Datiehua, which means “striking iron flowers”, is a traditional Chinese folk art with a long history. It began during the Northern Song Dynasty and became popular in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. This amazing performance is found mainly in Henan and Shanxi provinces. It is not only exciting to watch but also an important part of China’s intangible cultural heritage.

The art originated with ancient blacksmiths (铁匠). While making tools and weapons, they discovered that when hot liquid iron hit a cold surface, it produced beautiful bright sparks (火花). Over time, this developed into a special show for festivals. People believed it could bring good luck and a good harvest. Today, it is still performed during holidays and on weekends to attract tourists.

During the show, workers first melt iron in a furnace (熔炉) until it becomes extremely hot. Then, a performer uses a wooden tool to throw the liquid iron toward a tall frame covered with willow branches. When the iron hits the branches, thousands of bright sparks fly into the sky, much like fireworks. Sometimes, dragon dancers perform under the sparks, making the show even more spectacular.

However, learning Datiehua is not easy. It requires a great deal of practice, courage, and skill. Performers must wear special clothing to protect themselves because the iron is very hot. Unfortunately, fewer young people are learning this art today. To preserve it, local governments are promoting Datiehua through tourism and training programs. In this way, more people can enjoy and carry on this impressive tradition.

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

A To describe the performance steps.

B To provide basic facts about Datiehua.

C To discuss its modern challenges.

D To compare it with other arts.

解析：选B。B 推理判断题。该段开门见山地给出了“打铁花”的名称含义（means “striking iron flowers”），点明其属性（a traditional Chinese folk art），介绍了其历史起源（began during... became popular in...），说明了流行区域（found mainly in...），并强调了其文化地位（important part of... intangible cultural heritage）。这些都是在提供关于该项艺术的基本背景信息，因此选项B最准确地概括了该段的核心作用。故选B。

2.2. Why did people first perform Datiehua during festivals?

A To attract foreign tourists.

B To show the skills of blacksmiths.

C To wish for happiness and wealth.

D To celebrate the new year.

解析：选C。C 推理判断题。第二段提到“People believed it could bring good luck and a good harvest.”（好运气和好收成），这对应的就是祈求幸福和财富，C选项是对此的合理概括。故选C。

3.3. What is the correct order of a Datiehua performance?a. Throwing iron towards the frame.b. Melting iron in a furnace.c. Sparks flying like fireworks.d. Using a wooden tool.

A a-b-c-d

B b-d-a-c

C d-a-b-c

D b-a-d-c

解析：选B。B 细节理解题。第三段描述了过程：首先（first）熔化铁（b），然后（Then）表演者使用木制工具（d）将铁水抛向架子（a），当铁水击中树枝时，火花四溅（c）。因此正确顺序是b-d-a-c。故选B。

4.4. The word “spectacular” in Paragraph 3 probably means ______.

A very dangerous to perform

B hot and requires protection

C very old and traditional

D amazingly beautiful to see

解析：选D。D 词义猜测题。该词所在的句子描述的是舞龙演员在火花下表演让演出更加“spectacular”。根据上文对火花像烟花一样飞向天空的壮观描述，可以推断出这个词表示“壮观的、令人惊叹的景象”。故选D。

5.5. What is the main idea of the last paragraph?

A It describes the exciting history of Datiehua.

B It explains the steps of a Datiehua performance.

C It discusses the difficulties and future of the art.

D It compares Datiehua with modern fireworks.

解析：选C。C 段落大意题。该段首先指出学习不易、存在危险，然后提到年轻人学习少的问题，最后谈到政府正努力通过旅游和培训来保护这项艺术。因此，整段的核心是在探讨这门传统艺术面临的挑战以及为传承它所做出的努力，选项C最全面地概括了这一点。故选C。