The “three ox spirit” (三牛精神) first appeared in President Xi Jinping’s speech at a New Year’s gathering last December. The ox is a symbol of diligence (勤劳), progress and strength. On Feb 18, the first working day of the new year, Hua Chunying, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, explained it on the social media to encourage people with the “three ox spirit”—the serving-the-people ox, the pioneering ox, the persisting ox.

Centuries ago, most people earned their living through farming. The ox was used to help in the field and carry heavy goods.

The ox has played an important place in Chinese culture. Ancient Chinese poets and writers often described the ox in literature. In the Classic of Poetry, the oldest collection of Chinese poetry, the animal was mentioned in nine out of the 305 pieces.

Oxen seldom bully (欺负) the weak or fear the strong. They work hard and make sacrifices (牺牲). A poem by Lu Xun (1881-1936) — “Fierce-browed, I coolly defy a thousand pointing fingers; Head bowed, like a willing ox I serve the children (横眉冷对千夫指，俯首甘为孺子牛)” fully expresses the poet’s love to our country and the people.

So naturally, those who were born in the Year of the Ox are often expected to be hardworking and dependable. “They never want to be the center of attention or look for praise,” the website China Highlights noted.

【小题1】When was the “three ox spirit” first appeared?

A．2018.

B．2019.

C．2020.

D．2021.

【小题2】What is NOT in the “three ox spirit”?

A．The progressing ox.	B．The serving-the-people ox.
C．The pioneering ox.	D．The persisting ox.

【小题3】Why did Lu Xun choose the ox to use in his poem?

A．Because the ox is weak.	B．Because the ox is loving.
C．Because the ox is helpful.	D．Because the ox is proud.

【小题4】What are the people born in the Year of the Ox like?

A．They always want to look for praise.	B．They want to be the center of attention.
C．They are hardworking and dependable.	D．They bully the weak and fear the strong.