Wild lands across Africa are home to many rare, threatened, and endangered species. Having recognized their extraordinary value and     1     (preserve) their ecological wealth, the UNESCO classified some of these sites     2     World Heritage sites. Unfortunately, the ecological integrity of many significant landscapes is under the influence of human activity.

Let’s take the example of Ethionia’s Simien Mountains National Park. In 1996 when it entered the list of World Heritage In Danger,    3     increasing number of human settlements around the park over the years,    4     (couple) with unsustainable farming practies and overgrazing (过度放牧), had worsened the conditions of all-important wildlife habitats. Marked by the significant population decline of some species, the future of this park     5    (hang) in the balance.

However, in 2017, the park made history with its     6     (remove) from the list. a significant and remarkable achievement of the Government of Ethiopia. By then various efforts     7     (devote) to achieving this. In 2003, the Government reestablished the limits of the park, adding the Mekeserya and Limalimo Wildlife Reserves.    8     (effect) community-driven conservation strategies are instrumental in preventing further ecological loss. The authorities have developed a grazing strategy     9     aim is to greatly reduce the grazing pressure on the park. Plus, alternative livelihoods through tourism assisted communities     10     (great) in developing conservation-friendly economies in the landscape.

What is the secret of the charm of Yunnan Province? Beautiful scenery, rare plants and flowers, local specialties? These are all part of the answer,     1    they are definitely not everything.

Yunnan boasts not only fabulous natural landscapes, but also fascinating ethnic customs. Among the 25 ethnic groups of Yunnan, the Yi people have    2    unique culture, which over thousands of years     3    (develop) into colourful customs with distinctive features.

The Yi people adore tigers, fire and the colour black. Many festivals have developed from the ceremonies for     4    (worship) these objects. The Torch Festival is the most widely celebrated, with a very strong    5    (religion) element.

The Yi people, who call    6    (they) the “fire nationality”, think fire possesses a superhuman power which can drive away evil and frighten off ghosts.

During the festival, at the entrance to the villages, a grand “torch tower”, made of pine branches and dry firewood and    7    (stand) more than 20 meters high, is decorated with fresh flowers and fruits.

After dinner, as darkness casts its shadow, young and old rush    8    (enthusiastic) to the “torch tower” square.     9    such a brilliant night, all the participants are intoxicated(陶醉的) by the grand spectacle and the atmosphere of celebration.     10     (dress) in splendid costumes, young men and women sing and dance hand in hand around the bonfire to express their gratitude for a life of plenty and good wishes for the coming year.

The oldest art forms in China are music and dance. Music played     1     important role in ancient China. In ancient times, bronze (铜) bells were instruments of official ceremonies. A bronze bell set from a tomb in the ancient state of Zeng in Hubei Province, contains 64 bells,each of     2     produces two distinct, tuned strike notes. More than 120 instruments     3     (dig)out of the same tomb. Music and related ceremonies managed     4     (provide) a structure for activities in the courts of rulers at all levels at that time.

Theatre, once the most important popular art form in China, remains important for some people. However, in recent years, its popularity     5     (fall) compared to television dramas, especially serials.

Chinese theatre originated in early religious dances,     6     (perform) at festivals for various reasons, such as preparing for harvest, hunting, or warfare. Yuan dramas-or operas, as they are more     7     (accurate ) called-consisted     8     songs and dances organized around plots on historical or contemporary themes. The operas were performed in special theatres, with elegant     9     (costume) and decorated stages. From Yuan drama, later     10     (region) forms developed, including contemporary Peking opera.

What is archaeology?

It’s more than just digging and putting things in museum cases.

Archaeology tells the full story of humanity. Archaeology is the study of the human past. What, then, separates it from history? The key is that     1     history primarily uses the written word, archaeologists study the human past through things. Archaeologists use the material     2     (remain) of human societies in order to reconstruct everything.

Archaeologists use every kind of material that has survived into the present day, not just the things that you might expect, such as pottery and stone tools,     3     items such as animal bones and shells and even the microscopic silica deposits (phytoliths 植物化石) that plants produce, which can survive for centuries after plants die. Every tiny piece of evidence gives us     4     insight into how the world used to be, and how people lived, ate,     5     (interact), and constructed their landscape.

Archaeology ranges     6    the splendor of well-known wonders such as Stonehenge, the Terracotta Army and Machu Picchu, to     7     (small) but no less wonderful discoveries.

Archaeology’s relevance is not only in the past, though, it is a fundamental way of understanding the current state of the world.

It takes a huge workforce     8     (understand) the ancient world, people from all backgrounds     9     (work) together in different ways to build up a     10     (comprehend) picture of our shared past. The most known are those who work as field archaeologists.

Shuttlecock (毽子) kicking is a traditional popular folk game,     1     (date) as far back as the Han Dynasty.The fun game gained popularity during the Tang Dynasty, when     2     (store) specializing in the shuttlecock business appeared. In the Qing Dynasty, shuttlecock kicking reached its peak in terms of both making techniques and kicking skills.

To make a feather shuttlecock, a piece of cloth wrapped around a coin     3     (need). Through the coin hole you can stick some feathers,     4     function is to delay the rising and falling of the shuttlecock.

There     5     (be) a great number of variations in styles and methods of kicking. With one leg fixed on the ground, the shuttlecock is kicked by the inner ankle of     6     other. Some other styles include kicking the shuttlecock backwards and forwards between two people. Those who advance to a high level of mastery can perform some actions that are     7     (fair) wonderful. The challenge of the increasingly difficult levels of shuttlecock kicking has made it a popular and timeless game among Chinese children.

Playing with shuttlecocks is     8     (benefit) to health. When people are kicking shuttlecocks, various parts of the body need to work together, which enhances balance capabilities and physical flexibility and helps them strengthen their legs. Besides, shuttlecock kicking is convenient     9     (play). It can be practiced just about anywhere and anytime.

Since the establishment of the Chinese Shuttlecock Kicking Association in 1987, the national shuttlecock kicking tournament has been held annually, appealing     10     people of all ages.

The Yingge dance is a combination of opera, dance and wushu. Typically, the dance     1     (perform) during festivals and celebrations, with dancers wearing colorful costumes and carrying masks, snakes, spears and drums. Its rich history and cultural     2     (significant) have earned it the distinction of being classified as a national intangible cultural heritage (遗产) in China.

On Chinese New Year, a Yingge team     3     (consist) of 16 dancers from the Chaoshan region of Guangdong Province gave a wonderful performance in London. The event provided     4     unique opportunity for UK residents to experience the richness and diversity of Chinese culture.

The dance team’s commitment     5     their craft was evident in their preparation. For over a month, they devoted     6     (they) to perfecting their performance, ensuring every step, every gesture, and every beat was in harmony. The dancers, many of     7     had more than 15 years of performance experience, showed their devotion to preserving this ancient art form.

So far, the Yingge dance     8     (cross) borders, attracting audiences in foreign countries such as Thailand. The celebration of the Spring Festival has become a global phenomenon, with “Spring Festival Parades”     9     (hold) in several countries each year. Nearly one-fifth of the world’s population now celebrates the Chinese New Year in     10     (vary) styles, reflecting the growing influence of Chinese culture worldwide.