Soccer Time Again! The 2016 European Championship has Arrived

Since 1980, each tournament has had a "吉祥物 (jíxiángwù) mascot." A "吉祥物 (jíxiángwù) mascot" is a cartoon character that is an animal, fairy tale character, or human and helps soccer fans get excited, or "pumped" for the games. This year's "吉祥物 (jíxiángwù) mascot" is Super Victor, a boy superhero with a cape.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo is a "前锋 (qiánfēng) forward" for Portugal who is famous as a high-scorer
who is most likely the most famous player in the world.
2. Paul Pogba ia a "中锋 (zhōngfēng) center" from France who is versatile and makes plays all
over the field. His nickname is "The Octopus" due to his long legs.

Usually, the "前锋 (qiánfēng) forward," who score goals, get most of the attention from casual soccer fans around the world. However, there are 11 players (per team) at the many positions around the field (pitch) that make the game work.

"前锋 (qiánfēng) forward", or "strikers," move forward to attack the opposing team's goal and score points.
"中卫 (zhōngwèi) centre half back" provides additional defensive support.
"守门员 (shǒuményuán) goalkeeper, goaltender, goalie" is the only player who can grab the ball. The goalie defends the goal.

Examples:

Zuǒhòuwèi chuánqiú gěi zhōngwèi.
左后卫 传球 给 中卫。
The left back passed the ball to the center back.

Shǒuményuán jiē zhù le qiú.
守门员 接 住 了 球。
The goalie caught the ball.

At last, graduation day has finally arrived, and for students all across the world, the years of hard work have finally reached a culmination. On this day, students will celebrate in many different ways.

1. 毕业晚餐 (Bìyè wǎncān): Graduation Dinner

As for China, there are several traditions followed by new graduates. First, it is a tradition for the students to attend a "毕业晚餐 (bìyè wǎncān) graduation dinner," or "散伙饭 (sànhuǒ fàn)," Whereas, in the US a dinner with family is the norm, a "散伙饭 (sànhuǒ fàn)" is a dinner reserved for the graduating class, a sort of farewell dinner party.

Example:

Jīntiān wǎnshang wǒmen qù chī sànhuǒ fàn.
今天 晚上 我们 去 吃 散伙 饭。
We will go for a farewell dinner tonight.

2. 毕业晚会 (Bìyè wǎnhuì): Graduation Party

However, like many other countries, "毕业晚会 (bìyè wǎnhuì)," or "graduation party" is a standard way to celebrate the achievements of the graduating class. In China, the graduation party is...Read more

Example:

Wǒ jīntiān wǎnshang yào qù cānjiā bìyè wǎnhuì.
我 今天 晚上 要 去 参加 毕业 晚会。
I am going to the graduation party tonight.

3. 毕业典礼 (Bìyè diǎnlǐ): Graduation Ceremony

Now its time for the big event! Each high school or university carefully prepares their "毕业典礼 (bìyè diǎnlǐ) graduation ceremony." It's a time to...Read more

Example:

Bìyè diǎnlǐ lìng rén shífēn nánwàng.
毕业 典礼 令 人 十分 难忘。
The graduation ceremony is unforgettable.

Quiz: