英语听力精选进阶版 6207

The Year of the Tiger 虎年

The city of London is gearing up for a series of events to celebrate the Chinese New Year, and if last year's celebrations are anything to go by it should be quite a party.

The main hub for the festivitieswill be Trafalgar Square in the very centre of London.

According to the promoters of the party, the square will be transformed with a diverse selection of live performances including a traditional Chinese dragon and lion dance.

The fun will spread to other neighbouring areas like London's Chinatown and Leicester Square where authentic¹ Chinese cuisine² willbe offered to revellers and a fireworks display will round off the proceedings³.

The celebrations are organised by the Mayor of London's Office in conjunction with the London Chinatown Chinese Association.

Mr Leslie Ng, President of the London Chinatown Chinese Association, said: "Hundreds of thousands of people enjoy London's Chinese New Year celebrations, which have become a real highlight in the capital's calendar of events.

"It’s an opportunity to celebrate and experience Chinese culture, and to see what Chinatown offers – not just during Chinese New Year, but all year round," he added.

People in the UK sometimes do not know that in the Chinese zodiac if you are born in a particular year you will have certain characteristics.

So what are the traits of people born in the Year of the Tiger?

Most people agree that tiger people are courageous⁴ but can also be quick-tempered. They may also be very egocentric and unpredictable.

Are you a tiger person? Do you agree with this description of your personality? Why not email us and let us know your thoughts?

Glossary 词汇表

gearing up for 做好准备，张罗着 

anything to go by 过去的标准还靠得住的话 

hub 中心 

Trafalgar Square 特拉法加广场 

promoters 承办人 

diverse 各色各样的 

Leicester Square 莱斯特广场 

cuisine 烹饪 

fireworks display 烟花表演 

round off 使圆满结束 

mayor 市长 

in conjunction 一起，共同 

highlight 精彩部分 

Chinese zodiac 生肖 

characteristics 特点 

traits 属性，特征 

courageous 英勇无畏的，勇敢的 

quick-tempered 性急的，易怒的 

egocentric 以自我为中心的 

unpredictable 难以预测的，变化多端的

1 authentic   

a.真的，真正的；可靠的，可信的，有根据的

参考例句：

• This is an authentic news report. We can depend on it. 这是篇可靠的新闻报道, 我们相信它。
• Autumn is also the authentic season of renewal. 秋天才是真正的除旧布新的季节。

2 cuisine   

n.烹调，烹饪法

参考例句：

• This book is the definitive guide to world cuisine.这本书是世界美食的权威指南。
• This restaurant is renowned for its cuisine.这家餐馆以其精美的饭菜而闻名。

3 proceedings   

n.进程，过程，议程；诉讼(程序)；公报

参考例句：

• He was released on bail pending committal proceedings. 他交保获释正在候审。
• to initiate legal proceedings against sb 对某人提起诉讼

4 courageous   

adj.勇敢的，有胆量的

参考例句：

• We all honour courageous people.我们都尊重勇敢的人。
• He was roused to action by courageous words.豪言壮语促使他奋起行动。