China produces and uses so much bamboo that the country is sometimes referred to     1     the Bamboo Kingdom. 40% of all known bamboo species in the world are grown in China, so it’s not     2    (astonish) that China grows more bamboo than any other country in the world. Today, roughly one fifth of the global supply of bamboo is grown in China, with Sichuan and Fujian     3    (be) the provinces with the largest total area of bamboo cultivation.

Bamboo is one of     4     fastest-growing plants on earth. Although some types of bamboo can grow to be almost 35 meters in height, you may be surprised to learn that bamboo is     5    (actual) a type of grass rather than a tree.

In traditional Chinese culture, bamboo, plum blossoms, orchids (兰), and chrysanthemums (菊) form a group     6     is called the Four Gentlemen. Each member of the group is used     7     (represent) some aspect of the character of an ideal person. In the case of the bamboo, it serves as an emblem (象征) of modesty and mental     8    (strong).

Along with the pine and plum blossom, bamboo also sometimes     9    (appear) as part of the Three Friends of Winter. Each of these three plants     10    (admire) for its ability to remain firm and fresh when the weather turns cold.

Different countries have different table manners.     1     is polite in Asia may be extremely rude in Western     2     (country). For example, when you are in England you must not lift your soup plate to your mouth. This is very impolite. But this is     3     (complete) normal if you are in Japan. When     4     (drink) your soup, you can lift your plate to your mouth. Traditionally,     5     is the woman’s job to cook food and set the tables in Korean. The woman would sit behind her husband     6     (make) sure that he has everything     7     he needs for a pleasant meal. Normally in Western Europe, the host or hostess takes the first bite. The host begins after all food     8     (serve) and everyone is seated. It is impolite to reach over someone to pick     9     food or other items. However, in China the dishes are placed on the table and everybody shares. Sometimes the Chinese host uses their chopsticks to put food in your bowl or plate. This is     10     sign of politeness.