© Liu Zhongjun via CNN
Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What countries have you already been to?
- Are you anxious about the spread of COVID-19?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- government /GUHV-ern-muhnt/
- honor /ON-er/
- initial /ih-NISH-uhl/
- occurring /uh-KUR-ing/
[noun] – happening
Earthquakes keep on occurring in this area. - anxious /ANGK-shuhs
[noun] –the group of people who officially control a country
The government planned to build the first nuclear power plant in the country.
[verb] – in order to celebrate or show great respect for someone or something
We have to honor the sacrifices of our ancestors.
[adjective] – of or at the beginning
The HR staff announced that I passed the initial interview.
[adjective] – worried and nervous
She became anxious when her stomach started to feel pain.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
As October 1 came, the government of China expected millions of Chinese to go on vacation to honor the National Day holiday, one of the busiest days for holidays in the world’s most populated country. The eight-day rest was China’s initial significant holiday following the onset of coronavirus. While life in China went back to normal in the past months, the Chinese viewed the “Golden Week” holiday as a reward for China’s victory in terminating the spread of the virus — and a much-anticipated move to boost its economy. According to statistics, there would be 550 million domestic booking trips this year.
Chen Qianmei, a citizen of Southern Guangzhou, flew to Shanghai on Tuesday to have a relaxation time. She said that she is not anxious about the virus. Despite it, she is still doing some actions to prevent unpleasant things from occurring. “I think China has (the virus) under pretty good control,” she said. “I’m wearing masks and bringing alcohol wipes with me to clean my hands, especially before eating — although in Shanghai, few people wear masks now.”
Chen Qianmei, a citizen of Southern Guangzhou, flew to Shanghai on Tuesday to have a relaxation time. She said that she is not anxious about the virus. Despite it, she is still doing some actions to prevent unpleasant things from occurring. “I think China has (the virus) under pretty good control,” she said. “I’m wearing masks and bringing alcohol wipes with me to clean my hands, especially before eating — although in Shanghai, few people wear masks now.”
Comprehension Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- Which country succeeded in containing the spread of COVID-19?
- How many Chinese are expected to go on vacation for the National Day holiday?
- Based on the article, how do the Chinese people view the Golden Week?
- What part of China is Chen Qianmei from?
- What actions does Chen Qianmei do to prevent unpleasant things from occurring?
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- If you lived in China, would you also travel to celebrate the Golden Week holiday this year or would you just stay home? Why?
- Which city in China would you like to go to? Why?
- Do you agree with Chen Qianmei? Please explain your answer.
- How is your country’s fight against Covid-19?
- What does your government do to slowly boost its economy?