Qingming, meaning clear and bright, is an important festival in spring. It is also called Tomb (坟墓) Sweeping Festival. It comes ________ early April. On that day, people ________ the tombs to honor the dead. They always ________ some time cleaning the tomb area. They usually plant some trees near the tombs and decorate (装饰) them with fresh ________.

But it is not just a day for honoring the dead. It is also a good time to ________ the coming of spring. With the coming of spring, nature ________, dressing the world in green. All is new, clean and fresh. Birds begin to ________ houses for their babies. In forests and fields, many ________ have babies at this time of year. Days begin to get ________ and the weather gets warmer. Qingming is also a happy time for people to enjoy outdoor activities, such as flying kites and hiking. This is why this festival has been very ________ for thousands of years.

China has always been a nation of etiquette (礼仪之邦). Chinese people are among the most hospitable people in the world. If foreigners visit a Chinese family, they would be surprised at the warmth that they would receive as guests.

When you visit a Chinese family, the host usually makes tea for you. Then he will serve you snacks like biscuits or candies. Someone in the family will also chat (聊天) with you, never letting you feel lonely.

At the same time, other family members will prepare a meal for you. Chinese people treat their guests with a big meal. They always serve more food than the guest can eat. On the table, the guests must be the first to eat. Perhaps one of the things that surprise a western guest most is that the Chinese host likes to pick food for their guests. However, it won’t happen at western tables. The Chinese family try their best to make you feel at home. As you have finished eating, the host usually says, “It seems that you didn’t eat much. Please have more. ” Although you tell them you are full, they still put more food in your bowl.

Being warm and hospitable has long been an important part of Chinese culture and tradition. As Confucius (孔子) said long time ago, “To meet friends from afar (远方). How happy we are!”

To speak to people in a foreign language requires courage (勇气). Some people are afraid of making mistakes.     33    . And that’s the biggest mistake of all. Now if you have courage and are ready to make a few mistakes, what will you say?

    34    . Finding a proper topic is important. Some topics, such as the weather and news, work well. But others, such as age, money or people’s look do not. The following are some ways to start a conversation.

Weather—It is cold today, isn’t it?

News—Did you hear about that terrible forest fire?

A conversation in a foreign language doesn’t always go easily.     35    . Don’t worry. You can always ask your partner to repeat what he has said or to speak more slowly. For example, “Excuse me, but could you say that again? I didn’t catch it.” or “Could you speak more slowly, please?”

At the end of a conversation, you need to find a way to finish it in a polite way, “Well, I really need to go.” and “    36    .” are often used by people to end a conversation.