Going from junior high school to senior high school is a big challenge. I had to think very     1    (careful) about which courses I wanted to take. I had to choose extra-curricular activities, too. I     2    (join) a volunteer club. I know I’ll have to study     3    (hard) as a senior high school student and get used to being responsible for a lot more.     4    (study) hard isn’t always fun, but I’ll be well prepared for university or whatever else comes in the future.

Learning Chinese calligraphy     1     (list) as one of the must-do things when I came to China. Now, I’m in the course of learning this unique art,     2     value is considered very high in China, even across East Asia today. It is not only     3     ancient artistic form of human language, but it also reflects Chinese traditions.

As someone who paints, draws, and loves all     4     (create) things, at first, I assumed I would be rather good at Chinese calligraphy. I was     5     (total ) wrong. Using thick brush tips to produce awkward brush strokes (笔画)     6     (be) very difficult for a beginner. I have no idea about the different types of calligraphy and the meanings     7     ( hide) behind each one. Also, I have to hold the paintbrush     8     a very specific way; unlike a pen or pencil, the paintbrush is held upright in the hand. I need to be extra careful when changing the angle or     9     (direct) of the brush, especially if I press too hard on the paper.

After taking the lesson, I now understand the difficulty of calligraphy and that it will take efforts and commitment     10     (master) this art form. Yet, I am grateful to learn such a special Chinese tradition.

My friends were surprised when I told them my plan to    1    (far) my learning in China. But up to now, choosing China to acquire my advanced study is one of the best decisions I     2    (make) in my life.

My first     3    (impress) of China is its large population. When I arrived at Wuchang Railway Station, I was    4    (amaze) by crowds of people with their luggage     5    (wait) for taxis and private cars to transport them. At the time I couldn’t speak Chinese,     6    made the local people surprised. I realised later that it     7    (be) probably because I am from Thailand and have no apparent difference in appearance. I thought     8    would be difficult for me to get familiar with the environment. But as soon as I told them where I come from, they just     9    (warm) smiled and said, “You are our neighbour. And if your friends have time, bring them to China.” These words made me feel warm. I felt really safe and secure in my surroundings; I have been helped enthusiastically when I am in need and I am so fond    10     Chinese people mainly because of their kindness and generosity.