Baby Boom Expected For Year Of The Dragon

Pre-Listening Vocabulary

• mythical: not real; used in stories and legends
• destined: promised a certain future before birth
• postpone: to put off; to reschedule for a later time
• conceive: to become pregnant
• restriction: a rule or policy that limits or controls a person
• foolish: not smart

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Baby Boom Expected For Year Of The Dragon

The dragon, the only mythical  in the Chinese zodiac, is considered to be the luckiest birth sign. According to the zodiac, those born in the Year of the Dragon are destined for  and success. Since couples can only have a “dragon baby” every twelve years, many postpone or plan their pregnancies for this year. Those wishing to get pregnant will try to conceive by May 2nd, the suggested  for having a dragon baby. Doctors in Hong Kong estimate that there could be 10% more babies born in Hong Kong compared to last year. Despite heavy restrictions and fines, many  mothers try to give birth in Hong Kong. Some want to avoid China’s one child policy, while others want better quality services and education for their children. Teachers in mainland China say that trying to conceive this year is foolish since dragon babies will lose out on educational opportunities due to the expected .

Comprehension Questions

1. Why is a baby boom expected in The Year of the Dragon?
2. Why do many pregnant women from mainland China go to Hong Kong to give birth?
3. Why do some teachers feel it is foolish to plan for a “dragon baby”?

Discussion Question: Many people become obsessed with the Chinese zodiac. They plan their lives around it. Why do you think some people take the zodiac more seriously than others?

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Baby Boom Expected For Year Of The Dragon
The dragon, the only mythical creature in the Chinese zodiac, is considered to be the luckiest birth sign. According to the zodiac, those born in the Year of the Dragon are destined for wealth and success. Since couples can only have a “dragon baby” every twelve years, many postpone or plan their pregnancies for this year. Those wishing to get pregnant will try to conceive by May 2nd, the suggested deadline for having a dragon baby. Doctors in Hong Kong estimate that there could be 10% more babies born in Hong Kong compared to last year. Despite heavy restrictions and fines, many mainland mothers try to give birth in Hong Kong. Some want to avoid China’s one child policy, while others want better quality services and education for their children. Teachers in mainland China say that trying to conceive this year is foolish since dragon babies will lose out on educational opportunities due to the expected boom.

1. A baby boom is expected in The Year of the Dragon because the dragon is considered the luckiest sign to be born under.
2. Many pregnant women from mainland China go to Hong Kong to give birth to avoid the one-child policy or to give their children better access to services.
3. Some teachers feel it is foolish to plan for a “dragon baby” because a baby boom will result in a loss of educational opportunity for those born during it.