Chinese writing is one of the world's greatest writing systems. It is more w{#blank#}1{#/blank#}in use than alphabetic(字母的) writing systems. More than half of the world's books are written in Chinese, including historical writing and novels, along with writing on government and law.

    At the beginning, written Chinese was a picture-based l{#blank#}2{#/blank#}. It dates back several thousand years to the u{#blank#}3{#/blank#}of animal bones and shells on which symbols were carved(刻) by ancient Chinese people. Some of the ancient symbols can still be seen in t{#blank#}4{#/blank#}hanzi.

    By the Shang Dynasty, these symbols had become a well-developed writing system. Over the years, the system developed into different forms, as it was a time when people were d{#blank#}5{#/blank#}geographically, leading to different dialects(方言 ) and characters. This, however, c{#blank#}6{#/blank#}under Emperor Qinshihuang of the Qin Dynasty.

    Emperor Qinshihuang united 统一) the seven major states into one country where the Chinese writing system began to develop in one direction. That writing system was of great i{#blank#}7{#/blank#}in uniting the Chinese people and culture. Even today, no matter where Chinese people live or what dialect they speak, they can all still c{#blank#}8{#/blank#}in writing. Written Chinese has also become an important method to c{#blank#}9{#/blank#}China's present with its past. People in modern times can read the classic works which were written by Chinese in ancient times.

    Today, Chinese writing system is still an important part of Chinese culture. As China plays a g{#blank#}10{#/blank#} role in the world, an increasing number of international students are beginning to appreciate(欣赏) China's culture through this amazing language. Written Chinese spreads Chinese culture wherever it goes.

    Before paper was invented, people wrote or drew on materials such as bamboo, {#blank#}1{#/blank#} /sɪlk/, animal hide, and wooden blocks. Writing materials were {#blank#}2{#/blank#} (real) expensive and few people learned to read. Therefore, few people wrote. This all changed, thanks {#blank#}3{#/blank#} an man named Cai Lun.

    Paper had already existed (存在) in China , but the process for {#blank#}4{#/blank#} (produce) it was difficult and the paper was of low quality. Cai Lun began experimenting (试验) with many different materials and different {#blank#}5{#/blank#} (method) to turn those materials into paper. In the year 105, he made it from tree bark, bamboo, cloth rags, and fishing nets. His paper was {#blank#}6{#/blank#} (strong) and cheaper than any paper that had been made before.

    With Cai Lun's papermaking method, Chinese culture {#blank#}7{#/blank#} /ɡruː/ more rapidly over the next several centuries. That's because ideas were much easier to share {#blank#}8{#/blank#} more people learned to read. The use of paper spread abroad, helping {#blank#}9{#/blank#} /'ʌðə/ cultures record and spread their ideas. Today, Cai Lun is considered a national hero in China. But {#blank#}10{#/blank#} whole world should remember the clever Chinese papermaker forever.