1 . Although the first Fourth of July fireworks began more than 200 years ago in Philadelphia, the celebration never grows old. So whether you’re starting your family’s Fourth of July traditions or just looking for a new place to see great fireworks this Independence Day, check out our list of top places to catch magnificent fireworks displays.
Bristol, Rhode Island
Bristol is credited with having the oldest Fourth of July celebration in the country, with a 230-year history of patriotic festivities. The town’s first Independence Day celebration was held in the early 1800s, more than two centuries ago. The celebration features a concert series at Independence Park, a performance from the Drum Corps, a carnival and parade, and of course, a beautiful fireworks show over the Bristol Harbor.
New York City, New York
Macy’s annual show is the nation’s largest fireworks display with more than 40,000 fireworks and a 38-year record of extraordinary entertainment. You can view the fireworks from anywhere with open views of the sky above the East River. This fireworks show has become an American tradition, and even those who can’t make the trip out to New York City can tune into NBC at 8 p.m., July 4.
Gorham, New Hampshire
Gorham’s Fourth of July Spectacular is one of New Hampshire’s longest running Independence Day celebrations, with four days of exciting events. The fireworks show will begin after dark on July 4 in the skies over the carnival. But that’s not the end of the fun. Stick around for another day to see a classic car parade and get your fill of the carnival rides and even visit Concord enjoying the breathtaking scenery.
1. Who will be interested in the Fourth of July activities?| A．Children who mean to relax themselves with friends. |
| B．Volunteers who desire to do something to serve the people. |
| C．Teachers who want students to acquire the history of fireworks. |
| D．Parents who hope to develop the family’s Independence Day traditions. |
| A．Concord. | B．Bristol. | C．Gorham. | D．New York City. |
| A．Philadelphia’s fireworks display. | B．Gorham’s Fourth of July Spectacular. |
| C．Macy’s annual show in New York. | D．Bristol’s Independence Day celebration. |
2 . 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. |
| A．A way to make coins. | B．An act to keep power. |
| C．A desire to be popular. | D．An idea to gain profit. |
| A．Fashion. | B．Travel. | C．Culture. | D．Entertainment. |
3 . Prom(高中毕业舞会)is a day you’ll never forget. It’s one of the most important events of your senior year, one you certainly don’t want to miss.
About a month before prom, I started my countdown(倒计时). It took me about a week to find my dress. I bought it secondhand, but it was the most beautiful dress I’d ever seen-not too fancy, just the look I wanted. My shoes were bought from Wal-Mart. It might not seem the best place for shoes, but they were so comfortable that I couldn’t wait to dance all night long in them. My cousin Melissa did my hair and make-up. I received so many compliments(恭维）at prom about my hair and make-up and I felt grateful to her.
I had much fun with a group of friends. We danced for four hours and I felt as if my feet were going to fall off. After that came the dessert buffet(自助餐). There were four to five tables filled with sweets. I only had a piece of chocolate cheesecake and this little cup of strawberry dessert, but both were to die for.
By the time the casino(老虎机)and magician arrived, everyone was super tired. I wanted to sleep, but I went out into the hall with friends and took pictures. At around 6:30 am, we headed into the breakfast hall for breakfast and goodbyes. Although it wasn’t the last time we would be seeing each other, it felt as if we were leaving behind so much.
Prom is going to be one of the best times in your life. Don’t think of it as a dance. Think of it as a life-changing moment. I know it was for me.
1. Paragraph 2 is mainly about the author’s_______.| A．plans for the prom | B．decision to attend the prom |
| C．regrets at the prom | D．preparations for the prom |
| A．dancing | B．sleeping | C．taking photos | D．eating sweets |
| A．It is a good chance to dance |
| B．It is an occasion to say goodbye |
| C．It is a life-changing event with fun |
| D．It is the most important to senior students |
| A．Going to prom | B．Senior proms |
| C．Best time in your life | D．Last moment of senior year |
