The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) established 23 April     1     World Book and Copyright Day in 1995．However, it got its start long before that in Spain.

Setting aside a day to celebrate books traces its beginnings to Spanish writer Vicente Clavel Andrés. In 1922 he proposed     2     idea as a way to honour Miguel de Cervantes. It was four years later     3     the first celebration took place on 7 October, Cervantes’ birthday, but it was moved to 23 April, the date of his death, in 1930．

In 1995, the UNESCO     4     (decide) to pay homage to authors and books worldwide as a way of encouraging everyone     5     (access) books. Choosing 23 April seemed a logical     6     (choose); besides being the date of Cervante’s death, it also happens to be the date William Shakespeare and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega died. Additionally, several distinguished authors were born on 23 April,     7     (make) it a symbolic date in the world literature.

    8     (annual) since 2001, one city is chosen to be the UNESCO World Book Capital for a year. The selected city     9     (task) with carrying out activities over its year-long designation to encourage “a culture of reading and diffusing its values in all ages and population groups in and out of the national borders”.

The initiative was put forward by Spain in 2001, and Madrid was designated the first capital,     10     (follow) by Alexandria and then New Delhi.

3 . It’s summer. You’re on your favorite beach towel, a friend beside you. You’re both absorbed in books, occasionally taking some water. But what happens when it’s time to head home? Will you carry on reading together later? Generally speaking, reading tends to be seen as an individual pastime.    1     However, the benefits of sharing the experience are numerous and worth sticking with throughout the year

    2    For example, you don’t have to brainstorm to organize a conversation, because you both have a book in your hands. You can get lost in your book without worrying about seeming rude by not keeping up a constant stream of chatter. As you both enter the same state, your blood pressure will go down, muscle tension will ease, and your worries will fade away. All these put you at ease.    3    A quiet comer of the playground, a blanket spread out on the grass in the garden, or any calm space where you feel relaxed will do.

Spending time together reading can strengthen friendships. As you tum the pages, you might discover interesting stories to share with each other. Sometimes, you’ll come across more serious themes, such as losing a love done or a cherished pet, or facing anyone of life’s many challenges.    4    

Reading fiction has been shown to enhance empathy (共情), which is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. As you know, novels allow us to live countless experiences through their characters.    5    

The Book I Like Most

5 . There are numerous benefits of reading good books.     1    . Whatever your field might be, it’s very important to create a good habit to read beyond your horizons. Here are tips to help you cultivate a better and consistent reading habit:

Determine your reading goal.     2    . This goal should be clear and backed up with a purpose. Start by thinking about how a consistent reading pattern can help you grow indifferent areas of your life-spirit, academics, career, relationships and more.

    3    . Once you’re done setting your reading goal for the year, you’ll need a list to back it up. Write out a list of the amazing books you want to read. Ask for recommendations from friends and instructors. It’s important to keep a journal listing the books you’ll like to read for each month.

Get a responsible reading partner to promote your reading. Goals need to be backed up in order to help put a check and encourage you during times you don’t feel motivated.     4    , and create a plan to help you achieve your reading goals.

To develop a reading culture, you must first analyze your current reading habits. Do you read at all?     5    ? In order to truly achieve your reading goals and build a consistent reading habit, you’ll need to set up simple systems, find responsible partners, and generally be hungry to grow beyond your comfort zone.

10 . Photos of a gentleman reading calmly in bed in the newly-built makeshift hospital in Wuhan, epicenter (中心) of the coronavirus outbreak, went viral on China’s social media platforms, with many calling him the “Invincible Wuhan Man”.

The man, dubbed “The Reader in Fang Cang” (mobile cabin hospital) has even garnered (获得) attention from the author of the book featured in the photo, The Origins of Political Order by Francis Fukuyama, on Twitter. Surnamed Fu, the 39-year old “invincible” reader is currently a teaching postdoc at Florida State University after obtaining his doctorate degree in Wuhan University. His hometown is in Xiaogan, a city neighbouring Wuhan, but his parents currently live in Wuhan. Fu was infected with novel coronavirus when he visited his parents, and he was among the first group of patients transferred to the cabin hospital at Wuhan International Conference and Exhibition Center on Feb. 5, according to Hubei Daily. He bought the book in Wuhan, and he likes reading, Fu told Hubei Daily. He was just reading the book out of interest and never anticipated that the photo would go viral.

As Fu gains more popularity, Fukuyama’s book has also become a hit. The Origins of Political Order quickly topped the recommended book list on China’s review site Douban on Feb 7. Netizens were charmed by Fu’s positive and calm attitude. “This picture of him reading in bed gives me strength and hope, I wonder if he is still available,” said one Weibo user.

“When you feel depressed, reading is one of the solutions to heal your inner pains. Sometimes doing exercises helps too,” said another netizen.

Authorities in Hubei province, especially its capital Wuhan, are resolute in the measures taken to make sure all people needing medical assistance are admitted to medical facilities for the novel coronavirus pneumonia.