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The custom of celebrating from the end of January until mid-February has long been popular in Quebec City, Canada. The first large Winter Carnival here, in the world’s snow capital, took place in 1894. Faced with winter’s hardships, the city’s population made this popular tradition into a winter celebration that warmed the hearts of all people.
Interrupted by two wars and then the economic crisis of 1929, the Carnival was held from time to time until the second half of the century. In 1954, a group of business people re-started the festivities. That year, Bonhomme was born and was elected the event’s representative.
The next year the first official Quebec Winter Carnival took place. The Carnival snowballed into a big event and was important for tourism and economic activity in the city.
From one winter to the next, the Carnival enriched its activity program. We have since added even more popular activities, such as winter sports, snow sculptures, and activities based on the traditional Quebec lifestyle, such as dogsled races. The Quebec Winter Carnival is the largest winter carnival in the world today, and is third on the list of Top Carnivals after the famous carnivals in Rio and New Orleans.
1960
The people living along Rue Sainte-Therese created many snow or ice sculptures, and this location became known as Carnival Street.
1964
The name of Bonhomme Carnival and his image became registered trademarks.
1970
A new tradition was born: closing the event with a firework display.
1975
A new activity, called The Break, was created, on Friday from noon till midnight. Many employers gave their employees time off so they could go dancing at the Quebec City Convention Centre. The event continued to be held until 1986, sometimes late into the night.
1977
Until 1991, the Carnival offered a children’s sculpture competition.
1987
The snow bath became part of the program.
1999
Because of the importance of volunteers, the human resources department was created to improve organization.
1.The Quebec Winter Carnival________.
A.is held from mid-February to the end of March
B.is an encouragement for the local people in winter
C.is the second largest carnival in the winter
D.has as many activities as when it was first held
2.
3.
4.
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During enjoying the Mid-Autumn Festival, celebrating the harvest is an important reason, but of __________ importance is the whole family’s get-together.
A. fair B. reasonable C. equal D. proper
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Almost all cultures celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of another in some way. Different cultures celebrate the beginning of a new year in different ways, and at different times on the calendar.
In Western countries, people usually celebrate New Year at midnight on January 1st. People may go to parties, dress in formal clothes -- like tuxedos (小礼服) and evening gowns, and drink champagne at midnight. During the first minutes of the New Year, people cheer and wish each other happiness for the year ahead. But some cultures prefer to celebrate the New Year by waking up early to watch the sun rise. They welcome the New Year with the first light of the sunrise.
It is also a common Western custom to make a New Year’s promise, called a resolution. New Year’s resolutions usually include promises to try something new or change a bad habit in the new year.
Many cultures also do special things to get rid of bad luck at the beginning of a new year. For example, in Ecuador, families make a big doll from old clothes. The doll is filled with old newspapers and firecrackers. At midnight, these dolls are burned to show the bad things from the past year are gone and the new year can start afresh (again). Other common traditions to keep away bad luck in a new year include throwing things into rivers or the ocean, or saying special things on the first day of the new year.
Other New Year traditions are followed to bring good luck is to eat grapes on New Year’s Day. The more grapes a person eats, the more good luck the person will have in the year. In France, people eat pancakes for good luck at New Year. In the United States, some people eat black-eyed peas (豇豆) for good luck -- but to get good luck for a whole year you have to eat 365 of them!
1.Which culture celebrates New Year in the morning?
A．The United States. B．Spain.
C．France. D．The passage doesn’t say.
2.What is a resolution?
A．Something you burn. B．Something you eat.
C．Something you say. D．Something you wear.
3.What is the topic of the fourth paragraph?
A．Bringing good luck. B．Keeping away bad luck.
C．Planning for the next year. D．Remembering the past.
4.Which is probably true about eating black-eyed peas on New Year?
A．Black-eyed peas taste bad.
B．One pea brings one day of luck.
C．The peas are very difficult to cook.
D．It is bad luck to eat a lot of black-eyed peas.
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While the other kids seemed excited about celebrating the end-of-term party by playing games and sharing treats, Jeremy hated the very idea of the gathering.
Afraid to raise the pressure too high, I decided to contribute something that was easy to purchase on the walk to school.
Off we went the day of the party, approaching his school as if nothing was planned. I reminded him of our need to make a purchase, entered his favorite shop, and asked him to select the ripest bunch of grapes. He shot me an anxious look and insisted none of his classmates ever be able to notice he had something to bring to the party. My vision of a successful parenting method, resulting in delivering a sociable child to his school, diverted(转移) sharply from reality.
Back on route, I did my best to hide the sinking feeling of fear. How could I possibly drop him off and then walk into my own classroom to teach a successful class?
My next move was born in the heat of the moment. I said a quick goodbye at the front gate and rushed to his classroom through the emergency exit. I managed to inform his teacher about the grapes in the backpack and be out of the classroom before I could be spied by my son.
So, what happened on that June day? His teacher, a caring educator, worked wonders. My son and I still laugh about the way Mr. B started the day with an unusual question, “Does anyone have any grapes?” While Jeremy admits feeling a bit uncomfortable, the words encouraged him to takeout the fruit. Because of the support he received, he remembers that day with pride for his courage.
1.Which of the following can best replace the underlined word “vision” in Paragraph 3?
A. Use. B. Research. C. Understanding. D. Imagination.
2.How did the author feel when she left the shop?
A. Worried. B. Satisfied. C. Grateful. D. Regretful.
3.Why did the author hurry to her son’s classroom?
A. She went to ask the teacher for help.
B. She went there to give her lesson.
C. She was afraid of her son being punished.
D. She was invited to take part in the celebration.
4.What does the passage mainly talk about?
A. The teacher inspired Jeremy to share grapes.
B. Jeremy prepared for the coming party.
C. The author helped Jeremy to become sociable.
D. The author taught Jeremy to select goods
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While the other kids seemed excited about celebrating the end-of-term party by playing games and sharing treats, Jeremy hated the very idea of the gathering.
Afraid to raise the pressure too high, I decided to contribute something that was easy to purchase on the walk to school.
Off we went the day of the party, approaching his school as if nothing was planned. I reminded him of our need to make a purchase, entered his favorite shop, and asked him to select the ripest bunch of grapes. He shot me an anxious look and insisted none of his classmates ever be able to notice he had something to bring to the party. My vision of a successful parenting method, resulting in delivering a sociable child to his school, diverted（转移）sharply from reality.
Back on route, I did my best to hide the sinking feeling of fear. How could I possibly drop him off and then walk into my own classroom to teach a successful class?
My next move was born in the heat of the moment. I said a quick goodbye at the front gate and rushed to his classroom through the emergency exit. I managed to inform his teacher about the grapes in the backpack and be out of the classroom before I could be spied by my son.
So, what happened on that June day? His teacher, a caring educator, worked wonders. My son and I still laugh about the way Mr. B started the day with an unusual question, “Does anyone have any grapes?” While Jeremy admits feeling a bit uncomfortable, the words encouraged him to take out the fruit. Because of the support he received, he remembers that day with pride for his courage.
1.Why did the author determine to purchase what was easy to get on their way to school?
A. Because the food was tasty . B. Because the food was affordable.
C. Because it was out of respect. D. Because it was a relief.
2.How did the author feel when she left the shop?
A. Grateful. B. Satisfied.
C. Worried. D. Regretful.
3.Why did the author hurry to her son’s classroom?
A. She went there to give her lesson.
B. She went to ask the teacher for help.
C. She was afraid of her son being punished.
D. She was invited to take part in the celebration.
4.What does the passage mainly talk about?
A. The teacher inspired Jeremy to share grapes.
B. Jeremy prepared for the coming party.
C. The author taught Jeremy to select goods.
D. The author helped Jeremy to become sociable.
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Lots of folks don't think about what they eat over the holiday season until January, when they stare sadly at the number on the scale and then hurry off to hit the gym, join Weight Watchers or pick up the latest diet book.
It doesn't have to be that way. Health experts say you can still enjoy the holidays.
"It's OK to indulge（沉溺）, but it doesn't mean you have to gain weight," said Karen Ansel, a New York-based registered dietitian and a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association (ADA). Jessica Crandall, a registered dietitian from Denver who's also an ADA spokeswoman, added that gaining weight during the holidays and then working hard to lose it again is not good for a person's body.
For starters, people interested in maintaining their weight during the holidays should keep eating on a regular schedule, the two dietitians said. Research has shown that people who skip meals -- particularly breakfast -- end up eating more throughout the day. "Try and stick to consistent meal times so you can avoid being overly hungry," Crandall said. "When you're overly hungry, you can make some bad decisions regarding what you eat. Don't starve yourself during the day waiting for that party at night -- because you'll eat too much or overeat."
Ansel suggests that you think now about the foods you really enjoy and plan to focus on those while eating less of more common fare.
Be careful, too, about alcohol intake, for a couple of reasons. Alcoholic drinks, particularly the fancy ones handed out at holiday time, tend to come loaded with calories. "It's usually what you're adding to a drink that contains the calories," Crandall said. Also, if you're drunk, you might forget to watch what you're eating. "It totally lowers your inhibitions（压抑）," Ansel said.
Other holiday eating tips, suggested by Crandall and Ansel, include:
?Eat lots of vegetables, and eat them first before moving on to the other items on your plate.
?Recognize that many holiday extras, like cheese or cranberry sauce, come loaded with calories. "If those aren't your favorite foods, don't put them on your plate," Crandall said.
?If your favorite food has a lot of calories, be sure to minimize your portion. "Two bites cure the craving," Crandall said. "After that, you're just really feeding your old habits.
?After a big holiday meal, don't sink into a chair or couch. Go for a walk outdoors or participate in some other activities that help burn off some of the calories you've just eaten.
1.Both Karen Ansel and Jessica Crandall ________.
A．think highly of the latest popular diet book
B．like going to the gym often
C．think trying to lose weight isn’t good for a person’s body
D．are registered dietitians and work for ADA
2.Ansel asks people wishing to keep slim not to skip meals because _________.
A．it will do harm to their stomachs.
B．being overly hungry will make them feel not well
C．it may make them eat more
D．it might let them make bad decisions on important occasion
3.Why does Crandall advise people wanting to lose weight not to drink wine?
A．Because if they’re drunk, they can watch what they eat.
B．Because it will make it hard for their body to burn calories.
C．Because wine itself contains many calories.
D．Because it will make them feel more stressed.
4.Which of the following is the proper way to keep slim according to the passage?
A．Eating more vegetables than rice and other food.
B．Eating more cheese or cranberry sauce.
C．Never eat food with a lot of calories.
D．Sitting less and walking more after meals.
5.The passage mainly talks about __________.
A．some advice on holiday eating B．how to keep slim
C．the problems of fat people D．what to do in holidays
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Miss White was a ______customer here until the supermarket next door opened a couple of weeks ago.
A. common B. typical C. normal D. regular
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To celebrate the end of our exams, my friends and I went to a fast food restaurant. We ____ hamburgers and Coca Cola at the counter. When our ____ came, I started walking towards an empty table. By bad luck, my purse strap(带子) got ____ on a chair and the tray(托盘) that I was holding slipped ____ my hands and went flying in the air. The tray, and its contents, ____ on a man who was just about to ____ a bite of his sandwich. I stared, greatly ____， as the drinks soaked(浸湿) his white shirt.
Then I ____ my eyes and prepared myself for his burst of ____. Instead, he said “It's OK” to ____ me before he disappeared into the washroom.
Still shaky and unsure ____ to do next, my friends and I went to a table and sat there, trying our best to look ____. A moment later, the man came out of the washroom and ____ our table. My heart almost stopped ____. I thought he was going to ask for my father's ____ and call him.
To my surprise, he merely smiled at us, handed us some cash and said, “____ yourself new hamburgers.” He then walked ____ without even finishing his food.
He could have made what was already an uncomfortable situation worse, ____ he chose a different way and gave us a reason to believe that there is still ____ in this world. I'll never ____ his actions.
1.A.ordered B．made C．arranged D．demanded
2.A.food B．turn C．bill D．menu
3.A.fixed B．caught C．cut D．tied
4.A.by B．in C．from D．out
5.A.knocked B．fell C．stood D．hung
6.A.take B．taste C．swallow D．chew
7.A.discouraged B．disappointed
C．shocked D．annoyed
8.A.rolled B．rubbed C．narrowed D．closed
9.A.bitterness B．anxiety C．anger D．sorrow
10.A.satisfy B．comfort C．encourage D．praise
11.A.how B．who C．what D．which
12.A.mild B．honest C．calm D．modest
13.A.pushed B．approached C．drew D．laid
14.A.beating B．breaking C．sinking D．trembling
15.A.help B．position C．number D．job
16.A.Prepare B．Buy C．Find D．Cook
17.A.on B．around C．up D．away
18.A.so B．since C．although D．but
19.A.kindness B．happiness
C．politeness D．brightness
20.A.forget B．refuse C．oppose D．ignore
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To celebrate the end of our exams, my friends and I went to a fast food restaurant. We ____ hamburgers and Coca Cola at the counter. When our ____ came, I started walking towards an empty table. By bad luck, my purse strap(带子) got ____ on a chair and the tray(托盘) that I was holding slipped ___ my hands and went flying in the air. The tray, and its contents, ____ on a man who was just about to ____ a bite of his sandwich. I stared, greatly ____， as the drinks soaked(浸湿) his white shirt.
Then I ____ my eyes and prepared myself for his burst of ____. Instead, he said “It's OK” to ____ me before he disappeared into the washroom.
Still shaky and unsure ____ to do next, my friends and I went to a table and sat there, trying our best to look ____. A moment later, the man came out of the washroom and ____ our table. My heart almost stopped ____. I thought he was going to ask for my father's ____ and call him.
To my surprise, he merely smiled at us, handed us some cash and said, “____ yourself new hamburgers.” He then walked ____ without even finishing his food.
He could have made what was already an uncomfortable situation worse, ____ he chose a different way and gave us a reason to believe that there is still ____ in this world. I'll never ____ his actions.
1.A.ordered B．made C．arranged D．demanded
2.A.food B．turn C．bill D．menu
3.A.fixed B．caught C．cut D．tied
4.A.by B．in C．from D．out
5.A.knocked B．fell C．stood D．hung
6.A.take B．taste C．swallow D．chew
7.A.discouraged B．disappointed
C．shocked D．annoyed
8.A.rolled B．rubbed C．narrowed D．closed
9.A.bitterness B．anxiety C．anger D．sorrow
10.A.satisfy B．comfort C．encourage D．praise
11.A.how B．who C．what D．which
12.A.mild B．honest C．calm D．modest
13.A.pushed B．approached C．drew D．laid
14.A.beating B．breaking C．sinking D．trembling
15.A.help B．position C．number D．job
16.A.Prepare B．Buy C．Find D．Cook
17.A.on B．around C．up D．away
18.A.so B．since C．although D．but
19.A.kindness B．happiness
C．politeness D．brightness
20.A.forget B．refuse C．oppose D．ignore
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To celebrate the end of our exams, my friends and I went to a fast food restaurant.We__26__hamburgers and Coca Cola at the counter. When our__27__came,I started walking towards an empty table. By bad luck, my purse strap (带子) got__28__on a chair and the tray (托盘) that I was holding slipped__29___my hands and went flying in the air. The tray, and its contents,__30___on a man who was just about to__31___a bite of his sandwich. I stared,greatly___32__,as the drinks soaked (浸湿) his white shirt.
Then I___33__my eyes and prepared myself for his burst of__34__.Instead,he said “It’s OK” to_ 35__me before he disappeared into the washroom.
Still shaky and unsure___36__to do next, my friends and I went to a table and sat there, trying our best to look___37__.A moment later, the man came out of the washroom and___38__our table, my heart almost stopped
___39__.I thought he was going to ask for my father’s_40 __and call him.
To my surprise, he merely smiled at us, handed us some cash and said,“__41___yourself new hamburgers. ”He then walked_42___without even finishing his food.
He could have made what was already an uncomfortable situation worse,___43__he chose a different way and gave us a reason to believe that there is still__44___in this world. I will never___45__his actions.
1. A．ordered B．made C．arranged D．demanded
2. A．food B．turn C．bill D．menu
3. A．fixed B．caught C．cut D．tied
4. A．by B．in C．from D．out
5. A．knocked B．fell C．stood D．hung
6. A．take B．taste C．swallow D．chew
7. A．discouraged B．disappointed C．shocked D．annoyed
8. A．bitterness B．anxiety C．anger D．sorrow
9. A．rolled B．rubbed C．narrowed D．closed
10. A．satisfy B．comfort C．encourage D．praise
11. A．how B．who C．what D．which
12. A．mild B．honest C．calm D．modest
13. A．pushed B．approached C．drew D．laid
14. A．beating B．breaking C．sinking D．trembling
15. A．help B．position C．number D．job
16. A．Prepare B．Buy C．Find D．Cook
17. A．on B．around C．up D．away
18. A．so B．since C．although D．but
19. A．kindness B．happiness C．politeness D．brightness
20. A．forget B．refuse C．oppose D．ignore
