Unit 4 History and Tradition
第一部分 阅读理解(共两节,满分50分)
第一节 (共15小题;每小题2.5分,满分37.5分)
阅读下列短文,从每题所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中,选出最佳选项。
A
Whether it is for a special festival, to express thanks or to just let someone know that you care about him or her, giving gifts is a common custom. The purpose of giving gifts may be similar, but the tradition varies from country to country. A gift of respect in one place may be considered rude in another. Take a look at three unique gift-giving traditions.
If you're invited to someone's home in India, you should bring a small gift, whether it's a box of chocolates or some flowers. Gifts shouldn't be wrapped(包裹)in black or white colors because they are considered unlucky. Instead, use bright colors such as green, red or yellow. When giving money for any occasion, it should have an odd number(奇数) value. That's believed to bring good luck. Instead of receiving a gift with both hands, Indians generally only use their right hands because left hands are considered unclean.
For most Japanese, the ritual (礼节) of giving presents is more important than the gifts themselves. The correct way is to present or receive gifts with both hands. Every gift should be wrapped. That's because uncovered gifts are considered disrespectful. To show politeness and thanks, those who are receiving the gift may turn it down once or twice before finally accepting it. Gifts should be given in pairs, but four should be avoided just like in China. Lucky numbers also include eight. Eight is said to bring prosperity.
While it may be common for guests to prepare gifts for hosts, this is different in Native American communities. From weddings to birthday celebrations, guests are the ones who receive gifts. Gifts are usually homemade arts and crafts that are made by hand to show love, respect and appreciation.
1.What kind of gift would you bring to an Indian home
A.Some chocolates in a green box.
B.Flowers wrapped in black paper.
C.Sixty dollars in a yellow envelope.
D.Seventy-five rupees wrapped in white paper.
2.Why don't Japanese accept a gift at once
A.To get another better gift. B.To be polite and thankful.
C.To refuse one's kindness. D.To be outgoing and active.
3.What is the purpose of the text
A.To list some attractive festivals. B.To compare some countries.
C.To recommend some formal gifts. D.To introduce some gift-giving traditions.
B
Now, large and small cities often have remains of earlier historic streets and pavements(人行道). Yet they often go unprotected even if they may be older than nearby historic buildings that have enjoyed protection for tens of years.
There are many reasons for protecting historic pavements—cultural value, economics, environmental benefits and public safety. Pavements represented an important step in the modernization of city environments in the 19th century.
Before the pavements were laid, streets of dirt caused many problems for citizens, especially in wet weather when they became muddy(泥泞的), which limited the movement of people and vehicles.
To solve the problem, cities experimented with a wide range of materials in an attempt to balance durability(耐用性), economics, sources of materials and noise considerations.
The earliest pavements in many cities were made of cobblestones(鹅卵石)—naturally rounded stones. They were cheap and durable, but rough and noisy. Loose-stone pavements were cheap and smooth, but not very durable. Wood also appeared in the 1850s as a popular option—smooth, quiet and affordable, but not very durable.
In many cities and towns, brick(砖) streets are the only historic pavements that have survived. This fact covers up the truth of pavement experimentation between the 1850s and 1920s, when a city could use up to a dozen different materials at the same time! Indeed, each city developed a unique "pavement identity" in the chosen materials and the way they were laid.
It is easy to think of the past when seeing historic pavements, as recalling "old world" city qualities. However, they are more similar to the early high buildings and parks—important city features that show the modernization of the city. At a time when cities are becoming increasingly similar, such pavements also help define an important sense of place.
4.What is the present situation of historic pavements
A.Failing to represent modern environments.
B.Failing to receive protection they should get.
C.Being brought back to their former glory.
D.Being highly valued as cultural buildings.
5.Why was the first pavement built in history
A.To help develop the local economy.
B.To prevent earth from being washed away.
C.To limit the movement of people and vehicles.
D.To bring convenience to citizens' life.
6.What is mainly talked about in Paragraphs 4—6
A.Popularity of different materials.
B.Different experiments on city identity.
C. Advantages and disadvantages of stone pavements.
D. Development of pavements of different materials.
7.What does the writer want to express about historic pavements in the last paragraph
A.They are similar to tall buildings.
B.They make cities appear similar.
C.They are unique to a particular place.
D. They represent the modernization of today's cities.
C
Spring is a good time for kite flying, a popular activity in China. If you go to a park on a windy day in spring, you'll see colorful kites flying high up in the sky. They have all kinds of shapes like dragons, swallows and peaches. Some of them have special meanings. For example, dragons and swallows mean good luck and peaches bring you a long life.
Classic kites use bamboo, rattan or strong wood for the spars(骨架); paper or silk for the sails; and then they are tied on strings. People often paint pretty pictures on kites. They seem like beautiful paintings flying in the blue sky.
The city of Weifang in Shandong is the home of kites. The city holds an international kite festival in April every year. There are competitions for kite-flying skills and new styles of kites. The most famous is the competition for the "Kite King". Thousands of kite fans from more than 30 countries take part in the competitions, or just enjoy this colorful event.
The kite was invented by Chinese people over 2,000 years ago. According to historical records, kites were first used by soldiers to send news to their friends. In the Tang Dynasty, flying kites became a popular game for everyone. Since it spread to the West in the 1100s, the kite has had a great influence on Western life.
In 1752, the lightning rod(避雷针) was invented with the help of a kite. Modern aircrafts(飞行器) came from kites, too. At the National Air and Space Museum in Washington DC, a board reads, "The earliest man-made aircrafts were the kites and missiles of ancient China."
8.What can be used to make the sails of kites
A.Strong wood. B.Paper or silk.
C.Bamboo or rattan. D.Strings.
9.What can we know about the international kite festival in Weifang
A.It is held in April every two years. B.It dates back to over 2,000 years ago.
C.It includes various competitions. D.It is organized for skilled kite lovers.
10.Why did Chinese soldiers use kites
A.To train their flying skills. B.To send news.
C.To spread Chinese culture. D.To invent man-made aircrafts.
11.In which part of a newspaper can we find this text
A.Music. B.Lifestyle. C.Business. D.Culture.
D
Afternoon tea, the most typical of English customs, is, perhaps surprisingly, a relatively new tradition. The custom of drinking tea became popular in England during the 1660sthanks to King Charles Ⅲ and his wife, and it was not until the mid-19th century that the concept of "afternoon tea" first appeared.
Afternoon tea was introduced by Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, in the year 1840. At that time lunch was taken early but the evening meal was served fashionably late at eight o'clock, leaving a long period of time between the two meals. The Duchess would become hungry in the afternoon, so she asked that tea and cake be brought to her room around four o'clock. This became a habit of hers and later she began inviting friends to join her.
This palace tea party was such a success that it soon spread to London and other places in the UK as a fashionable social event. In the 1880s, upper-class women would dress up for their afternoon tea, also known as "low tea" because tea was taken while sitting in low, comfortable chairs or sofas.
While "low tea" was largely a game for the upper class, "high tea" was a necessary meal for working class families. During the second half of the Victorian Period, working families would return home late, tired and exhausted. As the most important meal of the day, the table would be set with meats, bread, butter, cheese and of course, a pot of good, strong tea to lift their spirits. Because it was eaten at a high, dining table, it was called "high tea".
To experience the best of the afternoon tea tradition, treat yourself with a trip to one of London's finest hotels. There are also a wide selection of old-fashioned tearooms offering the afternoon tea experience.
We provide very British afternoon tea experience trips during your stay in London. Just tell your tour guide when you want to taste the culture and we will arrange everything for you with a very reasonable charge. It'll be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Don't miss it.
12.Why did the Duchess of Bedford need afternoon tea
A. It was a fashionable palace social event.
B. The evening meal was too late for her.
C. It was a tradition from King Charles Ⅱ.
D. She wanted to spread tea culture in the UK.
13.What do we know about "high tea"
A.It was enjoyed by the upper class. B.It was started by Queen Victoria.
C.It was an occasional social activity. D.It was the main meal of the day.
14.What was the reason for the different names of "high tea" and "low tea"
A.Different surroundings to have tea. B.Different time to have tea.
C.Different social classes to have tea. D.Different types of tea.
15.What's the purpose of this passage
A.To explain the origin of afternoon tea. B.To honor the tradition of drinking tea.
C.To advertise for tea experience trips. D.To introduce two afternoon tea types.
第二节 (共5小题;每小题2.5分,满分12.5分)
根据短文内容,从短文后的选项中选出能填入空白处的最佳选项。选项中有两项为多余选项。
To an outsider,any culture can seem confusing. And the UK's got a thing or two that raises a few eyebrows. However, understand the why and things might be less puzzling. ①_______.
In a world where 61% of nations drive on the right, Brits drive on the left. Why Most people think it goes back to Medieval, maybe even Roman times. ②_______ when you remember that right-handed people wear a sword on their left hip. Travelling on the left allowed you to keep your weapon arm toward your opponent, who would be on your right. This practice continued until the 18th century when a law was passed requiring all traffic crossing London Bridge to keep to the left.
Visitors to the UK that have just washed their hands in an old-fashioned sink might be wondering why one tap is only for hot water, the other cold. ③_______. So, why this oddity It relates to a time when hot and cold water were kept separate to prevent pollution. Drinkable cold water came from a mains supply, but hot water came from attic tanks and was not considered suitable for consumption. So they were kept apart.
Millions of people drink tea worldwide, but the odd Brits put milk in theirs. Why This mysterious practice relates to the quality of china cups used in the 18th century when tea was first imposed. For the majority of Brits, the cups available couldn't stand the heat of the boiling water and would break, so milk was added first. ④_______, And this practical tweak soon became a national habit.
⑤_______. As you can see, these odd Brits have perfectly clear reasons for left-hand driving, two-tap sinks and tea with milk. Even if they still seem strange, at least now you're in the know.
A.This makes it difficult to improve
B.There is a method to the madness
C.This unusual behavior makes sense
D.You can know the origins of the practices
E.Either can make washing very uncomfortable
F.This cooled the cup enough to resist the boiling water
G.Here are the reasons for three of Brits' more puzzling practices
第二部分 语言知识运用(共两节,满分30分)
第一节 (共15小题;每小题1分,满分15分)
阅读下面短文,从短文后各题所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中,选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项。
I'd never been to the Day of the Dead before. As my dad and I looked around for seats, I 1 Marco, my best friend, hurrying toward us. "Hi, Mr. O'kane," he 2 my dad. Then he turned to me and said, "Nate! Will you help me "
"Whatever you need," I said.
Marco threw me parts of a 3 : Mexican sandals(凉鞋), a straw hat, a cane(手杖), a gray wig, and an "old man" mask(面具). "My cousin couldn't 4 !" Marco's voice rang with worry.
"It's part of a traditional dance," he said, "and we should wear the costume."
"You expect me to dance " I 5 . "I don't want to dance!"
Marco smiled. "It'll be fun. And hurry! We're going to be 6 ."
"We're going to do a lot of stomping(跺脚). Slow at first. Keep one hand 7 on your back, like an old man with an ache," added Marco.
The speakers 8 : "Ladies and gentlemen, it's time for The Dance of the Little Old Men!"
"Be quick," Marco 9 to me to follow his lead.
We all began stomping slowly to music. I could only see 10 the small holes of the mask. I continued to stomp, trying to 11 what to do. I leaned on my cane and kept a hand low on my back. After a few minutes of 12 started to dancing like that, my backache.
The music 13 . And we stomped quickly. Performing with Mexican sandals was 14 and inconvenient. People laughed as we hopped and kicked, but after a moment the laughter turned into cheers.
Marco gave me a thumbs-up. As the audience clapped for our group, I said to him happily, "You were right. That was 15 ."
1.A.watched B.noticed C.monitored D.surveyed
2.A.satisfied B.ignored C.contacted D.greeted
3.A.suit B.chain C.decoration D.costume
4.A.make it B.get it C.focus on D.go through
5.A.chatted B.despaired C.hesitated D.replied
6.A.nervous B.late C.happy D.nice
7.A.up B.high C.low D.down
8.A.shouted B.announced C.defined D.issued
9.A.signaled B.pointed C.moved D.complained
10.A.through B.in C.over D.under
11.A.bring about B.carry on C.figure out D.put out
12.A.extremely B.possibly C.truly D.finally
13.A.disappeared B.sped up C.started D.faded away
14.A.typical B.fascinating C.tough D.flexible
15.A.important B.creative C.beneficial D.fun
第二节 (共10小题;每小题1.5分,满分15分)
阅读下面短文,在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。
BEAUTIFUL IRELAND AND ITS TRADITIONS
Ireland has beautiful countryside, which has always had a great influence ①_____ its people and traditions. In the long history of it, there ②_____(be) many great writers and poets. The beautiful countryside excites and inspires people, ③_____(offer) something for each of the senses. The peaceful landscape is a true feast for the eyes, with its rolling green hills ④_____(dot) with sheep and cattle. You can feel the sun on your skin, breathe in the sweet scent of fresh flowers and enjoy the birds' song on ⑤_____ quiet morning in the mountains. Owing to all this beauty, ⑥_____ is not surprising that Ireland has developed strong traditions ⑦_____ include music, dancing, and dining. ⑧_____(have) an opportunity of experiencing this, visit a village pub and have a glass of wine or a local beer. You might be able to enjoy some ⑨_____(tradition) music and dancing if you are fortunate. And you might experience local culture and customs first-hand if you make ⑩_____(friend) with friendly natives.
第三部分 写作(共两节,满分40分)
第一节 (满分15分)
假定你是李华,你的美国网友Nancy打算今年暑假来安徽黄山旅游,来信询问一些黄山的基本情况。请你用英语给她写封电子邮件,内容包括:
1.黄山位于安徽省南部,闻名中外;
2.黄山以奇松、怪石等奇观闻名于世;
3.黄山是中国传统绘画和文学最受欢迎的主题之一。
注意:
1.词数80左右;
2.可以适当增加细节,以使行文连贯;
3.开头和结尾已给出,不计入总词数。
参考词汇: 黄山Mount Huangshan; 奇松uniquely shaped pine trees; 怪石 breathtaking rocks
Dear Nancy,
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Yours,
Li Hua
第二节 (满分25分)
阅读下面材料,根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写两段,使之构成一篇完整的短文。续写的词数应为150左右。
A friend of mine whose name was John Smith had a bad memory, which made him famous. He was so forgetful that he sometimes forgot what he was talking about in the middle of a sentence. His wife had to constantly remind him about his meetings, his classes—even his meals! Once he forgot he had eaten breakfast twice, at home and at school. His wife liked to remind her neighbors, "If John didn't have his head tied on, he would forget that too!" Since Smith was a professor at a wellknown university, his forgetfulness was often an embarrassment to him. It wasn't that he was not clever, as some critical people tended to say, but just very very absent-minded.
One hot summer day, professor Smith decided to take his children to a seaside town about a three-hour train ride away. To make the trip more interesting for his young children, he kept the name of the town a secret. However, by the time they arrived at the station, Smith forgot the name of the town he was planning to visit. Luckily, a friend of his happened to be in the station. He offered to take care of the children while Smith hurried back home to find out where he was going.
The professor's wife was surprised to see him again so soon.
"Oh, my dear, I forgot the name of the town."
"What You forgot the name Maybe one day you will forget my name! Now I'll write the name of that town on a piece of paper, and you put it in your pocket and please, please don't forget where you put it."
Satisfied that she had solved the problem, she sent her husband off again. Ten minutes later she was astonished to see him outside the house for the third time.
注意:
1.所续写短文的词数应为150左右;
2.应使用5个以上短文中标有下划线的关键词语;
3.续写部分分为两段,每段的开头语已为你写好;
4.续写完成后,请用下划线标出你所使用的关键词语。
Paragraph 1:
"What is the matter now " asked his wife.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Paragraph 2:
Hearing the cry, out rushed their neighbors, trying to find out what had happened.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
答案
第一部分 阅读理解
第一节
A
1. A
2. B
3. D
B
4. B
5. D
6. D
7. C
C
8. B
9. C
10. B
11. D
D
12. B
13. D
14. A
15. C
第二节
GCEFB
第二部分 语言知识运用
第一节
1-5.BDDAC 6-10.BCBAA; 11-15.CCBCD
第二节
①on②were③offering④dotted⑤a
⑥it⑦that/which⑧To have⑨traditional⑩friends
第三节
Dear Nancy,
I'm more than delighted to hear that you'll pay a visit to Mount Huangshan during the summer holiday. I feel honored to briefly introduce it to you.
Mount Huangshan, a well-known tourist attraction worldwide, is located in the south of Anhui Province. It is uniquely shaped pine trees and breathtaking rocks as well as other wonders that make it world-famous and attractive. Besides, it is one of the most popular subjects of the traditional Chinese painting and literature, winning high praise from artists both at home and abroad.
I hope this trip will make a deep and unforgettable impression on you.
Yours,
Li Hua
Paragraph 1:
"What is the matter now " asked his wife. "I just can't remember why I come back and where I am supposed to be going on such a hot summer day," replied the professor. However, the real reason was that he forgot where he had left his children. Sensing something wrong, Mrs Smith didn't believe his words, because whenever he told a lie, he would blink his eyes usually quickly. "Tell me the truth," ordered his wife. "As you told me, I didn't forget where I put the name of that town, but I forget the station where I left our children!" whispered the professor, his voice trembling. "What a bad memory!" shouted the wife.
Paragraph 2:
Hearing the cry, out rushed their neighbors, trying to find out what had happened. A fight between the couple was about to start when the professor's cell phone began to ring. His friend, whose patience had worn thin, phoned to complain. The professor apologized, got into his car and drove away, leaving behind a bunch of people outside the house. Being afraid that he would make matters worse again, Mrs Smith decided to follow him, who then called a taxi. By the time she caught up with her husband, the children were already back home safe and sound.