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.

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.

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.

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 Why was preserved pork originally made in the past?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.

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.