In Britain, Boxing Day is usually celebrated on December 26th. 46． This means it’s not a working day in the whole of Britain. When Boxing Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday is the public holiday.
47． One of the thoughts is that during the Middle Ages, when great sailing ships were setting off to discover new land, a Christmas Box was placed by a priest(神父) on each ship. Those sailors who wanted a safe return would drop money into the box.48．
One more thought is about the “Alms Box” placed in every church on Christmas Day. Worshippers (做礼拜的人)put gifts for the poor into it. These boxes were always opened the day after Christmas. 49．
Today, many businesses, organizations and families try to keep the traditional spirit of Boxing Day alive by giving away money to Food Banks, providing gifts for the poor, or helping families in need. 50．
A．That is why that day became known as Boxing Day.
B．It was sealed up (密封) and kept on board until the ship came home safely.
C．Like Christmas Day, Boxing Day is a public holiday.
D．Besides, spending time with family and shopping are necessary activities on Boxing Day now.
E.The exact origin (起源) of the holiday is unclear.
46．C
47．E
48．B
49．A
50．D
【分析】
试题分析：这篇短文主要介绍了节礼日的两种不同的起源传说以及人们在节礼日的活动。
46．根据后文This means it’s not a working day in the whole of Britain. 这意味着在整个英国它不是工作日，可知上文介绍节礼日是一个公共节日，故选C
47．根据后文One of the thoughts is that during the Middle Ages,及下一段另一种说法，可知节礼日的起源是不确切的，故选E
48．根据上文那些想平安归来的船员就会往里面放钱，B项箱子会被封起来放在船上直到船平安归来。句中的it指代上文出现的box,故选 B
49．根据上文那些箱子总是在圣诞节后打开，故选A，这是为什么那天被叫做“节礼日”
50．根据D项中的Besides,可知前面叙述了传承节礼日的传统精神的活动，结合Today, many businesses, organizations and families try to keep the traditional spirit of Boxing Day alive by giving away money to Food Banks, providing gifts for the poor, or helping families in need故选D。
考点：文化传统类短文阅读。
在许多地方，家长开汽车接送孩子上下学已成为一个普遍现象，人们对此做法褒贬不一。请你根据下表提示用英语写一篇短文，并发表自己的看法。
| 赞成 | 反对 |
| 1．为学生节约时间； 2．增加家长跟孩子交流的机会； 3．.......。 | 1．使交通更加拥挤； 2．增加家长的负担（lay a burden on）; 3．......。 |
注意：1．可适当增加细节，以使行文连贯；
2．开头已给出。
3．120个词左右。
In many places, it is common for parents to drive their children to and from school, which causes a heated debate in society.
