阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。
Why
was the ox chosen to be one of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs (生肖)?
Centuries
ago, most people earned their living {#blank#}1{#/blank#} farming. The ox was used to help plow,
cultivate and carry heavy goods.
The
ox has long had a significant place in Chinese culture. Ancient Chinese poets
and writers frequently {#blank#}2{#/blank#}(describe)
the ox in literature. In the Classic of Poetry, the oldest existing collection
of Chinese poetry, the animal was mentioned in 9 out of the 305 {#blank#}3{#/blank#}(piece).
The
ox is considered a symbol of diligence and earnestness in Chinese culture. To
this day, the phrase "the spirit of ox" still refers to conquering
anything{#blank#}4{#/blank#}may present itself
as an obstacle. The spirit is highly praised and many people follow {#blank#}5{#/blank#}as their work ethic. When someone
achieves a great {#blank#}6{#/blank#} (accomplish) through hard work, people often
use "niu", {#blank#}7{#/blank#}(mean)
"awesome", to describe him or her.
Oxen
seldom bully the weak or fear the strong. They work hard and make sacrifices.
This is reflected in the poem Self-mockery{#blank#}8{#/blank#} (write) by Lu Xun, which praises the ox's
attitude of {#blank#}9{#/blank#} (serve) without complaining.
So
naturally, those who were born in the Year of the Ox are often expected to be
hardworking, {#blank#}10{#/blank#} (rely) and loyal.
