Eiken 3 Reading 3A,B & C

​Eiken 3 Reading
New Year

By Darren Walshe

Multiple Choice

1. Many families prepare special ______ for the New Year meal.

• chairs

• games

• dishes

• trips

Multiple Choice

2. People often visit a shrine to ______ for good luck.

• clean

• pray

• travel

• cook

Multiple Choice

3. During the New Year holidays, many people ______ to their hometown.

• travel

• eat

• rest

• work

Multiple Choice

4. The Year of the Horse is part of the ______ calendar.

• daily

• school

• lunar

• weekly

Multiple Choice

5. Children often receive ______ from adults at New Year.

• homework

• advice

• money

• uniform

Multiple Choice

6. January is the first ______ of the year.

• season

• schedule

• month

• plan

Multiple Choice

7. New Year is a time for families to ______ time together.

• share

• close

• bring

• give

Multiple Choice

8. Many people watch special TV ______ on New Year’s Eve.

• books

• shows

• food

• letters

Multiple Choice

9. Some people make New Year ______ for the coming year.

• roads

• answers

• plans

• desks

Multiple Choice

10. New Year celebrations often create a ______ atmosphere.

• heavy

• noisy

• happy

• narrow

​Reading

📘 Reading Passage 

New Year in Japan

New Year is the most important holiday in Japan. Many people take time off from work or school to spend time with their families. Unlike Christmas, which is often about fun and romance, New Year is a time for tradition and reflection.

Before the New Year, families clean their homes to prepare for a fresh start. This custom is believed to bring good luck for the coming year. People also decorate their houses with traditional items and buy special food for the holidays.

On New Year’s Eve, many families stay up late to watch TV or eat together. At midnight, some people visit a temple to hear the bells ring. On January 1st, it is common to visit a shrine early in the morning and pray for good health and happiness.

During the New Year holidays, families often gather to eat special food such as osechi and mochi. Children enjoy receiving money from adults, and many people send New Year cards to friends and relatives. These customs help people welcome the new year with hope and positivity.

Multiple Choice

Why is New Year important in Japan?

• It is a romantic holiday
  

• People receive many presents

• Families spend time together

• Stores stay open late

Multiple Choice

What do families often do before the New Year?

• Travel to other countries

• Clean their homes

• Visit shrines at night

• Send cards to their friends

Multiple Choice

What do some people do at midnight on New Year’s Eve?

• watch fireworks

• Eat special food

• Hear temple bells

• Open presents

Multiple Choice

What do many people do on January 1st?

• Go shopping

• Visit a shrine

• Return to work

• Meet friends

Multiple Choice

What is one purpose of New Year customs in Japan?

• To save money

• To study harder

• To welcome good luck

• To celebrate winter

Subject: New Year Plans

Hi Ken,

Happy New Year! I hope you are enjoying your winter holidays. I wanted to tell you about my New Year plans.

On New Year’s Eve, my family stayed at home and watched a TV program together. Just before midnight, we ate noodles, and then we went to bed late. On January 1st, we woke up early and visited a shrine near our house. We prayed for good health and success this year.

In the afternoon, we visited my grandparents and ate osechi together. I also received some money from my relatives, so I was very happy. The holidays are almost over, but I feel relaxed and ready for the new year.

How did you spend your New Year? I hope to hear from you soon.

Best wishes,


Taro

Hi Taro,

Thanks for your email. Your New Year sounds very nice and relaxing.

My family spent New Year in a similar way. On New Year’s Eve, we cleaned the house together and watched TV. On January 1st, we visited a shrine in the morning, and later we stayed at home and ate mochi. In the evening, we played card games and talked as a family.

I like New Year because I can spend quiet time with my family and think about my goals for the year. Let’s do our best at school this year.

See you soon,
Ken

Multiple Choice

Q1. What did Taro’s family do on New Year’s Eve?

• They visited grandparents

• They cleaned the house

• They watched TV and ate noodles

• They went to a shrine

Multiple Choice

Q2. What did Taro do on January 1st?

• Went shopping

• Visited a shrine

• Played cards games

• Stayed at home all day

Multiple Choice

Q3. What did Ken’s family do before New Year’s Day?

• Traveled to another city

• Cleaned the house

• Ate osechi

• Visited grandparents

Multiple Choice

Q4. What does Ken like about New Year?

• Getting presents

• Eating cake

• Spending quiet time with family

• Watching TV programs

Multiple Choice

Q5. Why did Ken write the reply email?

• To invite Taro to his house

• To explain school rules

• To share his New Year experience

• To ask for help

New Year Family Event Notice

The community center will hold a New Year Family Event on January 2nd and January 3rd. The event will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day.

Visitors can enjoy traditional games, calligraphy practice, and short cultural activities. On January 2nd, there will be a mochi-making event starting at 11:00 a.m. Children who join will receive a small souvenir.

Please note that food is not allowed in the activity rooms. Parents must stay with children under the age of six at all times. If you wish to join, please sign up at the community center by December 28. The event is free, but space is limited.

​🪧

Multiple Choice

Q1,When does the New Year Family Event open each day?

• 9:00am

• 9:30am

• 11:00am

• 3:30pm

Multiple Choice

Q2, What can children get after joining the mochi-making event?

• Food

• Money

• A small souvenir

• A free ticket

Multiple Choice

Q3, What must parents do if their child is under six?

• Sign up early

• Stay with their child

• Bring food

• Leave before noon