III. Complete the sentences with the appropriate present tenses of the verbs in brackets
6. Since 1965, the maple tree with the leaves ………………….……….. the most wellknown Canadian symbol. (become)

7. At present, the National Cherry Blossom Festival …………………............. in Washington, D,C. to see celebrate spring's arrival. (occur)

8. Maori …… ……………..….. recognized as an official language of New Zealand since the Maoris Language Act of 1987. (be)

CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL IN JAPAN

Sakura is the Japanese word for cherry blossom. This kind of flower blossoms across Japan between March and May each year, beginning with Okinawa in the far south in February to northern Hokkaido in May. In ancient Japan, cherry blossom had great importance because it announced the rice – planting season and was used to divine the year’s harvest.

Many factors can effect when the cherry blossom comes in to bloom. A particularly cold winter can make the flowers come out late. Mild weather can allow them blossom sooner. Heavy rain can mean that the trees drop their petals much quicker than otherwise.

If you are lucky enough to visit Japan during cherry blossom season, you should go to the local parks and gardens, bring some picnic food and drinks and join the Cherry Blossom Festival (or hanami in Japanese). It is one of the traditional customs of Japan and it is very famous. During this period, the Japanese are very relaxed,, and everyone enjoys the pleasant atmosphere.

1. When does sakura blossom?

2. Why was cherry blossom very important in ancient Japan?

3. What can make cherry blossom trees drop their petals much quicker?

4. What are you recommended if you visit Japan during cherry blossom season?

5. What is hanami?

Mark the letter A, B, C or D to indicate the correct answer to each of the following questions.

Question 16: There will be a cherry blossom festival at the park tomorrow; you _______ spend your day there if you have nothing to do.

A. most

B. will

C. should

D. could

1. Canada ____________ made up of 10 provinces and 3 territories. (be)

2. Australia ____________ a range of different landscapes, including urban areas, mountain ranges, deserts and rain forests. (have)

3. Annually, the National Eisteddfod festival of Wales ____________ place for eight days at the start of August. (take)

4. The Statue of Liberty ______________ over 12 million immigrants entering the USA through New York Harbor since 1900. (welcome)

5. Each of the 50 states _______________ an official state flower so far. (adopt)

6. Since 1965, the maple tree with the leaves ______________ the most well-known Canadian symbol. (become)

7. At present, the National Cherry Blossom Festival ____________ in Washington. D.C. to celebrate spring’s arrival. (occur)

8. Maori ____________ recognized as an official language of New Zealand since the Maori Language Act of 1987. (be)

Choose the correct sentence among A, B, C or D which has the same meaning as the given one