Best Christmas Markets around the WorldChrist...

Best Christmas Markets around the World

Christmas shopping doesn't have to mean joylessly battling through department store crowds or trawling the Internet for bargains. Why not combine present-buying with some travel?

Strasbourg, France

Strasbourg, in eastern France, is home to one of Europe's oldest Christmas markets, with the first edition taking place in 1570.

Before getting lost down Strasbourg's narrow alleyways and beautiful squares, visitors should be sure to head to Place Kleber, where they'll find the Great Christmas Tree, a towering effort that puts the spruce (云杉)at New York Rockefeller Center to shame.

Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, Prague, Czech Republic

No city lends itself to Christmas better than Prague.

The city's two main Christmas markets, in Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, are only five minutes' walk from each other, so can both easily be explored in one day. Each one has the usual wooden huts found in similar markets across Europe, but the Czech treats are what really set them apart. Visitors can grab a klob sa ( Czech sausage) and wash it down with a Pilsner Urquell in the afternoon, then hang around for the main tree to be lit up on Old Town Square. Both markets are open every day over the festive period until January 6, including Christmas Day.

Grand Christmas Market, Montreal, Canada

Montreal’s Grand Christmas Market in Canada takes its inspiration from Europe's biggest festive events.

Running from December 1 to 24 in the pedestrian thoroughfare of Ste Catherine Street, it has more than 60 wooden houses plying their wares, from warming winter drinks to essential Christmas handicrafts. The market is especially good for kids, with an elves' (精灵)workshop, Santa’s sleigh and even an igloo. Although it closes its doors on Christmas Eve, Montreal's Grand market reopens a week later to see in the New Year.

Viennese Christmas Market, Vienna, Austria

Few cities steep (沉浸)themselves in the festive spirit like Vienna. The Austrian capitals first Christmas Market was held in 1298 and today the city has more than 20 events to choose from. With around 151 stalls serving everything from boozy Christmas punch to gut busting Austrian sausages, the market also boasts a huge ice rink (溜冰场)for skating and reindeer rides for kids.

1.What makes markets in Czech Republic different from other markets in Europe?

A.The fact that there are two markets near each other.

B.The fact that Czech has its own specialties .

C.The fact that the markets are open every day.

D.The fact that the Christmas tree there is the highest one .

2.According to the text, which of the following statements is TRUE?

A.Christmas shopping tends to be joyless.

B.Strasbourg is the oldest Christmas market in the world.

C.Grand Christmas Market was inspired by Europe's largest festive events.

D.Montreal's market is especially intended for kids to explore on Christmas Eve.

3.If you want to enjoy a Christmas on ice, which market should you go?

A.Viennese Christmas Market. B.Grand Christmas Market.

C.Strasbourg. D.Wenceslas Square .

高三英语阅读理解简单题查看答案及解析

Now is the best time for Hong Kong shopping lovers, as most shops and markets are having their seasonal sales. With the same amount of the money, you can find different kinds of foods in this city. Women, young and old, rarely resist the attraction of this shopping paradise(乐园，天堂) at this time of year. Lovers will surely have an exciting Christmas and New Year’ s Eve celebrations at the Time Square or in the western styled bars. Spending your holiday in Hong Kong will be easy too, as several package tours are available from GZL Travel Service, with four-day tours for less than 15, 000 yuan.

Tour Package 1 (3, 200 yuan):a four-day-tour including three nights' accommodation(膳宿供应), scenic helicopter flight, night ferry(渡船) tour of Victoria Harbor and shuttle bus(公共汽车) to the Peak to view the city at night.

Tour Package 2 (1, 880 yuan): a four-day-shopping-tour including three nights’ accommodation, tours to Golden Beach and the Vexwork Museum, shuttle bus to the Peak and shopping opportunities.

Tour Package 3 (1, 480 yuan): a four-day-DIY-tour including three nights’ accommodation in a four-star hotel and total freedom to do what you want, when you want.

1.This advertisement probably was shown ______.

A. on New Year’s Day

B. at Christmas

C. Between New Year’s Day and Christmas

D. before Christmas

2.Who will give you this advertisement possibly?

A. Travel service center.

B. Hotel reception.

C. Your cyber friend.

D. Insurance agency.

3.If one wants to go shopping and enjoy historical knowledges, which Tour Package should be the best choice?

A. Tour Package 1

B. Tour Package 2

C. Tour Package 3

D. All are OK.

高三英语阅读理解简单题查看答案及解析

Do you like shopping? Or does the thought of wandering around the shops fill you with terror? For some of us, shopping is an enjoyable way of spending our spare time and our money. For me, it’s something I would rather avoid. Thank goodness for the Internet! It’s more convenient to buy CDs, electrical items, even food from the comfort of your sofa. But that’s not the only reason: price is an important factor. We can buy goods and services cheaper online. But sometimes the problem is knowing what to buy. This has led to a type of shopping called “showrooming”.

Showrooming is something I’ve done. I will go to a shop to see, touch and try out products but then go home and buy them online at a knock-down price. I’m not alone in doing this. Research by a company called Foolproof, found 24% of people showroomed while Christmas shopping in 2013.

Amy Cashman, head of Technology at TNS UK, says the reasons for this new shopping habit are that “people are lacking time, lacking money and they want security about the products they are buying”. She explains that consumers are not only shopping online at home but they are using the Internet in store or on their smartphones to shop around.

But does this mean technology will kill shops? Certainly shops will change. They will have to offer more competitive prices or encourage people to buy more by giving in-store discounts or free gifts.

We mustn’t forget that buying in a shop means you can get expert advice from the sales assistant and you can get good aftercare. It’s good to speak to a real human rather than look at a faceless computer screen, but at least by showrooming, you get the best of both worlds!

1.The two questions in Paragraph 1 are raised to ________.

A. introduce the topic

B. give two examples

C. compare different opinions

D. get answers from readers

2.According to Amy Cashman, which is not the reason for showrooming?

A. The lack of time.

B. The comfort of the sofa.

C. The shortness of money.

D. The security of the product.

3.The author’s attitude towards showrooming is ________.

A. critical            B. neutral            C. casual            D. supportive

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

—How do you find our campus?

—Impressive! I like the small lake best, around which _____ lines of tall trees.

A. are standing        B. does stand

C. stand            D. is standing

高三英语单项填空中等难度题查看答案及解析

FLEA MARKETS (跳蚤市场)

For the best selection of flea market product, get there as soon as it opens on the first day of the market. If it’s open Saturday and Sunday all year round, go early on Saturday morning. For seasonal or annual flea markets, go early in the season, preferably the first weekend. You’ll have first pick of the goods the vendors (小贩) gathered during the year.

For the biggest discounts, it’s just the opposite. Shop mid to late afternoon during the final day, or days, of the flea market. The vendors are tired and ready to get home –and they might just cut you some fantastic deals if you ask. You may have to haggle a bit, but you’ll probably go home with some bargains, especially if you’re buying large, heavy pieces the tired sellers don’t want to pack and load.

YARD SALES

Yard sale shopping is a lot like flea market shopping. You’ll find the best selections when the sale first starts. Go early on the first day of the sale. If the sale starts at 7 am, be there a few minutes before – but not so early that you’re labeled an early bird. Don’t wait until Saturday to visit a yard sale that starts on Friday.

Like flea market vendors, yard sale sellers aren’t as willing to haggle early in the morning, but the prices are usually pretty low to start. Don’t wait until the afternoon bargain hours to shop at yard sales.

THRIFT STORES (旧货店)

For the best thrift store selections, ask the employees when the new product arrives. It could be a certain day of the week or a certain time each day. Find out, and then plan your visits for those days and times.

Thrift store prices are usually low, so you might want to snatch things up as soon as you find them. If the prices seem unusually high, ask about their sale structure. Thrift stores don’t always state their sales clearly and sometimes the sales are confusing. Find out when they discount the items that interest you. That’s when you’ll find the best deals.

1.As for the biggest discounts in the Flea Markets, you’d better______.

A.get there about 6:50 am on Friday

B.go early on Saturday morning

C.ask the host when the new product arrives

D.buy items late afternoon during the last day

2.The best Thrift Store selections should be taken_______.

A.after the sale starts B.as soon as you find them

C.when new items arrive D.before the afternoon bargain begins

3.The text is most probably intended for ______.

A.antique collectors B.economical shoppers

C.product vendors D.wealthy people

高三英语阅读理解简单题查看答案及解析

Over three million people will do their Christmas shopping entirely online this year without once visiting an actual shop, a poll (民意调查) has found. Overcrowding and long queues in shops are forcing people away from the high street as the hassle (烦扰) of Christmas shopping becomes too much.

The number of people turning their backs on the high street is almost one million higher than it was last year, according to the poll by YouGov. Last Christmas 2.4 million shoppers did not do any of their shopping in actual shops. The figure this year is predicted to be around 3.4 million, equal to around 7 percent of the adult population.

Over a third of people said that the main turn-off about shopping on the high street is 0ver-crow-ding. Meanwhile almost a quarter said that long queues at the cheek-out are the worst thing about it.

Of the 2.065 people pored, even those who are stir taking to the shops plan to spend less time in them this Christmas. Around 31 percent of shoppers who plan to spend at least some time on the high street will spend less than half of their shopping time in actual shops, using the rest of the time to shop remotely via the internet. This compares to 28 percent of people last year. Meanwhile the proportion of people spending over half of their shopping time in high street shops has dropped from 41 percent last year to 39 percent this year. Just 2 percent of people said that they are looking forward to dealing wi.th store staff this festival season.

Guy Boxall, senior product marketing manager at Casio Business Solutions Division, which commissioned the research from YouGov, said that despite the fall in people visiting the high street,humans are "social creatures" who actually like spending time together.

"Although the high street is facing a big challenge Christmas, retailers (零售商) should see this research as a challenge to improve the in-store shopping experience, rather than the nail in the coffin. We are social creatures, and the desire to spend time with each other, particularly at Christmas, is never going to go away," said Mr. Boxall.

1.According to the poll, in this year's Christmas ________

A．about 7 % of the population will do both online and actual shopping

B．about 31% of shoppers will do half of their shopping in actual shops

C．about 39% of shoppers will do more than half of their shopping in actual shops

D．over three million shoppers will quit actual shopping just because of the long queues

2.What's the meaning of "turn-off" in Para.5?

A．Something that makes people lose heart

B．Something that makes people lose face

C．Something that makes people lose interest

D．Something that makes people lose courage

3.It can be inferred from Mr. Boxall's words that ________

A．retailers should reduce their in-store goods.

B．retailers wiR be pessimistic about the result of this research.

C．retailers should focus on the advantage of in-store shopping.

D．retailers will make more profits this Christmas than last Christmas

4.Wheat's the writer's attitude towards Christmas online shopping?

A．Concerned.        B．Doubtful.          C．Approving.        D．Objective.

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

I was doing some Christmas shopping in a toy store and decided to look at Barbie dolls for my nieces. A nicely dressed little girl was excitedly looking through the Barbie dolls as well. As she was looking, a little boy came to the Pokemon toys. He was dressed neatly, but his clothes were obviously old. He was with his father as well, and kept picking up the Pokemon video toys. Each time he picked one up and looked at his father, his father shook his head and said, “No.”

The little girl had chosen her Barbie. However, she stopped and was watching them. Rather dejectedly, the boy had to give up the Pokemon toys and choose something else. The little girl put her Barbie back on the shelf, and ran over to the Pokemon toys. She excitedly picked up one and raced towards the checkout. I picked up my purchases and got in line behind them. Then, much to the little girl’s delight, the little boy and his father got in line behind me. After the toy was paid for and bagged, the little girl handed it back to the cashier (收银员) and whispered something in her ear. The casher smiled and put the package under the counter.

I paid for my purchases and was rearranging things when the little boy came up to the cashier. The cashier checked his purchases and said, “Congratulations, you are my hundredth customer today, and you win a prize!” With that, she handed the little boy the Pokemon toys, and he could only stare in surprise. It was exactly what he had wanted!

The little girl and her father had been standing at the doorway during all of this. Then they walked out. As I walked back to my car, I heard the father ask his daughter why she had done that. I’ll never forget what she said to him. “Daddy, didn’t Grandparents want me to buy something that would make me happy?” He said, “Of course they did, honey.” To which the little girl replied, “Well, I just did!”

I feel very shocked to have witnessed the true spirit of Christmas in that toy store, in the form of a little girl who understands more about the meaning of this festival than most adults I know.

1.The underlined word “dejectedly” in the second paragraph probably means _____.

A．delightedly        B．disappointedly      C．excitedly          D．unexpectedly

2.How did the little boy get the Pokemon toys?

A．His father bought him the Poknemon toys.

B．Fortunately, he was the hundredth customer and won the Poknemon toys.

C．The cashier felt sympathy for the little boy and gave him the Poknemon toys.

D．The little girl bought the Poknemon toys for him.

3.What did the little girl mean when saying “Daddy, didn’t Grandparents want me to buy something that would make me happy?”

A．Her Grandparents wanted her to be happy.

B．Making the little boy happy made her happy.

C．The Poknemon toys made her happy.

D．Her Grandparents hoped that she could help others.

4.Which of the following statements is NOT true according to the passage?

A．the story happened before Christmas.

B．The little boy had not enough money to buy the Poknemon toys.

C．Although the little girl liked the Poknemon toys very much, she gave them to the boy.

D．The author was deeply moved by the behavior of the little girl.

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

With Christmas just around the corner, cities across the United States are transforming into enchanting winter wonderlands in preparation for season. If you are looking to add some holiday spirit to your next vacation, these destinations are a great option!

Branson, MO

Known as one of the most family-friendly vacation destinations in the country, Branson, MO also comes to life around the holidays. Boasting some of the most fun and memorable holiday celebrations, this Ozarks hub is filled with Christmas activities the whole family can enjoy. Most of the popular shows have Christmas-themed evenings beginning in November, so don’t miss out on Dolly Parton’s Stampede Branson, the Haygoods, Andy Williams Christmas Extravaganza, or the Christmas on the Trail Chuckwagon Dinner Show!

Nashville, TN

Music City is also a fantastic destination for a Christmas celebration. Nashville, TN is home to so many different ways to celebrate the holidays. If you are looking for a way to see the city on your vacation, embark upon the Nashville Christmas Lights Tour where you can see the city in its holiday splendor. As well as sightseeing tours, guests can visit classic Nashville attractions for a unique holiday adventure. See all of the memorabilia at the Country Music Hall of Fame. You can create unforgettable memories while experiencing the cheer of the holidays in this southern city.

Orlando, FL

For snowbirds, the cold winter months mean travel to warmer destinations. Christmas time is no different, and Orlando, FL is filled with things to entertain and help you celebrate even during the holiday season. Those who want to take in the best theme park experiences will not be disappointed as Disney World, Universal, and SeaWorld, are all open during the holidays. There are also plenty of outdoor activities still available.

1.What does the author intend to do by writing this passage?

A.Tell the readers the way people in USA celebrate Christmas.

B.Introduce some cheerful cities to celebrate Christmas holiday.

C.Organize activities to celebrate Christmas.

D.Show how the people in US cities value the Christmas holiday.

2.Which is a better place for a family to spend Christmas holiday？

A.Branson, MO B.Nashville, TN

C.Orlando, FL D.Disney World

3.What special may you do if you go to Orlando, FL?

A.Have a city sightseeing on vacation. B.Watch Christmas-themed evenings.

C.Visit interesting theme parks. D.Know more about country music.

高三英语阅读理解简单题查看答案及解析

It was the week before Christmas, and the line at the post office snaked twice around the lobby(大厅). It seemed that no one was moving. The office looked like an exhibit in the Postal Wax Museum. I came to the self-service machine where the line was much shorter.

I don’t like self-service. I tell people it’s because I don’t approve of taking jobs away from people, but the real problem is that I’m not good at it. The machine always asks me something I don’t know the answer to. I hate this. I am a retired letter carrier, and we moved mail in the old-fashioned way hand to hand, human to human. We were fast, friendly, and frequently accurate.

The woman in the front of the line was clicking away at the screen. And the clicks were surprisingly loud. Any signs of hesitation on her part were telegraphed to the whole lobby. I felt sorry for her: The machine could smell fear. The next person took a long time, too. I breathed deeply. By the time it was my turn, I had the heart rate of a yogi(瑜伽修行者).

Under the weight of concern from the people in line behind me, I felt a growing obligation to minimize the seconds between clicks. Finally it was time to slide in a credit card. The machine didn’t take it. “Try putting it in the other way” the gentleman behind me suggested. No good.

“I’ve got a different card,” I said, and fished around for that one, beginning to sweat. The machine wanted a PIN, but not the one I suggested.

“Start over.” I clicked, intending to try the first card again.

Oh no. I had to start all over again.

“I’ m sorry,” I said, looking back, sheepish. “I guess I don't know what I’m doing. You all go ahead.”

“Don’t give up,” said the nice man behind me. “Try it again. We’re all friends here, right?”

Smiles were blooming all down the line. I tried again, clicked with deliberation and sincerity, and introduced my credit card as though I were presenting it to the queen. Finally, I made it!

I couldn’t have been happier. Everyone burst into applause. Comfort and joy!

1.What do we know about the post office?

A.It was pretty large. B.Something went wrong there.

C.It was very busy at Christmas. D.Efficient services were provided.

2.While waiting for his turn, the author was　　　 .

A.a little excited B.totally relaxed

C.bored and impatient D.nervous and anxious

3.What does the underlined word “sheepish” in Paragraph 8 mean?

A.Grateful B.Surprised

C.Embarrassed D.Determined

4.What did the man behind the author do?

A.He rushed the author. B.He laughed at the author.

C.He mailed for the author. D.He encouraged the author.

高三英语阅读理解中等难度题查看答案及解析

Following Christmas dinner, my family was relaxing around the table. We had all enjoyed traditional turkey and sweet potatoes lightly shining with brown sugar. The good cooking smells still filled the air; and the oven remained warm. My sister, our chef, was enjoying the admiration.

My nephew, never one to sit still for long, began dribbling (运球) his basketball around the table. Upon nearing Dad, he stopped — almost uncertainly. With shaking wrinkled hands, Dad had reached out for the ball. The boy, confused, looked up and over at us.

I watched my father closely to see what he would do. The twinkle in his eyes shone brighter than any Christmas lights. Holding the ball and reaching forward with a playful smile, Dad bounced it and then caught it.

This action was repeated. Gently throwing the ball away, Dad began a game of catch. The ball continued to be passed through eager pairs of outstretched hands. Cries of “Over here!” rang through the warm kitchen. Dad’s active participation was remarkable to me, for he had advanced Alzheimer’s disease, which had robbed him of many memories and the recognition ability. Despite this, Dad clearly recognized the ball and what you could do with it.

In my younger years, playing with Dad was rare. To his credit, Dad worked hard and provided for us. He was very private and never showed nor shared much emotion; his game of choice was chess, which he did eventually teach me how to play. As an adult, I had become a caregiver as Dad declined. Connecting moments between father and son had been few and far between before he took the basketball.

I’m not sure how long we played catch. What I do know is that our game ended all too soon, and it was time to face the reality of dirty dishes piled high on countertops. The moment, though, will certainly last forever.

1.What can we know about the family’s Christmas dinner?

A.Dishes were cleaned up. B.All food was sugar-free.

C.It was a sweet moment. D.It was disturbed by the game.

2.Why was Dad’s active participation in the game remarkable to me?

A.He rarely played basketball. B.He had severe Alzheimer’s disease.

C.He had astonishing skills. D.He played with family members.

3.How was Dad getting along with kids in earlier years?

A.He often accompanied kids. B.He was willing to share feelings.

C.He forced kids to learn chess. D.He seldom interacted with kids.

4.What can be the best title for the passage?

A.A game of catch B.A devoted father

C.A dinner of reunion D.A bond between father and son

高三英语阅读理解简单题查看答案及解析