Unit 3 Assignment

The text mentions that “In many other countries, mealtime is treated as sacred” andgives examples of France, Mexico, and Cambodia. Do you think this is true inChina? Is it rare or common for families to eat together in China? How doesChinese society value family meals? Write a short essay explaining Chinesepeople’s attitude toward eating together.

参考答案：

Structure:

• Point

   What is your opinion? What point are you trying to make?

• Example

   Show vivid examples that back up your point.

• Conclusion

   Summarize your opinion.

I think that mealtime in China is important not only for families, but also forfriends and even business partners.

All Chinese people can identify with the view that meal times are often at the center of important family gatherings, and festivals. Wedding feasts, New Year’s Eve dinner, and even the meals we share with our family in daily life are a big part of every Chinese person’s life. Family meals contribute to healthy eating habits, andgive family members a sense of belonging and unity. For friends, sharing meals can bring them closer together and celebrate special occasions. Business people in China also like to use mealtimes as a chance, to establish close relationships with partners.

From these examples, we can see that eating together is at the heart of a range of different, but also very important, parts of Chinese social life.