1 . The tradition of birthday parties started a long time ago. People thought that there was a special danger from evil spirits, so friends and family came together to bring good thoughts and wishes and even presents.     1     But as time went by, children and then adults began to have their own birthday celebrations. There are some traditions that you can find almost anywhere and anytime, such as sending birthday cards, blowing out the candles on a birthday cake and singing the “Happy Birthday” song.     2    

In many English-speaking countries, a twenty-first birthday cake often has a key on top.     3     The key means that the young persons are now old enough to leave and enter the family home at any time they want to!

In the past in parts of Europe, men who reached the age of thirty and were still single, had to clean the stairs of the City Hall. This way every girl could see that the man didn't have a girlfriend.     4    

After the age of thirty, many people prefer to forget their birthdays rather than celebrate them...children often bring Mum（or Dad）breakfast in bed.     5     It's also a day when your friends and family have to pay if you go out for drinks or a meal!

A．Birthday traditions are around the world.

B．At one time, only kings had birthday parties.

C．Or the cake itself is sometimes in the shape of a key.

D．It's traditional to give flowers and enjoy a special meal.

E．Family members put many sweets on the birthday cake.

F．They could also see how good he was at cleaning the house!

G．Others are more specific to certain ages and certain countries.

2 . When you put down your pens at the end of college entrance exam, 12 hard years of study will have come to an end. Forget your studies for a while. It’s time to enjoy yourselves!

There are many ways to celebrate this special month of graduation. You can have photos taken with your classmates and teachers, or dine out together and exchange gifts.

High school students in western countries such as the United States and Canada usually have a party to mark their graduation. It is to mark the time when kids turn into young men and women. After the party, teenagers either go to college or find a job. It means they will no longer depend on their parents as before.

At the party, boys usually dress in dinner jackets and bow ties, though many different types of formal clothes are worn. Girls traditionally wear formal dresses, or dress to shock or be noticed, in shiny or brightly colored materials.

Common party activities include dining, dancing, crowning of a ball king and queen, and just talking to friends. In some cases, high school students collect funds for their class party through the four years of their high school.

High schools in or near large cities may rent big rooms at expensive hotels or, to be unusual, on a pleasure boat. But often costs are cut by simply using the school gym. Students make a lot of efforts to decorate the gym to make the event special. The music played at the party will be the most popular kinds, like rock and hip-hop.

Sometimes teachers and parents also go to the party. But others like to go with friends, to whom they are soon going to say good-bye.

If you like the idea of a party, why don’t you and your classmates organize one for your graduation?

1. The writer’s purpose in writing this passage is to ________.

A．tell an interesting experience of high school students

B．tell how the western students spend the last days of high school

C．tell how western high school students usually celebrate graduation

D．introduce several ways of the western students’ killing time

2. What does the party mean for western high school students that are about to graduate?

A．They have finished high school and will go to college.

B．These teenagers can find a job to support themselves.

C．They have grown up and need friends’ help.

D．They are adults and will not depend on parents.

3. What does the underlined word “mark” in paragraph 3 mean?

A．Remember.

B．Celebrate.

C．Sign.

D．Show.

4. From the fourth paragraph ,we can infer that ________.

A．the party is very interesting

B．girls like to make themselves beautiful at all hours

C．boys wear as usual to attend the party

D．graduates pay much attention to the party

3 . 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.

4 . Meaningful ways to celebrate the New Year

It's been said that the New Year sets the intention for the entire year to come. Here are some meaningful ideas for celebrating this New Year.

Write a letter to yourself.     1     In it, you can list things like what your biggest dreams are right now, the things we are most afraid of, the most impressive emotions you experience on a daily basis, the things that are flowing in your life and things that feel stuck, how you feel in your body and how you hope you will feel as you read the letter in one year.

Release a floating lantern. In many cultures, it's considered good luck to release a lantern into the sky.     2     With a few simple tools you can make your own lantern, and can even write on the outside some of the old patterns you are ready to release from your life.

    3     Alone time is unbelievably important for processing, reflecting and connecting with yourself. And if you cannot decide what celebration feels right for you this New Year's Eve, you may simply enjoy your own company. Have a solo dance party, order favorite carry-out, do an at-home yoga practice or meditation（冥想） and take a candlelit bubble bath. Give yourself the gift of quality time, and find enjoyment and ease in the company you keep, even in the empty moments.     4    

List the things you are grateful for. There's no truer way to find delight in this very moment than to count your blessings. As you look back on an entire year, you're sure to discover a treasure of miracles just waiting to be illuminated（照亮）and treasured. So take some time to come up with your own gratitude list for 2020.     5    

A．Begin one of your goals.

B．Enjoy your own company.

C．Fill yourself from the inside out.

D．It is a symbol of your problems and worries floating away.

E．There is just so much to be thankful for, if only we have eyes to see.

F．Just observe the world around you, from the smallest leaves to the limitless sky above.

G．If you miss the good old days, it can be wonderful to write a letter to your future self.

5 . For the first time, a woman captain led Britain’s Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace. Canadian officer Megan Couto made history on June 26 by commanding the troops guarding Queen Elizabeth's London home. Couto, 24, led her Canadian unit in the ceremony, which is witnessed by thousands of visitors to London each year. Her unit is the Second Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry （步兵），also known as The Patricia's".

The British Army said Couto was the first ever female infantry officer to lead the ceremony. “We look forward to seeing a British Army female infantry captain of the queen's guard when roles are opened up to women by the end of next year,“ a statement read.

Women were barred from serving in the British infantry and other fighting roles until the military changed the rule last year.

Canadian Captain Megan Couto made history by becoming the first female Captain of the Queen's Guard as she took part in the Changing the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace in London, Monday, June 26. The Canadian unit was invited to Britain to mark Canada's upcoming 150th anniversary. Canada Day is celebrated on July 1.

Canada was established on July 1, 1867, when Britain approved the British North America Act. The act established the Canadian Confederation out of three British colonies(殖民地). Canada, along with several other nations, still belongs to the British Commonwealth(英联邦). Queen Elizabeth still serves as the country's official head of state.

Many celebrations will be held throughout Canada to mark the country's 150th birthday. Among the activities will be parades, musical and cultural performances and fireworks. Britain's Prince Charles and his wife Camilla are to spend three days visiting Canada to mark the anniversary. In Britain, people plan to gather in London's Trafalgar Square to take part in a celebration for Canada Day. The event will feature musical performances, Canadian food, sports and other activities. It is predicted that there will be thousands of foreign visitors coming to enjoy the event.

1. What is special about the Changing of the Guard ceremony this time?

A．It didn't include Britain soldiers.	B．It was commanded by a female.
C．It was led by a British officer.	D．It was held in Canada.

2. Why did the Canadian soldiers come to Britain?

A．To honour the British queen.	B．To guide the British queen.
C．To attract foreign visitors.	D．To celebrate Canada Day.

3. What was Canada like before it was established?

A．It was part of Britain.

B．It was the same as it is today.

C．It belonged to the USA.

D．It was out of the British Commonwealth.

4. What is the last paragraph mainly about?

A．Delicious food on Canada Day.	B．Celebrations to be held in Canada.
C．Foreign visitors to enjoy the event.	D．Activities to be held for Canada Day.

6 . Imagine that while walking through a park one day, you begin to notice strange things all around you. People in colorful clothes from centuries ago walk on the paths. A magician is doing amazing tricks. Musicians play strange music on strange instruments. Knights on horseback show their skills in riding competitions. The smell of roasting meat begins to make your mouth water. A pleasant voice shouts, “Good morrow!”

What is going on? Have you traveled back in time?   In a way, yes. You have found yourself in the midst of a Renaissance fair(文艺复兴节）！Since the 1960s, Renaissance fairs have grown in popularity in the US and Canada. Communities in at least 44 states and two Canadian provinces now hold annual Renaissance fairs. Over 200 fairs are held every year, with 40 in California alone. The first Renaissance fair was started in the 1960s by a school teacher in Southern California named Phyllis Patterson. She wanted to give her students a real-life history experience, so she created the “Renaissance Fair” in her backyard. The rest, as they say, is history.

Since Renaissance fairs are “living history”, you might think they are designed to be mainly educational. It’s true that some people try to make the fairs as genuine as possible. However, for many others, the key word is entertainment. With all the musicians and magicians walking about, you will definitely be entertained. A renaissance fair will be a feast for your eyes and your ears, not to mention your stomach.

You can enjoy sampling the food and drink while watching parades and live animal displays. Browse through the booths(摊位) and admire the artwork and handcrafts. You are sure to be both educated and entertained. If you’re wondering how to dress to attend a Renaissance fair, that’s up to you. Some people go all out and dress up in costumes. Others just go in their normal, everyday clothes. However you dress, you’re sure to be overwhelmed by the sights and sounds and smells of a Renaissance fair. And if you have ever wanted to travel back in time, here’s your chance.

1. What is the first paragraph about?

A．A chapter of a war novel.	B．A sight of the local market.
C．A slow walking in the park.	D．A scene of Renaissance fairs

2. Why did Phyllis start   Renaissance fair?

A．To help her students become the master of history.

B．To allow her students to pay in her backyard.

C．To make her students experience history.

D．To give her students an experience of life.

3. As well as educating, Renaissance fairs are intended for ______.

A．communication	B．fun
C．business	D．adventure

4. The last paragraph suggests that ______.

A．you are free to dress for the fairs	B．you are taught to make art work
C．you have to look after live animals	D．you can enjoy food free of charge

5. The main idea of the passage is that ______.

A．Americans and Canadians like fairs more

B．Attending Renaissance fairs is to be educated

C．California is where modern fairs were born

D．Renaissance fairs are more popular than ever

7 . In 1947 a group of famous people from the art world headed by an Austrian conductor decided to hold an international festival of music, dance and theatre in Edinburgh. The idea was to reunite Europe after the Second World War.

It quickly attracted famous names such as Alec Guinness, Richard Burton, Dame Margot Fonteyn and Marlene Dietrich as well as the big symphony orchestras(交响乐团). It became a fixed event every August and now attracts 400,000 people yearly.

At the same time, the “Fringe” appeared as a challenge to the official festival. Eight uninvited theatre groups turned up in 1947, in the belief that everyone should have the right to perform, and they did so in a public house no longer used for years.

Soon, groups of students firstly from Edinburgh University, and later from the universities of Oxford, Cambridge, Durham and Birmingham were making the journey to the Scottish capital each summer to perform theatre by little-known playwrights(剧作家) in small church halls to the people of Edinburgh.

Today the “Fringe”, once less recognized, has far outgrown the festival with around 1,500 performances of theatre, music and dance on every one of the 21 days it lasts. And yet as early as 1959, with only 19 theatre groups performing, some said it was getting too big.

A paid administrator was first employed only in 1971, and today there are eight administrators working all year round and the number rises to 150 during August itself. In 2004 there were 200 places housing(给……提供场地) 1,695 shows by over 600 different groups from 50 different countries. More than 1.25 million tickets were sold.

1. What was the purpose of Edinburgh Festival in the beginning?

A．To bring Europe together again.

B．To honor heroes of World WarⅡ.

C．To introduce young theatre groups.

D．To attract great artists from Europe.

2. Why did some uninvited theatre groups come to Edinburgh in 1947?

A．They owned a public house there.

B．They came to take up a challenge.

C．They thought they were also famous.

D．They wanted to take part in the festival.

3. Who joined the “Fringe” after it appeared?

A．Popular writers.

B．University students.

C．Artists from around the world.

D．Performers of music and dance.

4. We may learn from the text that Edinburgh Festival　　　　.

A．has become a non-official event

B．has gone beyond an art festival

C．gives shows all year round

D．keeps growing rapidly

8 . When your birthday rolls around, how do you answer when Grandpa calls to ask you what you want? Well, first of all, you should brainstorm gift ideas before deciding what you want for your birthday.     1    

As for what to buy for your birthday, you can choose physical things.     2    You also can think about accessories of your electronics. In addition, if you’re a child or child at heart, you can even ask for toys and video games.

    3    For example, ask for a trip if you like to travel. If the budget is large, you might ask to go on a trip to a place you’ve never been to. If the budget is limited, ask to spend a day with the giver.     4    Besides, you can spend the day learning a special skill from a family member.

Now that you’ve known what you want for your birthday, next you need to narrow down your wish list. If you can’t decide between a few things, write down the good things and the bad things about each item on your list.     5    Also, you can think about what’s most important to you. If playing sports is the most important thing for you, new sport equipment might be more useful than electronics.

A．Also, you can consider choosing experiences as gifts.

B．It can be as simple as going to a museum in your city.

C．Whatever you want to buy, keep people’s budget in mind.

D．You may be delighted to learn how to cook a favorite dish.

E．Then write down the ones you really like on your wish list.

F．For example, you can consider art supplies if you’re an artist.

G．Choose the item that has the most advantages and the fewest disadvantages.

9 . This March is a busy month in Shanghai. There's a lot to do. Here are the highlights.

Live Music - Late Night Jazz

Enjoy real American jazz from Herbie Davis, the famous trumpet player. He's coming with his new 7-piece band, Herbie' s Heroes.   Herbie is known to play well into the early hours, so don't expect to get much sleep. This is Herbie' s third visit to Shanghai. The first two were sold out, so get your tickets quickly.

PLACE: The Jazz Club DATES: 15-23 March PRICE: ￥80,120 TIME: 10:00p.m. till late! TEL: 6466-8736

Scottish dancing

Take your partners and get ready to dance till you drop. Scottish dancing is fun and easy to learn. Instructors will demonstrate the dances. The live band, Gordon Stroppie and the Weefrees, are also excellent.

PLACE: Jack Stein's DATES: every Monday PRICE: Y60 including one drink TIME: 7:00 - ~0:00 p.m. TEL: 6402-1877

Exhibitions - Shanghai Museum

There are 120,000 pieces on show here. You can see the whole of Chinese history under one roof. It' s always interesting to visit, but doubly so at the moment with the Egyptian Tombs exhibition. There are lots of mummies and more gold than you've ever seen before. Let us know if you see a mummy move!

PLACE: Shanghai Museum PRICE: ￥30 (￥ 15 for students) TEL: 6888-6888 DATES: daily TIME: Monday - Friday 9:00a.m. - 5:00p.m., Weekends 9:00a.m. - 9:00p.m.

Dining - Sushi chef in town

Sushi is getting really big in Shanghai. In Japan, it' s become an art form. The most famous Sushi 'artist' is Yuki Kamura. She' s also one of the few female chefs in Japan. She' ll be at Sushi Scene all of this month.

PLACE: Sushi Scene in the Shanghai Hotel DATES: all month PRICE: ￥200 TIME: lunchtime TEL: 6690-3211

For a full listing of events, see our website.

1. Suppose you are going to attend an activity at 8: 00p.m. on Saturday, which one can you choose?

A．Live Music - Late Night Jazz	B．Scottish dancing
C．Exhibitions - Shanghai Museum	D．Dining - Sushi chef in town

2. Which of the following is true according to the advertisements?

A．Scottish dancing is so interesting and easy that it never tires you out.

B．The performance given by the American jazz band won't last long.

C．Sushi is not popular in Shanghai as it is a kind of Japanese traditional food.

D．It is more interesting to visit Shanghai Museum for the exhibits from Egypt.

3. From the text we may learn that Kamura is _______.

A．a cook	B．a waitress
C．an instructor	D．an artist

10 . Known locally as sakura, the cherry blossoms in Japan are popular with both locals and tourists alike. For the Japanese, sakura hold much cultural and historical significance that goes deeper than their obvious beauty.     1    

Sakura are usually only in full bloom(盛开) for about one week.     2     The flowers are so small and round that when they eventually start to fall, it’s almost like watching snow fall from the skies.

The specific time of the cherry blossom season varies from region to region each year. Luckily, the Japanese Meteorological Corporation(日本气象厅) has done all the work.               Each year it posts forecasts of when the blooming will begin in each region.     3    They also depends heavily on temperature patterns.

    4     There are a number of celebrations, so you’re likely to find a hanami party wherever you go. What makes up a hanami party, besides sakura viewing, is eating and drinking. Groups of people will set up camp in a park and have a picnic under the trees. Some bring home-cooked meals, some make food on the go and others buy pre-prepared food.     5    

A．It’s easy to plan your trip around the sakura.

B．Most people bring beer or other drinks to mark the occasion.

C．Many people hold flower-watching parties known as hanami.

D．The predictions aren’t just looking at the weather months in advance.

E．The JMC will release updated forecasts with the newest information.

F．The pink flowers have inspired poets, artists and soldiers for centuries.

G．If you manage to catch the tail end of the blooming, you’ll see the beautiful event.