The purpose of the message is to ask the sister to pick up Mum and Dad from the airport tonight, because the brother has to work and cannot collect them himself.

Students should bring extra clothes because it will be very cold at night on the mountain. They should bring their own water bottle, as the school will provide food and water but not water bottles. They should also bring a hat, because it will be windy on the mountain.

C

Xiaobai decided to attend the Chinese Culture Day because his mother is Chinese and he wants to learn about Chinese culture. He is interested in trying to write Chinese characters in the morning, and he wants to try making dumplings and singing Chinese songs in the afternoon. He wants to experience all the activities offered.

Dawei has three reasons for taking a gap year. First, he wants to earn his own money rather than depend on his parents. Second, he is currently unsure about what he wants to study at university, and a year of work will give him time to think clearly. Third, he wants to use the year to travel to Japan.

The daughter convinces her father by responding to each of his concerns in turn. When he objects that no one has time to look after the dog, she points out that she comes home from school every day and will look after it herself. When he worries about her schoolwork, she explains that she always finishes her homework first before playing. When he says dogs are noisy, she suggests they choose a quiet dog. Finally, when he reminds her that her mother dislikes dogs, she explains that she has already spoken to her mother, who has agreed she can try. Convinced by her thorough plan, the father agrees to go and look at dogs together on the weekend.

At the beginning of the conversation, the male speaker plans to study commerce at university next year. He says this is because his father told him that commerce can earn a lot of money, although he himself does not really like commerce. The teacher then reminds him that his Chinese grades in high school are very good and asks whether he likes Chinese. He admits he likes Chinese, but believes Chinese cannot earn money. The teacher counters this by explaining that Australia and China have many businesses, and people who can speak Chinese can find very good jobs. The teacher suggests combining Chinese with commerce. By the end of the conversation, his decision has changed: he now wants to study Chinese AND commerce together, rather than just commerce.

Lihua is highly likely to join the school exchange to Singapore. He initially raises three concerns, but the teacher addresses each one. First, he worries that his Chinese is not good, but the teacher reassures him that Singaporeans speak both English and Chinese, so he can use both languages. Second, he is concerned that his mother will not let him go for three weeks, but the teacher offers to explain things to his mother personally. Third, he says half the cost is still a lot of money, but the teacher points out that with six months remaining he can earn money through part-time work. Lihua is also attracted by what Singapore offers: delicious Chinese food, many beautiful places, the chance to learn Chinese culture, and the opportunity to make new friends. He concludes that 'it sounds good' and says he will go home to discuss it with his mother. His final position is positive, with only his mother's agreement remaining as an outstanding step.

Wenwen is proposing that she and Xiaohua visit Cabramatta together this Sunday.

Wenwen has been to Cabramatta many times. The Vietnamese pho there is delicious, the Chinese cakes are also very good, and the Chinese-people market is lively. The trip is also easy — only 30 minutes by train from Central Station.

Xiaoming's parents have gone to grandfather's house for grandfather's 80th birthday dinner, and they will stay there for three days.

Xiaoming needs to pick up his sister from her school after school finishes today, and then have dinner with her (the dinner is on the table). After dinner, they need to clean up the kitchen. He also needs to feed the dog Baibai twice a day, and take Baibai out for a 10-minute walk in the morning and again in the evening.

Huang Laoshi has written the email to her students.

A suitable candidate would be someone who can speak both Chinese and English, since they need to teach English to Chinese primary school children. They should also like children, be patient, and be conscientious in their work — these are essential because young students need attentive and careful teaching. It would be even better if they can sing English songs, because the children enjoy learning English by singing. Finally, the candidate must be available on Saturday afternoons from 2 pm to 4 pm in central Sydney.

Xiaoli is graduating in December and wants to travel to China for the first time after graduation. She does not know where to go, so she is asking the forum members for their recommendations.

The three commenters recommend three different cities. Mingming recommends Beijing, focusing on its historical sites — the Great Wall and the Forbidden City — and noting that Beijing is cold but does not rain in winter. Aili disagrees and recommends Shanghai instead because it is a big city with lots of young people, food and entertainment, although she warns that Shanghai is rainy and cold in winter. Dashan recommends Chengdu, emphasising its delicious food (especially hot pot) and friendly people who speak slowly enough for foreigners to understand. Aili also notes a downside of Chengdu — that it has no sea. Overall, Mingming and Dashan focus on cultural and culinary attractions, while Aili emphasises city lifestyle and recognises weather and geography as drawbacks.

Lili currently works at the community centre every Saturday. She teaches English to Chinese elderly people there, and they teach her how to cook Chinese food in return.

Xiaohua is unlikely to accept Lili's invitation, even though she would like to do this work. She has already agreed to start a different job next Saturday at her mother's Chinese restaurant, where her mother needs her help from next month. Because of this commitment, Xiaohua does not have time for two jobs. However, she does not simply decline — she suggests an alternative by recommending her friend Xiaohong, who likes elderly people, can speak English, and is currently looking for work. Xiaohua asks Lili if she can pass the email on to Xiaohong. Xiaohua also extends a return invitation to Lili to dine at her mother's restaurant during the next holiday, which she would pay for. Overall, Xiaohua's response is warm and helpful: she declines the offer for valid reasons, suggests a suitable alternative, and reciprocates with a social invitation.