The traditional Chinese solar calendar has 24 solar terms. Minor Snow (Xiao Xue) is the 20th one. During this term, snow begins to fall, mainly in northern China. At the same time, temperatures keep dropping across the whole country. There are some useful tips to follow during Minor Snow.

First, remember to wear hats and scarves. When Minor Snow comes, northeast winds blow often. According to an old Chinese saying, “the head is the place where all passages of the body gather”. So keeping our heads warm is very important.

Second, drink more hot soup. As the weather gets cold, indoor heating starts to work in northern China. This makes the air inside dry, which is bad for our noses and mouths. What’s worse, dry air can cause “inner heat” in the body. Drinking hot soups like cabbage and tofu soup, spinach (菠菜) and tofu soup, or mutton and radish soup can help.

Third, it’s a good time to make preserved (腌制) pork. Minor Snow brings sharp temperature drops and dry air. These conditions are perfect for making preserved pork, a traditional food for Spring Festival. In the past, people made it because food was hard to store. Now, it’s still popular — many people think it tastes better than fresh meat.

1.1. What is the main idea of the first paragraph?

A The dangers of Minor Snow.

B The best food for cold weather.

C How to predict the weather.

D An introduction to Minor Snow.

解析：选D。D细节理解题。 根据第一段内容可知，它主要介绍了小雪的顺序（第20个节气）、主要下雪区域和期间全国气温变化，因此是对小雪节气的总体介绍。故选D。

2.2.According to the passage, why should people wear hats during Minor Snow?

A To look nice and fashionable.

B To keep their heads warm.

C To avoid the noise of the wind.

D To protect their hair from the dry air.

解析：选B。B 推理判断题。根据第二段最后两句 “the head is the place where all passages of the body gather. So keeping our heads warm is very important” 可知，古中国古语有云，人体的各条经络都汇聚于头部。因此作者建议戴帽子做好头部保暖。故选B。

3.3. What problem can dry indoor air cause?

A An increase in inner heat.

B Feeling hungry easily.

C A need for more sleep.

D A dislike for spicy food.

解析：选A。A 细节理解题。根据第三段的“What’s worse, dry air can cause ‘inner heat’ in the body.”可知，干燥的空气会导致身体产生“内热”。故选A。

4.4. Why was preserved pork originally made in the past?

A It was part of a religious ceremony.

B People found it more delicious than fresh meat.

C It was a practical way to store food for a long time.

D It showed that a family had a good harvest.

解析：选C。C 细节理解题。根据第四段的“ These conditions are perfect for making preserved pork, a traditional food for Spring Festival. In the past, people made it because food was hard to store. ”可知，过去人们制作腊肉是因为食物难以储存，即在那时候这是一种创造性的储存食物的方法。故选C。

5.5. What is the experts’ suggestion on eating spicy food during Minor Snow?

A Eat more to keep the body warm.

B Eat less to avoid inner heat.

C It is the best choice for cold weather.

D Combine it with hot soup for better effect.

解析：选B。B 细节理解题。根据最后一段的 “But experts say spicy food will increase your inner heat. So it’s smarter to eat less of it” 可知，辛辣食物会加重内热，因此专家建议少吃。故选B。