The tradition of birthday parties started in Europe a long time ago. It was feared that evil spirits were particularly attracted to people on their birthdays. To protect them from harm, friends and family would come to stay with the birthday person and bring good thoughts and wishes. Giving gifts brought even more good cheer to keep away from the evil spirits. This is how birthday parties began.

The following are some countries' birthday traditions:

Canada —Greasing(涂) the nose with butter. In Atlantic Canada, the birthday child's nose is greased for good luck.

China —Noodles for lunch. The birthday child pays respect to his/her parents and receives a gift of money. Friends and relatives are invited to lunch and noodles are served to wish the birthday child a long life.

England —Fortune telling cakes. Certain symbolic(象征性的)objects are mixed into the birthday cake as it is being prepared. If your piece of cake has a coin in it, then you will be rich.

Italy—Pulling ears. The child's ears are pulled as many times as how old they are turning.

Japan-New clothes. The birthday child wears entirely new clothes to mark the occasion.

New Zealand—Birthday claps. After the birthday cake is lit, the happy birthday song is sung loudly and often out of tune and then the birthday person receives a clap for each year they have been alive and then one for good luck.

The United States—Cake, candles and song. A cake is made, and candles are put on top based on how old the person is.

1.The first paragraph mainly talks about _________

A. where the tradition of birthday parties started

B. how to keep away from evil spirits

C. why gifts must be given to the birthday person

D. how birthday parties started.

2.According to the passage, in which country do the birthday children receive a gift of money?

A. England B. China

C. Ireland D. Japan

3.Which of the following is NOT true?

A. In New Zealand, an eight-year-old birthday child receives eight claps in all.

B. In Italy, people will pull the birthday children’s ears.

C. In England, objects mixed into the birthday cake are meaningful.

D. In the US, the number of candles means the age of the birthday person.

4.Which of the following groups is true about birthday celebrations in different countries?

a. China-eating noodles

b. Canada-bumping on the floor

c. England-coin in the birthday cake

d. Japan-- butter-greased nose

e. Italy--- pulling ears

f. America--- cake with candles on top

A. a, b, c, f B. b, c, d, e

C. c, d , e ,f D. a, c , e , f

China is a land of bicycles. At least it was back in 1992 when I traveled the country. Back then everyone seemed to be riding a bicycle. Millions of them,all black. Cars were rare. Yet since my arrival in Beijing last year,I've found the opposite is true. There are millions of cars. However,people still use their bicycles to get around. For many,it's the easiest and cheapest way to travel today. Bicycles also come in different colors—silver,green,red,blue,yellow,whatever you want.

It's fun watching people biking. They rush quickly through crossroads,move skillfully through traffic,and ride even on sidewalks(人行道).Bicycles allow people the freedom to move about that cars just can't provide.

Eager to be part of this aspect of Chinese culture,I decided to buy a bicycle. Great weather accompanied(陪伴)my great buy. I immediately jumped up on my bicycle seat and started home.

My first ride home was orderly(守秩序的).To be safe,I stayed with a “pack” of bikers while cars on the streets came running swiftly out of nowhere at times. I didn't want to get hit. So I took the ride carefully.

Crossing the streets was the biggest problem. It was a lot like crossing a major highway back in the United States. The streets here were wide,so crossing took time,skill and a little bit of luck.

I finally made it home. The feeling on the bicycle was amazing. The air hitting my face and going through my hair was wonderful. I was sitting on top of the world as I passed by places and people. Biking made me feel alive.

1.According to the author,why are bicycles still popular in China today?

A. Because they are convenient and inexpensive.

B. Because they are traditional and safe.

C. Because they are colorful and available.

D. Because they are fast and environment friendly.

2.The author decided to buy a bicycle because he intended .

A. to ride it for fun

B. to use it for transport

C. to experience local culture

D. to improve his riding skills

3.How did the author feel about his street crossing?

A. It was boring

B. It was wonderful.

C. It was lively.

D. It was difficult.

4.Which of the following can BEST describes the author's biking experience?

A. The author enjoyed showing off his biking skills.

B. The author was annoyed by the air while riding.

C. The author was praised by the other bikers.

D. The author took great pleasure in biking.

Dos and Don’ts for USA Travel

Despite what difficult procedures (程序) you may have endured to get to the U.S., including visa troubles, airport security screenings, and the like, the United States is a rather relaxing place once you arrive. 1. Following are basic tips about traveling in the USA.

Don’t try to see and do too much.

2. Many foreign visitors to the United States try to see New York, Washington DC, Miami, and Los Angeles all in one trip. That kind of touring can leave a traveler very tired if you have limited vacation days. The best way is to focus on a region and more deeply.

3.

While traveling in the United States, do be sure to smile, ask questions, say “please” and “thank you”, and be patient. In almost all cases, your kindness will be rewarded by locals who want to show you the best of their cities and towns.

Do obey traffic signs and laws.

Traveling outside of the United States, I have noticed that stop lights and “No Parking” signs in some parts of the world are only suggestions for drivers. Not in America. Drivers must come to a full stop at a red light and remain stopped until the light turns green. 4.

Do be on time.

America take punctuality very seriously. 5. Give yourself more time than you think you’ll need to get to some place, especially if you’re not familiar with the area as unexpected delays can happen, such as heavy traffic.

A. It is considered rude to be late.

B. Besides, drivers should obey the speed limit.

C. Do be kind, smile, and enjoy yourself.

D. Don’t assume you can smoke anywhere.

E. The United States is larger than Europe.

F. Try to use the vocabulary they use in their everyday life.

G. But we do have a few rules that foreign visitors may not know about.

违法和不良信息举报电话:027-86699610 举报邮箱:58377363@163.com

精英家教网