Vernal Equinox 春分
Vernal Equinox is one of the twenty-four solar terms in China. It usually comes around March 20th or 21st every year. On this day, the sun shines directly on the equator. Day and night are almost equally long all over the world.
春分是中国二十四节气之一，它通常在每年的3月20日或21日左右到来。在这一天，太阳直射赤道，全球各地的昼夜时长几乎相等。
After the Vernal Equinox, the days get longer and the nights get shorter in the Northern Hemisphere. The weather becomes warmer and warmer. Trees turn green, flowers bloom, and animals become more active. It’s a great time for outdoor activities.
春分过后，北半球的白天变得越来越长，夜晚则越来越短。天气越来越暖和，树木抽芽变绿，花儿竞相绽放，动物们也变得更加活跃。这是进行户外活动的好时节。
In China, there are some interesting customs on Vernal Equinox. Many people like to play the game of "egg-standing". They believe that standing an egg upright can bring good luck. People also go out to enjoy the spring scenery and fly kites with their families.
在中国，春分有一些有趣的习俗。很多人喜欢玩“竖蛋”游戏，他们认为把鸡蛋竖起来能带来好运。人们还会和家人一起出门踏青、放风筝。
阅读理解选择题（中考难度）
1. When does Vernal Equinox usually come?
A. Around March 20th or 21st
B. Around April 20th or 21st
C. Around May 20th or 21st
D. Around June 20th or 21st
2. What is special on Vernal Equinox?
A. Day is much longer than night.
B. Night is much longer than day.
C. Day and night are almost equally long.
D. The sun shines directly on the North Pole.
3. After the Vernal Equinox, what happens in the Northern Hemisphere?
A. Days get shorter and nights get longer.
B. Days get longer and nights get shorter.
C. The weather becomes colder and colder.
D. Trees turn yellow and flowers die.
4. Which of the following is NOT true according to the passage?
A. Vernal Equinox is a solar term.
B. Animals become more active in spring.
C. People never go out to fly kites on Vernal Equinox.
D. The weather gets warm after the Vernal Equinox.
5. Why do people play the game of “egg-standing”?
A. Because it can help them keep healthy.
B. Because they think it can bring good luck.
C. Because it is a game for kids only.
D. Because eggs are cheap in spring.
参考答案见评论区
