Possessing     1    history of over 2200 years, Chinese painting, originally was pursued by rich people. Then, it became popular around 581 A. D. with an increasing number of people     2     (show) the appreciation of its beauty.

Writing brushes, ink and paper are basic tools and materials for Chinese painting. The brush is mostly made of goat, wolf     3    fox hair, which is soft and stringy for producing brushes.

The ink stick is produced with a mixture of pine soot (松烟) and animal glue. It’s used in     4     (combine) with an ink stone. The painter wets the ink stone and then grinds (研磨) the ink stick on the stone, making the ink run so that it can be used for painting.

Many Chinese ancient artworks were created on silk. However, silk was     5    expensive that only very important paintings would use it. By the first century, when the early form of paper was invented, it     6     (become) a lot cheaper to paint.

Chinese paintings enjoy worldwide fame     7    its original style, distinctive features and special techniques. It concentrates on harmony between man and nature. When looking at a Chinese painting, you may not     8     (initial) realize its complex concept. In fact, much remains     9     (acquire) about traditional Chinese painting and its elements. Through appreciating Chinese painting, you will have a     10     (good) understanding of traditional Chinese culture and deepen your insight into Chinese people.

China’s ancient civilisation has continued all the way through into modern times. It is     1     (wide) known that the reason for this bas been the Chinese writing system. At the beginning, written Chinese was a picture-based language,     2     dates back several thousand years to the use of longgu. Symbols     3     (carve) on animal bones and shells by ancient Chinese people. Over the years, there was     4     time when people were divided geographically, leading to many     5     (variety) of dialects and characters. Emperor Qinshihuang, who united the seven major states into one unified country made the Chinese writing system begin to develop in one direction. It was of great     6     (important) in uniting the Chinese people and culture. Even today, no matter where Chinese people live     7     what dialect they speak, they can all still communicate in writing. People in modern times can read the classic works     8     (write) by Chinese in ancient times. Nowadays, Chinese calligraphy has become an important part of Chinese culture. As China plays a greater role     9     global affairs, a large number of international students are beginning to appreciate China's culture and history through this     10     (amaze) language.