social development
Reading comprehension
1 Chen Guangbiao was angry about the fact that some wealthy mainlanders did not attend the charity event recently hosted by Bill Gates and Warren Buffet because he thinks that wealthy mainlanders should:
a. make use of the tax advantages associated with giving to charity.
b. 'give face' to American billionaires.
c. repay society as they have benefited from favourable economic policies and China's working class helped them get rich.
d. demonstrate their generosity to the rest of the world.
2 Zong Qinghou, who did not attend the event because he said he had another engagement, said that 'real charity' involves:
a. too much to ask for from busy businessmen.
b. creating wealth and jobs.
c. helping family and friends.
d. dangerously exposing too much of one's wealth.
3 According to the Hurun Rich List, last year, the 50 most generous donors gave an average of US$25 million. This amount was how many times the average amount given in the first list, in 2004?
a. twice as much
b. four times as much
c. six times as much
d. eight times as much
4 What proportion of those invited attended the charity event hosted by Bill Gates and Warren Buffet?
a. three-quarters
b. two-thirds
c. half
d. one-third
Think about
1 Do you think rich people have a social responsibility to give to charities? Why?
2 Do you agree with Lao Wu, who said more 'ordinary' people should get involved with charities? Why?
3 How have the history and tradition of philanthropy in China changed over the years?
Vocabulary
1 Those who hoard their wealth and give or spend money reluctantly are considered _____.
2 Apart from donating money, another way of contributing to a charity is getting involved in _____ work.
3 Many people have ____ during famines, prompting people to set up charities to help them by providing food and water.
4 Sometimes, the giving of unexpectedly generous gifts means that the behaviour of others has _______.
Answers:
Reading comprehension: 1. c, 2. b, 3. d, 4. b
Vocabulary: 1. stingy, 2. voluntary, 3. starved to death, 4. exceeded expectations