Question

The tradition of birthday parties started in Europe a long time ago. It was feared that evil(邪恶的) spirits were particularly attracted to people on their birthdays. To protect them from harm, friends and family members 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---Putting butter on the nose. In Atlantic Canada, the birthday child’s nose is put butter on 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---Money 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, you will be rich.

Ireland---Birthday bump(碰撞). The birthday child is lifted upside down and “ bumped” on the floor for good luck.

Italy---Pulling ears. The child’s ears are pulled as many times as how old he / she is turning.

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

New Zealand---Birthday claps. After the candles are hit, the happy birthday song is sung loudly and often out of tune and then the birthday person receives a clap for each year he / she has been alive and then one for good luck.

The United States---Cake, candles and the birthday 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. why there are so many birthday traditions

B. how birthday parties started

C. how to keep away from evil spirits

D. why gifts must be given to the birthday person

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

A. China. B. England.

C. Ireland. D. Japan.

3.Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?

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

B. In Ireland, bumping the birthday child means good luck to him/her.

C. In England, coins are the only things that can be made into a birthday cake.

D. In Italy, the birthday child’s ears are pulled when he/she is lifted upside down.

4.The birthday traditions of New Zealand and the United States share all the following in common EXCEPT .

A. birthday cake B. birthday candles

C. birthday claps D. birthday song

5.In which section of a website does the passage probably appear?

A. Tech&Science. B. Entertainment.

C. Careers&Jobs. D. Culture.

Answer 1

1.B

2.A

3.B

4.C

5.D

【解析】

试题分析：本文介绍了生日派对的来历以及一些国家对于生日派对的一些传统。

1. is how birthday parties began.可知第一段讲述了生日派对的产生。故选B

2. receives a gift of money.可知中国的生日派对是可以收到以钱作为礼物的，故选A

3. bump(碰撞). The birthday child …“ bumped” on the floor for good luck.可知在爱尔兰碰撞是象征着幸运。故选B

4.

5.

考点：考查说明类阅读