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.

I know I’ll have to study harder as a senior high school student and get used to     1     (be) responsible for a lot more. I’m a bit worried about keeping up with the other students in my     2     (advance) course, and it’ll be quite difficult to get used to all the homework. Still, I’m happy to be there. Studying hard isn’t always fun,     3     I’ll be well prepared for university or whatever else     4     (come) in the future.

8 . As a child, Shade Ajayi worked in her aunt’s shop instead of attending school. She now runs her own business making and selling purses and bags. But she believes her inability to read or write is holding her back. Until recently, Ajayi had never gone to school. Now 50, the businesswoman is learning to read and write alongside students nearly 40 years younger than her.

Ajayi attends a school in Ilorin, in Nigera’s western Kwara state. She wears the same uniform, or school clothing, as hundreds of girls at the school. “I’m not ashamed (惭愧的) that I wear a uniform,” she said.

Ajayi signed up to attend school last year, but the school closed because of the coronavirus pandemic. Schools reopened in January and Ajayi finally got her chance. She sits in a class with students aged 11 to 13 and raises her hand to answer questions. Ajayi’s teacher, Nasrat Busari, said she did not appear worried about the age difference with other students. She has been coping well with them: playing together, talking together and discussing things together.

Ajayi’s daughter, Shola Adeboye, said at first, she was embarrassed that her mother attended school alongside children. But later, she supported her mother’s efforts. “She has always wanted to be educated but she couldn’t until now,” Adeboye said.

Ajayi still makes bags and purses after finishing classes. A helper serves her customers during school hours. She plans to continue her education for four more years, saying it will help her business. “People around me can read and write and they are succeeding in their businesses,” said Ajayi. And she does not seem to care what others may say about her. Ajayi said, “It’s my duty not to pay attention to what they’re saying.”