Directions: After reading the passage below, fill in the blanks to make the passage coherent and grammatically correct. For the blanks with a given word, fill in each blank with the proper form of the given word; for the other blanks, use one word that best fits each blank.There’s a type of porridge in China that’s filled with tradition and celebrated for its delicious taste. Unfortunately, to my mind, it also has a funny name.
Every year during the Laba Festival, which 【小题1】 (happen) on the eighth day of the 12th lunar month, Laba porridge is the food traditionally served. However, the first time I heard its name was in a nursery rhyme my daughter’s nanny 【小题2】 (sing) to her, 【小题3】 goes: “after Laba is the Lunar New Year.” But thanks to my bad Chinese and her heavy accent, I instead heard Laba in different tones that changed the meaning to “poop”. For a good two days I thought it was a nursery. rhyme to help toddlers with potty training. I was very wrong.
The Laba Festival arrives before Lunar New Year. Traditionally 【小题4】 (observe) by Buddhists to honor the enlightenment of Siddhartha Gautama, the festival is now more of a time for reflection, gratitude and preparing for the upcoming Lunar New Year festivities.
Laba porridge is delicious and beautiful. Its heartiness lies in its array of ingredients. 【小题5】 every family has their own variation, it typically includes a mix of beans, rice, nuts and 【小题6】 (dry) fruits. The key ingredients, however, are glutinous rice(糯米), beans and carious grains, cooked 【小题7】 thickened. Each ingredient has symbolic significance around the ideas of prosperity and health. For example, red beans symbolize good luck and happiness while glutinous rice signifies family unity.
Traditionally, before the Lunar New Year, families gather to prepare Laba porridge together, 【小题8】 (roster) a sense of unity and shared traditions, much like how families in the US do with their Thanksgiving meals. It’s about the time you spend together 【小题9】 the food you eat.
Laba porridge is one of those dishes that hold a special place in Chinese culinary heritage, 【小题10】 (combine) history, symbolism and a sense of community. In each streaming bowl of Laba porridge are well-wishes that one family member bestows upon another.