PART VI WRITING [45 MIN]

SECTION A COMPOSITION [35 MIN]

The Dragon Boat Festival (端午节) is one of the important national festivals in China. Write on ANSWER SHEET THREE a composition of about 200 words on the following topic:

The Dragon Boat Festival

First, you should tell what you know about the festival.

Second, you should describe how you or other people usually observe the festival.

Marks will be awarded for content, organization, language and appropriateness. Failure to follow the instructions may result in a loss of marks.

SECTION B NOTE-WRITING [10 MIN]

Write on ANSWER SHEET THREE a note of about 50-60 words based on the following situation:

The winter vacation was over，and you came back by train yesterday. Your friend (Michael or Lucy) went to the railway station to meet you and helped cleaning your dorm. Now, write him/her a note, expressing your gratitude and offering your help in return.

Marks will be awarded for content, organization, language and appropriateness.

答案：

PART VI WRITING

SECTION A (15%)

The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, is a traditional holiday celebrated in China. It falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, commemorating the death of a Chinese patriotic poet, Qu Yuan, who committed suicide by drowning himself in the Miluo River over 2,000 years ago to protest against the corrupt officials.

Many traditions and customs are held on the Dragon Boat Festival. It is highlighted by dragon boat races, which originated from the fishermen’s attempts to rescue and recover Qu’s body. The races have become a popular sporting activity now. People beat drums and row the dragon-shaped boat cooperatively. The most popular dish during Dragon Boat Festival is Zongzi, a dumpling made of glutinous rice and wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves. It has various shapes and fillings. Besides, the Festival is also a time for protection from evil and disease for the rest of the year. People traditionally hang herbs on the front door, drink realgar wine and paste up pictures of Zhong Kui (a mythic guardian figure).

The practices and customs are handed down from generation to generation, though somewhat different in regions and households. The celebrating activities help spread the traditional Chinese culture.

SECTION B (10%)

April 22, 2012

Dear Lucy,

Thank you for picking me up yesterday at the station. And I am deeply grateful to you for helping me clean my dorm. It was all in a mess at first, but after the cleanup it is so comfortable. Thanks again and if you need any help, don’t hesitate to call me.

Yours,

Jennifer