Woodblock printing first appeared in the early Tang period. During the Song dynasty, the technique of block printing was very advanced. Books were {#blank#}1{#/blank#} (beautiful) printed. Even today the books{#blank#}2{#/blank#}(print) at the time are valuable and treasured by libraries and book collectors. 

    However, block printing {#blank#}3{#/blank#}(be) not very convenient. Every two pages of a book had to be carved on a woodblock, and a big book would require many blocks. Besides, there had to be large places for storing the books. {#blank#}4{#/blank#} (overcome) these shortcomings, Bi Sheng invented the movable type during the years between 1041 and 1048. One word was carved on one piece of clay, {#blank#}5{#/blank#} was hardened with fire. Then clay characters were set on {#blank#}6{#/blank#} iron plate according to the text of a book. Then ink was applied to them and {#blank#}7{#/blank#}(sheet) of paper spread over them, and the printing was done. Bi Sheng's invention made printing faster and {#blank#}8{#/blank#}(easy) than before. Later, movable type of metal and wood was made and widely used.

    The technique of printing was gradually known to other Asian countries and Europe. The great influence printing had {#blank#}9{#/blank#}the advance of civilization is too clear to need any {#blank#}10{#/blank#}(explain).

    The Laba Festival {#blank#}1{#/blank#} (celebrate) on the eighth day of the twelfth month of the lunar(阴历的) Chinese calendar is a traditional Chinese holiday. "La" is the name of the month and {#blank#}2{#/blank#} (pronounce) as "ba" in Chinese.

    There are several stories about the origin of this festival and it's difficult for{#blank#}3{#/blank#} (we) to tell which one is true. But today{#blank#}4{#/blank#} we do know is that this festival began as a way to honour ancestors. It was also a time for the ancient Chinese {#blank#}5{#/blank#} (pray) to heaven and earth that there would be a good harvest.

    The majority of Chinese have long followed the tradition of {#blank#}6{#/blank#} (eat) Laba porridge during the Laba Festival. {#blank#}7{#/blank#} general, the porridge contains eight ingredients, including some beans and rice. {#blank#}8{#/blank#}(traditional), Laba porridge is the most important part of the festival. Also, {#blank#}9{#/blank#} is important that family members eat the porridge together.

    Another custom is soaking Laba garlic(泡腊八蒜), {#blank#}10{#/blank#}  is the best seasoning（调味品）for the dumpling feast at the Spring Festival.

    A pale, yellow moon was rising as I was walking home from my friend's house. We had spent the evening taking care {#blank#}1{#/blank#} her younger sister and had watched two really frightening horror films on TV.

    Imagine my shock when, suddenly, from the {#blank#}2{#/blank#} (distant) I heard a loud cry and saw a strange white form moving towards me at top speed through the air. I {#blank#}3{#/blank#} (open) my mouth but no sound came out. The terror I felt stopped me {#blank#}4{#/blank#} (scream) for help. I fell to the ground and kept my eyes tightly shut, in case I would end up staring into the eyes of a terrible beast.

    After a couple of {#blank#}5{#/blank#} (minute), when I realized that I hadn't been hurt, I {#blank#}6{#/blank#} (careful) opened my eyes and looked around. It was then {#blank#}7{#/blank#} I heard some sounds coming from a nearby tree. I looked up and saw a large, white owl sitting on a branch, watching me with what seemed to be a(n) {#blank#}8{#/blank#} (puzzle) expression on its face.

    I could have kicked {#blank#}9{#/blank#}(I) for being so stupid. It's strange how the mind can play tricks on you. I promised myself that that was {#blank#}10{#/blank#} last time I would go wandering around late at night after watching horror films!