Despite many ups and downs in its history, China is     1    (wide) known for its ancient civilisation. One of the main factors that make this possible has been the Chinese writing system.

The written Chinese could date back to several thousand years ago when a picture-based language     2    (carve) as symbols on animal bones and shells. Over the years, the writing system developed into different forms, and     3     (variety) of dialects and characters appeared. However, Emperor Qinshihuang united seven major states     4     Chinese writing system began to develop in one direction. So today, no matter where Chinese people live or what dialect they speak, they can all communicate in writing.

Written Chinese has also become     5     important means by which China’s present is connected with     6     (it) past. People in modern times can read the classic works which were written by Chinese in ancient times. The high regard for the Chinese writing system can be seen in the development of Chinese     7     (character) as an art form, known     8     Chinese calligraphy, which has become an important part of Chinese culture.

Today, as China plays a greater role in     9    (globe) affairs, an increasing number of international students are beginning     10    (appreciate) China’s culture and history through this amazing language.

Niangao, a sweet rice cake, is a popular dessert eaten during the Spring Festival. It was originally used as an offering before it gradually became a Spring Festival food. The       1     (pronounce) of niangao sounds like “year high” in Chinese, symbolizing a much higher income, a much higher position, the growth of children, and the promise of a much     2     (good) year. It is considered good luck to eat it during the Spring Festival period. Niangao has a legend about its origin. In the Spring and Autumn Period of ancient China, the whole country     3    (divide) into different small kingdoms and people suffered a lot in wars. At that time, strong walls were built to protect the Wu Kingdom from repeated     4    (attack). Many people stopped worrying about wars, except for Wu Zixu. He told his entourages (随从), “Wars should not be viewed     5     (light). In case things go badly, remember to dig a hole under the wall.” After Wu Zixu passed away, a war broke out and many people died from lack     6    food. Some people did what Wu Zixu had told them before     7     found that the wall under the earth was built with special bricks     8    (make) from glutinous (黏的) rice flour. As a result, the bricks     9    (save) many people from hunger. After that, people made niangao every year in memory of Wu Zixu. As time passed, niangao became     10     we eat today.

Among various types of papers, Xuan paper, also known as rice paper,     1     (hold) an importance place. Originating more than 1500 years ago, the traditional craft of making Xuan paper     2     (include) on UNESCO’s the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009.

Today, top-quality Xuan paper is still produced in Jingxian County thanks     3     the mild climate, abundant rainfall and crystal-clear streams. These     4     (condition) provide a favorable environment for the blue sandalwood (檀香) tree and rice growing,     5     (offer) the materials needed to make the best Xuan paper.

The traditional process of making Xuan paper by hand is extremely time-consuming and demanding,     6     consists of more than 100 steps including collecting, leavening (发酵), whitening, screening, and sunning. The entire process may take more than two years     7     (complete). The skills to make the paper are     8     (high) difficult and have been passed down through generations from masters to apprentices.

The thinnest Xuan paper may be as thin as a cicada’s (蝉) wing. Super-sized Xuan paper can measure 11 meters in length and 3.3 meters in width. It is noteworthy that besides the     9     (remark) craftsmanship, the specially designed tools and machines employed during     10     process, such as the fine screen used to drain (滤干) the fibers, also possess profound cultural connotations and great technological value.

The lion dance is one of the most outstanding     1     (tradition) folk dances in China. It can date back to the Three Kingdoms Period (220—280).

The lion     2     (regard) as a symbol of bravery and strength by ancient people. They thought that it could drive away evil and protect people and     3     (they) livestock such as cattle, sheep and so on. Therefore, lion dances are performed at important events,     4     (especial) the Lantern Festival.

The lion dance requires two highly-trained     5     (perform) in a lion suit. One acts as the head and forelegs, and     6     other the hind legs. Under the guidance of a choreographer (编舞者), the “lion” dances to the beat of a drum, a gong (锣), and cymbals (钹). Sometimes they jump, roll, and do difficult acts such     7     walking on stilts (桩子).

In one lion dance, the “lion” moves from place to place looking for some green vegetables, in     8     red envelopes with money inside are hidden. The acting is very amusing and spectators enjoy it very much.

Nowadays, the lion dance     9     (spread) to many other countries with overseas Chinese. In many Chinese communities of Europe and America, Chinese people use lion dances or dragon dances     10     (celebrate) every Spring Festival and other important events.