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Intermediate - Chinese New Year (C0037)

A: I’m so excited about Chinese New Year! When do

I get to visit Grandma? Grandma makes the best

dumplings in the world!

B: Ha ha, right. Sounds to me like you’re more

excited about the dumplings than seeing your

Grandma.

A: Of course I miss Grandma, too. I bet she’s gonna

teach me how to play Mahjong! Hey, Dad, are

you going to buy me firecrackers this year? We’re

going to have the best fireworks! I’m really looking

forward to lighting them!

B: Son, firecrackers aren’t toys; they’re dangerous!

A: No, fireworks are awesome!

Visit the Online Review and Discussion (text version). 

c 2008 Praxis Language Ltd.B: Whoa, don’t you remember? Last year when I set

off the firecrackers, you covered both your ears

and hid behind your mother?

A: Dad! I was scared because... because I saw a

bug. That’s all.

B: Hahaha... really?

A: Oh, and I can’t wait to watch the dragon dance!

Dad, can I sit on your shoulders this time?

B: Hey, I offered last year...

A: Well, I... anyways, I was just thinking of the red

envelopes. I wanna make a list of all the things

I’m gonna buy with my red envelope money! I

can’t wait! I’m gonna have so much money! Mom,

can I get a pen and a piece of paper?

Visit the Online Review and Discussion (text version). 

c 2008 Praxis Language Ltd.A: I want a new transformer, no, two transformers...the Optimus Prime, and...maybe the wheeljack? I’ll get a PSP game, hahaha, and I’ll buy the

entire class lunch at MacDonald’s...

Key Vocabulary

excited Adjective very happy about something

dumpling common

noun, plural

small lump of dough

that is steamed or

boiled, traditional

Chinese New Year food

firecracker common

noun, plural

a cylinder filled with explosive substance that

makes loud noise when

it explodes

look forward

to

phrase excited and happy

about something that

will happen in the

future

can’t wait phrase eager or excited about

doing something or for

something to begin

Visit the Online Review and Discussion (text version). 

c 2008 Praxis Language Ltd.set off verb cause something to explode

Supplementary Vocabulary

Lunar New

Year

Chinese New Year,

based on the cycles of

the moon

Spring Festival

Chinese New Year

lunar calendar common

noun, singular

a calendar based on the

cycles and phases of the

moon

can hardly

wait

phrase very excited about

something that will

happen in the future

impatient Adjective not happy or willing to

wait for something

Visit the Online Review and Discussion (text version). 

c 2008 Praxis Language Ltd.