When foreigners come to China, they may be surprised at Chinese’s special fondness and     1     (prefer) for seals (印章). To Chinese, seals are an art of deep cultural roots,     2     combines the essence of both calligraphy (书法) and sculpture and inspires generations to study to appreciate and to collect.

Seals are believed     3     (come) out as early as 8,000 years ago after our ancestors could make pottery wares and had private belongings. They tried to make marks on     4     (they) own possessions to prevent them from     5     (steal). When the first dynasty     6     (found), the king began to use seals to power and to show royal credits (赏识). Only the king’s special seal was then called “Xi”,     7     (represent) the highest authority. The first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, had his “Xi”     8     (make) out of the invaluable and beautiful jade “Heshi Bi”.

Then the local governments also needed seals for the same function. Meanwhile, private seals were carved in     9     (vary) of lucky characters and vivid animal patterns.     10     (gradual), the sphragistics (印章学) came into being.

Wood-block printing first appeared in the early Tang period. During the Song dynasty the technique of block printing was very advanced. Books were    1    (beautiful) printed. Even today   the books    2    (print) at the time are valuable and treasured by libraries and book collectors.

However block printing    3     (be) not very convenient. Every two pages of a book had to be carved on a wood block and a big book would require many blocks. Besides there had to be large places for storing the books.     4    (overcome) these shortcomings ，Bi Sheng invented the movable type during the years between 1041 and 1048. One word was carved on one piece of clay     5    was hardened with fire. Then clay characters were set on    6    iron plate according to the text of a book.

Then ink was applied to them and     7     (sheet) of paper spread over them and the printing was done. Bi Sheng’s invention made printing faster and easier    8    before. Later movable type of metal and wood was made and widely used.

The technique of printing was gradually known to other Asian countries and Europe. The great influence printing had    9    the advance of civilization is too clear to need any    10     (explain).

Chinese screen, also known as pingfeng, is a unique and elegant piece of     1     (tradition) furniture in Chinese decoration.

Typically, it     2    (make) of wood and features a delicate appearance. Famous for     3    (it) carving and paintings , the Chinese screen can block wind and noise from the outside, cover a door and make the room private. When     4    (decorate) a house, Chinese people attach great importance to the harmony of their living space with the surrounding environment. Architects believe a screen can help to control     5     the energy flows in a room and promote a feeling of peace and calmness.

With its roots in Chinese culture and ancient history, the screen is more than just     6     physical barrier.     7     addition to its decorative and practical functions , the Chinese screen is considered a symbol of honor and respect as well. When important guests visit, the host often greets them behind the screen as a sign of respect and privacy.

Today, Chinese screens are treasured and employed for their multiple     8    (role). Whether used to divide a room, create privacy,     9     add a touch of traditional elegance to a space, the Chinese screen     10    (remain) a beloved and valuable piece of design.

Confucius was     1     ancient Chinese teacher, politician and philosopher. He belonged     2     the Spring and Autumn period of Chinese history. Confucian was one of the few     3     (leader) who based their philosophy on the virtues that were required for day-to-day living at that time. His philosophy centered on personal and government morality, correctness of social relationship, justice and sincerity.    4     (know) as Master Kong to the Chinese, he     5     (teach) people how to develop the value of modesty, planning, respect, moral     6     (behave), honesty and sincerity. Apart from common sense, his philosophy was aimed at benefiting not only a few selected groups,     7     also all the people of empire he was a part of.

In his early years, he worked as a book-keeper, cowherd and a clerk. He was the first teacher in China     8     aim was to make education available for all. In his 30s, he adopted teaching as a career in order to achieve his teaching dream. It was when he was in his late 40s     9    he stepped into politics and was appointed the governor of a town in Lu state. At that time this was considered to be a minor position. He then served as minister of public works. However, he    10    (final) became the Prime Minister of Lu state.

Kofi Atta Annan, former Secretary General of the United Nations and the winner of Nobel Peace Prize died at the age of 80. Annan,     1    was born in Ghana in 1938, served    2    the seventh UN Secretary-General, from 1997 to 2006, and was the first     3    (rise) from within the ranks of the United Nations staff. Annan     4    (award) the Nobel Peace Prize jointly with the United Nations in 2001 for his work for a better    5     (organize) and more easeful world.

Annan was the chief architect of     6     became known as the Millennium Development Goals, and played a central role in    7    (create) The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and the UN’s first counter-terrorism strategy.

Annan kept connections to many international organizations. He was president of the University of Ghana, a fellow at New York’s Columbia University, and the professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in Singapore. So far, he has got a high       8    (recognize) from people of all countries.

Former President George W. Bush released a statement    9     (say), “Laura and I send our sympathies to Nane and the Annan family on the passing of Kofi Annan. He was a gentle man and a    10    (tire) leader of the United Nations. His voice of experience will be missed around the world.”