Located (位于) in Changle Road on the side of Shanghai Jinjiang Hotel, the "Tang-style Costume Street"
has been enjoying high popularity for its traditional Chinese attire (服装) following the costume pattern of
Tang Dynasty (618-907). Its fame (名声) soared (猛增) higher after the APEC (亚太经济合作组织)
meeting in Shanghai at which Tang-style costumes were offered for APEC leaders.?
    On the street are custume shops of various grades and features. Some sell modern costumes with
traditional touch, such as cloth-knotted (用布打结的) buttons and round flower patterns. Others offer 100
percent traditional attire.? 
     Most shops sell costumes, so you can enjoy the Chinese costumes. Why are the Chinese costumes so
popular now? It's in touch with the high development of our country. The getting-in-fashion was also owned
to APEC leaders. They all wore Tang-style costumes at Shanghai meeting. This has proved an old saying that
only things of a national touch can prevail (流行) in the world.?

Answer the following questions.（阅读短文，回答问题。）
1. Does the Tang-style Costume Street locate in Shanghai??
                                                                                          
2. Where did APEC leaders wear the Tang-style costumes? ?
                                                                                          
3. Are the modern costumes with traditional touch in fashion? ?
                                                                                          
4. Most shops sell Tang-style costumes, do they?? 
                                                                                          
5. What's the old saying for the fashion??
                                                                                          

      Do you have festivals in China? Maybe you'll say Spring Festival. Mid-Autumn Festival, and so on. But
have you heard of Dragon-Boat Festival (龙舟节)?
      In China, there is an interesting and exciting festival in the year of dragon. It is said that the Dragon King,
the God of Rain, will make fine weather to help the farmers to make crops (农作物) grow well and everything
will go on well, too. Of course, we hope it is a lucky year for all the people.
      In order to remember a great poet (诗人) in ancient China, Qu Yuan, for ever, we have the Dragon-Boat
Festival. Over 2200 years ago, Qu Yuan was born in Zigui of Hubei, during the Warring States Period
(战国时代). He was wise (博学的) and he wrote many excellent (优秀的) poems (诗) in his life time. Among
his poems, the most famous is "Li Sao". It was about the life of his own. And his other poems were full of his
deep love for his motherland.
      We have our big Dragon-Boat Festival on the 5th of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar (阴历).
The most important thing during the festival is the dragon-boat race. When the race begins, the players are
boating hard in the river, and other people are acclaiming (为……喝彩) warmly for them.
      There is another kind of food to memorize (纪念) Qu Yuan. It is called "zong-zi".

1. When is the Dragon-Boat Festival?

A. On the sixth of the sixth month of the Chinese lunar calendar.
B. On the fifth of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar.
C. On May 5th.
D. On June 6th

2. Qu Yuan was from _______, and he was a _______.

A. China; worker
B. England; farmer
C. China; poem
D. China; poet

3. The famous poem "Li Sao" was written by _______, it's about _______.

A. Qu Yuan; his own life
B. Lu Xun; his love to the country
C. Li Bai; his own life
D. Qu Yuan; his love to the country

4. Which of the following is the activity during the Dragon-Boat Festival?

A. 100-metre-race.
B. Swimming.
C. Dragon-boat race.
D. Relay race.

5. What is another kind of food to memorize Qu Yuan?

A. Bread.
B. Pizza.
C. Rice.
D. "zong-zi".

    The tradition of birthday parties started a long time ago. There are some traditions that you can find almost
anywhere, anytime, such as sending birthday cards, blowing out the candles on a birthday cake and singing
the "Happy Birthday" song. Others are only found for certain ages and in certain countries.
    In China, on a child's second birthday, family members put many things on the floor around the child.
According to Chinese tradition, the first thing that the child picks up tells you what profession the child will
choose later in life.
    For Japanese children, the third, fifth and seventh birthdays are especially important. At this age, there is a
special celebration Shichi-Go-San (seven, five, three in Japanese) when children go to the temple wearing a
new kimono (和服). The priest (僧侣) gives them special sweets, and the parents usually organize a party for
their friends in their home.
    In Argentina, Mexico and several other Latin American countries, girls have a special birthday celebration
when they reach the age of fifteen. After a special ceremony (仪式), the girls dance a waltz with their father
and other boys.
    Eighteen is the traditional 'coming of age'- the age when (in many countries) you have the right to vote
(选举), join the army and (in Britain) drink alcohol or buy a house.
    In many English-speaking countries, a twenty-first birthday cake often has a key on top, or the cake itself
is sometimes in the shape of a key. The key means that the young person is now old enough to leave and enter
the family home at any time they want to!

1. Which of the following birthday traditions can be found almost anywhere, anytime?

A) Putting many things on the floor.
B) Wearing a new kimono.
C) Sending birthday cards.

2. The usually organize a party at children's special birthday celebration in Japan.

A) priests
B) parents
C) friends

3. Mexican girls have a special birthday celebration at the age of            .

A)eighteen
B) seven
C) fifteen

4. In many countries you can ______ when you reach the age of eighteen.

A) join the army
B) have a key
C) have a special ceremony

5. Which is the best title of this passage?

A) Birthday Traditions around the World
B) Chinese Birthday Celebrations
C) Japanese Special Celebration

      Before you go to another country, it is great help if you know the language and some of the customs (风俗)
of the county. 
     When people meet each other for the first time in Britain, they say "How do you do?" and shake hands.
Usually they do not shake hands when just meet or say goodbye. But they shake hands after they haven't met
fot a long time or when they will be away from each other for a long time.
      Last year a group of German students went to England for a holiday. Their teacher told them that the English
people hardly shake hands. So when they met their English friends at the station, they kept their hands behind
their backs. The English students had learned that German people shake hands as often as possible. So they put
their hands in front and got ready to shake hands with them. It make both of them laugh.

1. It is              if you know the language and some of the customs of the country.

A. not useful
B. not helpful
C. very helpful
D. very bad

2. English people usually shake hands when they             .

A. meet every time
B. meet for the first time
C. say goodbye to each other
D. say hello to each other

3. Usually English people don't shake hands when they             .

A. when they will be away for a long time
B. when they say "How do you do?"
C. when they just meet or say goodbye
D. after they haven't met for a long time

4. Which is right (正确的)?

A. German people shake hands as often as possible.
B. English people like shaking hands very much.
C. German people hardly shake hands
D. Neither English people nor Germans like shaking hands.

5. This story is about             .

A. shaking hands
B. languages
C. customs
D. languages and customs

    There are fifty states in the United States. The largest in population is California, the largest in area is
Alaska. Alaska is the smallest in population and Rhode Island is the smallest in size. The oldest states are
the ones along the Atlantic coast. The newest states are Alaska and Hawaii. And Alaska is also the coldest
state. California and Florida are warmest. Henry and his family live in Seattle, a big city on the Pacific
coast. But Los Angeles and San Francisco, also on the Pacific coast, are larger than Seattle. Henry's cousin,
Susan, lives in New York. It is the largest city in the United States. Thousands of people visit New York
each year. The most important city in the United States is Washington D.C. It's the capital, but it is much
smaller than New York.

根据短文内容，判断下列句子正(T)误(F)。
(     )1. There are fifty states in the United Sates.
(     )2. The most important city in the United States is New York.
(     )3. The newest states are Alaska and Hawaii.
(     )4. Henry and his family live in Seattle, a big town on the Pacific coast.
(     )5. Thousands of people visit New York each year.

      Welcome to China, we'll invite you to eat the real Chinese food-dumplings. In China, there are many
different kinds of food. Some of them are very popular. The real Chinese food is dumplings. Now let's talk
about them, OK?
      Everyone in China likes dumplings very much, and there are many different kinds of dumplings. Some have
meat and vegetables in them; others have sugar, eggs and so on. I like dumplings with vegetables and pork better
than any other kind.
      Usually people make dumplings at home. If you have no time to make them, you can buy them from any
supermarket. Then you take them home and eat them with vinegar. The Spring Festival is very important in
China. When it comes, we make dumplings; usually we put a coin in a dumpling. If one eats the dumpling with
the coin in it, he or she will be lucky in the year.
      In the old days, people couldn't often eat dumplings because they were very poor. Now our country is
becoming stronger and stronger, and our people are richer and richer. We can eat them very often.
      Now tell me, do you like dumplings? What kind of dumplings do you like?
      And to our surprise, many foreigners have problems making dumplings, so they go to Chinese restaurants
to eat dumplings, not make at home. They also like eating dumplings.

1. In China, the real Chinese food is ________.

A. noodles
B. moon cakes
C. vegetables
D. dumplings

2. The author (作者) likes dumplings with _______ best.

A. meat
B. seafood
C. vegetables and pork
D. vegetables

3. If you want to eat dumplings, you can do all the following things except ________.

A. make dumplings at home
B. go to visit the foreigners
C. buy dumplings from any supermarket.
D. go to a restaurant

4. Which of the sentences is NOT true? ________

A. In the old days, people often eat dumplings because they are poor.
B. If one eats the dumpling with the coin in it, he will be lucky in the year.
C. The Chinese like dumplings very much.
D. Now people are richer and richer and they can eat dumplings at any time if they like.

     In 1896, the fist modern Olympic Games was held in Athens, Greece. Since then many countries have
successfully held the Olympics, such as England, France, Germany, Canada, the U.S.A, Spain and Australia.
After more than a century the games returned to its hometown.
     When people hold the Olympic Games, they always make an emblem (会徽). The emblem of the Athens
Olympic Games was a white circle of love branches in the sky.
     Last Year Athens develop a spirit of peace. An officer said," While in Athens, the world should be at peace.
We hope the peace is not just for a short time. We would like the message from the Athens Games to help
countries come together and solve their problems."
    Two years later, the Olympic Games will be held in China. And China has already made a seal (图章) as
the emblem of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. The emblem has a single Chinese character on a red seal and
means "Chinese seal-dancing Beijing". Below it, there are two words "Beijing 2008". The character in the
emblem is "Jing". It means capital of China and it is like a runner or dancer. The running figure (人形) of the
emblem shows the spirit of the Olympics-faster, higher and stronger.

1. In which country was the first modern Olympic held?

A. Greece
B. China
C. Australia
D. French

2. What do people always make when they hold the Olympic Games?

A. Picture
B. An emblem
C. An flag
D. A map

3. What message does the Athens Olympic Games want to give?

A. War
B. Luck
C. Danger
D. Peace

4. How many years have passed when Athens again holds the Olympic Games?

A. 100
B. 104
C. 108
D. 112

5. The spirit of the Olympic Games is ______.

A. history and friendship
B. faster, higher and stronger
C. running and dancing
D. peace, friendship and development

    After many days of waiting, the Olympic mascots were finally chosen at 8pm on November 11, 2005.
The Olympic mascots are the Olympic torch (火焰), the fish, the panda, the Tibetan gazelle (藏羚羊) and
the swallow (燕子). The panda is named "Jingjing". He was chosen because he makes children smile and
brings the blessing of happiness wherever he goes. He was chosen to show China's wish to protect nature.
    Unlike the well-known panda, the Tibetan antelope is considered much sportier than other chosen animals.
"I can run 70-100 km per hour. So you see, I'm a perfect symbol (象征) of the Olympics-'higher, faster and
stronger'." Says the athlete, whose name is "Yingying".
    The fish, "Beibei" stands for prosperity (繁荣). She will represent (代表) water sports. "Nini", the swallow
stands for a good luck and wish for a better life. She will represent gymnastics (体操). The Olympics flame,
"Huanhuan" gives out enthusiasm (热情) and best wishes for the Olympics. He will represent ball games.
    Many teenagers are surprised that Beijing will have mascots but very excited that they will have more
choices when shopping for souvenirs (纪念品).
    "I hope there will be a cartoon in which these mascots are the main characters, doing different sports. So
the whole world will have a better understanding of the Chinese spirit," said one teenager.

1. There are ______ Olympic mascots for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

A. four kinds of
B. three kinds of
C. five kinds of
D. two kinds of

2. The panda, "Jingjing" was chosen ______.

A. to show China's wish to protect nature
B. as a symbol of the spirit of the Olympics
C. to give best wishes for Olympics
D. to show Chinese's love

3. ______ will represent gymnastics.

A. The fish named "Beibei"
B. The swallow named "Nini"
C. The Olympic flame named "Huanhuan"
D. The fish named "yuyu"

4. Zhou Xia enjoys all kinds of ball games very much, so she may buy             as a souvenir.

A. Nini
B. Yingying
C. Huanhuan
D. Beibei

5. Mr Brown's son likes diving, he may buy his son            as a birthday present.

A. Jingjing
B. Beibei
C. Huanhuan
D. Nini

    Country music is very old. It came from the United States, Canada, Ireland and Great Britain. It is a
mixture (混合物) of music from all of these places.
    In the west of America, cowboys had to take care of the cattle (牛). They had to watch them all day
and all night because the cattle were nervous and sometimes ran away. A cowboy's life was lonely and
dangerous. When he was alone in the desert with the cattle, he drank strong coffee to make himself
clear-headed. He sang about the stars and the moon, about his family and his friends to make them quiet.
The cattle listened to the cowboy and went to sleep. They would not run away if he sang beautiful and
peaceful songs.
    In the south of America, many people came from Ireland, Scotland and England. Other people came
from France and Canada. They enjoyed their own kind of music. They used guitars, violins and other
musical instruments, too. They also added instruments from their homes, like bottles and plates. When
they visited their friends and families on holidays, they usually sang and played country music.

1.Which of the statements about country music is TRUE according to the passage?

A.Country music has a long history.
B.Country music is a mixture of music from the United States, China, Ireland and Great Britain.
C.Country music is a kind of music that comes from a certain country.
D.Country music can be heard only in the country.

2.What was a cowboy's life like?

A.It was very interesting.
B.It was rich and colorful.
C.It was nervous.
D.It was lonely and dangerous.

3.What did cowboys do to make the cattle quiet?

A.They drank strong coffee.
B.They sang songs to the cattle.
C.They took care of the cattle.
D.They watched the cattle all day and all night.

4.When did the people in the south of America sing and play country music?

A.When they had parties.
B.When they celebrated Christmas.
C.When they visited their friends and families on holidays.
D.When they took of the cattle.

5.What's the best title of the passage?

A.Cowboys
B.Country Music
C.A Cowboy's Life
D.The Cattle