Jia Sixie, author of China's first agricultural encyclopedia, was one of the leading agronomists (农学家) in Chinese history. In the late years of the Northern Wei Dynasty, he wrote Qimin Yaoshu, the     1     (early) and most complete agricultural encyclopedia still in existence in China.

Jia Sixie was born in Yidu County in Shandong Province. During his childhood, Jia's family wasn't wealthy, but had     2     rich collection of books. This provided the young Jia with an opportunity: to read ancient Chinese literature     3     (wide) on agriculture. He completed Qimin Yaoshu during the wars,     4     he saw the sufferings of the poor farmers.     5     he firmly believed was that the development of agriculture could help those farmers out.

The book, which has 92 chapters in 10 volumes and nearly 120,000 characters,     6     (cover) a wide range of topics and records on production experiences and methods. It includes advice on farming, fishery and sideline occupations. In the book, he emphasized the importance of seed breeding in order to cultivate better     7     (variety).

Qimin Yaoshu was first distributed mainly among common people. In the late Tang Dynasty, the book was introduced to Japan. So far, the book     8     (translate) into several languages. Qimin Yaoshu is considered     9     an important summary of farming knowledge. At present, it is still studied by Chinese farmers and students     10     (major) in agriculture.

Liu Ruying,     1     grandfather is a huge fan of Peking Opera, has been interested in Peking Opera for much of her young life. Her grandfather is a great influence     2     her. At the age of 8, she     3    (begin) to practice the classic art. It wasn’t easy for a little girl     4    (experience) the difficult training, as performances combine martial arts, dancing and acrobatics(杂技).

“Sometimes I was tired,“ she said. ”I had to balance my studies and other     5    (course) I was interested in, such as dance. But the great charm(魅力) of Peking Opera made me always practice it.”

When Liu got the news that her region would have a cultural exchange with other countries, she had the idea of     6    (introduce) Peking Opera to the world in English. With     7     help of her mother, she took part in the activity after several months of practice.

“I     8    (extreme) love traditional Chinese culture,” she said. “Peking Opera has a long history of about 200 years and     9    (consider) a treasure of our nation. We should let     10    (we) make great efforts to carry forward our culture and protect the cultural diversity of the world.”

While many people have made videos to cheer on those working on the front lines of the fight since the latest COVID-19 outbreak in Shanghai, Chien Meishuang     1     (spend) her time in lockdown at home, painting simple heartwarming works.

The paintings are part of her Journal of the Pandemic Lockdown,     2     project she started two years ago. “We are all facing a difficult time     3     we are trapped at home,” Chien tells China Daily. “I     4     (simple) wanted to let others know that there is a silver lining amid the dark clouds.”

The Taiwan native, who lives in Shanghai, is being on the receiving end of her neighbors’ kindness.     5     (document) her experience, the artist created a painting, titled Good Neighbors in China, marking the first new     6     (add) to her project this year. Other     7     (scene) shown in her latest works include delivery men having a quick lunch and her neighbors     8     (welcome) a 70-year-old man who returned from hospital after recovering from COVID-19.

“It is because of the pandemic     9     I have made friends from all walks of life in the area where I live. These individuals have provided infinite inspiration and stories     10     my works,” she adds. “As long as an artwork can touch people’s hearts, I believe it is good art. It doesn't matter how simple it is.”