Spark Study Buddy (Explorer): Celebrate National Day with discounted rides and fireworks
This page has an easy read with questions to test your understanding and work on your English skills.
Hong Kong will offer free rides, fireworks and discounts for its National Day celebrations. Photo: May TseContent provided by British Council
[1] Hongkongers can look forward to discounted MTR rides, a fireworks display, half-price film tickets and more than 400 events to celebrate the National Day holiday on October 1. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said earlier this month that Octopus card holders could enjoy a 25 per cent discount on MTR and light rail rides during the holiday marking the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Residents will also be able to enjoy complimentary tram rides.
[2] A fireworks display in Victoria Harbour will also be part of the National Day “golden week” celebrations. More than one million mainland Chinese tourists visited the city during the eight-day holiday last year. Star ferry rides from Tsim Sha Tsui to Central and Wan Chai would also be free between September 30 and October 2, Lee added.
[3] “National Day is a day when the whole country rejoices,” Lee said before his weekly meeting with the key decision-making Executive Council. “I encourage all residents to participate in festivities enthusiastically and celebrate the 75th National Day.” Lee also clarified that the two giant pandas gifted to Hong Kong by Beijing would not be able to meet the public on the day.
[4] Authorities will roll out a host of new initiatives and relaunch ones offered last National Day and on July 1, when it marked the 27th anniversary of the city’s return to Chinese sovereignty. The MTR Corporation said passengers using Octopus cards would only have to pay 75 per cent of fares on the holiday. The discount includes cross-border services on the East Rail line to Lok Ma Chau and Lo Wu.
[5] Children can ride certain routes run by the city’s four bus operators for free on October 1, while residents will be able to enjoy complimentary entries to museums and sports facilities under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.
[6] The city will also hold more than 400 activities, including drone shows, bazaars, float parades and light installations organised by the different district councils. Shopping centres, department stores and more than 3,000 food and beverage establishments are also expected to entice diners with discounts during the National Day holiday.
Source: South China Morning Post, September 17
Questions
1. Why is October 1 a holiday in Hong Kong according to paragraph 1?
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. According to paragraphs 2 and 3, Hongkongers will not be able to … on October 1.
A. watch fireworks
B. take free ferry rides
C. visit the two latest giant pandas
D. none of the above
3. In paragraph 4, what discount will Octopus card users receive on National Day?
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
4. Who can enter museums for free according to paragraph 5?
A. young children only
B. people who live in Hong Kong
C. visitors
D. everyone
5. Circle the correct quantifier for each sentence below. (3 marks)
(i) (Many / Much) people will visit Hong Kong for National Day.
(ii) (Some / Any) museums will offer free entry to residents.
(iii) (Lots of / much) restaurants are offering discounts.
6. Arrange the words below to form a grammatically correct sentence. Begin the sentence with a capital letter and end with a full stop.
day / Hong Kong / is / October / of / preparing / for / a / first / big / on / the / celebration
Answers
1. because it is the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China
2. C
3. They only have to pay 75 per cent of the usual fares. This is a discount of 25 per cent.
4. B
5. (i) Many; (ii) Some; (iii) Lots of
6. Hong Kong is preparing for a big celebration on the first day of October.