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.

On the first day of high school, some people are excited, some are nervous, and others even feel     1    (frighten). Here is a look at Han Jing’s feelings on her first senior high school day.

Han Jing wasn’t     2     outgoing girl, so she was a bit anxious at first. She was very worried that no one would make friends with her. So she wanted to make a good first     3    (impress).

Although the maths class was difficult     4    (understand), the teacher was kind and humorous. He made everyone laugh a lot by     5    (tell) a funny story. At that time, Han Jing was happy to find her teachers and classmates friendly and helpful. That afternoon, they went to the science lab to do     6    (experiment). However, the boy next to Han Jing kept on talking to her so that she couldn’t concentrate     7     the experiment. That was so annoying     8     she even wanted to tell him to leave her alone.

After the first day, Han Jing no longer     9    (feel) awkward. She had more     10    (confident) in the new school life at last. What a perfect day she had, and she expected that the next day would be another perfect day.

What is senior high school like? The path     1     you will go leads to a world full of challenges: a new environment, new knowledge and new ways of thinking.     2    , the opportunity (机遇) lies in each challenge. When you rise to the challenges, you       3     (have) the opportunity to acquire great knowledge and enjoy personal       4    (grow). Most       5    (important), your time and effort at senior high school will open the door to your potential (潜能).

    6     (realize) your potential, it is important for you to make the most of your school resources. Take advantage of your       7     (class), learn from your teachers and classmates, and make use of your school facilities. Good study habits, useful skills and a good state of mind     8     (be) equally important. As     9     senior high school student, you must make efforts to improve your communication and problem-solving skills. Last but not least, always look on the bright side and never lose hope, even in difficult situations. In time you will find yourself    10    (develop) into a well-rounded person.

Six months ago, Xie Lei     1     (say) goodbye to her family and friends in China and boarded a plane for London. She is studying in a university in England on     2     exchange programme. But     3     (study) here is quite different from studying in China. “You have to get     4     (use) to a whole new way of life. When I got lost and had to ask a passer-by for directions, I didn’t always understand. They     5     (usual) speak too fast.” Xie Lei said.

Xie Lei lives with a host family who give     6     (she) lots of good advice. Living with a host family gives her the chance     7     (learn) more about the new culture.

The academic requirements of a western university are different. The tutor (导师) wanted to know     8     she thought, not others’ ideas. He advised that she should read lots of different texts that contain different     9     (opinion) and analyze what she read.

She feels much more at home in England now, and what seemed very strange before now appears quite normal. She also     10     (spend) much time for social activities and joins a few clubs. She is fitting very well in England.

On the first day of my senior high school, I     1     (wake) up early and got to my new school, eager to get to know it. How excited I was to explore it! During my first class, Mr. Meng, our English teacher asked us to introduce     2     (we) one by one. He went first, but I was too nervous     3     (concentrate), wondering how I could make a good     4     (one) impression. I was organising my words when my turn came.     5     (hear) my self-introduction, everyone in my class started laughing, so I looked at them in panic.     6    , my teacher said with a smile, “Nice to know we share the same name.” Although I got awkward (难为情的), his words made me a lot more     7     (relax).

Then, Mr. Meng explained that in senior high school life, we might sometimes meet many     8     (difficulty) and it all depends on     9     we do. Finally, he told us to keep calm (镇静的) and be prepared so as to make good use of     10     time at senior high.