A
Oct. 23rd is the beginning of Shuangjiang or “Frost’s Descent” in English, the 18th of 24 solar terms(节气) in the Chinese lunar calendar. It refers to the time when frost(霜) starts to fall across China, or “the dews(露水) were frozen into frost” because of the coldness, as recorded in ancient Chinese books.
By the time of Shuangjiang, most of the harvesting work is already completed in northern China, and farmers are now able to enjoy a period of rest. But in the south, the harvest is still on the go. Farmers have to take home the sweet potatoes before they are destroyed by the coming frost. After a year of farming, it is the time to plow the fields and prepare the soil for next year in both south and north.
Autumn might be the most colorful season in China with the leaves turning from golden yellow to red. Hiking has become popular since the ancient times as people can enjoy the special autumnal scenery. Du Mu, a well-known poet from the Tang Dynasty wrote the beautiful mountainous scenery in a poem: “I stopped the coach as charmed by the maple woods; Frosted autumn leaves outshine February flowers in redness.”
The Double Ninth Festival also falls during the season, a festival for the elders. Going hiking in the highlands is part of the celebrations practiced by the ancient Chinese people.
“Keeping warm” becomes a most important thing at this time of the year as the weather is getting colder. Persimmon(柿子) is the favored fruit in many areas. The Chinese believe that persimmons could not only keep off the coldness, but strengthen the muscles and bones. Also, chicken or mutton soup is believed to be good for the spleen and advised for the diet.
Shuangjiang brings the frost and freezing wind, and autumn has come to an end. But for most Chinese, it is not necessarily a sad time because in winter, they are able to have different but equally beautiful scenery.
21. The underlined phrase “on the go” in the 2nd paragraph probably means ________.
A. admirable B. mild C. active D. widespread
22. What did the poet Du Mu describe in his famous poem?
A. Coldness of frost. B. View of autumn.
C. Autumnal farming. D. The Double Ninth Festival.
23. What is the main idea of the 5th paragraph?
A. Tell the differences of the harvest in China’s south and north.
B. Explain why Shuangjiang gets its name.
C. Advise some activities to enjoy the colorful season.
D. Introduce the ways to stay warm before the coming of winter.
24. Which of the following statement about Shuangjiang is TRUE according to the text?
A. People believe eating persimmons in Shuangjiang can help to get rid of coldness.
B. Shaungjiang is the best time for people who want to lose weight to take exercises.
C. Farmers in the south of China can enjoy a great rest during the time of Shuangjiang.
D. Shuangjiang is the end of summer and the beginning of autumn of a year.
25. The best title of this passage is _______.
A. What causes Frost’s Descent B. Time to say goodbye to autumn
C. Enjoy the beautiful autumn D. Prepare for a good harvest
