1 . The Torch Festival (火把节) is a traditional festival which is celebrated among some ethnic groups in southwestern China, such as the Yi, Bai, Hani, Lisu, and Lahu, etc. It usually falls on the 24th or 25th of June, with three days of celebrations. The festival came from worship (崇拜) of fire by ancestors ( 祖 先 ). For some ethnic groups, it’s a tradition in the festival for elders to share farming experience with young people and educate them about taking care of crops.
During the festival, big torches are made to stand in all villages, with small torches placed in front of the door of each house. When night falls, the torches are lit and the villages are bright. At the same time, people walk around the fields and houses, holding small torches and placing the torches in the field corners. Inside the villages, young people are singing and dancing around the big torches that keep burning throughout the night. Other activities like horse races are also held during the festival.
In a horse race of the Yi people in Yunnan, torches are used to form hurdles for riders to get through. The Hani people in Yunnan traditionally tie fruits to torches with strings. When the strings are broken after the torches are lit, people struggle for the fruits for good luck.
For the Lisu people in Sichuan, the festival is an occasion for holding torch parades. Big torches are carried by teams of people, which is like a fire dragon. If different teams meet, it’s a tradition to exchange the big torches with one another.
1. What can we know about the Torch Festival from the first paragraph?A.It is a festival to show worship of fire. | B.Its celebrations usually last two days. |
C.It is a traditional festival of all China. | D.It has nothing to do with farming. |
A.Why the festival is enjoyed. | B.How the festival is celebrated. |
C.What torches are used for the festival. | D.Where the festival is celebrated. |
A.Small torches are put in front of the door. |
B.Big torches are burnt all day and all night. |
C.Yi people use torches to form hurdles to get through. |
D.Young people like singing and dancing around the big torches. |
A.Struggling for fruits for good luck. | B.Tying fruits to torches with strings. |
C.Holding torch parades. | D.Using torches as hurdles for a horse race. |
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. |
A.Gifts brought by guests. | B.Gifts prepared by hosts. |
C.Gifts distributed by parks. | D.Gift a donated by charities. |
A.Intolerant. | B.Objective. | C.Favorable. | D.In different. |
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.
The first birthday cakes were nothing of what they are today and weren’t even called birthday cakes.
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.
It wasn’t just the ancient Egyptians and Greeks who celebrated with sweet cakes.
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.
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 . 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. |
A.Lifeguard. | B.Store assistant. |
C.Fashion designer. | D.Game tester. |
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. |
5 . Auckland, New Zealand, Jan 29
A Chinese New Year gala, co-organized by the China Cultural Centre and the Huaxing Arts Troupe, was unveiled by Maori Haka. Contemporary dances, cross-talk, Peking opera, Qipao display and violin solo have featured the event, which won thundering applause from local audiences. “Tonight brings back familiar memories from my hometown,” said Sun, a Chinese born in Hubei.
Jersey, Britain, Jan 22
A traditional Chinese dragon dance was performed through St Helier street, which announced the start of Chinese New Year celebration. The event will last from Jan 22 to Feb 5, including tai chi performances, Chinese cuisine stalls and a photo exhibition. The local post office also issued a special stamp, featuring a rabbit holding a cabbage, illustrated by Chinese artist Wang Huming.
Paris, France, Jan 16
After a three-year interval due to the COVID-19, people gathered again to celebrate Chinese New Year. The French capital’s Chinatown has organized a series of celebrations that last from Jan 16 through Saturday including exhibitions of hanfu, music concerts and shows with Franco-Chinese comedians. Anne Hidalgo, the mayor of Paris, was present for a parade which attracted over 20, 000 people.
Suva, Republic of Fiji, Feb 5
A Lantern Festival gala was hosted in the Republic of Fiji on Feb 5, joined by about 300 government officials and representatives from Fiji’s Chinese communities. President Maivalili Katonivere, along with first lady, attended the event and gave a speech, in which he said the Lantern Festival is important as the lanterns play a vital role in lighting the path ahead, signifying hope and good fortune.
1. What gala performances could locals enjoy in Auckland?A.Contemporary dances and music concerts. |
B.Qipao display and comedy shows. |
C.Cross-talk and tai chi. |
D.Peking opera and violin solo. |
A.On Jan 16. | B.On Jan 29. | C.On Feb 6. | D.On Feb 9. |
A.Travel. | B.Regional. | C.Culture. | D.Forum. |
6 . Become an Atlantis Jr. Aquarist and spend 3 days working with marine life! Food prepping to feeding the animals to snorkeling (浮潜) and learning about coral reefs, it’s a week of marine adventure!
Marine Adventure Camp | |
June 24--28; Monday--Friday | |
July 8--12; Monday--Friday | |
July 29--August 2; Monday--Friday | |
August 12--16; Monday--Friday | |
5 days/4 nights Ages: 10 to 14 Price: $595 (not inclusive of room cost) | Camp Hours |
Monday: 5:45 p. m. to 7:30 p. m. Tuesday: 8:00 a. m. to 3:00 p. m. Wednesday: 9:00 a. m. to 5:30 p. m. Thursday: 9:00 a. m. to 4:00 p. m. Friday: Check out (or you may extend your stay on your own). *Please note: Programming subject to change based on weather conditions. | |
Package Components | Dress Code |
1. Amenity(便利设施)Package —Camp Name Badge —Mask and Snorkel —Messenger Bag —Cap —Towel —Marine Life Guide —Water Bottle 2. Welcome Dinner 3. Lunch for 3 days (venue to be determined) 4. Behind the Scenes with our Sea Keeper Team 5. Behind the Scenes with our Marine Mammal Team 6. Fish food preparation and hand feeding 7. Ruins Snorkel 8. Stingray Snorkel 9. Blue Adventure Snorkel Trip 10. Shark Walk with Stuart Cove | T-Shirts Shorts Swimsuits Water Shoes (Since most water shoes are uncomfortable for the amount of walking they do, especially when wet, you are not allowed to change into water shoes when you prepare to swim.) Sun Block |
Important Notes | |
All attendees must be able to swim without assistance. All attendees must speak fluent English. Camp name badge must be worn daily. Attendees must be at least 10 years of age. |
A.camp hours | B.camp price | C.things to bring | D.daily schedules |
A.Tom, who has just graduated from high school |
B.Jerry, who has saved up 600 dollars for summer holiday |
C.Mary, a local 6 grader who likes swimming |
D.Edward, who has been offered a position in an aquarium |
A.Attendees don’t wear water shoes when they go swimming. |
B.All attendees must check out on the last day of the camp. |
C.The programs are fixed and no minor changes will be made. |
D.Attendees will have a 5-day experience working with marine life in the camp. |
7 . Are you confused about what to do next when you plan a birthday celebration for your loved family member or try to help your family prepare for birthdays?
Form a band. If you want to fully enjoy yourselves, instead of turning on the music on the computer or phone, you can invite your classmates to form a band for your family member’s birthday. They can play a much music as you like.
Find a meeting place. Many people like to hold their parties at home.
Invite a special guest. Birthdays are often more memorable than the rest. To ensure your loved one’s party is special, besides gifts, think about someone you can invite that your family member will be happy and surprised to see.
A.Buy a special cake. |
B.Make a cake at home. |
C.It’s not always easy to know where to begin. |
D.You extremely want to get special birthday gifts. |
E.It can be a friend your family member expects to see. |
F.All of you will enjoy you selves in the live music this way. |
G.But not everyone’s house is big enough for a birthday party. |
8 . After a long period of lockdown, now it is time to relax. Head out to find surprising holiday decorations to warm your heart and make your season bright. Come on, light shows are waiting for you.
Holiday Lights on the Boardwalk
Take a walk by the ocean and experience a holiday light display along the Long Beach Boardwalk, dusk to 9 p. m. daily and weekends through mid-January, from Long Beach to Park Avenue.
Free, 516-432-6000. You can also check the stores along Park Avenue for more holiday lights.
Town of Islip Holiday Light Show
Bring the family to see the lights from the comfort and safety of personal vehicles as you drive through the 1/8-mile light display on the grounds of historic Brookwood Hall. Decorations have been given by Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs and Public Works staff.
Cheap, 516-433-6742. From 5 p. m. to 8 p. m. Dec. 22; Brookwood Hall Park.
Suffolk County Holiday Lights Show
The Suffolk County’s drive-through display features two miles of holiday-themed lights; opens from 9 a. m. to 5 p. m. through Dec. 30. Closed Dec. 24-25. Tickets will be sold at the gate and payment can be made with credit cards only, no cash, $25; $22 on Dec. 30.
Monday through Friday; 631-543-6622.
Christmas House
Indoor family-friendly walk through holiday experience, highlights include a real snow room: 3 to 11 p. m. Monday-Thursday; 3 p. m. to 1 a. m. Friday; 10 a. m. to 1 a. m. Saturday; 10 a. m. to 11 p. m. Sunday through January. Guests must wear masks, maintain social distancing and purchase tickets with assigned arrival time in advance online.
$30 for adults, $25 for kids aged 10 and younger, 631-591-0455.
1. Which light show is for nothing?A.Christmas House. |
B.Holiday Lights on the Boardwalk. |
C.Town of Islip Holiday Light Show. |
D.Suffolk County Holiday Lights Show. |
A.516432-6000. | B.516433-6742. |
C.631-543-6622. | D.631-591-0455. |
A.Visit the real snow room. |
B.Take the family members. |
C.Book tickets with credit cards. |
D.Buy tickets ahead of time. |
9 . In the United States and Britain, 70th wedding anniversaries are known as “platinum anniversaries (铂金婚)”.
A.If two people reach their 10th anniversary, they can expect to receive diamond jewelry. |
B.People in different countries have their own ways of celebrating wedding anniversaries. |
C.The 25th wedding anniversary is popularly referred to as the “silver anniversary” |
D.In Canada and the US, couples can even receive special congratulations from world leaders on certain anniversaries. |
E.People often celebrate their wedding anniversary by having dinner at an expensive restaurant. |
F.In fact, there are many different terms that are used to describe different marriage lengths. |
G.How cool would it be to get a letter from the president? |
10 . Harvest Celebrations
People around the world pick, or harvest food that grows. Then they have a holiday. Let's read about some harvest celebrations!
Every February, the people of Mendoza, Argentina, harvest their grapes. Then they celebrate for a month! There are parades (游行), shows, and fireworks. They always choose a Harvest Queen, too. | Chanthaburi, a town in Thailand, is famous for its tasty fruit. People celebrate the fruit at harvest time in May. The Fruit Fair begins with a parade of floats (游行彩车) made from thousands of fruits and vegetables. |
The Argungu Fishing Festival began in 1934 in Nigeria, a country in Africa. It's a four-day festival held at the end of February to celebrate the end of all farming activities. On the last day there's a fishing contest. People have one hour to catch the largest fish. But it's not that easy. They can only use traditional fishing tools. But many use only their hands to catch the fish. | France's famous Menton Lemon Festival starts in February. There are big parades with floats decorated with lemons and oranges. More than 200, 000 people from around the world come to Menton for this festival. |
A.The Harvest Festival in Mendoza. | B.The Harvest Festival in Chanthaburi. |
C.The Argungu Fishing Festival. | D.The Menton Lemon Festival. |
A.Argentina | B.Thailand | C.Nigeria | D.France |
A.The big parades. | B.The Fruit Fair. |
C.A fishing contest. | D.A Harvest Queen. |
A.Sport. | B.Business. | C.Science. | D.Culture. |