六、阅读与回答问题
September is a big month for students in China since the new term begins at this time of year.
In ancient China, the school entrance ceremony (入学典礼) was one of the most important ceremonies.
Children began school between the ages of 4 and 7 in ancient China. Since there was no certain time to begin a new term at that time, the most important thing for parents was to choose a lucky day for their children to enter school. Next, parents would prepare some school things for their children, including desks, chairs and the four treasures of the study.
In ancient times, teachers were usually very knowledgeable local persons. Parents would prepare many gifts, and then write a letter of invitation to ask a knowledgeable man to be their children’s teacher.
On the day their children entered school, parents would take them to take part in the First Writing Ceremony. Before that, children would kowtow (叩头) to the statue of Confucius (孔子像) 9 times and then to their teacher 3 times to show their deep respect. During the ceremony, the teacher would put a red point on the students’ foreheads (前额) as it meant opening the wisdom eye. Children would ring a certain bell to start a new term. After that, they could finally sit down in their seats and begin to study. The First Writing Ceremony was a very important ceremony for every student.
Every day, students would arrive at school earlier than their teacher did, and kowtow to the statue of Confucius, and then go back to their seats. All these efforts were made because most ancient students dreamt of passing the Imperial Examinations (科举考试) to realize their ideals and bring honour to their families.
51. At what age did children begin school in ancient China?
Between the ages of 4 and 7.
52. What school things did parents prepare for children to enter school in ancient China?
Including desks, chairs and the four treasures of the study.
53. Why would children kowtow to the statue of Confucius and their teacher before the First Writing Ceremony?
To show their deep respect.
54. What would children do during the First Writing Ceremony?
Children would ring a certain bell to start a new term.
55. What do you think of the school entrance ceremony? (请自拟一句话作答)
I think it is important and meaningful.(言之有理即可)
