10 . The Tradition of Zongzi
Zongzi is a traditional Chinese food that is especially popular during the Dragon Boat Festival, which takes place near the summer solstice. It is made of glutinous rice(糯米)and various fillings, which are wrapped in bamboo leaves. The rice is often mixed with ingredients such as meat, beans, or nuts, and then it is secured with a string before being cooked.
The history of zongzi is rich and dates back to the Warring States period of ancient China. It is said to have originated as a way to commemorate the famous poet Qu Yuan. When Qu Yuan died, the local people wrapped rice in leaves and threw them into the river as an offering to his spirit and to feed the fish so they would not eat his body.
Making zongzi is an art that has been passed down through years. Each family may have its own way of preparation. The process involves carefully selecting the bamboo leaves, washing them, and then filling them with the sticky rice and fillings. The art lies in folding the leaves to encase the rice and securing the zongzi so that it holds its shape during cooking.
Zongzi comes in different shapes and sizes. Some are triangular, while others may be rectangular or cylindrical. The shape often depends on the region and the family's tradition. After they are wrapped, zongzi are boiled or steamed for several hours until the rice is soft and the flavors are well combined.
Today, zongzi is enjoyed not only in China but also in many other parts of the world where Chinese communities celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival. It symbolizes unity and remembrance and has become a part of the festival's celebration.
1. What can we learn from Paragraph 1?
| A．Zongzi is only eaten during the winter. |
| B．Zongzi is a traditional food for the Dragon Boat Festival. |
| C．Zongzi is made with non-glutinous rice. |
| D．Zongzi does not require any fillings. |
2. What does the underlined word "commemorate" in Paragraph 2 mean?
| A．To forget. |
| B．To celebrate. |
| C．To criticize. |
| D．To remember and honor. |
3. What is special about making zongzi?
| A．It is very easy and requires no skill. |
| B．It is a lost art that few people know. |
| C．It is a traditional art that has been passed down through years. |
| D．It involves using machinery to wrap the zongzi. |
4. Zongzi comes in different shapes and sizes, __________.
| A．but they all have the same filling. |
| B．and they are only cooked by machine. |
| C．which often depends on the region and family tradition. |
| D．but they are always wrapped in the same way. |
5. Why is zongzi important during the Dragon Boat Festival?
| A．It is a traditional Chinese dessert. |
| B．It symbolizes unity and remembrance. |
| C．It is the favorite food of Qu Yuan. |
| D．It is used to predict the weather. |
