Read UK: Chinese New Year – exercises

Do the preparation task first. Then read the article about Chinese New Year and do the exercises.

Preparation
Match the vocabulary with the correct definition and write a–h next to the numbers 1–8.

something with a light inside which is hung up to make a home

1…….. a dragon a.
or street look more beautiful

2…….. a dumpling b. a large, wild animal in the cat family

a large flying animal which breathes fire; it is not real but there
3…….. a lantern c.
are many stories about them

4…….. a firecracker d. a case made of paper, usually to put a letter inside

a person in a circus or show who can do amazing jumps and

5…….. an envelope e.
tricks with their body

a small explosive which makes a loud bang; it is used in many

6…….. a lion f.
festivals around the world

7…….. an acrobat g. a set of clothes which is typical of a country or culture

a small ball made of a carbohydrate such as rice, which is filled

8…….. traditional dress h.
with meat, vegetables and other foods

1. Check your understanding: true or false

Circle True or False for these sentences.

1. Chinese New Year is a big celebration in London. True False

Improving your appearance and tidying your house are part of the
2. True False
preparations.

3. Chinese New Year is always on 31 January. True False

4. There are 11 different animal signs. True False

5. All of the Chinese New Year entertainment on offer in London is traditional. True False

6. You can buy Chinese food in the streets of Chinatown. True False

Modern technology helps to unite families who are living in different

7. True False
countries.

Young Chinese people living in the UK won’t receive any red envelopes of
8. True False
money from their relatives.
2. Check your understanding: gap fill
Complete the sentences with words from the box.

exact monster lunar fashion

huge red family food and craft

Chinese New Year is a _______________ event in London – the biggest celebrations outside of
1.
Asia.

2. The date changes every year, and is calculated according to the _______________ calendar.

3. When is the _______________ date this year?

4. The streets are decorated with _______________ lanterns.

5. In past years in London there have been hip hop acts and even _______________ shows.

6. In Chinatown the streets are full of _______________ stalls.

People living in Britain can use video conferencing to join in _______________ celebrations in
7.
China.

8. Loud firecrackers are used to frighten away a terrible _______________ called the Nian.

3. Check your understanding: grouping

Write the activities in the correct group.

Going to a restaurant Chinese acrobats Doing karaoke

Decorating the streets and Making dumplings and

Lion and dragon dances
houses with lanterns eating together

Having your hair cut Fireworks and firecrackers Cleaning and tidying your house

Preparations for Chinese New Year Entertainment and celebrations

Discussion

Will you be celebrating Chinese New Year? Which of these celebrations would you most like to see or do?