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.

Nowadays, one of the common     1     (phenomenon) is to see ordinary people listening to music with headphones,     2     (absorb) themselves in their own world. Moreover, people often share     3     (satisfy) records with their friends. In     4     (add), we can gain relief from pressure in the deepest part of our being.

    5     is proved that music can be used as a cure     6     diseases. Listening to positive and peaceful music will have     7     positive impact on people, which enables many patients     8     (reduce) pain. Classical music has reached a stage     9     it is often used in cancer treatment     10     the aim of relieving aches and side effects.

Humans successfully reached the top of the world, Mount Qomolangma, for the first time in 1953. On May 23, 70 years later, a Chinese expedition team reached its peak and     1     (carry) out scientific research, which celebrated the historical adventure. The journey to the top is     2    (extreme) dangerous and takes both bravery and good physical health     3    (complete). Climbers fight against the harsh (恶劣的) environment and go beyond     4     (they) limits.

The main reason why scientists fearlessly continue this climb to the top can be the rich information that Mt Qomolangma provides. Due to its biodiversity, it can     5     (see) as a “micro Earth”. The drop in altitude (海拔) from the top is huge, forming     6     wide range of climates and creating its own ecosystem. Also, the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (青藏高原),    7    Mt Qomolangma is located, is an important ecological resource.

“The expedition has transformed from ‘I want to conquer you’ to ‘I want to understand you’,” said Yao Tandong, team     8     (lead) of the expedition. The scientists’ work was beyond     9     (collect) samples. Advanced equipment like drones (无人机) and 3D laser scanning, was used to better monitor pollutants and changes in glaciers. With those new technologies, the expedition resulted     10     important international influence.