Grain Rain marks a significant period in the traditional Chinese calendar. As the     1     (six) of the 24 Solar Terms, Grain Rain usually falls around April 20 and lasts until the beginning of May. This period is     2     (traditional) associated with the onset of the rainy season, providing much-needed water that helps crops grow.

Grain Rain symbolizes the end of spring and marks the time     3     (begin) preparations for summer, making it crucial for farmers to ensure that their crops     4     (plant) in time to take full advantage of the growing season. During this time, activities like planting rice, corn, and beans are common due     5     the favorable conditions of warmer temperatures and increased rainfall. Grain Rain’s significance extends beyond just agriculture. It represents     6     time of growth, both in nature and within communities.

Grain Rain is a period rich with festivals, cultural events and communal gatherings. Communities often celebrate with various festivities,     7     (appreciate) nature’s renewal. It’s common to see people engaging in outdoor activities, celebrating with traditional performances, and enjoying the blooming of spring flowers,     8     are especially significant during Grain Rain.

Grain Rain not only highlights the practical aspects of agricultural planning but also embodies a deeper connection to the cycles of nature and the community’s cultural practices. It is a     9     (reflect) of the wisdom embedded in the traditional Chinese way of life, where observing natural phenomena guides daily activities and     10     (season) preparations.

Jane Eyre (《简爱》) is a timeless classic that attracts readers with its powerful storytelling and unforgettable characters.     1     (write) by Charlotte Bronte, this novel follows the journey of Jane Eyre, a poor young woman who overcomes adversity     2     (find) love and independence.

The novel is a masterpiece of Victorian literature, exploring themes of love, morality, and social class. Jane Eyre’s strong sense of self-worth and independence makes her attractive, while her love for Mr. Rochester adds depth     3     the story.

Bronte’s writing style is     4     (elegance) and interesting, drawing readers into Jane’s world and engaging them in the richly detailed settings of Thornfield Hall and Yorkshire. The novel’s atmospheric descriptions and vivid imagery bring the story to life,     5     (create) an absorbing reading experience.

One of the most memorable aspects of Jane Eyre is its     6     (explore) of complex inner struggles of    7    (it) characters. From Jane’s internal conflicts to Mr. Rochester’s troubled past, the novel explores the depths of human emotion with sensitivity.

Overall, Jane Eyre is an everlasting masterpiece     8     continues to attract readers of all ages. Its powerful themes, memorable characters, and engaging storytelling make it     9     must-read for anyone seeking an unforgettable novel. So far, Jane Eyre     10     (leave) a lasting legacy (遗产), inspiring numerous adaptations in film, television, and theater. Its timeless themes continue to attract audiences of all ages, making it a beloved classic for generations to come.

China recently shared exciting news about its space exploration efforts, and revealed the names of its manned lunar lander and a new crew spaceship. This development marks     1     important step in the nation’s efforts     2     (explore) outer space. The lunar lander is named Lanyue,     3     means “embracing (拥抱) the moon”. This choice reflects the dream and confidence of the Chinese people in their space exploration efforts.

The crew spaceship has been named Mengzhou, or Dream Vessel,     4     (indicate) its role in realizing the dream of landing on the moon and exploring newfrontier s in space. Mengzhou will have two versions: one for exploring the moon and the other for trips between Earth     5     the Tiangong space station, and the latter takes over the duties from the current Shenzhou spaceship.

These names, Lanyue and Mengzhou, were selected     6     (careful) from nearly 2,000 suggestions by the public to show the wide     7     (participate) and interest of the Chinese people     8     their country’s space missions. China plans to send its first manned mission to the moon around 2030. The Lanyue lander is designed with a landing and propulsion (推进) section to carry two astronauts to the moon. The Mengzhou spacecraft, designed for space travel,     9     (include) a reentry module for the astronauts and a service module     10     (equip) with power and propulsion systems.

Xiangsheng, or crosstalk, is arguably the most popular comic performance in China, appealing to people of all ages.

Xiangsheng first appeared in China during the Ming Dynasty. But it was not until the middle and late Qing Dynasty     1     xiangsheng, established itself as     2     unique and independent art form.

Performed mainly in Beijing or Tianjin dialect, xiangsheng is     3     (essential) known for its humorous and satirical (讽刺的) nature. It could be a comedic monologue, dialogue or multiplayer sketch.

As the     4     (early) form of xiangsheng, dankou, or monologue, is performed by an actor who mainly cracks jokes or simply narrates humorous stories. It’s known as qunkou when it is performed by three or more people.

But most of the time, xiangsheng is performed by two actors,     5     is called duikou. The two actors usually discuss or argue over a subject or a social phenomenon     6     a satirical and humorous manner. The main purpose is     7     (cause) laughter among the audience.

In the early years, xiangsheng performers typically came from a humble background,     8     (start) off as street performers. The most popular     9     (venue) of xiangsheng used to be Beijing Tianqiao, Tianjin Quanyechang and Nanjing Confucius Temple. Later, they began to perform in teahouses and theaters. With the     10     (arrive) of radio and television, xiangsheng began to reach audiences everywhere.

Located on the north side of the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, Yongchuan district of Chongqing might seem too ordinary,     1     (compare) with its better-known neighbors.

As an example of green design and development, Yongchuan has been the first in the country to offer a     2     (full) driverless robotaxi commercial service to the public. There are dozens of pickup stations set up across the district,     3     (cover) commercial centers, schools and residential areas. While self-driving cars run back and forth through the district, giving off a future sci-fi atmosphere, just 40 kilometers away     4     (lie) Songji ancient town, which has     5     history of more than 2,000 years. Old stone roads go through wooden buildings and courtyards built during the Ming and Qing dynasties     6     the Yangtze River flowing by southeast of the town. The ancient buildings, parking lots, roads and other infrastructure (基础设施)     7     (perfect) over the years.

Yongchuan, in     8     modernity and heritage (遗产) exist together, sets a valuable example for the development of other small towns. The city planners have proved     9     is possible to preserve cultural heritage while achieving technological advancement and ensuring the well-being of the     10     (local).

Shortly after the silk and feather umbrellas became popular in China, their manufacturers managed     1     (discover) a new kind of material from wood paper, enabling the     2     (create) of highly stylized, decorative and lightweight umbrellas.

In addition to providing protection from sun and limited protection from rain, oil-paper umbrellas     3     (view) as symbols of wealth, and power in the past. During the height of umbrella popularity in China, you could easily recognize the owners by the designs and colors of their umbrellas—royal family members used yellow or red colors,     4     the wealthy carried blue. Even in today’s Chinese and Japanese society, umbrellas play     5     important role. They are one of the most essential items     6     (present) to newly -wed brides, symbolizing blessing, protection from evil spirits and wishes    7     more babies.

The beauty of the Chinese paper umbrellas had     8     an impact on worldwide trends that their     9     (elegant) crafted materials and their canopy designs showcasing dragons, flowers, and landscapes quickly traveled via trade routes to distant Europe. Paper umbrellas today represent one of the best -known Chinese traditional exports, with businessmen selling them to     10     (passer-by) on streets worldwide.

The Spring Festival Gala (Chunwan) is an annual television show broadcast on China Central Television (CCTV) on the eve of the Chinese New Year. The Gala is a four-hour TV show featuring     1     (diversity) performances, including traditional and modern dance acrobatics (杂技), comedic acts, and musical performances by popular singers and     2     (celebrity). It also features special parts     3     (highlight) Chinese culture, history, and achievements.

The Gala     4     (become) an important part of the Chinese New Year celebrations since 1983. Families and friends gather around their televisions to watch the show,     5     is seen as a symbol of unity, prosperity (繁荣), and good luck for the coming year.

The Gala is     6     (typical) four hours long, but it can sometimes run longer. It is estimated that over 10,000 people     7     (involve) in its production. The Gala is hosted by a team of popular CCTV hosts, and it features performances by some of the biggest names in China.

The Spring Festival Gala is     8     unique and remarkable event that shows the best of Chinese culture and     9     (entertain). It is a cherished (珍贵的) tradition that brings people together     10     helps to create a festive and joyous atmosphere for the Chinese New Year.

Spending time in the great outdoors is a full-on sensory experience with endless skies, beautiful forests, the sounds of the wind and the warm feeling of sunrays     1     (rest) on your face. In addition to nature’s     2     (enjoy) sights, sounds and sensations, the familiar smells of nature can be just as appealing. In fact, a recent study found that nature doesn’t just smell good, but its fragrances make people feel good as well.

The researchers from the University of Kent in the UK     3     (send) 194 participants to relax in the woodlands throughout the four seasons. The participants reported feeling relaxed when they smelled     4    they described as “fresh air” or “earthy” smells. According to the study, these smells brought back fun memories of their childhoods.     5    instance, pine trees made some participants think about Christmas.

“We found that smells affected multiple fields of well-being with physical well-being discussed most    6     (frequent), particularly in relation to relaxation, comfort and rejuvenation (恢复活力),” wrote the researchers in the study. They also found that people feel more settled in a smell-free zone, with this result possibly     7     (link) to the absence of bad- smelling urban smells, like pollution.

Dr Jessica Fisher, study co-author, pointed out these results could     8     (apply) in future practice. In his opinion, when    9     comes to enjoying a hike in the woods or a picnic under the open skies, it pays     10     (keep) not only one’s eyes and ears, but also one’s nose, open.