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Passage 2
Kwanzaa is a cultural festival during which African-Americans celebrate and
reflect upon their rich heritage as the products of two worlds. It begins
December 26 and lasts for seven days.
Kwanzaa was founded in 1966 by Dr. Karenga, a college professor and
African-American leader, who believed that a special holiday could help
African-Americans meet their goals of building strong families, learning about
their history, and creating a sense of unity.
After conducting extensive research in which he studied the festivals of
many African groups of people, he decided that the new holiday should be a
harvest or "first fruits" celebration, incorporating ideas from many different
harvest traditions. Kwanzaa is a KiSwahili word meaning "the first fruits of the
harvest."
The East African language of KiSwahili was chosen as the official language
of Kwanzaa because it is a non-tribal language, spoken by a large portion of the
African population. Also, its pronunciation is easy.
Kwanzaa is based on seven principles which are unity, self-determination,
collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity
and faith. One principle is highlighted each day of the holiday.
In preparation for the celebration, a straw mat is placed on the table,
along with a candle holder with seven candles, one black, three red, and three
green. The black candle represents the African-American people, the red is for
their struggles, and the green represents their hopes for the future.
Other items placed on the table are a variety of fruit, ears of corns,
gifts, and a communal unity cup for pouring and sharing drinks.
Each day of Kwanzaa, usually before the evening meal, family and friends
gather around the table and someone lights a candle, beginning with the black.
After that, candles are lit alternately from left to right. While the candle is
being lit, a principle is recited; then each person present takes a turn to
speak about the importance that principle has to himself or herself.
Next the ceremony focuses on remembering those who have died. A selected
person pours water or juice from the unity cup into a bowl. That person then
drinks from the cup and raises it high saying "Harambee" which means "Let's all
pull together." All repeat "Harambee!" seven times and each person drinks from
the cup. Then names of African-American leaders and heroes are called out, and
everyone reflects upon the great things these people did. The ceremony is
followed by a meal, and then singing and perhaps listening to African music.
Questions 19-22 are based on the recording you have just heard.
Q19: What does the speaker say about Kwanzaa?
A) It is as important as Christmas for African-Americans.
B) It is a cultural festival founded for African-Americans.
C) It is an ancient festival celebrated by African-Americans.
D) It is a religious festival celebrated by African-Americans.
Q20: For what purpose did Dr. Karenga create this special holiday?
A) To urge African-Americans to do more for society.
B) To call on African-Americans to worship their gods.
C) To help African-Americans to realize their goals.
D) To remind African-Americans of their sufferings.
Q21: What does the word "Kwanzaa" mean?
A) Faith in self-determination. C) Unity and cooperative economics.
B) The first fruits of the harvest. D) Creative work and achievement.
A) They recite a principle. C) They drink wind from the unity cup.
B) They take a solemn oath. D) They call out their ancestors’ names.
Q22: What did people do while each candle was being lit at the Kwanzaa
celebration?
A) They recite a principle. C) They drink wind from the unity cup.
B) They take a solemn oath. D) They call out their ancestors’ names. 【考后估分】 新东方四六级估分系统，逼真还原12月试题，精准估分提早了解过没过线！具体估分规则，敬请关注新东方网四六级真题解析专题！
发表于 2017-12-16 21:27:24
