Question

  An Australian Boy in Beijing

809 West Chang’an Street

Beijing, China

December 21, 2003

Dear Peter,

    I’ve been here in Beijing for half a year now. Beijing is in the north of China, so it’s quite cold in winter. It has just snowed twice here.

    I’m going to have the first “White Christmas” in my life! It’s hard to believe, isn’t it –so warm in Australia and so cold here?

    Thank you for the wonderful stamps! I’ve collected over 300 Chinese stamps since I came here. I’m sending some Monkey King stamps to you. I think you will like them.

    Now to answer some of your questions. Yes, I’m learning Chinese. Chinese is quite a difficult language for me. Last time Mum asked for some quilts（被子） in a shop. They showed her some cups. Dad and I had a good laugh over that. I’ve learned about 500 Chinese words. I can even write a little Chinese now. Have you looked at the words on the Christmas card? I wrote them myself!

    No, I’m not swimming. Instead, I’m learning to skate on real ice! I’ve had so many falls that I’m black and blue all over. But I’m learning fast.

    I’ve traveled to several places in south China with Mum and Dad since we came to China. I’ve seen a lot of interesting things. I’ve made quite a few good friends, too.

    I have to finish the letter now. Ask Uncle John and Aunt Alice to bring you, too, when they come in August, We’ll have a good time together then.

Yours,

Mike

 （    ） 1. Mike came to China _______________.

    A. in 2002              B. a year ago                  C. six months ago    D. twice

 （    ） 2. What does “White Christmas” mean?

    A. It means everybody is in white clothes at Christmas.

    B. It means Christmas is white.

    C. It means it doesn’t snow in Australia in December but that it does in Beijing.

    D. It means nothing.

 （    ） 3. _________ has collected _________ Chinese stamps.

    A. Peter; 300          B. Peter; 200                  C. Mike; 200            D. Mike; 300

 （    ） 4. ___________ must be John and Alice’s ___________.

    A. Mike; son           B. Peter; son                  C. Mike; daughter     D. Peter; daughter

 （    ） 5. Once ___________ wanted to buy some ___________.

    A. Mike; cups         B. Mike’ mother; quilts    C. Mike; quilts         D. Mike’s father; cups

Answer 1

1. C        2. C        3. D        4. B        5. B