1 . As Christmas Eve approached, I found myself in New York City, far from my family and friends in Taiwan. I was feeling homesick and lonely, but my Jewish friend, Rachel, who, like me, doesn’t get connected with Christmas due to any religious things, invited me to join her for a dinner in a Chinese restaurant. She explained that it was a tradition for many Jewish people to celebrate this holiday by eating Chinese food on Christmas Eve.
We went to Jing Fong, a fancy restaurant in Chinatown. The place was packed with people, and the atmosphere was lively and festive. We ordered a variety of dishes. Everything was delicious, and I felt grateful to be sharing this experience with Rachel. As we ate, we talked about our families and our cultures. We laughed and joked, and for a moment, I forgot about my homesickness.
A moment later, a group of carolers (唱圣诞歌的人) came into the restaurant, singing Christmas songs. At first, I was puzzled. Why were they singing in a Chinese restaurant? But then I realized that this was part of the magic of New York City. People from all different cultures and backgrounds could come together and celebrate the holidays in their own way. Rachel and I joined in the singing, and soon the whole restaurant was filled with music. It was a beautiful moment, and I felt blessed to be part of it.
What a night! I learned that even when you’re far from home, you can still find joy and connection with others. Rachel and I may come from different cultures, but we shared amazing food, joyful music, and most importantly heartfelt company. And that’s exactly what all the holidays are all about.
1. Why did Rachel invite the author to join her for dinner?A.To show respect to God |
B.To celebrate Christmas in the Jewish way |
C.To share stories about their families |
D.To forget about their homesickness |
A.Fearful | B.Joyful |
C.Disappointed | D.Confused |
A.By focusing on religious traditions |
B.By celebrating with family and friends |
C.By enjoying a variety of festive dishes |
D.By embracing diverse ways of celebration |
A.A personal blog | B.A commercial promotion brochure |
C.A travel guide of New York | D.An academic article |
2 . Peter walked home from school. Salty tears ran down his cheeks. He didn’t know what to do. Grandma saw him and asked why. Peter replied, “I have to give a(n)
Grandma smiled and nodded her head. She went to a closet and
“This is a dream catcher,” said Grandma. “Our people have made these for many years.
“Can I take this one to school?” asked Peter. “No,” said Grandma. “This dream catcher is
Peter felt
Peter did as he had planned. Peter didn’t feel
A.presentation | B.gift | C.example | D.instruction |
A.warn | B.remind | C.accuse | D.persuade |
A.bent | B.crawled | C.stretched | D.leaned |
A.sorting out | B.taking out | C.burning away | D.blowing away |
A.spotted | B.marked | C.decorated | D.matched |
A.worry | B.tears | C.dust | D.sweat |
A.Spiders | B.Strings | C.Twists | D.Circles |
A.copy | B.catch | C.chase | D.abandon |
A.convenience | B.comfort | C.courage | D.patience |
A.precious | B.expensive | C.genuine | D.popular |
A.confused | B.anxious | C.disappointed | D.embarrassed |
A.made | B.kept | C.folded | D.transformed |
A.pray | B.celebrate | C.promise | D.leave |
A.fashionable | B.temporary | C.mysterious | D.traditional |
A.bored | B.surprised | C.nervous | D.hesitant |
3 . Every year, people all around the world come together to celebrate Earth Day with lots of different activities.Earth Day events typically have one theme in common:the desire to show support for environmental issues and teach future generations about the need to protect our planet.
The very first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970. The event, which some consider to be the birth of the environmental movement, when spring comes, while avoiding most spring breaks and final exams.He hoped to call for college and university students for what he planned as a day of environmental learning and activism.
Participants (参与者) from 2, 000 colleges and universities, primary and secondary schools, and hundreds of communities across the United States got together in their local communities to mark the occasion of the very first Earth Day. Almost 20 million Americans filled the streets of their local communities on that first Earth Day.
Earth Day is now observed in 192 countries, and celebrated by billions of people around the world.Events can be found everywhere from tree planting activities at your local park to online Twitter parties that share information about environmental issues. In 2011, 28 million trees were planted in Afghanistan by the Earth Day Network. In 2012, people rode bikes in Beijing to raise awareness about climate change and help people learn what they could do to protect the planet.
How can you get involved? The possibilities are endless. Pick up trash in your neighborhood. Make a commitment to reduce your food waste or electricity use. Plant a tree.Talk to your friends and family about environmental issues. The best part? Make every day Earth Day and help to make this planet a healthy place for all of us to enjoy.
1. From whom did Nelson hope to get support for his plan?A.Teachers. | B.Officials. | C.Students. | D.Researchers. |
A.Worldwide. | B.Successful. |
C.Unique. | D.Messy. |
A.Its challenge. | B.Its inspiration. |
C.Its history. | D.Its influence. |
A.Take specific action. | B.Reflect on our behavior. |
C.Contribute good ideas. | D.Answer some questions. |
4 . World Students’ Day
World Students’ Day is observed on November 17 every year.
There are a number of ways to celebrate World Students’ Day.
You could also decide to fund raise or raise awareness for charities for students who have learning difficulties.
A.If you are a student yourself |
B.If you know any international students |
C.Visitors are highly expected at the events |
D.They ensure to offer quality care in all aspects |
E.So make sure you judge the situation appropriately |
F.After all, everyone should be able to have an education |
G.It is a celebration of multiculturalism and cooperation among students across the globe |
5 . The world’s craziest festivals
Crazy festivals all over the world are out there just waiting to be celebrated. Join Cornelia Kumfert on a trip to the most unusual events taking place around the globe.
Burning Man Festival
Every year in Nevada (US) there is artwork and cunosities galore to marvel at when the Black Rock Desert changes into a mammoth art exhibition.
In August and September, some 70,00 people come here to celetrate the Burning Man Festival.
San Diego Comic Con
Surely superheroes don’t queue? Well, at San Diego’s Comic Convention they do. Each July hey open their dos to fans of Superman and other comic figures. More than 100,000 annual visitors have paid homage to their mythical heroes.
Crying Baby Festival, Tokyo
At the Crying Baby Festival in Tokyo (Japan), sumo wrestlers do what they can to bring babies to tears.
Sadists run riot? Certainly not! It’s a 400-year-old tradition based on a Japanese proverb, which says that crying babies grow fastest and parents believe the event brings good health to their children.
Palio Contest, Siena
Fame and honour await the winner of the Palio contest in Siena (Italy).
In July and August, ten inhabitants of different districts of the city jockey for first place in a spectacular horse race.
The trophy goes to the contestant whose horse crosses the finishing line first—whether he’s still in the saddle or not.
1. Which of the festivals offers a view of art?A.Burning Man Festival. | B.Palio Contest, Siena. |
C.Crying Baby Festival, Tokyo. | D.San Diego Comic Con. |
A.On the basis of a proverb. | B.Based on a phrase. |
C.According to a story. | D.At the request of the public. |
A.A burning man show. | B.A comedy play. |
C.A horse race. | D.A baby-crying show. |
6 . The Mysteries of The Maya
Extending south from parts known as Mexico into Central America,
The fact that Maya society was technologically primitive makes its achievements all the more incredible and mysterious.
Why Maya civilization collapsed remains a mystery. A deadly disease? Conflicts between cities?
Whatever the reasons, Maya civilization largely disappeared within the deep jungle. Its once-great cities fell into ruin, leaving various mysteries for later people to solve.
A.The Maya civilization leaves us thinking about the past, present and future. |
B.But the greatest mystery is what caused the Maya to abandon most of their great cities. |
C.The complicated writing system of the Maya hasn’t been interpreted completely by now. |
D.Research also suggests those natural disasters may have led to the decline of the Maya. |
E.Maya Civilization has been surrounded by mystery since its rediscovery. |
F.Some research indicates that the Maya people themselves may have played a part in their downfall. |
G.The Maya's understanding of mathematics and astronomy was also quite amazing. |
7 . Every life in Britain
The weather is the most common topic in Britain.
Men always shake hands when they meet.
British people are very superstitious(迷信). They believe in all sorts of signs they see. For them black cats are luck
A.Shopping is another common topic in Britain |
B.Another common thing in Britain is queue |
C.Hundreds of years ago, soldiers began this custom. |
D.In autumn if you catch falling leaves you are lucky |
E.Why do the Britain talk about the weather so often |
F.They also pay attention to tiny details like your birthday |
G.Never walk under a ladder, and don't walk pass somebody on the stairs |
A few weeks ago, a friend and I, both traveling in the south of France,
There were stalls (货摊) selling boxes of chocolates, sweets, dessert wines, etc. All the stall owners were very friendly and happy to see the
We then went to a masterclass where we learnt how to make chocolate. I was a little
1.你参与这个节日的时间,地点;
2.你在这个节日中的经历(所见所闻,体验的活动等);
3.你的感受。
(题目自拟;字数要求:100字左右)
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
10 . The best festivals in August
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the largest arts festival in the world. Last year, the festival lasted 25 days, including 55,000 performances of 3,548 shows in 317 places. The festival started in 1947. Anyone can join in with the performance of their choice.
Wilderness Festival
Wilderness Festival takes place in one of the oldest woods in England. Taking place over four days in nature, people will experience music, comedy, theatre, and dance from Sadler's Wells. All the campsites are made-to-order for different needs, including family camping.
Notting Hill Carnival
Notting Hill Carnival takes place on the streets of Notting Hill in London, England in each August lasting three days. Attracting around one million people each year, it's one of the biggest street festivals in the world. Happening since 1966, Notting Hill Carnival is an essential cultural experience in London.
La Tomatina
Each year, the Valencian town of Bunol gets changed into a red mess as locals and tourists take to the streets and throw tomatoes at each other, creating the biggest food fight in the world, all for fun. This tomato festival has been happening since 1945 and is held on the last Wednesday of August each year.
1. Which festival lasts the longest?A.Wilderness Festival. | B.Edinburgh Festival Fringe. |
C.Notting Hill Carnival. | D.La Tomatina. |
A.The campsites are specially offered. | B.People can dance with famous stars. |
C.People will experience wilderness adventure. | D.It is the biggest street festival in the world. |
A.Get dressed in red. | B.Experience classic music. |
C.Eat as many tomatoes as possible. | D.Throw tomatoes at each other for fun. |