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Read the following text, and answer questions 1-9 below:
[1] It is easy to spot CS Kites in Hong Kong’s Mong Kok district. Just look for the big bumblebee flapping above its entrance. Established by the Mak family, it’s been peddling colourful kites for almost 40 years from its current location on Boundary Street. Today, the matriarch, Leung Pui-luen – “call me Mrs Mak” – and her sons, Benny and Jack Mak, both in their 40s, run the store, which also sells stationery and children’s toys.
[2] A simple pleasure, kite flying does what many health studies encourage: it gets the body moving and connects people with nature. Looking skyward also provides a welcome change from looking down at a phone or laptop.
[3] Many customers visit the shop on impulse, Benny says. “If they wake up, and the weather is nice, they rush over to get a kite to fly that day. We have over 100 designs, and all are in stock,” he says, plonking a chunky folder on a table. The “Kite Catalogue” is packed with images of colourful kites in all shapes and sizes, each design shown with its dimensions and price, most between HK$70 and HK$110. Some cost a little more, such as a 3.5m x 2.2m goldfish (HK$350) or a 3D pirate ship (HK$200).
[4] Many loved-up couples opt for the cute lucky cat design and the shiba inu dog kite, Benny says, while older customers are tempted by Star Wars-themed kites in the shape of the diminutive droid R2D2 and the X-wing starfighter that featured in the popular film franchise. “We also have DIY kites so people can create their own designs,” Benny says. “They’re popular with hotels.”
[5] Benny, the keenest kite flyer among the Maks, says there are plenty of spots in Hong Kong in which to indulge. “Just make sure you abide by the rules,” he says. According to the Civil Aviation Department, kite flying is not allowed within 5km of an airfield, at a height of more than 60 metres above ground level or within 60 metres of a vessel, vehicle or structure. Here are some of Benny Mak’s top kite flying spots:
[6] Tai Po Waterfront Park
Easy to get to, Hong Kong’s largest public park (22 hectares) tops Benny’s list. Its facilities – sports grounds, an insect house, themed gardens – add to its appeal, he says.
[7] West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade
This huge green space in Tsim Sha Tsui’s West Kowloon Cultural District offers great views and is close to cultural and leisure facilities.
[8] Tai Mei Tuk
Best known for its cycling trails, this flat, safe, kid-friendly space near Plover Cove Reservoir in Tai Po district is ideal for kite flying.
[9] Tai Au Mun, Sai Kung
At the end of Clear Water Bay Road and part of the Clear Water Bay Country Park, this picnic spot is valued by kite fliers for its cool breeze.
[10] Cyberport Waterfront Park
Open to the public from 7am to 11pm daily, this flat, grassy field in Southern district, dotted with swaying palms, is well-suited to a spot of kite flying. As an added bonus, it is also dog-friendly.
[11] Shek O’s Back Beach
Most visitors to this village on the south side of Hong Kong Island head to the main beach, but the smaller, quieter Back Beach is better suited to kite flying. Kiosks near the main car park sell kites.
Source: South China Morning Post, November 26
Questions
1. In paragraph 1, what other products can be found at CS Kites besides kites? (2 marks)
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. According to paragraph 2, one can benefit from kite flying because it …
A. helps people stay active.
B. brings them closer to the outdoors.
C. encourages them to take a break from their electronic devices.
D. all of the above
3. Find a phrase in paragraph 3 that means “to do something because you suddenly want to, although you did not plan to”.
_______________________________
4. What sorts of kites do couples usually get according to paragraph 4? (2 marks)
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
5. According to paragraph 5, which of the following is allowed in Hong Kong?
A. flying a kite on a tall building
B. flying a kite in an open field
C. flying a kite right next to an airfield
D. flying a kite when there is a vehicle nearby
6. In paragraph 6, what else can visitors do at Tai Po Waterfront Park besides flying kites?
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
7. What is Tai Mei Tuk famous for according to paragraph 8?
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
8. According to paragraph 9, kite-flyers enjoy visiting Tai Au Mun because …
A. it is cool and windy.
B. it is easy to get to.
C. many shops sell kites there.
D. the area is quiet.
9. Decide whether the following statements from paragraphs 6 to 11 are True, False or the Information is Not Given. Fill in ONE circle only for each statement. (4 marks)
(i) Dogs are not allowed in all the recommended kite flying spots.
(ii) Visitors can buy special Star Wars-themed kites at Shek O’s Back Beach.
(iii) People who enjoy picnics and kite-flying should visit Tai Au Mun.
(iv) Kite-flying is prohibited at Cyberport Waterfront Park after midnight.
Answers
1. stationery and children’s toys
2. D
3. on impulse
4. kites that have a cute lucky cat design and the shiba inu dog kite
5. B
6. They can go the sports grounds, an insect house or the waterfront park’s themed gardens.
7. It is famous for its cycling trails.
8. A
9. (i) F; (ii) NG; (iii) T; (iv) T
