1 . Mother’s Day is the time to celebrate the great women who raised us.     1     With Mother’s Day nearly upon us, a lot of people are looking for last minute presents—but it’s not too late! Here are four most popular Mother’s Day gifts that will give you some inspiration.

Pick the gift of relaxation. For the mum who is always rushing around, looking after everyone but herself, a day of rest and relaxation at the spa is the perfect gift. Your mum deserves a break, and many spas offer special Mother’s Day packages with relaxing massages and facials.     2     She can use it when she can fit it in her busy schedule.

Say it with flowers. Flowers are a classic Mother’s Day gift for a reason, and an arrangement of her favourite blooms is sure to bring a smile to her face.     3     You can just make your own arrangement with flowers from the supermarket, and wrap them in brown paper for a nice look on your budget.

    4     Why give one gift when you can give her a gift every month? Booking monthly gifts is more popular than ever. From flowers to wines of the month, and even fresh coffee beans from local producers, you can show your appreciation for all she does for the whole year, rather than just one day.

Spend some quality time. It’s lovely to get presents, but what your mum probably wants more than everything is to spend some quality time with you. Treat her to a day out with an activity she’ll love, whether she’s into wine tasting or an elegant afternoon tea.     5    

A．Keep the gifts coming.

B．Show your gratitude with gifts.

C．Book her in for a day, or buy her a gift card.

D．Try to make something with her name or birthstone on it.

E．However, it can be difficult to find a gift to show your appreciation.

F．Or spend the day at home, letting her put her feet up while you cook.

G．You don’t have to spend hundreds on expensive bouquets in the flower shops.

2 . Pitch Music & Arts Festival

After its debut (问世) several years ago, Pitch Music &Arts Festival quickly became one of the most exciting and hotly anticipated events. Held at the foothills of the Grampian Plains, it aims to deliver a distinct blend of sonic soundscapes across three architecturally designed stages.

This year, the festival will be headlined by Gerd Janson, Patrick Mason, French producer I Hate Models, Italian Job Jobse, and Berghain resident Marcel Dettmann. Daniel Avery will do a live set for the first time in Australia, coinciding (同时发生) with the recent10th anniversary of his classic album Drone Logic. KiNK will also be playing a live set.

Other international artists include Chaos in the CBD, Aurora Halal (LIVE), Bailey Ibbs, Sally C, Bambounou and many more. Pitch Music & Arts will also highlight local pioneers, including James who will be playing with Willaris. K, Surusinghe, Bertie, Memphis LK, and many more.

For those looking for a moment of peace, the Pitch Pavilion will appear this year. This place is where festivalgoers can participate in yoga classes and sound baths. For those ready to rough it, you can bring your own tent and set it up in a free camping area.

Pitch allows you to bring up to 24 cans, or one bottle of spirits poured into a plastic bottle. There will be numerous bars on site serving cocktails, mixed drinks and a range of beers.

The tickets will be on sale from 5, May to 6, June. Want to find more information? Then head to the Pitch website.

1. Who does Drone Logic belong to?

A．Gerd Janson.

B．Daniel Avery.

C．Job Jobse.

D．KiNK.

2. What will James do during the festival?

A．Deliver a lecture.

B．Release an album.

C．Give a performance.

D．Interview Willaris. K.

3. What is the closing date for ticket purchases?

A．May 5.

B．May 25.

C．June 2.

D．June 6.

3 . This collection of annual events along the world’s coastlines is worth penciling in your diary.

Festa de Yemanjá, Brazil

It is an annual national party in the country’s oldest city of Salvador. Honouring the Afro-Brazilian Yoruban heritage and the history of the Bahia state capital, this cultural event sees street parades and performances as crowds are dressed in white. The food stands in the city give out fresh cakes to mark the occasion.

Biennale de Dakar, Senegal

Art takes centre stage in Dakar, the Senegalese capital, each summer season for the event. Founded in 1990, the event is the biggest and most exciting in the African art calendar. The energetic capital city makes an amazing backdrop for introducing African artists to a global audience and inviting international artists onto the streets of the city.

Printemps de la Sardine, France

The French town of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie on the Atlantic coast is recognized as the sardine (沙丁鱼) capital of the country. Here, the arrival of the little fish kickstarts the party that takes over the town each spring. From tastings and walking trails to sardine-focused menus at local restaurants and discussions about their role in literature, the two-week celebration lets the delicious local speciality become a focus.

Rock Oyster Festival, the UK

With musical performances from the likes of Nile Rodgers, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Groove Armada and more, the three - day festival also showcases some of the best chefs and restaurants from around Cornwall as well as cooking demonstrations (展示) and masterclasses. Well-known chefs such as Olia Hercules and Andi Oliver share their stories, while over at Mussel Beach, there’s a celebration of live fire cooking.

1. Where does Festa de Yemanjá take place?

A．In Salvador.	B．In Dakar.
C．In Cornwall.	D．In Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie.

2. Which of the following highlight Biennale de Dakar?

A．Amazing calendars.	B．Delicious cakes.
C．Street parades.	D．African art shows.

3. What do the last two festivals have in common?

A．They focus on literature.	B．They last for two weeks.
C．They provide tasty food.	D．They have online training.

4 . It felt as if we had been climbing for hours. I stopped to catch my breath as a wave of dizziness swept over me in the thin mountain air. I was on an amazing trip with my family to experience the festival of Qoyllur Riti, which takes place at 4,300 meters high in the southern Andes of Peru.

As I looked back down the trail we had climbed, and up towards where we had to go, the colorful sight struck me a lot. Entire families wearing local costumes were travelling to this unique festival from all over Peru. Among them were old men, mothers with small babies and children all following the same route. Many of them had horses and donkeys carry their food, blankets, cooking pots and tents. Others had made their way on foot through the mountains for days to attend this remarkable event.

We continued climbing upward for another hour and a half before reaching the Sinakara Valley. Right across this flat piece of ground people were putting up shelters and tents to protect themselves from the freezing mist and rain. It was clear, however, from the sound of the drums and singing rising from the campsite that the weather was not going to weaken the festival spirit. The air of excitement, even from our place more than a mile away, was palpable.

After dinner, we went to bed fully clothed inside our sleeping bags. We were up early the next morning, the main day of the festival, despite having slept badly on the frozen ground. The ukukus, men wearing black masks and costumes, had left the campsite in the early hours to climb the nearest mountain by the light of the full moon.

From time to time during the procession, they stopped to dance on the glaciers, believing this would bring luck to their villages for the year to come. In the dawn light, we watched them winding their way back down like a large black snake. As they descended, they were joined by groups of dancers in bright traditional costumes. They performed wherever there was space. Although there did not seem to be anyone organizing them or any timetable, the whole festival had become a huge harmonious celebration.

1. What do we know about family’s climb up and down the trail?

A．They were too tired to enjoy the sight.

B．They regretted extremely taking the trip.

C．They were fascinated by the scenes there.

D．They were greeted warmly by local people.

2. The underlined word in Paragraph 3 is closest in meaning to _______.

A．suitable

B．endurable

C．noticeable

D．understandable

3. What can be inferred from the festival participants?

A．They were all dressed in plain clothes.

B．They were determined to reach the festival.

C．They only continued their journey during daylight hours.

D．They performed dances to demonstrate their traditional costumes.

4. Where is this text most likely from?

A．A health report.	B．A sports newspaper.
C．A fashion forum.	D．A culture magazine.

5 . Different countries celebrate festivals in their own unique ways. The same goes for the New Year. Let’s take a look at some unique New Year traditions from around the world.

Smashing (打碎) plates

If you walked out of your front door to find a load of smashed plates, you might be a bit confused. But that’s exactly what people in Denmark hope to find after midnight, as it represents good luck. Danish people go and smash a plate in front of a friend’s door on New Year’s Eve to bring good luck over the next 12 months.

Dropping things

In New York City, Times Square is the centre of the countdown to midnight. But the thing that everyone is looking forward to is called the “ball drop”, which is when a glowing (发光的) ball is lowered down a big flag pole (旗杆), marking the start of the New Year. Other cities in America now have their own traditions of dropping things on New Year’s Eve. For example, in Vincennes, Indiana, people drop watermelons from high places.

Eating grapes

When the clocks hit midnight in Spain, you’ll find people reaching for grapes. This is because there is a tradition of eating one grape each time the clock strikes midnight. The idea is that this will bring people 12 lucky months in the year ahead.

Walking with an empty suitcase

In some South American countries like Colombia, you might see some people on New Year’s Eve walking around with an empty suitcase. Some hold the belief that taking a “suitcase walk” means they will have a year full of adventures.

1. Why do Danish smash plates on New Year’s Eve?

A．To have fun.	B．To honor a poet.
C．To celebrate the harvest.	D．To bring good luck.

2. What do Spanish do when the clocks hit midnight on New Year’s Eve?

A．They exchange gifts.	B．They eat grapes.
C．They dress up as bears.	D．They drop halls from high places.

3. Which country has the tradition of carrying empty suitcases on New Year’s Eve?

A．Denmark.

B．USA.

C．Colombia.

D．Spain.

6 . Weddings are one of life’s biggest celebrations, and they are observed in just about every country and culture on the planet. Here are some wedding traditions from around the world.

Scotland

Scottish weddings usually feature the handfasting ceremony. During the ceremony, the bride (新娘) and bridegroom each hold a piece of cloth. These are carefully wound around the couple’s joined hands. When they pull their hands apart, the pieces become tied into a knot (结) — a symbol of the new union.

Germany

Guests at a German wedding get to see an interesting sight: the newly married couple — still dressed in their suit and wedding dress — cutting a length of a tree in half with a two-person saw (锯). In this way, they show their ability to work as a team to face any challenge they will meet in life.

Norway

A Norwegian wedding cake is made up of progressively smaller layers of iced cake rings, which give the cake the shape of Christmas tree. The inside is empty and has gifts or even a bottle of wine. The bride and g room lift the top ring of the cake, and the number of layers that stick to it is said to represent the number of children they will have!

England

Brides in England typically wear “something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue” for their big day. The modern practice comes from a traditional English song, and the things themselves represent protection, cheerfulness, good luck, and purity, respectively.

Though the customs might vary, the feeling remains the same. Across the world, weddings are times to celebrate love, happiness, and family.

1. Why is a two-person saw used in the German wedding?

A．To entertain the wedding guests.	B．To mark the couple’s united efforts.
C．To represent the upcoming challenges.	D．To keep the couple from hurting each other.

2. In which wedding do brides wear different things to represent different wishes?

A．The Scottish wedding.	B．The German wedding.
C．The Norwegian wedding.	D．The English wedding.

3. What does the text show about wedding?

A．Rules to follow.	B．Special customs.
C．Ways to treat guests.	D．Cultural backgrounds.

7 . Around the World

Here is big news from Around the World.

Science Fiction Museum opens
Chengdu, China

The Chengdu Science Fiction Museum has opened its doors to the public. China’s newest museum—a star-shaped building on a lake was built in 12 months. Technology sped up the design and construction of the 635,070-square-foot museum, which has galleries, educational spaces, and cafés.

Day of the Dead is celebrated
Mexico

Thousands of people lined the streets of Mexico City to watch its annual Day of the Dead parade. The holiday was observed from October 31 to November 2 to remember and celebrate loved ones who have died. During this time, the dead are believed to return to the world. Families welcome them back with offerings, such as their favorite food.

Modern art at ancient pyramids
Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

A modern art exhibit at the Pyramids of Giza, titled Forever Is Now, has returned for a third year. This year’s show is the biggest yet and features works by 14 artists. The free event aims to celebrate ancient Egyptian culture with modern skills. Artists were careful not to harm the 4,500-year-old World Heritage Site.

Schools close due to heavy air pollution
Delhi, India

Elementary schools in Delhi are closed for at least one week because of the city’s poor air quality. The amount of harmful materials in the air has reached nearly 100 times the acceptable limit. Delhi is often very polluted in November because that is when many farmers burn their remaining crops. To reduce the smog, officials in the city have banned polluting vehicles, construction work, and the use of fireworks.

1. Where can you visit a museum on the lake?

A．In Chengdu, China.	B．In Mexico City.
C．At the Pyramids of Giza.	D．In Delhi, India.

2. Why are elementary schools closed in Delhi?

A．To build the newest museum.	B．To hold a modern art exhibit.
C．To celebrate the Day of the Dead.	D．To avoid the harm caused by air pollution.

8 . Four European Festivals You Don’t Want to Miss in 2023

Festival Medieval (中世纪的) de Sedan

For an unforgettable slice of Medieval France, head to Festival Medieval de Sedan in May. Held at the largest medieval castle in Europe, the Chateau de Sedan, the festival brings the spirit of the Middle Ages alive. Exciting tournaments and atmospheric parades take place around the castle grounds. Around 15,000 people come to explore the castle. Just be prepared to climb a lot of stairs!

La Fete de la Musique

There’s music in the air throughout France on 21 June. This is when La Fete de la Musique (Music Day) takes place. The first all-day musical celebration was first held in Paris in 1982 but later became celebrated in 120 countries around the world. During the festival, thousands of musicians gather in the streets, bars, and cafes giving free public performances.

Festival d’ Avignon

Another fantastic French festival not to miss is the Festival d’ Avignon. The annual theater festival is held in July in the courtyard of the Palais des Papes in Avignon. During this time, Avignon transforms its architectural heritage into various grand performance venues. Tens of thousands of theater lovers of all ages come to enjoy theatre, dance, visual arts, and live music.

Bastille Day

Celebrated nationwide on 14 July, Bastille Day is the biggest and most important festival in the French calendar. It marks the day that Parisian civilians and peasants stormed the fortress (堡垒) and prison of Bastille. This caused events that would end the monarchy (君主制) and start the age of liberty and equality. Celebrations are held all over France, including large-scale public events and parties.

1. Which of the following holidays takes place earliest?

A．Bastille Day.	B．Festival d’ Avignon.
C．La Fete de la Musique.	D．Festival Medieval de Sedan.

2. What can people do on La Fete de la Musique?

A．Enjoy beautiful music.	B．Explore some castles.
C．Make delicious coffee.	D．Learn about the monarchy.

3. When should you go if you are interested in the most important festival?

A．In May.

B．In June.

C．In July.

D．In August.

9 . Music With A View

Summer may well be the favourite season of classical music lovers, with numerous festivals taking place worldwide. And what’s better than enjoying a live performance of your favourite piece? Enjoying it in the great outdoors, of course!

Edinburgh International Festival Scotland

Edinburgh International Festival is Edinburgh’s arts offering, and in 2023 welcomes violinist Nicola Benedetti in her first year as festival director. Picking up the baton (接力棒)from previous director Fergus Linehan, she is the first female Festival Director since the Festival began in 1947. Benedetti will invite some popular symphony orchestras.

August 4-August 27, eif.co.uk

Puccini Festival, Italy

Since 1930, the festival has been presenting Puccini’s masterpieces to crowds of thousands in beautiful Torre del Lago every summer. We’re picturing hot Italian summer days closing with a gentle warmth, together with fine opera and a cool glass of wine in hand and the waters of Lake Massaciuccoli.

July 14 -August 26, puccinifestival.it

Verbier Festival, Switzerland

One of the main reasons to visit the Verbier Festival in the summer is that it’s a magical two-week celebration of classical music at the top of the world. The festival has become known for attracting the biggest soloists (独唱者) in the world. The real magic of Verbier is its ideas of connecting great musicians at the height of their careers with ambitious young artists.

July 14 - July 30, verbierfestival.com

Granada International Festival, Spain

Since 1952, the International Festival of Music and Dance of Granada has been held in the palace to show opera, ballet, Spanish dance and more. In 2023, the festival will team up with University of Granada to invite talented students to take part in the Manuel de Falla Courses, which offer masterclasses in composition, musical analysis, performance and face-to-face talk with great musicians including Víkingur Ólafsson and Daniil Trifonov.

June 21 - July 19, granadafestival.org

1. Who is the first female Festival Director since the Festival began in 1947?

A．Fergus Linehan.	B．Nicola Benedetti.
C．Víkingur Ólafsson	D．Daniil Trifonov

2. What do Verbier Festival and Granada International Festival have in common?

A．They attract the biggest soloists.

B．They are themed classical music.

C．They present Puccini’s masterpieces to the public.

D．They give the youth a chance to contact with musicians.

3. Which festival lasts the longest?

A．Puccini Festival, Italy.

B．Verbier Festival, Switzerland.

C．Granada International Festival, Spain.

D．Edinburgh International Festival Scotland.

10 . It was Christmas Day, and Toddy and Tita were alone. Papa and mamma had gone to see their big boy who was ill. They had promised to be home for Christmas, but there was a heavy snow that day. The babysitter was afraid the train would be delayed until the day after Christmas. The two little girls felt so lonely that the babysitter let them play in the big drawing-room, so they lined up all the chairs in a row, and imagined it was a train.

Suddenly, they heard music in the street. They ran to the window and saw a little boy outside who was singing and beating a drum. They asked the little boy to come in. He was a little frightened at first, but he had no shoes on his feet and it was too cold for him to be outside. At last, he agreed. He told them that his name was Guido, and that he was so poor that he had no shoes, and had to go singing from house to house for a few pennies to get some dinner. And he was so hungry. “Poor little boy!” said Tita. “Our mamma is away, and we’re having a pretty sad Christmas, but we’ll try to make it nice for you.” The babysitter prepared a big dinner party for them. Guido had never had a dinner like it before. “It’s a fairy tale,” he said.

Just as the last dish came on, the door opened and mamma and papa rushed in. That night, Tita said, “Mamma, I know something. Whenever you feel sad and lonely, if you find somebody sadder and lonelier than yourself and cheer them up, it will make you all right.”

1. What was the actual challenge for the parents’ returning home?

A．The busy traffic.	B．The bad weather.
C．The big boy’s illness.	D．The shortage of money

2. Why did Guido say that “It’s a fairy tale” in Paragraph 2?

A．To show his joy.	B．To share his hope.
C．To raise his doubt.	D．To present his humour.

3. What can we learn from what Tita said in the last paragraph?

A．Love and you will be loved.

B．It is better to give than to take.

C．Helping others is helping yourself.

D．The best hearts are always the bravest.

4. What is the text mainly about?

A．A snowy night.	B．A little singing boy.
C．A wonderful babysitter.	D．A meaningful Christmas.