The Silk Road is in fact a relatively recent term.These ancient roads had no particular name until in the mid­nineteenth century; Baron Ferdinand von Richthofen     1    (name) the trade and communication network the Silk Road. Since then the term     2    (accept) globally.

In the nineteenth century, a new type of travelers stepped onto the Silk Road: archaeologists and geographers, enthusiastic explorers who were eager     3    (look) for adventure.Researchers who came from many countries traveled through the Taklamakan Desert,    4     is now in Xinjiang, to explore ancient sites along the Silk Road,    5    (lead) to many discoveries and studies, and most of all, a renewed interest     6    the history of these routes.

Today，many historic     7    (build) and monuments still stand, marking the passage of the Silk Road through hotels, ports and cities. What’s more, the long­standing legacy (遗产) of this remarkable network is reflected in     8     large number of cultures, languages, customs and religions that have developed for many years along these routes. The passage of merchants and travelers of many     9    (difference) nationalities resulted not only in commercial exchange, but in a widespread and continual process of cultural interaction.    10    (obvious), it has become a driving force in the formation (形成) of diverse societies.

Several days before July 28,1976, many strange things happened in Tangshan. The water in the village wells     1    (rise) and fell. In the city, the water pipes in some buildings cracked and burst. They were     2    (sign)for the earthquake. But people in the city didn't think much     3     these events. At 3:42 am that day, the earth began to shake,     4     destroyed the city. Many people,     5     (include) rescue workers and doctors, came to rescue those     6     (trap) under the ruins.     7     (late) that afternoon, another big quake struck Tangshan. More people     8     (kill) or injured and     9     (many) buildings fell down. Soldiers were called in to help the rescue workers. Team were organized to dig out     10     trapped and to bury the dead.

When foreigners negotiate, or register in certain areas of China, they may be     1    (surprise) at Chinese’s special fondness and preference for seals. To Chinese, seals are an art of deep cultural roots,     2     combines the essence of both calligraphy(书法) and sculpture and inspires generations to study, to appreciate and to collect.

It is believed that seals came out as early     3     8,000 years ago after our ancestors could make pottery wares(陶瓷)and had private property. They were assumed to make marks on     4    (they) own possessions to prevent them from being stolen. When the first dynasty     5    (found),the king began to use seals to empower(授权)and to show lordly credits. Only the king’s special seal was then called “Xi”,     6    (represent) the highest authority. The first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, had his “Xi”    7    (make) out of the invaluable and beautiful jade “Heshi Bi”.

Then the local governments also needed seals for     8     same function. Meanwhile, private seals were carved in a variety of lucky     9    (character)and vivid animal patterns.    10    (gradual). the sphragistics (印章学) came into being.