Question

I. Read the passage and answer the following. [10]

It may sound strange, but it is true: few Chinese can tell when the Chinese New Yearis each

year, without referning to a Chinese calendar.

A Chinese calendar consists of both the Western Gregorian system and a lunar-solar system.

The Chinese lunar-solar system divides a year into twelve months of twenty – nine or thirty

days. Adding a leap month every seven years, it coordinates with the Western calendar.

The Chinese New Year is popularly known as the Spring Festival because it starts with the

beginning of spring. Its origin is too old to be traced, but several legends claim that the word

nian (year) was originally the name of a monster that started to prey on people the night

before the beginning of a Chinese new year. However, one day, an old man came to their recue

and defeated the monster. Then, he mounted the beast and left, advising the people to put up

red paper decorations and to burn bamboo sticks before a new year. He said this would

prevent Nian from sneaking back, for he feared red. The tradition of observing the conquest of

the beast has been carried on. Today, the custom of pasting red paper and lighting fireworks is

still going strong. Most people feel the colour and sound add to the excitement of the

celebration.

The New Year’s Eve is observed with a grand supper. As they wait for the midnight, the whole

family has fun playing cards or board games. When the clock strikes twelve, the entire sky is lit

up with fireworks. The light and noise can make the whole place look and sound like a war

zone.

People stay up the whole night with as many lights lit as possible. They believe that gods visit

them and bring good luck. They fear that the gods may not be able to find their way in total

darkness.

At daybreak, children greet their parents and receive cash gifts wrapped in red paper. Then

family members extend their greetings from door to door, first to relatives and then toneighbours. The visits provide a great opportunity vfor reconciliation. Old grudges are easily

cast aside while the air is filled with warmth, friendliness and forgiveness.

The New Year celebration ends fifteen days later. This is called the Festival of Lanterns

marked by lantern shows and folk dances. This festival marks the end of the New Year season

and life returns to normal again.

a. Answer the questions :

i. Why does a New Year’s night sound like a war zone?

ii. Why do people stay up all night with all the lights on?

iii. How do the door to door visits on New Year’s Day help?

iv. Of the two traditional beliefs connected with the Chines New Year, which do you like

better? Give a reason for you choice.

v. What does life returns to normal mean?​

Answer 1

Answer:

Fontana Police Department Chief Rod Jones stands in front of boxes of illegal fireworks that authorities have seized while warning the public of the dangers of the devices during a press conference Thursday, June 18.

Kelly Roach is dreading the Fourth of July.

Although others might look forward to picnics and fireworks shows, she plans to be at home, preparing for the assault.

People in her neighborhood, she said, shoot off illegal fireworks that rattle her house and her nerves, frighten her grandchildren and make her pets go crazy.