Crosstalk, also known by its Chinese name Xiangsheng, is a traditional Chinese comedic performing art, and one of China’s most popular 【小题1】 (culture) elements. It originated in North China and 【小题2】 (become) popular in Ming Dynasty. With the development in Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China era, Xiangsheng 【小题3】(gradual) developed from one’s vocal imitation (口技) to stand-up comedy. Chinese crosstalk has three birthplaces: Beijing Tianqiao, Tianjin Quanyechang and Nanjing Confucius Temple. Xiangsheng lay the foundation in folk life and society, thus 【小题4】 (make) it popular among folk people. Xiangsheng can be performed by one person (solo comic talk), two players (comic dialogue), and three or more people (group crosstalk), 【小题5】 it is typically in the form of a comic dialogue 【小题6】 two performers. In a comic dialogue, as 【小题7】 rule, the leading actor, helped by the supporting actor, amuses all the audience with funny remarks. Due to 【小题8】 (it) humor and irony (讽刺), Xiangsheng has spread far and wide. Xiangsheng 【小题9】 (perform) in ethnic languages, such as Tibetan Xiangsheng, has appeared in remote regions and 【小题10】 (area) inhabited by ethnic minorities. Furthermore, Xiangsheng has been introduced abroad and becomes popular in Southeast Asia including Burma, Singapore and Malaysia.

The Goodness of Life

Though there is much to be concerned about, there is far, far more for which to be thankful.【小题1】life’s goodness can at times be overshadowed, it is never outweighed. There is goodness to life 【小题2】 cannot be denied.

There is no limit 【小题3】 the goodness of life. It grows more abundant with each new encounter. The more you experience and appreciate the goodness of life, the more there is to be lived.

Even when the cold winds blow and the world seems to 【小题4】(cover) by foggy shadows, the goodness of life lives on. Open your eyes, open your heart,   【小题5】 you will see that goodness is everywhere.

Though the goodness of life seems at times 【小题6】(suffer) setbacks, it always endures. For in the darkest moment it becomes 【小题7】(vivid) clear that life is a 【小题8】(price) treasure. And so the goodness of life is made even 【小题9】(strong) by the very things that would oppose it.

Time and time again when you fear it is gone forever you find that the goodness of life is only a moment away. Around next corner, inside every moment, the goodness of life is there to surprise and delight you.

Take a moment to let the goodness of life 【小题10】(touch) your spirit and calm your thoughts. Then, share your good fortune with others.

China is a great country. It has a history of more than five thousand years, 【小题1】 culture is various. Chinese people are so proud 【小题2】 their culture and many traditional arts are part of the national treasures. One of the special handwork 【小题3】 (product) is paper-cut, which is now learned by 【小题4】 (little) people than in ancient times.

Paper-cut is an extraordinary art, which just 【小题5】 (need) simple tool - scissors, but it is not easy at all. When we look at the masters to cut paper, it takes them only a few minutes 【小题6】 (finish). In fact, for a freshman, they need to practise for a long time. This art has a long history, and it reflects the 【小题7】 (wise) of Chinese people.

My grandma inherits this art, and she can cut a lot of graphics. When I was very small, she tried to teach me 【小题8】 to try this handwork, but I was addicted to 【小题9】 (play) computer games. Now I feel so regretful, because paper-cut is 【小题10】 treasure, and many foreigners love it. The inheritance of tradition needs everybody’s passion.