小雪雪满天，来年必丰年

Minor Snow, also known as “Xiao Xue” in Chinese, begins on November 22 this year (2023). It is the 20th solar term of the Chinese lunar year, followed by the Major Snow (Da Xue) on December 7. As indicated by the name, the period refers to the time of year when the weather starts getting colder. In most of the northern areas in China, the temperature gradually drops to below zero degree. And it begins to snow.

According to an old Chinese saying, “If the sky is full of snow during Minor Snow, next year will be a harvest year.” The right kind of weather during Minor Snow can benefit the agricultural sector (部门). Low temperatures accompanying the snow can kill some hidden pests and bacteria in the soil, which can diminish harmful insects and diseases in the following year. More importantly, snow cover on the soil acts like a blanket to keep the soil warm. This is favorable for the decomposing (分解) process of organic matter in the soil, which will make it more able to support the growth of strong healthy plants.

It seems the Chinese just never let go of any chance to enjoy delicious food. In the north, people eat hotpot and mutton, which are believed warm and nutritious. Besides, sitting around the steaming pots with family and friends could easily create a warm atmosphere. In some southern provinces, people have the tradition of eating “Ci Ba”, a kind of dessert made of sticky rice. In the past, people used the dessert as an offering to the god of cow. Though delicious, it is better not to eat much, for the dessert could not be easily digested. 

The winter is in dominance, but it does not necessarily mean that people should be limited at home. A little bit outdoor sports could be more beneficial to health than any nutrition. 

1.What can Paragraph 1 tell us about Minor Snow?

A Its celebration.

B Its time.

C Its origin.

D Its custom.

解析：选B。B 细节理解题。根据第一段的“begins on November 22 this year(2023)”可知，今年的小雪节气正好落在阳历的11月22日。故选B。

2.What does the underlined word “diminish” in Paragraph 2 mean?

A Introduce.

B Increase.

C Maximize.

D Reduce.

解析：选D。D 词义猜测题。结合前面的“Low temperatures accompanying the snow can kill some hidden pests and bacteria in the soil”可知，伴随降雪的低温可以杀死土壤中隐藏的一些害虫和细菌，即可以减少来年的病虫害。故选D。

3.What can be a subtitle for the third paragraph?

A Ancient traditions.

B People’s eating habits.

C Different nutritious foods.

D Time for family reunion.

解析：选B。B 段落大意题。结合本段中的关键词句“enjoy delicious food”“people eat hotpot and mutton”以及“people have the tradition of eating ‘Ci Ba’”可知，本段主要介绍人们的饮食习惯。故选B。

4.What does the author suggest in the last paragraph?

A Staying at home.

B Eating healthy food.

C Exercising outdoors.

D Keeping warm.

解析：选C。C 推理判断题。根据最后一句“A little bit outdoor sports could be more beneficial to health than any nutrition.”做一些户外运动可能比任何营养对健康都更有益，即作者建议人们做一些户外运动。故选C。