The Lunar New Year

　　The Lunar New Year is a great occasion to the Chinese people. It lasts about the first four days of the year, during which people do not work except for the workers on duty. Students do not go to school, and shops are closed.

　　Several days before the new year, people begin to prepare. Farmers kill pigs, sheep, cocks and hens. City dwellers buy meat fish and vegetables. Houses are cleaned; coupletsare posted on the doors. Colourful lanterns are hung at the gate.

　　On the eve of the new year, each family has its members gatherd together and eats a family reunion dinner. After the meal they watch TV until the clock strickes twelve. Then every family sets off long strings of small firecrackers and other fire works to welcome the new year. On the first day of the new year, almost everyone is dressed in his or her best. When people meet on the way, they say to each other "Happy New Year". Friends and relatives pay new year calls and gives presents to each other. Children indulge themselves in games.

　　[点评]

　　阴历新年是中国人最大的节日。作者用简单易懂的语言对节日前后的情况作了生动的描述。文章篇幅适中，是篇好范文。

　　[参考译文]

　　阴历新年

　　阴历新年对中国人来说是个很重要的节日。它大约要持续4天，在这期间，除了值班人员外，人们都放假。工人不上工，学生上不学，商店关门。

　　新年前几天人们就开始准备。农民们宰杀猪、鸡、羊。城市居民买肉、鱼、蔬菜。人们打扫房子，贴对联，挂彩灯。

　　新年除夕，各家各户围坐在一起吃团圆饭。饭后，人们看电视，到了午夜12点，在这辞旧迎新的时刻，人们燃放各种烟花炮竹来庆祝。新年第一天，即正月初一，所有的人都穿着最漂亮的衣服，路上相遇，互相道“新年好”，亲戚朋友拜年互赠礼物，孩子们尽情地玩。