After learning the basics of tai chi in those first few classes, I found myself bored and aching from doing the same moves over and over again. Luckily, my coach taught me how to relax my muscles and focus on peace of mind while performing the routine. With these requirements of tai chi in mind, I found to my satisfaction that     1     我的平衡性和柔韧性慢慢有所改善, that I was able to do more difficult moves, and that my love for tai chi returned stronger than ever.

In time, I began to look into the ancient Chinese culture behind tai chi. I discovered that     2     tai chi is deeply rooted in the Chinese philosophy of yin and yang, which are believed to form the unity of opposites. Neither can exist independent of the other; for example, there is no shadow without light. The practice of tai chi aims to maintain the balance of yin and yang in the body through opposite movements. Eventually,     3     tai chi brings about a state of physical balance and mental peace.

A year of practising     4     tai chi has had a positive effect on my everyday life. I sleep better at night, and I am more energetic during the day.     5     我感到更快乐和更自信了. Tai chi has taught me to relax my mind, enabling me to stay cool in stressful situations. I am sure I will continue to practise tai chi and enjoy the benefits it has brought me.

Traditional festivals are a significant part of Chinese culture, which we must protect and maintain.     1     这样做有三个理由.

First of all, traditional festivals teach us a lot about our nation’s history. For example,     2     the Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated in honour of Qu Yuan, a great poet. By celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival with rice dumplings and dragon boat races, the story of Qu Yuan is passed down from generation to generation.

    3     Traditional festivals also enable us to learn more about fine Chinese values. Many festivals, such as the Mid-Autumn Festival, have a caring, family-centred message at their heart. The full moon on the festival stands for family togetherness and     4     family members will come back home even if they live very far away.

Last but not least, traditional festivals are a source of national pride and help shape our national identity. That’s why we celebrate the Hanshi Festival and the Laba Festival with unique customs, and these shared experiences bring us together as a people.     5     传统节日告诉我们我们是谁and fill us with pride of being Chinese.