A
There is an old saying in China that goes，“The days of the Sanjiu period are the coldest days.”“Sanjiu period”，which is in Minor Cold，refers to the third nineday period (the 19th－27th days) after the day of the Winter Solstice(冬至)．There are many different customs related to Minor Cold in China.
Eating hotpot
During Minor Cold people should eat some hot food to benefit the body and defend against the cold weather.Winter is the best time to have hotpot and braised mutton with soy sauce.But it is important to notice that too much spicy food may cause health problems.
Eating huangyacai
In Tianjin，there is a custom to have huangyacai，a kind of Chinese cabbage，during Minor Cold.There are large amounts of vitamins A and B in huangyacai.As huangyacai is fresh and tender，it is fit for frying，roasting and braising.
Eating glutinous rice(糯米饭)
According to tradition，the Cantonese eat glutinous rice in the morning during Minor Cold.Cantonese people add some fried preserved(腌制的) pork，sausage and peanuts and mix them into the rice.
Eating vegetable rice
In ancient times，people in Nanjing took Minor Cold quite seriously，but as time went by，the celebration of Minor Cold gradually disappeared.However，the custom of eating vegetable rice is still followed today.The rice is steamed and is unspeakably delicious.Among the ingredients，aijiaohuang (a kind of green vegetable)，sausage and salted duck are the specialties in Nanjing.
【语篇解读】 文章主要介绍了中国人在小寒时的一些饮食文化。
1．What do we know about Minor Cold?
A．It refers to the Winter Solstice.
B．The Sanjiu period is in this period.
C．It lasts twentyseven days.
D．It marks the first day of winter.
B [细节理解题。根据第一段第二句可知，三九在小寒节气内。故选B。]
2．What is a special custom in Tianjin in Minor Cold?
A．Eating hotpot.
B．Having huangyacai.
C．Having vitamin A and B pills.
D．Buying cabbage.
B [细节理解题。根据“Eating huangyacai”部分中的第一句可知，天津人在小寒的时候会吃黄芽菜。故选B。]
3．How do the Cantonese eat glutinous rice?
A．They fry and toast it.
B．They eat it for dinner.
C．They mix it with many other things.
D．They steam it with soy sauce.
C [细节理解题。根据“Eating glutinous rice(糯米饭)”部分中的第二句可知，广东人将糯米饭和其他很多东西混在一起吃。故选C。]
4．This text may be taken from the column (栏目) of a newspaper.
A．travel B．culture
C．fashion D．science
B [文章出处题。根据第一段末句可知，文章可能选自报纸的文化栏目。故选B。]
