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Qingming, meaning “clear and bright”, is the fifth of China’s 24 solar terms. This year, it falls on April 4th. According to ancient records, the name comes from the idea that nature becomes fresh and lively during this time. As temperatures rise and rainfall increases, Qingming marks an important period for farming and outdoor activities.

During Qingming, people take part in two main traditions: tomb sweeping and spring outings. Tomb sweeping dates back to the Qin Dynasty, where families clean graves, offer food, and pray for blessings. This custom shows respect for ancestors and keeps family bonds (纽带) strong. Meanwhile, spring outings allow people to enjoy the warm weather, blooming flowers, and green landscapes. Popular activities include flying kites, playing football, and having picnics with loved ones.

Different regions in China have special Qingming foods. In southern areas like Zhejiang, people eat Qingtuan — soft green rice balls made with vegetable juice and filled with sweet bean paste. In northern Shaanxi, families prepare Huamo, artistic steamed buns shaped like flowers or animals, symbolizing good luck and health.

A fun Qingming tradition is planting willow branches or wearing them as accessories (装饰品). People believe this brings good fortune and drives away bad luck. Another interesting fact is that Qingming was once combined with the Cold Food Festival, a day when people ate only cold meals to honor a loyal historical person.

1.1. Why is Qingming important for farming?

A Farmers take a break from work.

B Weather conditions improve for crops.

C It’s the coldest time of the year.

D Days become longer.

解析：选B。B 细节理解题。根据第一段的“temperatures rise and rainfall increases”暗示，气温上升，天气变暖，有利于农作物生长。故选B。

2.2. What can be inferred about tomb sweeping and spring outings?

A They are both quiet activities.

B They require travel to distant places.

C They are only popular in north China.

D They improve family relationships.

解析：选D。 D 推理判断题。结合第二段内容，扫墓“keeps family bonds strong”，春游“picnics with loved ones”，可推断，两者均能加强家庭关系，让家庭关系变得更好。故选D。

3.3. What is special about Huamo in northern Shaanxi?

A They are made with vegetable juice.

B They have artistic shapes like flowers.

C They are filled with sweet bean paste.

D They are eaten during spring outings.

解析：选B。B 细节理解题。根据第三段的“artistic steamed buns shaped like flowers or animals”可知，花馍是将面团塑成花卉动物造型蒸制的馒头。故选B。

4.4. What does “this” refer to in Paragraph 4?

A Flying kites during outings.

B Planting willow branches.

C Eating cold meals.

D Making rice balls.

解析：选B。B 词意指代题。根据第四段首句提到“planting willow branches”是习俗，可知，后文this指代该习俗带来的好运。故选B。

5.5. What’s the best title of the passage?

A Why Chinese People Celebrate Qingming.

B Traditional Chinese Qingming Foods.

C Qingming: Honoring Ancestors, Welcoming Spring.

D How Qingming Appeared in the 24 Solar Terms.

解析：选C。 C 主旨大意题。文章从清明（二十四节气之一）的天气特点、传统活动（扫墓与春游）、特色饮食、插柳习俗等方面展开描述，结合选项可知C项“清明节：祭祖迎春”符合文意。故选C。