As we know, there are differences between western culture and Chinese culture. We can see differences when we pay attention to the way words are used. Let’s look at the words about animals and plants. Most expressions in Chinese about the dog, for example, “a homeless dog”, “a mad dog”, “a running dog” and “a dog catching mouse”, have negative meanings. But in western countries, dogs are thought to be honest and good friends of humans. In English, people use the dog to describe positive actions. For example, “You are a lucky dog.” means you are a lucky person. And “every dog has its day.” means each person has good luck sometimes. To describe a person’s serious illness, they say “sick as a dog”. The word “dog-tired” means very tired. However, Chinese love cats very much. But in western culture, “cat” is often used to describe a woman who is cruel.

The rose is regarded as symbol of love in both China and some western countries. People think the rose means love, peace, courage and friendship. And the rose is the national flower of England, America and many other countries.

The words about plants and animals are used in positive or negative ways in different cultures. We can learn about many differences in cultures by comparing how some words are used.

1. “Every dog has its day.” means “________”.

A. Everybody in the world is lucky.

B. Each person lives his own way of life.

C. If one works hard, he’s sure to succeed.

D. Everybody has a time in life to be lucky.

2.What can we know from the passage?

A. Words show differences in culture.

B. Chinese people prefer dogs to cats.

C. Western people think cats to be good friends.

D. Rose is the national flower of all western countries.

3.Which statement is right according to passage?

A. People think the rose means love, peace, luck and friendship.

B. The words about plants and animals are used both in positive and negative ways in different cultures.

C. In China, people use the dog to describe negative actions.

D. In eastern culture, “cat” is often used to describe a woman who is cruel.

4.What’s the best title for the passage?

A. Negative or Positive

B. Different Countries Have Different Culture

C. Rose Means the Same in Chinese and English

D. What Dog and Cat Mean in English and Chinese

Do you want to know how you can succeed in a new school term? Here are several tips for you from some teachers.
● Use a calendar or chart. Write down special tasks, activities and important dates on a calendar. This helps you remember things you need to do. You can also make a chart. Then, use colorful pens to circle or draw a line under your homework, reading tasks or other activities. By using a chart, you learn how to plan for your studies.
● Buy folders (文件夹) in different colors. Put your notebooks in different folders according to the subject. This helps you keep papers and notes organized.
● Books are great friends. Visit the bookstore or library every few weeks to find a new book to read. The more you get excited about reading, the more confident you will become.
● Join all kinds of clubs or sports. It’s important to communicate with teenagers outside of school. Joining sports clubs or other group activities is also a good way to help you learn how to get on with others. During this process(过程), you can learn how to solve problems and respect others.
● Ask for help. You’re never too old to ask for help. You can turn to your teachers when there is a question about homework, projects or relationships with your family members. They are there to help solve problems and listen to you.
【小题1】 How many tips can you find from the passage? _______ .