Every year, the French town of Menton hosts an event called the Lemon Festival in the world. The Lemon Festival usually takes place between mid-February until March. During the festival, around 145 tons of oranges and lemons are sent into the town. Over 300 workers work together to make giant sculptures(雕塑) out of fruits.
Menton became the first producer of lemons in 1929. The lemons are loved by the world’s best cooks. In the late 19th century, a town parade was held to encourage Menton’s winter tourism. Kings, princes and artists filled the great and comfortable hotels or their own fantastic houses. Because of its great success, the streets were beautifully planted with oranges and lemons in the following years. In order to develop tourism, in 1934 the Lemon Festival was officially born.
Sleepy Menton becomes a world of color during the festival time. People find it very exciting and full of fun. The festival is enjoyed for three whole weeks. Along with a daily Lemon and Orange Exhibition, parades on Sundays, fireworks on Thursday nights.
Every year there will be a special theme for the Lemon festival. This year the theme of the Lemon Festival is: “The regions of France”. Some of the events are free, but you need to buy tickets to see the parades.
【小题1】Why was the Lemon Festival officially born?

The Red Cross is an international organization. It cares for people who are in need of help. A man in Paris hospital needs blood, a woman in Mexico hurt in an earthquake and a family in India lost their home in a storm. All of them may be helped by the Red Cross. The Red Cross is in almost every country around the world. The world Red Cross organizations are sometimes called the Red Crescent（新月）. All of these agencies（机构）share a common goal of trying to help people in need. The idea of forming such an organization started with Jean Henri Dunant. In 1859, he saw how people were suffering during the war in Italy. He wanted to help all the wounded （受伤害的） people regardless of（无论）which side they were fighting for. The American Red Cross was set up by Clara Barton in 1881. Today the Red Cross in the United States provides a number of services for the people, such as helping people in need, teaching first aid and providing blood.
【小题1】A good title for this passage is _______________.

Island University has a competition for middle school students.

Read about the competition on their web site.

School Competition

 Students! Here is your chance to help the physically disabled(残疾人). Think out a robot or a machine to help them live better. There'll be three prizes. The winning schools will each get $15,000. Read the information below:

        What do you have to do?

·Try to know problems faced by the physically disabled in Hong Kong. Write a 200-word article on the difficulties these people have to suffer each day.

·Try to know modern inventions that help the physically disabled. Then think out a robot or a machine that will improve the lives of the physically disabled. Draw your invention. You can make as many drawings as you like to show your invention. You can even make a small model of your invention.

· Write a short description of your invention.

Who can join?

All middle school students in Hang Kong.

So, come on! Join the competition, and get the chance!

1.Where can you find the information?

2.Why is the school competition held?

3.What prize will each winning school get?

4.How many words should be written on the difficulties the disabled have to suffer each day?

5.Who can join the competition?

Quick Reference Index

Items                                                        Pages          Items                                             Pages

ACTORS AND ACTRESSES                      364-382     MAPS(COLOR)                             511-522

MUSEUMS                                               448-475     MEDICAL DEVELOPMENTS         492

ANIMALS                                                 490-494     HOLIDAYS                                     841-873

FAMOUS ART                                          480-482     PLANTS, RIVERS                           108-109 114-115

HIGHWAYS                                               121-131     NATIONAL PARKS                        747-749

BOOKS, BEST SELLERS                            476             COUNTRIES                                   523-624

DISCOVERIES AND INVENTIONS            320-346     PASSPORTS                                   142-144

ENVIRONMENT                                       84-120       POPULATION                                625-640

EDUCATION                                             252-318     POST INFORMATION                   1033-1039

FLAGS OF THE WORLD(COLORS)         505-510     SPORTS                                         884-978

根据表格信息，选择最佳答案。

1.Where can you find the information about things that are best sold?

A. MAPS(COLOR) on Pages511-522.

B. BOOKS, BEST SELLERS on Page 476.

C. NATIONAL PARKS on Pages 747-749.

2.If you are interested in Chinese actor Bruce Lee, you may search the item        .

A. ENVIRONMENT

B. ACTORS AND ACTRESSES

C. POST INFORMATION

3.If you want to know more about Thomas Edison, where should you begin your research?

A. DISCOVERIES AND INVENTIONS

B. FAMOUS ART

C. EDUCATION

4. One who likes sports can find information on how to surf on Pages ______.

A. 448-475                                B. 517-528                       C. 884-978

5.You can find “preventing pollution” on Pages ______.

A. 84-120                                 B. 625-640                      C. 142-144