When was the last time you gave or got a hug? Is hugging a sense of ritual (仪式感) in your family? 【小题1】 In Western countries, it is quite common to greet close friends or relatives with a hug.

You might hug your teammates after winning a basketball game. If one of your friends is having a bad day, you can hug him to cheer him up. Friends who haven’t seen each other for a long time usually hug each other when meeting.

【小题2】 After coming to China, I’ve noticed that people here are generally more reluctant (不情愿的) to hug. My Chinese friends told me that hugging is considered to be very intimate (亲密的) in their culture. It usually only happens between people who are really close to each other, like couples. 【小题3】

But people’s attitudes toward hugging can also change.

I remember watching a video story about a “hugging party” that was held in Shanghai. A local artist held the party, inviting strangers and asking them to hug each other.

【小题4】 However, after the party, several of them changed their thoughts. They decided that hugging didn’t have to be awkward (尴尬的) and could actually be quite nice. So next time you see your mum or dad, give them a hug—see how it makes you feel.

Wang Xingyue, 14, Shnaghai: I don’t think we should set off firecrackers during holidays. It is really noisy. Some people set them off at midnight. People nearby can’t sleep well. It also creates air pollution and lots of rubbish. So I think there is no need to set them off anymore during holidays.

Liu Ran, I4, Shangdong: Setting off firecrackers is a tradition during Chinese festivals. People set them off to celebrate or wish a happy new year. This is very important in our lives. It reminds us of the invention of gunpowder in ancient China. We can’t give it up.

Lin Yisong, 15, Zhejiang: I think we should control firecrackers. During holidays, the government could tell people to gather in one place. They can set off firecrackers and others can watch. It is safer to do this and people can still enjoy their holiday tradition.

Li Qiang, 14, Jiangsu: I think we can improve firecrackers. The firecrackers we use now are dangerous. That’s why we can’t set them off freely. But if we can make them safer and better for the air. We wouldn’t have to give them up.

Zhang Qi, 14, Hubei: Firecrackers are dangerous and bad for the air. I think we can use something else to replace them. For example, we can use LED firework instead. They are beautiful and safe. Even kids can play with them.