Sixteen is a special age in the United States. There’s often a special celebration for a girl’s 16th birthday—a big party called Sweet-l6. It is like a wedding reception(结婚晚宴) in the number of guests and gifts handed out.
About a month before the party, the girl’s family sends out invitations to the guests.They must buy a special present for the birthday girl and the girl guests find good dresses to wear. A Sweet-16 present usually costs $40 to $60. This is about $20 more than the usual cost of a birthday present.
The party itself is not held at someone’s house. The hostess rents(租赁) reception hall for the event. Food, cake and a DJ are provided. Around 6 o’clock, guests arrive and meet the birthday girl. Then the girl and father have a special father daughter dance. After that, guests dance for about 30 to 45 minutes.
Then there is the most important part of the Sweet-16 party, the candle-lighting ceremony.
The Sweet-16 hostess stands behind 16 unlit(未点燃的) candles and dedicates(献给) each candle to her friends, family, and anybody that she feels is important to her. A lot of crying and hugging go on at this time.
After wards, people sit and eat. Most guests begin leaving around 11 o’clock.
This school year, I have been to two Sweet-16s. I am one of the youngest students in my grade(My birthday is in December). I’ll have to wait another year before I can have my own special Sweet-16 party. I can’t wait for it!【小题1】Why is sixteen a special age for an American girl?
【小题2】How much does a usual birthday present for a teenager cost in the USA?
【小题3】What is the most important part of the Sweet-16 party?
【小题4】How old is the writer?
【小题5】What do you think of the Sweet-16 party in the USA?(请自拟一句话作答）
