1 . There are hundreds of types of birthday cake in the world. You are likely to enjoy one during at least one of your birthday parties. But have you ever stopped and wondered, “Why am I eating this? What makes this dessert fit to celebrate the day of my birth?”
It’s because you are as important and beloved as the gods.
The ancient Egyptians are thought to have “invented” the celebration of birthdays. They believed when pharaohs (法老) were crowned, they became gods, so their coronation (加冕) day was their “birth” as a god.
Ancient Greeks borrowed the tradition, but realized that a dessert would make the celebration more meaningful. So they baked moon-shaped cakes to offer up to the goddess of the moon. They decorated them with lighted candles to make the cakes shine like the moon. It is the reason why we light our birthday cakes on fire.
Modern birthday parties are said to get their roots from an 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 kid’s age, plus one. This extra candle was called the “light of life,” representing the hope of another full year lived.
And then, torture — because no one could eat the cake until after dinner. The family replaced the candles as they burned out throughout the day. Finally, when the moment came, the birthday child would make a wish, try to blow out all the candles in one breath, and dig in.
Since the ingredients (原料) to make cakes were pretty expensive, this birthday custom didn’t become popular until the Industrial Revolution. More ingredients were available, which made them cheaper, and bakeries even started selling pre-baked cakes.
1. What is the passage mainly about?| A．The origin of birthday cakes. | B．The significance of birthday cakes. |
| C．The history of birthday parties. | D．The introduction of cake production. |
| A．Germans. | B．Pharaohs. |
| C．Ancient Greeks. | D．Ancient Egyptians. |
| A．pleasure | B．replacement |
| C．sharing | D．suffering |
| A．The transport was inconvenient. |
| B．The ingredients of cakes were expensive. |
| C．The cake could not be eaten before dinner. |
| D．The bakeries would not sell pre-baked cakes. |
2 . September is the month for fashion, with four international cities hosting the fashion week. All eyes will turn to New York, London, Milan and Paris this month to see which city puts on the best show.
New York
New York Fashion Week, or NYFW, kicks off on September 5th and runs for approximately eight days. NYFW is considered the most commercial and casual of the four. It is also the only event to allow some fashion school students to participate, bringing a fresh look to the runway.
London
London Fashion Week (LFW) comes on the heels of NYFW, starting on September 13th, and running through September 17th. Once considered a minor player among the Big Four, LFW can now command a list of big names as well as promising new designers. London fashion houses have a reputation for being very experimental and open to new ideas.
Milan
Fashion Week moves to Milan on September 17th. This beautiful Italian city is home to some of the biggest fashion houses and designers in the fashion world, including Armani and Prada. Milan’s fashion houses are known for offering glamorous(有魅力的), yet practical, options.
Paris
The month of fashion makes its way to France as Paris Fashion Week begins on September 23rd. Saving the best for last, Paris never fails to offer some of the most exciting shows of the season. World-famous labels like Chanel and Dior try to outdo one another with their latest designs. The word that best describes Paris Fashion Week is ''elegant''.
1. Which city is likely to attract the new designers?| A．London. | B．New York. |
| C．Paris. | D．Milan. |
| A．September 21st. | B．September 20th. |
| C．September 29th. | D．September 23rd. |
| A．Each offers practical option. | B．Each shows its biggest brand. |
| C．Each is open to school students. | D．Each has its own characteristics. |
3 . 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 has nothing to do with farming. |
| B．Its celebrations usually last two days. |
| C．It is a traditional festival of all China. |
| D．It is a festival to show worship of fire. |
| A．ancestors. | B．young people. |
| C．elders. | D．ethnic groups. |
| A．Why the festival is enjoyed. | B．Where the festival is celebrated. |
| C．How the festival is celebrated. | D．What torches are used for the festival. |
| A．Holding torch parades. | B．Tying fruits to torches with strings. |
| C．Struggling for fruits for good luck. | D．Using torches as hurdles for a horse race. |
| Memo To: Andy White From: Rita Brown Date: 3rd June Subject: Winter Carnival 10th January to 12th February at the Universal Park. We also propose an entrance fee of $10. The site will be divided into six areas. In the centre, there will be a flower show. We will invite both growers from home and abroad to participate. To the side of the flower show, next to Kent Road and Bedford P.F. Productions Road, there will be two areas for amusement rides. We will set up thirty rides in these areas. This year, we propose holding two new events-a fancy dress contest and an ice sculpture exhibition. We suggest that we should set aside an area for the fancy dress contest, which is close to the entrance and next to Bedford Road. We are also considering building an exhibition hall for the ice sculpture exhibition. Finally, next to the entrance, there will be a food fair, where visitors can enjoy food from around the world. Please give me your feedback on our arrangements. Thank you for your help. Rita |
Andy’s Map of the Winter Carnival
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5 . Holiday season is drawing near. Choosing presents for your friends or loved ones is a hard nut to crack.
Don’t try to price-match.
The first thing you should do when planning your gift list is to create a budget (预算) of how much you’re willing to spend — and stick to it, even if you receive a more expensive gift from someone else. “A void matching spending, because that’s when gift-giving is driven more by pressure than by thoughtfulness,” says Sharon Schweitzer, an international etiquette (礼节) expert and founder of Protocol Etiquette Worldwide. After all, loved ones dropping a lot of money on expensive gifts could probably afford expensive items on their own and aren’t looking for you to return the favor.
Don’t give just because you did in the past.
When you’re figuring out whom to give to keep in mind your list might not have all the same people as last year’s. “You have to review it every year because you have relationships with different people, so you have to look at how those relationships have grown and developed,” says Schweitzer.
Be honest if you don’t have a gift.
If someone surprises you with a present you weren’t expecting, be honest that you don’t have one to give in return.
With the exception of family members or best friends, never ask people what they want for a present. “That makes people very uncomfortable, and they feel they ought to get you something in return,” says Schweitzer. Gift requests leave little creativity to the giver, so come up with your own ideas for a more thoughtful present.
| A．Never ask for a wish list. |
| B．People come in and out of your life. |
| C．Have creative ideas when you choose gifts. |
| D．The best way to deal with that is to be honest and sincere. |
| E．Here are pieces of gift-giving etiquette you need this holiday season. |
| F．Expensive gifts are sometimes thoughtful items your friends selected. |
| G．Find a thoughtful gift instead, like a frame with an old favorite photo. |
6 . International Performers
World-class performers from across the globe bring years of training in blood, sweat, and smiles to amaze audiences of all ages in Ottawa's beautiful Sparks Street .
Australia — ZAP Circus
During the day, catch the Purple People show full of high energy acrobatics (杂技) and feats of danger. At night, be amazed at an incredible and dazzling fire performance at street level. Don't miss the chance to catch the greatest show.
Time: 2:00 pm-2:45 pm/ 9:00 pm-9:45 pm, Monday
Place: Ontario Stage
Argentina — Katay Santos
After intensive training in the circus school of Cuba and Wuqiao (China) , together with two years of sharing the streets of Caracas with some of its biggest artists, “Santos” bring you an amazing act filled with breathtaking performances with Chinese pots.
Time: 7:00 pm-7:45 pm, Friday
Place: Canada Stage
Canada — Chris Pilsworth
At Chris' show, you'll witness his super powers: to induce laughter, make jaws drop, and make audiences feel fantastic! See why Chris and his Rubber Duck of Danger have been a hit with audiences across North America and Asia.
Time: 8:00 pm-8:45 pm, Saturday
Place: Hot 89.9 Stage
New Zealand — Viny1 Burns
Vinyl Burns is a man of good looks and charm. A DJ, musician and comedian who holds court like Jordan and jumps across it. He enjoys passing on his genius to the ladies, and sometimes the men are Close enough to catch some of it as well. Most importantly... he likes to ROCK!
Time: 12:00 pm-12:45 pm, Sunday
Place: The Art Department Stage
1. When can you enjoy fire performance?| A．2:00 pm-2:45 pm, Monday. | B．9:00 pm-9:45 pm, Monday. |
| C．7:00 pm-7:45 pm, Friday. | D．8:00 pm-8:45 pm, Saturday. |
| A．To learn circus. | B．To give performance. |
| C．To meet some artists. | D．To buy Chinese pots. |
| A．Ontario Stage. | B．Canada Stage. |
| C．Hot 89.9 Stage. | D．The Art Department Stage. |
7 . One Halloween a little boy and his friend went out for a fun night of trick-or-treating. At first everything was great. They were getting lots of candy as they went from house to house, but then they saw a house which they hadn't been to before. It was a very spooky(阴森森的)house. Being young and brave, they decided to go up to the door and knock. After all, scary houses might have the best candy!
As they walked up the long winding path, they saw things that scared them to the bone! They heard sounds that frightened them. Maybe they should turn back. But the little boys, being very brave, just wanted to see what was in that house, so they went on, not frightened by the things they heard or saw. As they slowly made their way up to the door, they imagined what might be inside. Maybe it would be a witch or maybe a ghost!
After knocking several times, the door slowly creaked(嘎吱作响)open. To their surprise, a monster slowly came out to greet them. They were so scared that they couldn't move! What could they do? Then the little boy had an idea. He said, "Trick or treat!" Then the big scary monster, much to the kids' surprise, reached over and brought out a huge bowl of the best candies they had never seen. Wow, the kids thought, this was great! It turned out that the house was decorated for Halloween, and the big scary monster was just wearing a costume, just like the kids. Since they were the only kids, and were brave enough to go to the scary house, they could take as much candy as they wanted.
1. This passage is_____________.| A．a funny Halloween story |
| B．mainly about two brave kids |
| C．mainly about a spooky house |
| D．mainly about the custom of Halloween |
| A．Because they were prepared for what would come to the door. |
| B．Because they expected to meet other trick-or-treaters inside. |
| C．Because they were curious about what was in the house. |
| D．Because they were anxious to get more and better candy. |
| A．the monster was afraid of the phrase "trick or treat" |
| B．the two kids were also wearing costumes |
| C．not all families prepared candy for brave kids |
| D．some other children had been to the house before the two kids |
8 . New Year and Its Celebrations
January 1, the beginning of a new year.
As far back in history as we can tell, people have celebrated the start of a new year. The people of ancient Egypt began their new year in summer. That is when the Nile River flooded its banks, bringing water and fertility(肥沃)to the land. The people of ancient Babylonia(巴比伦)and Persia(波斯)began their new year on March 21, the first day of spring. And some native American Indians began their new year when the nuts of the oak(橡木)tree became ripe. That was usually in late summer.
Now almost everyone celebrates New Year's Day on January 1. Today, as before, people observe the New Year's holiday in many different ways. The ancient Babylonians celebrated it by forcing their king to give up his crown(王冠)and royal clothing. They made him get down on his knees and admit all the mistakes he had made during the past year. This idea of admitting wrongs and finishing the business of the old year is found in many societies.
Noise-making is another ancient custom in the new year. The noise is considered necessary to chase away(赶走)the evil spirits of the old year. People around the world do different things to make a lot of noise. They may hit sticks together, beat drums, blow horns, or explode fireworks.
Americans celebrate New Year in many ways. Most do not have to go to work or school. So they visit family and friends, share a holiday meal, or watch New Year's parades on television. Most years, university teams play in special holiday games. For those who have been busy at work or school, New Year's Day may be a day of rest. They spend the time thinking about and preparing for the demands of New Year.
1. Which of the following statements is RIGHT?| A．The people of ancient Egypt began their new year in spring. |
| B．The people of ancient Babylonia began their new year on March 21, the first day of spring. |
| C．Some native American Indians began their new year in early summer. |
| D．The people of ancient Persia began their new year in late summer. |
| A．The noise is considered necessary to frighten the evil spirits of the-old year. |
| B．The noise is considered necessary to show people's excitement. |
| C．The noise is considered a symbol of admitting all the mistakes one did in the past year. |
| D．People have no other better ways to show their happiness. |
| A．resting at home |
| B．visiting family and friends |
| C．Watching New Year's parades on television |
| D．having sports and games |
9 . On Friday August 3, parents should plan on a scheduled conference with' their child's advisor, which is held in the late morning and early afternoon. Then the school president will hand out the diplomas after the Progress Day exercises that the graduation performance follows. Parents planning on taking the activities are urged to reserve accommodations as soon as possible by Salisbury School. This is a list of inns that offer accommodations close to our school.
| Inn at Iron Masters — Lakeville, CT, (860) 435-9844 δ Starts from$159 δ Check-in time is 3PM and Check-out time is 11AM. δ It is close to antiquing, golf and special roads for walking, jogging and bicycling. δ Payment by check or credit card | Earl Grey B&B — Salisbury, CT, (860)435-1007 δ Per night: $295 with breakfast; $275 without δ It's close to private schools: Hotchkiss, Salisbury; two nearby lakes for boating, fishing and swimming. δ Check in: 3 PM; Check out: noon δ Payment by check or credit card |
| Sassafras B&B — Salisbury, CT, (860) 435-1234 δ $ 125-$150 double room (Minimum two nights June-October 2018 only) δ Up charge for one night during June-October 2018 only. δ One Day Cancellation Policy: no charge δ Check in is at 3PM, and check out is noon. Early check-in or late check-out / laundry services are available for an additional fee. δ Payment by credit card, no check | The Litchfield Inn — Litchfield, CT, (860) 567-4503 δ Per night: $295 δ Up to 2 children under 12 stay for free with adults， and rollaway beds are available upon request for a small fee. δ Check in: 3 PM; Check out: 11 AM δ Cancellation Charges: 1 Night Charge if cancelled within 24 hrs. (Groups carry different policy) δ Payment: No cash |
1. Which of the following is Activity 3 on August 3?
| A．The Progress Day exercises. | B．The parents-advisor meeting. |
| C．The graduation performance. | D．The ceremony for diplomas. |
| A．Sassafras B&B | B．B. The Litchfield Inn. |
| C．Inn at Iron Masters. | D．Earl Grey B&B. |
| A．Guests check in at 3PM. | B．They should be booked before Aug.3. |
| C．They take cancellation fees. | D．Guests pay by check or credit card. |
10 . In the UK, Bonfire Night or Guy Fawkes Night is celebrated on 5 November and the night skies are filled with color. It’s a special day in honor of a historic event.
In 1606 English Catholics were angry because the King of England, James I, was treating them badly. In protest (抗议), a group of men made a plan, known as the “Gunpowder Plot”, to blow up the House of Parliament in London. An huge explosion was planned for 5 November, the day the king was due to open parliament.
The group chose a man called Guy Fawkes to light the gunpowder. The plot did not succeed — the gunpowder was found before it exploded and all the men involved were arrested, beaten and executed. To celebrate his survival, King James ordered the people of England to have a bonfire on the night of 5 November.
On 5 November people remember the plot by celebrating Bonfire Night. All over Britain there are firework displays and bonfires with models of Guy Fawkes, made from clothes and filled with newspaper, which are burned on the fire. The fireworks are a reminder of the gunpowder that Guy Fawkes hid in the cellar of Parliament.
Children used to take home-made Guys onto the streets and ask for “a penny for the Guy” to collect money to buy fireworks. At the Edenbridge Display in Kent last year, a 9-meter “celebrity” Guy was burned of Wayne Rooney wearing Shrek-style ears and a Manchester United football shirt.
It’s normally quite cold in November in Britain, so on Bonfire Night people wear hats, scarves and gloves to spend the evening outside. Traditional Bonfire Night food is hot baked potatoes. There are also toffee apples and in the north of England they eat a special type of cake called parkin.
1. Why was 5 November chosen by “Gunpowder Plot”?| A．There would be a protest |
| B．There would be an explosion |
| C．James I would open parliament |
| D．James I would put Catholics to death |
| A．Scolded. | B．Punished. |
| C．Injured. | D．Killed. |
| A．Celebrities. | B．Fireworks. |
| C．Models of Guy Fawkes. | D．Bonfire Night foods. |
| A．Bonfire Night | B．Guy Fawkes |
| C．Gunpowder Plot Failed | D．Edenbridge Display Made It |
