As we all know, the Dragon Boat Festival is our country’s traditional festival, but do y

As we all know, the Dragon Boat Festival is our country’s traditional festival, but do you know there is also a Dragon Boat Festival in South Korea, which also falls on May 5 of the lunar calendar(阴历)? It has been reported that South Korea will apply to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO 联合国教科文组织) to make the celebration of the Dragon Boat Festival its own intangible cultural heritage (非物质的文化遗产). If successful, people from other countries may see the Dragon Festival as a Korean creation.

As the birthplace of the yearly event more than 2,000 years ago, China is not happy with the situation. "It would be a shame if another country successfully made a traditional Chinese festival part of its own cultural heritage ahead of China," said Zhou Heping, deputy(副) culture minister. The Ministry of Culture is even thinking of making its own application to UNESCO, covering all traditional Chinese festivals, including the Dragon Boat event.

It is thought that the festival is held in memory of the great poet Qu Yuan (340-278 BC), who lived in the State of Chu during the Warring States Period. Qu was known to be a patriot (爱国者) and admired by ordinary people.

He is said to have jumped into Miluo River, because he had lost hope in his country's future. When people heard about Qu's death, they sailed up and down the river searching for his body. They also beat the drums to frighten away the fish and threw Zongzi into the water to stop the fish touching Qu. Dragon boat racing is said to come from this search for the poet's body.

         Over the years, the Dragon Boat Festival has spread throughout the world. In Japan and Viet Nam, as well as South Korea, the festival has mixed with and become part of the local culture.

11. The Dragon Boat Festival _______.

A. is also kept by South Korea                    B. comes from South Korea

C. was created by South Korea                   D. is South Korea’s cultural heritage

12. What is the reaction of the Ministry of Culture to South Korea’s intending to make the Dragon Boat Festival its own culture heritage?

A. Fighting against South Korea                 B. Telling South Korea it’s not right to do so

C. Considering to do the similar thing         D. Asking South Korea not to do so.

13. What is the purpose of the Dragon Boat Festival’s being held?

A. In memory of Qu Yuan                   B. In memory of all the patriots of China

C. To frighten away the fish                D. In honor of QuYuan’s birthday

14. After Qu Yuan’s death, Zongzi was thrown into the water to _______.

A. feed him.                                      B. protect his body from going bad.

C. prevent the fish biting his body        D. attract his soul

15. Now, the Dragon Boat Festival has become ______ activity.

A. a nationwide             B. a worldwide             C. an Asian            D. a foreign