The erhu is a traditional Chinese musical instrument. It is the most popular of the huqin family. In the Song Dynasty, musicians began to use this type of huqin to perform different kinds of music, and it became quite a popular instrument. With the rise of some forms of folk art, the art of the erhu developed quickly during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It became an important accompanying (伴奏) instrument in different folk music. Now it is used in both traditional and modern music. It has even become a solo (独奏的) instrument. One of the most famous musical pieces played on the erhu is Erquan Yingyue by Abing.

The erhu used to be mainly played by common people, As the playing skills were passed down by oral (口传) tradition, there are few written records about the erhu that can be found. To study the history and the development of the erhu, historians usually turn to ancient paintings, sculptures and murals (雕塑和璧画). The earliest pictures of this instrument were found in Yulin Caves and Eastern Thousand Buddha Caves in Gansu Province.

Because of so many people's effort, the erhu becomes more and more popular around the world. In fact, we can hear the familiar sound of the erhu in many Hollywood productions, such as Kungfu Panda in 2012 and most recently, the Oscar nominated(提名)film Up in the Air(《在云端》). When people watch these movies, they also enjoy the special music of the erhu. The erhu is also called "Chinese violin" by many westerners, but in many ways, they are quite different.

Dear Helen,

I had a great time in Hong Kong. I spent five days there. Let me tell you what I did. Today I went shopping with my aunt but I didn't buy anything. The things were too expensive.

Yesterday I took a boat trip around the famous Victoria Harbor(维多利亚港). I took lots of photos.

The day before yesterday I went to the zoo. I saw some monkeys there. Oh, I also bought some gifts there. On Thursday I went to the bird market. I saw many kinds of birds from all around the world. On Wednesday my aunt took me to the beach. We lay on the beach and enjoyed the sun. On the beach I met my friend. We played happily on the beach. What about your trip? I hope you have a great time in Toronto.

Yours,

Zhao Pei

When my first wartime Christmas came, I was in a new soldier school in Ashland and not sure if I could make it home for the holidays. On the afternoon of December 23, we were told some of us would have three-day holidays posted. I was one of the lucky soldiers.

It was Christmas Eve when I arrived home, and a light snow had fallen. Mother opened the front door. I could see over her, into the corner of the living room where the tree had always stood. There were lights all colors shining in the green of the tree.

"Where did it come from?" I asked.

I asked the gate boy to cut it" my mother said. "I wouldn't have had one just for myself, but you called in such a rush! He just brought it in this afternoon."

The tree was almost as tall as the room, and the Tree Top Star was in its place. A few branches reached about a little disorderly at the side, I thought, and there was a big bare branch（树枝） showing in the middle. But the tree filled the room with the pleasant smell of Christmas.

"It's not like the one you want to find, " my mother went on. "Yours were always in good shape and you were good at it. I think the gate boy didn't know where to look for a better one." "Don't worry." I told her. "It's perfect."

It wasn't, of course, but at the moment I understood for the first time, all Christmas trees are perfect.

 Gwen walked into the gym(体育馆) for her next basketball class. The coach asked each girl to join {#blank#}1{#/blank#} team. There {#blank#}2{#/blank#}(be) six girls each team. But Gwen didn't know any of her teammates. All of her friends were in the other {#blank#}3{#/blank#}(team). She was sad. "I feel ill. May I go to the doctor?" asked Gwen. The coach could see through the {#blank#}4{#/blank#}(girl) excuse(借口). So he refused. Gwen felt much sadder than ever and begged(恳求), "I don't know any of these girls! Let me join another team." "Why not have a try? You are likely to make new friends {#blank#}5{#/blank#} them." the coach said. Then a girl smiled at her. "Hi, I'm Stephanie. Join {#blank#}6{#/blank#}(we) and we' ll be friends soon." Gwen was surprised, but she nodded. When the game stared, Gwen {#blank#}7{#/blank#}(play) as well as she could. She took a long shot(投篮). The basketball went right through the hoop(篮筐)!

"That was surprising! " said a girl. {#blank#}8{#/blank#}(sudden), Gwen fell down and hurt herself. All her teammates ran over {#blank#}9{#/blank#}(help) her. Gwen said,"I'm fine. Let's keep playing!" Finally, Gwen and her team won! The game connected Gwen's team together {#blank#}10{#/blank#} brought her a colourful life.