukkoth (September ~ October)

Jewish people decorate the family Sukkah for the Jewish festival of Sukkot. A Sukkah is a temporary building where meals are taken for the week. The 8-day festival gives thanks to the harvest.

Pongal (January)

The 4-day festival of Pongal is a celebration of the rice harvest period. Held after the winter solstice(冬至), it celebrates the return of longer days of life-giving sunlight. Its name comes from a Tamil word, meaning “to boil”, and is also the name given to a rice dish that is prepared during this time.

1. Which festivals are related to rice?

A．Yam Festival and Sukkoth.

B．Mid-Autumn Festival and Yam Festival.

C．Rice Harvest Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival.

D．Pongal and Rice Harvest Festival.

2. What can you enjoy if you visit China during the Mid-Autumn Festival?

A．Mooncakes.

B．Dumplings.

C．Sweet dumplings.

D．Zongzi.

3. What will the Jewish people prepare for Sukkoth?

A．Rice dishes.

B．Special houses.

C．Tea

D．Flowers