On November 8, China welcomed Lidong, the 19th of the 24 solar terms on the traditional Chinese calendar that marks the beginning of winter. The arrival of Lidong is a sign that temperatures are gradually decreasing, and cold air is starting to be prevalent, with the cold season beginning. 

In China, Lidong is associated not only with agricultural activities and seasonal eating habits but also carries people’s hopes and aspirations for the winter season. In ancient China, the arrival of Lidong is celebrated with worship (祭拜). This day marked a time when people presented offerings to convey their thankfulness for a year of fruitful harvest and to honor departed loved ones with food held in storage. This also presented an opportunity to recognize and appreciate the hard work of the entire family over the year. In rural regions, a grand feast using the harvest from their fields is often prepared.

A traditional Lidong menu includes a variety of classic dishes, with one standout favorite being dumplings — especially in the northern part of China. In Chinese culture, the word for “dumplings” phonetically resembles the term for the “meeting” of two seasons, giving rise to the charming tradition of consuming dumplings on this day. In the northern regions, there was another belief associated with dumplings: resembling ears, their shape used to lead people to believe that eating them would help safeguard them from the discomfort of coldness during the winter months. Mutton hotpot is another extremely popular dish and consuming it at the beginning of winter is a tradition that dates back to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). The bronze hotpot once enjoyed by royalty in the Forbidden City, has lasted in popularity and continues to be cherished by people in modern-day Beijing. 

In China’s southern regions, tradition calls for people to drink a bottle of yellow rice wine. When gently heated in hot water, it not only enhances the enjoyment of the drink but also contributes to keeping the body warm in accordance with local customs.

1.What does the underlined word “prevalent” probably mean?

A Widespread.

B Uncommon.

C Significant.

D Unnoticeable.

解析：选A。A 词义猜测题。根据前文内容可知，立冬标志着冬季的开始，气温开始下降，冷空气开始盛行，由此可推断prevalent表示“普遍的，广泛存在的”。故选A。

2.What does Paragraph 2 mainly talk about?

A The direct influence of Lidong on people’s life.

B The historical and cultural significance of Lidong.

C When Chinese people began to celebrate Lidong.

D What people mainly ate in ancient China in winter.

解析：选B。B 段落大意题。结合第二段中的关键词句“carries people’s hopes and aspirations”以及“In ancient China”等可知，本段主要描述了立冬这一节气在中国的历史和文化方面的意义。故选B。

3.What did people believe about eating dumplings on the day of Lidong?

A They could experience two seasons.

B They could become more attractive.

C They could stay away from coldness.

D They could create a new tradition.

解析：选C。C 细节理解题。根据第三段中的“there was another belief associated with dumplings ... eating them would help safeguard them from the discomfort of coldness during the winter months”可知，以前人们认为形似耳朵的饺子可以帮助他们抵御寒冷带来的不适。故选C。

4.What’s the purpose of the text?

A To educate.

B To advertise.

C To warn.

D To introduce.

解析：选D。D 推理判断题。本文作者主要介绍了立冬这一中国传统节气的相关情况，包括历史意义以及人们庆祝立冬的方式，由此可知，本文的写作目的是向读者介绍。故选D。