阅读理解
情境 素材 吉祥马 「2026重庆十八中月考改编」
China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism(中国文化和旅游部) has introduced “Jixiangma” as the mascot for the 2026 Chinese New Year. Its design is based on a famous historical artifact(手工艺品) from the Eastern Han Dynasty—the “Galloping Horse Treading on a Flying Swallow”(马踏飞燕). This ancient idea is shown in a modern style.

The mascot is red and has traditional cloud patterns(云纹) and “ruyi” patterns. Its mane(鬃毛) is styled like the “Five-Flower Horse” from the Tang Dynasty. Together, these designs mean happiness and good luck.
A team from the Central Academy of Fine Arts(中央美术学院) created it. “Jixiangma” will be used on many products like toys, “blind boxes”, and festive decorations(装饰品). These will be sold around the world.
This mascot is part of a series that started in 2023. Each year has a different zodiac animal(生肖) to share Chinese culture.
In Chinese culture, horses are important symbols. They represent speed, success, and loyalty. Besides running as fast as lightning, horses are always by the side of their owners. A common saying is “Ma Dao Cheng Gong”, which wishes someone instant success. The mascot helps connect these old ideas to our lives today.
The “Happy Chinese New Year” program holds events in over 100 countries. This year is the “Year of the Horse”. “Jixiangma” will help share wishes for a happy and rich new year with people everywhere.
1. What does the design reflect about the creators’ idea?
A.They want to show that Tang Dynasty art is more beautiful than Eastern Han Dynasty art.
B.They hope to connect different periods of Chinese history through a single mascot.
C.They believe ancient artifacts are no longer suitable for modern celebrations.
D.They plan to create more mascots based on Tang Dynasty animals in the future.
2. What is the main purpose of creating the “Jixiangma” mascot?
A.To sell more products like toys and blind boxes.
B.To replace the old mascots used in past celebrations.
C.To spread Chinese culture through a zodiac animal series.
D.To compete with other countries’ New Year mascots.
3. The underlined word “loyalty” in Paragraph 5 most likely means .
A.being strong and fast
B.staying true to your friends or duties
C.becoming rich and successful
D.having a lot of energy and power
4. What’s the main idea of the text?
A.The mascot for the 2026 Chinese New Year.
B.The importance of the Spring Festival.
C.The popular ways of celebrating New Year.
D.The popularity of animal mascots in China.
5. 特色 考法 文章主题题 What’s the theme of the text?
A.History.
B.Tourism.
C.Nature.
D.Culture.

Reading Plus 主题时文阅读
[语篇解读] 本文介绍了2026年春节吉祥物“吉祥马”的设计灵感以及文化寓意等方面的内容。
1.B 推理判断题。根据第一段和第二段可推断,创作者希望通过吉祥物连接不同历史时期,故选B。
2.C 细节理解题。根据第四段“This mascot is part of a series that started in 2023. Each year has a different zodiac animal to share Chinese culture.”可知,设计吉祥物是为了通过生肖系列传播中国文化,故选C。
3.B 词义猜测题。根据第五段中的“Besides running as fast as lightning, horses are always by the side of their owners.”可知,马除了跑得快之外,还总是在主人身边。由此可推测,马对主人很忠诚,loyalty意为“忠诚”,即staying true to your friends or duties,故选B。
4.A 主旨大意题。通读全文可知,本文介绍了2026年春节吉祥物“吉祥马”,故选A。
5.D 文章主题题。通读全文可知,本文的主题是文化,故选D。