The lion is a special animal to Chinese people. A pair of stone lions, a male and a female, are {#blank#}1{#/blank#} (common) seen in front of the gates of traditional buildings.

    The lion {#blank#}2{#/blank#} (regard) as the king in the animal world so it represents power. The stone lions are also used to indicate the ranks of {#blank#}3{#/blank#}(official).

    It is interesting to note that China had no lions originally. The earliest stone lions were sculpted{#blank#}4{#/blank#} the beginning of Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220 AD) with{#blank#}5{#/blank#}introduction of Buddhism into ancient China. In the Buddhist faith, the lion{#blank#}6{#/blank#}can protect the Truth and keep off evils, is considered a holy animal of nobleness and dignity. In Chinese folk tales, the lion has become a symbol of {#blank#}7{#/blank#}(brave), power and good luck.

    It was also popular{#blank#}8{#/blank#}(decorate) bridges with sculpted stone lions for the same reason. The {#blank#}9{#/blank#}(well)known of this is the Lugouqiao (also as Marco Polo Bridge){#blank#}10{#/blank#} (build) from 1189 to 1192. A famous proverb says, “The lions on the Lugouqiao are uncountable.”

    Ski touring is exactly that—touring on skis. It combines {#blank#}1{#/blank#} best bits of skiing and mountaineering and provides the perfect way {#blank#}2{#/blank#} (explore) the mountain in winter. The {#blank#}3{#/blank#} (advantage) of ski touring are that you can really escape the crowds, enjoy the peace of the mountains and {#blank#}4{#/blank#} (reward) with breathtaking views and exciting descents.

    Ski touring involves both going up and down the mountain; both of {#blank#}5{#/blank#} (they) present challenges and new skills are to be acquired. There is much to learn about getting up the mountain that improves efficiency and saves energy. {#blank#}6{#/blank#} (similar) ，you want to be prepared to enjoy going down, which means learning to deal with the variety of snow conditions you will face. Because all ski touring is very demanding, you must be {#blank#}7{#/blank#} good physical condition. The fitter you are, the {#blank#}8{#/blank#} (much) fun you will have.

    Rapidly changing conditions and the human factors are the primary reasons for accidents. The human factors include stress, poor {#blank#}9{#/blank#} (communicate), over-confidence and tiredness. You should always ski within the limits of your ability, and make sure you know {#blank#}10{#/blank#} to navigate (导航) properly with map and compass.

    Last weekend our school held a sports meeting. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} (realize) it was our last high school sports meeting, we decided to make it {#blank#}2{#/blank#} unforgettable experience for all of us.

    We first attended the opening parade, for {#blank#}3{#/blank#} our class had made a lot of {#blank#}4{#/blank#}(prepare).

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#} our excitement, our parade performance was a great success. After the parade, the games started. My classmates attended {#blank#}6{#/blank#} (vary) events such as running, high jump and long jump. Due to the hard training they {#blank#}7{#/blank#} (do) before, their performances were very {#blank#}8{#/blank#} (impress).

    My classmates applauded and cheered for the athletes, some raising their cameras to capture the exciting moments. Finally, the result {#blank#}9{#/blank#} (announce). {#blank#}10{#/blank#} was amazing that our class won the second place. Our efforts paid off! Cup in hand, we took a picture together. I believe this sports meeting will remain a precious memory for all of us as time goes by.

    For Nigel Portman, a love of travelling began with what's called a "gap year". In common with many other British teenagers, he chose{#blank#}1{#/blank#}（take） a year out before settling down to study for his degree. After doing various{#blank#}2{#/blank#} （job） to raise some money,  he left home to gain some experience of life in different cultures, visiting America and Asia. The more adventurous a young person, the{#blank#}3{#/blank#}（great） challenge they are likely to set{#blank#}4{#/blank#}（them） for the gap year, and for some, like Nigel, it can result in a thirst for adventure.

    Now that his university course{#blank#}5{#/blank#}（come） to an end, Nigel is just about to leave on a three﹣year trip that will take him right around the world. What's more, he plans to make the whole journey{#blank#}6{#/blank#}（use） only means of transport which are powered by natural energy. In other words, he'll be relying{#blank#}7{#/blank#}（main） on bicycles and his own legs; and when there's an ocean to cross, he won't be taking a shortcut（捷径）{#blank#}8{#/blank#}flying aboard﹣he'll be joining the crew of a sailing ship, instead.

    As well as doing some mountain climbing along {#blank#}9{#/blank#}way, Nigel hopes to pass on to the people he meets the environmental message {#blank#}10{#/blank#}lies behind the whole idea.