题型：阅读选择 题类：常考题 难易度：困难
江苏省泰州市姜堰区2016-2017学年八年级下学期英语期末考试试题
China is a country with many colorful days and festivals. The Dragon Head Raising Day (Longtaitou) is one of them.
This special day is on the second day of the second month in the Chinese lunar calendar (阴历). It stands for the start of spring and farming. This year, the day fell on March 10.
The dragon is important in Chinese culture. We Chinese people call ourselves the "descendants(传人) of the dragon". Therefore, people celebrate the Dragon Head Raising Day with many customs(传统) about dragons.
On the day in ancient times(古代), people put ashes (灰) in the kitchen. This was to "lead the dragon into the house". People believed that with the help of the dragon, they could have a good harvest (收成) in autumn.
Also, people eat special foods on that day. The foods are usually named after dragons. For example, people eat "dragon whisker (细须)" noodles and dumplings called "dragon teeth".
Today, many customs have faded away (消退). But one that has remained is the cutting of hair. It was said that a haircut during the first lunar month may bring bad luck to the mother's brothers. So many people have their hair cut on the Dragon Head Raising Day.
The night sky is our earliest library. There，we stored our knowledge，and passed it down around the fire
{#blank#}1{#/blank#} That night，I saw Saturn，one of the planets，and you were a part of it.{#blank#}2{#/blank#}
Although starlight is good，light pollution on Earth can be a real problem. For the past 200 years or so，we have used too much electricity to make the night brighter.{#blank#}3{#/blank#}When a lot of light shines up into the sky，some problems may appear.
Luckily，some cities have taken action，like setting up new downward﹣directing lights along the streets or controlling unnecessary lighting.{#blank#}4{#/blank#} I hope we can watch the night sky in a way humans have watched for thousands of years.
A. That moment is unforgettable. B. Light pollution has become a serious problem. C. However，brighter doesn't usually mean better. D. I hope more cities will join in and continue the practice. E. I remember going to the local university for an astronomy night. |
International Day of Families The International Day of Families is celebrated on May 15th every year. Its purpose is to draw people's attention to the harmony(和谐), happiness and progress of the family. To celebrate the 30th International Family Day this year, Family Center will hold some family activities. Activities for the family: ★Family sports. ★Showing pictures to express what your families are really good at and their favourite things. ★Reading a letter for your families. ★A cooking competition among families. Time:9:30 a. m.—17:00 p. m., on May 15th Place:On the South International Square Prize:First Prize—a new computer Second Prize—a new camera Third Prize—a free family dinner Rules: Each family can choose two or three kinds of activities. When you sign up(报名), you should make a decision. All the letters must be written by families themselves. They will not be returned, so please keep a copy. Don't be late, or you'll not be allowed to take part in these activities. Families who want to take part in activities must fill in the form. The form must be sent to Family Center by email before May10th.The e-mail address is FamilyCenter@163.com.And we will provide breakfast and lunch. For more information, visit https://FamilyCenter.com.cn. |
The traditional Chinese lunar calendar (阴历) divides the year into 24 solar terms (节气)．Major Snow (大雪) is the 21st solar term of the year. Here are three things you should know about Major Snow.
Snowy winter | The snow in North China may last a whole day，covering the ground and blocking the road. In the south，snow falls and the world turns white. There is a saying about the snow，"A timely snow promises a good harvest". |
Admiring plum blossoms (梅花) | Plum blossoms usually bloom (开花) in midtolate December in some southern cities of China，and sometimes bloom even earlier. The plum blossom，which came from China，is honored in Chinese culture for its resilience during cold winters. With the pine (松树) and bamboo，it is regarded as one of the Three Friends of Winter. |
Eating porridge | Hot porridge can help warm you and make your body healthy in cold weather. In China，it's traditional to eat red bean porridge on the first day of Major Snow and eighttreasure porridge on the eighth day of the last month of the lunar year. |
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