1. Best wishes for the Rooster people
初中基础 (2394期 ) 45版

2. Contents 1. Pre-reading 2. While reading 3. Word usage
4. After reading

3. Pre-reading What are the twelve Chinese zodiac (生肖) animals?
The Chinese zodiac is a repeating cycle (往复的周期) of 12 years. Each year is represented (代表) by an animal. The animals include eleven animals from nature (rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig) and a Chinese legendary (传说中的) animal: dragon. These zodiac animals are used to date (确定……年代) the years.

4. Pre-reading Why in that order?
The 12 animals are in a fixed order according to Chinese yin and yang theory (阴阳学说). The yin or the yang of an animal depends on (取决于) the odd or even number (奇偶数) of its claws or toes. Odd number means yang and even number means yin. However, the rat has four toes on its fore legs (前腿) and five on its hind legs (后腿). So the special animal ranks first of the 12 zodiac animals.

5. Pre-reading
In which Chinese zodiac year were you born? Do you know anyone who is born in a Year of the Rooster? Do they share the same personality?

6. While reading Answer the questions.
 1. According to the passage, what do Song Hye-kyo, Tom Hiddleston and Harry Kane share in common (共同，共有)?
2. How old is Song Hye-kyo?
3. Which university did Tom Hiddleston attend?
4. What is Harry Kane?
5. Among the three stars, who will have his or her first child this year?
They were all born in a Year of the Rooster.
She is 36 years old.
The University of Cambridge.
He is a soccer player/striker.
Harry Kane.

7. Word usage Complete each sentence with one word in its proper form.
The ________ of the baby gave him great pleasure.
The boy really wanted to be a member of the ________ team.
As the new ________ of the country, he has a lot of duties.
I was ____________ at the news about his death.
We have to take ________ from now on to save water and electricity.
born
surprising
actor
winner
princess
creator
winning
prince
surprised
action

8. Word usage
Translate the following sentences with the given phrases from the article.
他将这段时期描述为“一生中最快乐的时光”。(describe … as …)
2. 请接受我对你们所有人的祝贺。 (congratulations to sb.)
3. 她的新小说何时出版？(come out)
He described this period as “the happiest time in his life.”
Please accept my congratulations to you all.
When is her new novel coming out?

9. After reading
New Year means a new beginning. In the West, people usually make a list of New Year’s resolutions (决心，愿望). That is a plan or promise for the coming year. What are your resolutions? Share them with your classmates.

10. Thanks