Name: Date: reading (10 marks) 1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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WRITING TASK 2 MODEL ANSWER

Describe the laws and traditions concerning weddings in your country. Have there been any 

changes in recent years?

Weddings in China

Weddings are very important occasions in my country. They are vital social events which join two 

families together to celebrate the new marriage. In this essay, I will describe the law concerning 

marriage where I live, outline the customs and traditions of a typical wedding and show how weddings 

have changed in recent years.

Marriage reform was a priority in the People’s Republic of China following its establishment in 1949. 

Laws were designed to end forced marriages and the sale of women. The Cultural Revolution of 

the1960s and 1970s introduced fundamental changes to marriage in China. The Second Marriage Law 

of 1980 states that men must be at least twenty-two years old and women twenty on the day of the 

wedding. The law does not require any formal wedding vows. 

On the morning of the wedding day, women perform a hair dressing ritual for the bride. The bride’s hair 

is tied up in a bun, symbolizing her entry into adulthood. A similar ceremony is also performed on the 

groom. Then there is a procession from the groom’s house to collect the bride. Bridesmaids may try to 

block the groom’s way and ask him questions about the bride. The couple may serve tea to the bride’s 

parents before the wedding ceremony. The ceremony itself is simple, and is followed by the reception 

and dinner. 

Some modern innovations are now quite common. Wedding albums featuring photographs of the 

bride and groom in different costumes are very popular. 

ADDITIONAL WRITING TASK 2

Describe the traditions concerning an important festival in your country. How have these 

traditions changed over the years?