Despite many ups and downs in its history, China is     1    (wide) known for its ancient civilisation. One of the main factors that make this possible has been the Chinese writing system.

The written Chinese could date back to several thousand years ago when a picture-based language     2    (carve) as symbols on animal bones and shells. Over the years, the writing system developed into different forms, and     3     (variety) of dialects and characters appeared. However, Emperor Qinshihuang united seven major states     4     Chinese writing system began to develop in one direction. So today, no matter where Chinese people live or what dialect they speak, they can all communicate in writing.

Written Chinese has also become     5     important means by which China’s present is connected with     6     (it) past. People in modern times can read the classic works which were written by Chinese in ancient times. The high regard for the Chinese writing system can be seen in the development of Chinese     7     (character) as an art form, known     8     Chinese calligraphy, which has become an important part of Chinese culture.

Today, as China plays a greater role in     9    (globe) affairs, an increasing number of international students are beginning     10    (appreciate) China’s culture and history through this amazing language.

Chinese Teachers’ Day is the very festival     1     celebrates the 2,300-year tradition of respecting teachers and education in China. It bears much     2     (similar) to the birthday of Confucius or the birthday of private school tutor in ancient China.

The history of Chinese Teachers’ Day dates back to the Han Dynasty. During the Han and Jin dynasties, on August 27 each year, the birthday of Confucius,     3     (follow) by court officials, the emperor would go to Confucius’ temple to show respect for the ancient philosopher,     4     would also invite royal teachers to the imperial (皇家的) court for a banquet. Local     5     (chief) followed the court, and on this day, teachers around the nation enjoyed a day’s vacation and were given dried meat as gifts.

With local officials or the emperor     6     (lead) a series of activities, the capital, all states and counties would also stage sacrificial (祭祀的) ceremonies     7     (admire) Confucius. Excellent-performing teachers would     8     (choose) from academies and learning institutions nationwide, reporting to the royal court and given 500 liang silver coins as awards.

Until the Qing Dynasty, the sacrificial ceremony, on August 27, was of     9     larger scale. The teachers’ salaries in schools and academies. around the nation were raised and well-performing teachers would be awarded official titles or promoted to     10     (high) positions.

China is     1     (wide) known for its ancient civilisation, which has continued all the way until now. One of the main     2     (factor) is the Chinese writing system.

At the beginning, written Chinese     3     (base) on picture language, which dates back several thousand years. Ancient Chinese people carved symbols on animal bones and shells.

By the Shang Dynasty, these symbols     4     (become) a well-developed writing system. At that time, people lived in different places,     5     (lead) to many varieties of dialects and characters.

Emperor Qinshihuang united the seven major states into one country     6     the Chinese writing system began to develop in one direction. The writing system played     7     important part in uniting the Chinese people and culture. Now, people can still communicate in writing.

Written Chinese has also become an important means by which China’s present is connected with its past. People in modern times can read classic works which were     8     (write) by Chinese in ancient times. The Chinese writing system has developed into Chinese calligraphy,     9     is an important part of Chinese culture. Today, the Chinese writing system plays a greater role in     10     (globe) affairs.

The United Kingdom, Great Britain, Britain, England — many people are confused by what these different names mean. So what is the difference between them, if any?     1     to know a little bit about British history will help you solve this puzzle.

In the 16th century, the     2     country of Wales was joined to the Kingdom of England. Later, in the 18th century, the country Scotland was joined to create the Kingdom of Great Britain. In the 19th century, the Kingdom of Ireland was added to create the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.     3    , in the 20th century, the southern part of Ireland broke away from the UK, which     4     in the full name we have today: the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Most people just use the shortened name: “the United Kingdom” or “the UK”. People from the UK are called “British”, which means the UK is also often     5     to as Britain or Great Britain.

The four countries that     6     to the United Kingdom work together in some areas. They use the same flag, known as the Union Jack, as well as share the same currency and    7         8    . However, they also have some differences. For example, England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland all have different education systems and    9     systems. They also have their own     10    , like their own national days and national dishes. And they even have their own football teams for competitions like the World Cup!

The Renaissance (from the 14th to the 17th century)

New ideas and values gradually replaced old ones from the Middle Ages. As a result, painters c    1     less on religious themes. They began to a    2     a more humanistic attitude to life. An important b    3     during this period was the use of perspective by Masaccio. I    4     painters such as Leonardo da Vince, Michelangelo, and Raphael built upon Giotto and Masaccio’s innovations to produce some of the greatest art that Europe had ever seen.

Another innovation was the use of oil paints. With their deep colors and realism, some of the best oil paintings look like photographs. While painters as early as Da Vinci had used oil, this technique reached its h    5     with Rembrandt, who gained a r    6     as a master of shadow and light.

In subject matter, the emphasis increasingly s    7     from religious themes to people and the world around us. Kings, n    8    , and people of high rank wanted to p    9     accurate pictures of themselves and the people they loved. Others wanted paintings showing important historical events or stories from mythology. Finally, most c    10     wanted paintings that were beautiful and interesting to look at.

China is w    1     known for its ancient c    2     which has continued all the way through into modern t    3    , despite the many ups and downs in its history. There are many reasons why this has been possible, but one of the main f    4     has been, the Chinese w    5     system.

At the b    6    , written Chinese was a picture-based l    7     . It d    8     back several thousand years to the use of longgu-animal bones and shells on which s    9     were c    10     by ancient Chinese people. Some of the ancient symbols can still be seen in today’s hanzi.