A
As an old saying in China goes，“The days of the Sanjiu period are the coldest days.” “Sanjiu period”，which is in Minor Cold，refers to the third nine-day period (the 19th to the 27th day) 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 pork，sausages 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 (原料)，aijiaohuang (a kind of green vegetable)，sausages and salted duck are the specialties in Nanjing.
【语篇解读】 本文是一篇说明文，介绍了在中国的不同地区与小寒节气有关的习俗。
21.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 twenty-seven days.
D.It marks the first day of winter.
答案 B [细节理解题。根据第一段中的“‘Sanjiu period’，which is in Minor Cold”可知，三九在小寒节气内，故B项正确。]
22.What is a special custom in Tianjin in Minor Cold?
A.Eating hotpot.
B.Having vitamin A and B pills.
C.Having huangyacai.
D.Buying cabbage.
答案 C [细节理解题。根据第三段中的“In Tianjin，there is a custom to have huangyacai，a kind of Chinese cabbage，during Minor Cold.”可知，天津人在小寒节气里吃黄芽菜，故C项正确。]
23.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.
答案 C [细节理解题。根据倒数第二段中的“Cantonese people add some fried preserved pork，sausages and peanuts and mix them into the rice.”可知，广东人会在糯米饭里加一些腊肉、香肠和花生，故C项正确。]
24.This text may be taken from the column (栏目) of a newspaper.
A.travel B.culture
C.fashion D.science
答案 B [文章出处题。根据文章内容，特别是第一段中的“There are many different customs related to Minor Cold in China.”可知，本文介绍了在中国与小寒节气有关的习俗，属于文化范畴，最有可能出自报纸的文化栏目，故B项正确。]
