Learning Chinese calligraphy     1     (list) as one of the must-do things when I came to China. Now, I’m in the course of learning this unique art,     2     value is considered very high in China, even across East Asia today. It is not only     3     ancient artistic form of human language, but it also reflects Chinese traditions.

As someone who paints, draws, and loves all     4     (create) things, at first, I assumed I would be rather good at Chinese calligraphy. I was     5     (total ) wrong. Using thick brush tips to produce awkward brush strokes (笔画)     6     (be) very difficult for a beginner. I have no idea about the different types of calligraphy and the meanings     7     ( hide) behind each one. Also, I have to hold the paintbrush     8     a very specific way; unlike a pen or pencil, the paintbrush is held upright in the hand. I need to be extra careful when changing the angle or     9     (direct) of the brush, especially if I press too hard on the paper.

After taking the lesson, I now understand the difficulty of calligraphy and that it will take efforts and commitment     10     (master) this art form. Yet, I am grateful to learn such a special Chinese tradition.

In most big cities, it is easier     1     (hire) a taxi at a moment’s notice when the weather is good. But when it’s raining, people have a much harder time finding one. One obvious reason is that many people     2     walk short distances during good weather prefer to take a taxi in the rain. Therefore, taxis tend to be more fully filled on     3     (rain) days. Besides, the supply of available taxis is also smaller because taxi drivers can     4     (easy) reach the target fares and go home early.

Phelps     1     (suffer) hyperactivity (活动过度) disorder as a child and     2     (encourage) to take up swimming at seven to control his energy. Over the years he developed into a champion swimmer, beating record after record. “I was trying     3     (see) what I could really do and where my potential could go”, said Phelps.

China is     1     (wide) known for its ancient civilization     2     has continued all the way through into modern times, despite the many ups and downs in its history. There are many reasons why this has been possible, but one of the main factors has been the Chinese writing system. At the beginning,     3     (write) Chinese was a picture-based language. It dates back several thousand years to the use of longgu-animal bones and shells on    4    symbols were carved by ancient Chinese people.

The gesture for “OK” has different meanings in different cultures. In Japan, someone     1     witnesses another person employing the gesture might think it means money. In France, a person     2     (encounter) an identical gesture may interpret it as meaning zero.     3    , you should avoid making this gesture in Brazil and Germany, as it is considered impolite.

I wake up to the sound of the wind     1     (buffet) the cloth of my tent. Even though the sun is     2     (bright) shining, telling whether it is morning or night is impossible. I’m above the Arctic Circle     3     in summer the sun never sets. I’m in the remote far north of Sweden in Sarek National Park, a place     4     no roads or town.