One thing that British and Chinese cultures share is a love for tea. Today, when we think of western tea culture, we often think of the English and beautiful china tea cups.
Afternoon tea:
People believe that an English lady, Anna, first introduced the idea of afternoon tea. In the 18^th and 19^th centuries, the English ate only two main meals each day, breakfast and a heavy supper that would last for several hours in the evening. As a result, people often got very hungry during the long wait between these two meals. To solve this problem, Anna came up with the clever idea of inviting some friends to join her for an afternoon meal between four and five o’clock. This meal included cakes, sandwiches, and tea was served to wash down the food. In order to make this afternoon meal important, fine china cups, plates, and silver teapots, knives, forks and spoons were used. Soon, afternoon tea parties became popular social occasions. Today, afternoon tea parties continue to play an important part in the social life in modern Britain.
Will you come for coffee:
Coffee also has an important role in British culture. People often use words “Will you come for coffee?” to mean “Would you like to come to my home for a chat?” Normally, several different drinks such as tea, hot chocolate or a soft drink like orange juice will be served as well as coffee, and you will be asked what you would like. However, you will not normally be offered wine at a “coffee” party.
Coffeehouses and the London Stock Exchange:
In the 17^th century London coffeehouses were busy and noisy places. Businessmen and bankers went to coffeehouses to do their business, as well as to drink coffee. In fact, the London Stock Exchange（股票交易所）is believed to be started from these coffeehouses.
【小题1】Anna introduced the idea of drinking afternoon tea because she ____________.

What is “Walk to school”?

Now we are working on a program of “walk to school”. We would like as many parents and children as possible to take part, even if in a small way. Children who walk to and from school along with their parents can learn essential(基本的) road safety and life skills.
You can take part by…
● Walking to and from school with your child every day.
● Walking for one or two days during the week.
● Encouraging others to walk, if you have already done.
Walking is great!
● Walking is great exercise! A walk is good for your body and can keep you fit.
● You won’t have to waste time looking for a parking site(停车点).
● It’s free. You’ll save money by not using the car.
● It’s pollution free.
● It’s a good chance to your children and to meet other parents, too.
Enjoying walking to school!
Here are some suggestions to help you and your child enjoy walking to school.
● Plan a safe route together.
● Teach children what a kerb(马路牙子) is and what it means.
● Encourage your child to help you choose the safest places to cross the road.
● Look at and discuss the things you see on your way—especially road signs and what they mean.
Walk to school! Thousands of parents and children have already taken part, could you?
Please go to WWW.walkschool.org.uk for more information.
【小题1】“Walk to school” may be _________.

People in different countries have different ways of doing things. Something that is polite in one country may be quite impolite in another. In Britain, you mustn’t lift (举起) your bowl to your mouth when you are having some soup. But it’s different in China. And in Japan you even needn’t worry about making a noise when you have it. It shows that you are enjoying it. Making a noise is considered as (被认为) bad manners (举止，礼仪) in Britain. If you are a visitor in Mongolia, what manners do they wish you to have? They wish you to give a loud “burp” (打嗝) after you finish eating. Burping shows that you like the food.
In Britain, you should try not to put your hands on the table when you’re having a meal. In Mexico, however, they hope you keep the hands on the table during a meal. But Arabians consider you must be very careful with your hands. You mustn’t eat with your left hand. Arabians consider it very bad manners eating with left hands. So, what should you do if you are on a visit in another country? Well, you can ask the local people to help you or just watch carefully and follow them if you are on a visit in another country.
【小题1】It is impolite to lift your bowl to your mouth when you are having some soup in _________.

London is a good place for kids! The museums listed here will welcome children and make their visit fun.

One of the most famous scientists to study adaptations(适应能力) was Charles Darwin(达尔文). He was born in England in 1809. He wasn’t the best student in his school, but when he was 16, his father sent him to a medical school. Charles liked spending time outdoors observing(观察) nature more than having medical classes. He dropped out without graduating.
Next, Charles’ father sent him to school to become a minister(牧师). This time he made it to graduation, but he didn’t want to do the work of a minister. His friends encouraged him to follow his interest in science.
Luckily, Charles was invited to sail on the Beagle as an unpaid scientist after graduation. The Beagle was to travel to South America and then around the world. Their task was to make maps of the places they visited.
On December 27th, 1831. Charles Darwin sailed from England on the Beagle. The trip was planned to last two years. In fact, it lasted five. During this time, he saw many amazing things. He collected lots of plants and animals and took them back to England to begin his scientific study.
Twenty-three years later, Darwin published a scientific paper with another man named Wallace. Darwin described how some animals have adaptations that help them survive. They are passed on to offspring(后代). Darwin’s ideas about adaptations are still very important to the study of living things.
【小题1】Darwin was very interested in ____________.