According to the traditional Chinese calendar, 2014 is the Year of the Horse. The horse is one of Chinese people's favorite {#blank#}1{#/blank#} Do you know what the horse represents in {#blank#}2{#/blank#} Chinese culture?

    In ancient China, horses were often associated（联系）with good luck. Horses {#blank#}3{#/blank#} safe and quick transportation for ancient Chinese. Sometimes a horse was more than a way to travel. Sitting on horseback at that time {#blank#}4{#/blank#} that the person was from a rich family. What's more, ancient Chinese didn't let horses do farm work. This was because horses could help {#blank#}5{#/blank#} win a war. Therefore, to Chinese people, the horse is not only a symbol of traveling, but also a symbol of {#blank#}6{#/blank#}.

    The horse also plays an important role in the Chinese traditional timing system（计时系统）. The "Horse Hour", from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, is {#blank#}7{#/blank#} wushi. During such a period of time in a day, the sun gives out lots of heat, which makes people have more {#blank#}8{#/blank#}. Therefore, the horse is always associated with warmth and passion（激情）.

    Besides, Chinese people believe people born in the Year of the Horse are similar to the horse as an animal in some {#blank#}9{#/blank#}. For example, horses are social animals, so people born in the Year of the Horse are said to be {#blank#}10{#/blank#}. Also, horse racing is still common around the world, partly because horses like to compete with each other. And that's why people born in the Year of the Horse are sometimes competitive.

    When I looked through my old photos last Sunday, one photo {#blank#}1{#/blank#} my eyes. In the photo, I was sitting in a chair, hugging Duke, my best friend in the whole world.

    Duke was an interesting name for such a little dog. But he was my friend from the moment I could walk. He stayed with me when I read books. When I went outside playing games, he always drove our cats up to the trees and then walked off feeling proud of himself. When he was hungry he would carry his food dish in his mouth and {#blank#}2{#/blank#} it at my mom's feet. When I was sick, he refused {#blank#}3{#/blank#} my bed until I got better than before.

    Now Duke is gone, I won't see him again. But I {#blank#}4{#/blank#} a lot from Duke, life can be good when you live it with love and joy. In my heart, Duke is like a teacher who has taught me how we can love and how we can {#blank#}5{#/blank#}.

A: Excuse me. Can I ask you {#blank#}1{#/blank#}?

B: Sure.

A: {#blank#}2{#/blank#} do you usually get to school?

B: Usually at 7: 30.

A: How many {#blank#}3{#/blank#} do you have?

B: Seven.

A: {#blank#}4{#/blank#} do you like best?

B: I like Maths best. I think it's very interesting.

A: Do you like Music?

B: Yes, I do.

A: Can you {#blank#}5{#/blank#}?

B: No, I can't. But I can play the drums.

A: You are great.

B: Thank you.