(2015·四川成都九中模拟)Christmas in the United States is traditionally a time of gift­giving and family gatherings.But small towns across the country have their own traditions.

Middleburg，a small town in the state of Virginia，is known for its horses.For more than 50 years，Middleburg has organized a yearly Christmas parade(游行).Men and women ride horses through the woods and fields.They follow hunting dogs as they search for a wild fox.But first，these hunters ride in the yearly parade，wearing their bright red hunting clothes and hats.

John Hale，a citizen of Middleburg says many city people visit his town.“We have a lot of people from an urban area that come to visit，but it incorporates a lot of the old traditions.”The nighttime hayride is one such tradition.Small groups gather under the moonlight on an open wagon filled with hay.The passengers sing as farm horses pull the wagon slowly across the fields.

There are some newer traditions，too.Trey Matheu works at the nearby Salamander Resort.He says a visit to Middleburg is a chance to slow down for a day.He says Middleburg can be a calming，peaceful place without tension.

“Middleburg is an opportunity to take a step back，to take a deep breath，and to understand that even though life is moving on at a very fast pace，there’s really an opportunity where you’re allowed to step off for a little bit.”

Parade organizers say more than 13,000 people attend even in below­freezing weather.But if you ask，you will hear many different reasons why people come to watch the parade：

“I come here because I’m from a small town.I like how everybody comes together.”

“I live right down that street，right there.And that’s my dog.”

Middleburg looks its best at Christmastime.That may be why so many people return each year.

【解题导语】　本文是一篇说明文，主要介绍了美国小镇Middleburg庆祝圣诞节的独特方式。

5.Which of the following can be the best title for the text?

A.Middleburg Christmas parade

B.A small town known for horses

C.Christmas traditions in Middleburg

D.Newer traditions at Christmastime

解析：选C。标题概括题。通读全文可知，文章主要介绍的是美国小镇Middleburg独特的圣诞节风俗。故答案选C。

6.At Christmas，people in Middleburg usually________.

A.visit friends and families

B.feed farm horses with hay

C.hunt for dogs in the woods

D.ride in the yearly parade

解析：选D。细节理解题。由第二段第二、三句“For more than 50 years，Middleburg has organized a yearly Christmas parade(游行).Men and women ride horses through the woods and fields.”可知，Middleburg的人们每年都会举行一次圣诞游行，人们会骑着马从树林和田间穿过。故答案选D。

7.According to Trey Matheu，why do people visit Middleburg?

A.To relax themselves.

B.To enjoy the fresh air.

C.To escape competition.

D.To challenge themselves.

解析：选A。推理判断题。由第四段第三、四句“He says a visit to Middleburg is a chance to slow down for a day.He says Middleburg can be a calming，peaceful place without tension.”可推知，Trey Matheu认为Middleburg是一个宁静、平和、没有压力的小镇，在这里人们可以放慢生活脚步，轻松一下。故答案选A。

8.What do we know about the small town Middleburg?

A.It makes a large profit from tourism.

B.It attracts many people each year.

C.It is a good place for family gatherings.

D.It doesn’t respect Christmas traditions.

解析：选B。推理判断题。由第六段第一句“Parade organizers say more than 13,000 people attend even in below­freezing weather.”可推知，每年有很多人都会来Middleburg观看圣诞节游行。故答案选B。