Special Report

World News Daily News 6th February 2024

Year of the Dragon

February 10th is the start of Lunar
New Year.
Also known as the Chinese New Year
or the Spring Festival, it marks the first
day of the new year in the Chinese
traditional calendar, which is a
lunisolar calendar.
Each year is symbolised by one of 12
animals. This year is the Year of the Photo: 2024 is the Year of the Dragon.
Dragon.
In preparation for the new year, popular during the annual 15-day
people often clean their homes and put festival which culminates with the final
up red decorations. The colour red event – the Lantern Festival.
represents happiness and good luck People hang lanterns on temples,
which is why it’s also common for carry them in parades or even release
children to receive red envelopes them into the air to symbolise letting go
containing money. of the past and welcoming the new
Fireworks and family meals are year. Comprehension Questions
Today’s Big Question
 Glossary Did You Know…?
Word Definition The Chinese zodiac links a different
animal with each year in the 12-year
lunisolar Unlike the Gregorian Chinese New Year cycle.
calendar calendar, the lunisolar
calendar determines This is based on a story about the
dates using the location Jade Emperor trying to find a way to
of the Sun and the measure time. He told the animals
Moon relative to the they were to compete in a race. The
Earth. first 12 animals to finish the race
would be rewarded by having a year
symbolised Represented by and is named after them.
the sign of.
The order that they
culminates Events or activities
finished the race in and
coming together to
thus the order of the
finish or conclude in a
years is the rat, ox,
particular way or with tiger, rabbit, dragon,
one event. snake, horse, goat,
thus Therefore; in this way; monkey, rooster, dog
so. and pig.
 Comprehension Questions Click to reveal
each answer

1. Give the meaning of the word 'compete' as it is used in this sentence: He

told the animals they were to compete in a race.
Accept any reasonable answer which gives a correct definition of the
term in that context, e.g. To take part in a competition or contest.

2. Which of the following statements are true and which are false?
True False
For Lunar New Year, some children get envelopes containing money. ✓
The Lantern Festival will take place on the 10th February. ✓
Lunar New Year uses 12 zodiac animals to symbolise different years. ✓
One of the Chinese zodiac animals is a lion. ✓

3. Write an alternative headline that could be used for this story using six
words or fewer.
Accept any reasonable headline which includes the key information and
is six or fewer words, e.g. Lunar New Year 2024
 Big Question
Some people like to think that we share personality traits or characteristics
with the zodiac animal that is associated with the year we were born in.

Which animal is associated with the year you were

born in? Do you believe it has anything to do with
your personality?
What do you think? Try to think of a reason to explain your point of view.

Talk to the person next to you and tell them what you think. Then, listen to
what they have to say.