相关试卷

Some people say global English is no longer just controlled by British or American English, but is running free and developing uniquely local forms. Can you figure out the following terms?

"I like your smile, but unlike you put your shoes on my face." This is a way of saying "Keep off the grass" Or "people mountain, people sea", which means "very crowded".

These examples are what we call Chinglish. When it comes to Chinglish, if all you know is "good good study, day day up", you will be considered "out man".

Nowadays, more Chinglish words have been created, for example, a Chinese idiom is translated as "smilence", a combination by the English word smile and silence.

Chinglish usually offers a humorous look at misuses of the English language in Chinese street signs, products, and advertising. They are favoured by some English speaking tourists and visitors. Dominic Swire has been living in Beijing for a couple of years. "I think many Chinese people complain about the Chinglish and badly translated English. But you know, sometimes for us foreigners, it's actually quite charming to see them. I think if the translations of English in China were all perfect, then something would be lost from Chinese culture."

However, Chinglish will probably become a "cultural relic" in the near future. Beijing has made a comprehensive plan to improve foreign language services and correct Chinglish within five years. "It is very ridiculous to see Chinglish on the signs in some scenic spots. And they are a kind of barrier for communication between Chinese and people from other countries," a Beijinger said.

Some Chinese university experts side with Chinglish. They argue that English has absorbed elements from other languages such as French and Spanish in its growth, and now it's Chinese's turn.

Teens and younger children are reading a lot less for fun, according to a Common Sense Media report published Monday.

While the decline over the past decade is steep for teen readers, some data in the report shows that reading remains a big part of many children's lives, and indicates how parents might help encourage more reading.

According to the report's key findings, "the proportion (比例) who say they ‘hardly ever' read for fun has gone from 8 percent of 13-year-olds and 9 percent of 17-year-olds in 1984 to 22 percent and 27 percent respectively today."

The report data shows that pleasure reading levels for younger children, ages 2—8, remain largely the same. But the amount of time spent in reading each session has declined, from closer to an hour or more to closer to a half hour per session.

When it comes to technology and reading, the report does little to counsel(建议) parents looking for data about the effect of e-readers and tablets on reading. It does point out that many parents still limit electronic reading, mainly due to concerns about increased screen time.

The most hopeful data shared in the report shows clear evidence of parents serving as examples and important guides for their kids when it comes to reading. Data shows that kids and teens who do read frequently, compared to infrequent readers, have more books in the home, more books purchased for them, parents who read more often, and parents who set aside time for them to read.

As the end of school approaches, and school vacation reading lists loom(逼近) ahead, parents might take this chance to step in and make their own summer reading list and plan a family trip to the library or bookstore.

Strangest Festivals around the World

Through the years, people have found many ways to celebrate important occasions in their lives. If you're looking for an interesting and off-the-beaten-path tourist site, here are some most wonderful and unusual festivals from around the world.

Battle of the Orange, Ivrea, Italy

Each year in February, a battle takes place in this Italian town among thousands of tourists who throw oranges at each other during a 30-minute fight. The aim is to try and knock down other people by attacking them with oranges so that they cannot stand any longer.

Underwater Music Festival, Florida, America

Rather than being held at a typical concert hall, the Underwater Music Festival takes place on the seabed in July. Aiming to protect the sea lives, this unique custom features musicians playing music below water level. 100 feet deep in clear water, talented musicians wear diving equipment, performing free concerts for sea creatures and humans alike.

Rayne Frog (青蛙) Festival, Louisiana, America

The Rayne Frog Festival is held every fall in Rayne, Louisiana. The festival features all things frog: frog races, frog jumping, and the selection of the Frog Derby Queen. Besides music performance, it also holds a variety of frog-themed runs, fairs and other activities. If you are into frogs, there's no other place you'd rather be in mid-November.

Night of the Radishes (萝卜), Oaxaca, Mexico

Night of the Radishes is a celebration that takes place every December 23rd in Oaxaca, Mexico. It features all kinds of radish sculptures (雕塑). The tradition began when local radish growers began carving their produce in order to attract customers. But radishes are just radishes after all, and the sculptures don't last.