A
There is an old saying in China that goes, “The days of the Sanjiu period are the coldest days. ”“Sanjiu period”, which is in Minor Cold(小寒), refers to the third nine-day period(the 19th to the 27th day) after the day of the Winter Solstice(冬至). There are many different customs related to Minor Cold in China.
Eating hot pot
During Minor Cold people should eat some hot food to benefit the body and defend against the cold weather. Winter is the best time to have hot pot and braised mutton(炖羊肉) with soy sauce. But it is important to notice that too much spicy food may cause health problems.
Eating huangyacai
In Tianjin, there is a custom to have huangyacai, a kind of Chinese cabbage, during Minor Cold. There are large amounts of vitamins A and B in huangyacai. As huangyacai is fresh and tender, it is fit for frying, roasting and braising.
Eating glutinous rice(糯米饭)
According to tradition, the Cantonese eat glutinous rice in the morning during Minor Cold. Cantonese people add some fried preserved(腌制的) pork, sausage and peanuts and mix them into the rice.
Eating vegetable rice
In ancient times, people in Nanjing took Minor Cold quite seriously, but as time went by, the celebration of Minor Cold gradually disappeared. However, the custom of eating vegetable rice is still followed today. The rice is steamed and is unspeakably delicious. Among the ingredients, aijiaohuang (a kind of green vegetable), sausage and salted duck are the specialties in Nanjing.
【语篇概述】本文为说明文, 介绍了中国几个与小寒有关的习俗。
1. What do we know about Minor Cold?
A. It lasts twenty-seven days.
B. It marks the first day of winter.
C. It refers to the Winter Solstice.
D. The Sanjiu period is in Minor Cold.
【解析】选D。细节理解题。根据第一段的句子“’Sanjiu period’, which is in Minor Cold, refers to the third nine-day period(the 19th to the 27th day) after the day of the Winter Solstice. ”可知, 三九是在小寒节气内。故选D项。
2. What is a special custom in Tianjin in Minor Cold?
A. Eating hot pot.
B. Buying cabbage.
C. Having huangyacai.
D. Having vitamins A and B pills.
【解析】选C。细节理解题。根据第三段的句子“In Tianjin, there is a custom to have huangyacai, a kind of Chinese cabbage, during Minor Cold. ”可知, 天津人在小寒的时候会吃黄芽菜。故选C项。
3. How do the Cantonese eat glutinous rice?
A. They fry and toast it.
B. They eat it for dinner.
C. They steam it with soy sauce.
D. They mix it with many other things.
【解析】选D。细节理解题。根据第四段的句子“Cantonese people add some fried preserved pork, sausage and peanuts and mix them into the rice. ”可知, 广东人将糯米饭和其他很多东西混在一起吃。故选D项。
4. This text may be taken from the _______column of a newspaper.
A. travel B. culture C. fashion D. science
【解析】选B。推理判断题。根据第一段的句子“There are many different customs related to Minor Cold in China. ”可知, 文章可能选自报纸的文化栏目。故选B项。
