2017-2018学年湖南省常德芷兰实验学校高二下学期期中考试英语试题 Word版

2017-2018学年湖南省常德芷兰实验学校高二下学期期中考试英语试题 Word版

‎2017-2018学年湖南省常德芷兰实验学校高二下学期期中考试英语试题 时 量：120分钟 满 分：150 分 命题教师：宋 霞 ‎ 第一部分 听力 (共两节，满分30分)‎ 第一节 （共5小题；每小题1.5分，满分7.5分）‎ ‎1. What is the probable relationship between the two speakers?‎ A. Doctor and patient. ‎ B. Interviewer and interviewee.‎ C. Teacher and student.‎ ‎2. What is the most difficult thing for the man to remember?‎ A. Names. B. Events. C. Dates.‎ ‎3. What do we know about the man? ‎ A. He likes the program, The Voice of China.‎ B. He watches TV every evening.‎ C. He likes movies very much.‎ ‎4. What does the woman think of TV advertising?‎ A. It is very attractive.‎ B. It is very expensive. ‎ C. It can impress the audience. ‎ ‎5. Where is Tom now?‎ A. In the meeting room. ‎ B. In the manager’s house. ‎ C. On the way to Mr. Smith’s office.‎ 第二节 （共15小题；每小题1.5分，满分22.5分）‎ 听第6段材料，回答第6、7题。‎ ‎6. What did Miss Huang say on the boy’s report card?‎ A. The boy doesn’t concentrate in class.‎ B. The boy is too lazy to recite vocabulary.‎ C. The boy is often late for school.‎ ‎7. Why did the man get a poor grade in maths?‎ A. He was not good at maths.‎ B. He didn’t prepare well.‎ C. He failed to finish the exam. ‎ 听第7段材料，回答第8、9题。‎ ‎8. Why does the man want to borrow the book, Jane Eyre?‎ A. He wants to read it again. ‎ B. He needs it for his graduation paper.‎ C. He borrows it for his elder sister.‎ ‎9. How much should the man pay if one book he has is two days overdue?‎ A. One dollar and ten cents.‎ B. Two dollars and twenty cents.‎ C. Two dollars and ten cents.‎ 听第8段材料，回答第10至12题。‎ ‎10. Which brand does the woman like most?‎ A. Lyfel. ‎ B. Maybelline.‎ C. L’Oréal.‎ ‎11. What color does the woman usually wear?‎ A. Dark red. ‎ B. Dark yellow. ‎ C.Pink. ‎ ‎12. Why does the woman want a lipstick in dark color? ‎ A. Because she wants to look nicer.‎ B. Because she needs to look more serious.‎ C. Because she prefers dark colors to light colors.‎ 听第9段材料，回答第13至16题。 ‎ ‎13. What is the woman cooking?‎ A. Vegetable soup. ‎ B.Stewed beef.‎ C.Steamed fish.‎ ‎14. How does the dish cooked by the woman taste?‎ A. It is not well cooked.‎ B.It is too salty. ‎ C. It is delicious.‎ ‎15. What is not the woman good at?‎ A. Baking cakes. ‎ B.Hot and sour soup.‎ C.Frying chicken. ‎ ‎16. What does the man invite the woman to do?‎ A.To cook for his birthday ‎ B. To buy him a present. ‎ C.To visit his party. ‎ ‎ family.‎ 听第10段材料，回答第17至20题。‎ ‎17. How long has Martin Mazia learned Chinese calligraphy (书法)?‎ A. For 49 years. B. For 17 years. C. For five years. ‎ ‎18. What was the soul of Mazia’s works, according to him?‎ A. Chinese characters. B. The writing brush. C. Chinese culture.‎ ‎19. When did Mazia fall in love with Chinese painting and calligraphy?‎ A. After attending a Chinese medicine class.‎ B. When he first saw jia gu wen. ‎ C. After he heard about the four main categories of Chinese calligraphy. ‎ ‎20. What does Mazia find that different cultures have in common?‎ A. Freedom in mind. B. Ease of pain. C. The pursuit of beauty.‎ 第二部分 阅读理解 (共两节，满分40分)‎ 第一节（共15小题；每小题2分，满分30分）‎ 阅读下列短文，从每题所给的A、B、C和D四个选项中，选出最佳选项。‎ A China’s water towns prove there are some places left in China that still have dreamy beauty — a welcome sight in a country that often feels like a giant construction site. Unlike Venice, which works very hard to attract a lot of travelers, the Chinese towns offer crowd-free trips back in time.‎ Hongcun Ancient Village With Mount Huangshan as the head, the lake-filled town as the body and ancient bridges as legs, this is a unique beast. The most special structure in the thousand-person village is Chengzhi Hall, a country palace built in 1855. ‎ Tai’erzhuang In 2009, a US$743.54 million restoration (重建) project was carried out by the local government. And Tai’erzhuang in east China was able to restore its classic ‎ architecture to the condition it was in during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Despite the small size, Tai’erzhuang has a number of traditional temples, waterways and museums. The two-square-kilometer town makes for a nice day trip from the Chinese capital. ‎ Zhouzhuang Despite its population of 138,000 people — tiny by Chinese standards — the town’s location near Shanghai and Suzhou makes it easy to reach for short visits. Visitors pass through shops on the way to the town’s two main sites, Quanfu Temple and Chengxu Temple. A boat ride through town costs around US$16 (100 yuan). Traditional Chinese folk music sung by boatmen is for free.‎ Huangyao Ancient Town Huangyao Ancient Town lies in a river bend (河湾), which is believed to prevent the locals’ good fortune from flowing away. While wealthy in the past, the town developed slowly over a 1000-year history. Today, it’s home to only 600 families. Located in Guangxi, Huangyao covers 360,000 square meters surrounded by mountains, which have plenty of large caves open for exploration.‎ ‎21. Which town receives financial aid from the government?‎ A. Hongcun Ancient Village. B. Tai’erzhuang.‎ C. Zhouzhuang. D. Huangyao Ancient Town.‎ ‎22. What can we learn about Zhouzhuang from the text?‎ A. Its population is quite large according to Chinese standards.‎ B. There are two temples as main attractions.‎ C. It doesn’t cost much money to listen to the boatmen singing.‎ D. It is not convenient for a short visit from Shanghai.‎ ‎23. What is special about Huangyao?‎ A. Its location was chosen to protect its good fortune.‎ B. It is richer today than ever.‎ C. It is a country palace built in 1855.‎ D. In appearance, it looks like a unique beast.‎ B At thirteen, I was diagnosed（诊断）with kind of attention disorder. It made school difficult for me. When everyone else in the class was focusing on tasks, I could not. In my first literature class, Mrs. Smith asked us to read a story and then write on it, all within 45 minutes. I raised my hand right away and said, “Mrs. Smith, you see, the doctor said I have attention problems. I might not be able to do it.” She glanced down at me through her glasses, “You are no different from your classmates, young man.” I tried, but I didn’t finish the reading when the bell rang. I had to take it home. In the quietness of my bedroom, the story suddenly all became clear to me. It was about a blind person, Louis Braille. He lived in a time when the blind couldn’t get much education. But Louis didn’t give up. Instead, he invented a reading system of raised dots, which opened up a whole new world of knowledge to the blind. Wasn’t I the “blind” in my class, being made to learn like the “sighted” students? My thoughts spilled out and my pen started to dance. I completed the task within 40 minutes. Indeed, I was no different from others; I just needed a quieter place. If Louis could find his way out of his problems, why should I ever give up? I didn’t expect anything when I handled in my paper to Mrs. Smith, so it was quite a surprise when it came back to me the next day - with an “A” on it. At the bottom of the paper were these words: “ See what you can do when you keep trying? ” 24. The author didn’t finish the reading in class because .‎ A. He had an attention disorder ‎ B. He wanted to take the task home C. He was tried of literature ‎ D. He was new to the class ‎25. What do we know about Louis Braille from the passage ?‎ A. He learned a lot from school. ‎ B. He gave up reading. ‎ C. He made a great invention. ‎ D. He had good sight.‎ ‎26. What was Mrs.Smith’s attitude to the author at the end of the story ?‎ ‎ A. Encouraging B. Impatient C. Angry D. Sympathetic ‎27. What is the passage mainly about ? ‎ A. Everyone needs a hand when faced with challenges. ‎ B. The disabled should be treated with respect.‎ C. A teacher can open up a new world to students. ‎ D. One can find his way out of difficulties with efforts.‎ C The life of Samuel Langhorne Clemens (Mark Twain) was just as interesting as one of his characters, maybe even more so. He had an interesting life and is still admired by the people all over the world after his death in 1910. ‎ Clemens was born under Halley’s Comet (哈雷彗星) and also died when the comet appeared again about 70 years later. This shouldn’t have been any surprise to anyone who knew him well. However, Clemens knew in 1909 that he would die when the famous comet would come back, although it was thought that he was joking at the time.‎ At the time of Clemens’ early writing days as a reporter, it was common for writers to use a pen name in dangerous times. Clemens picked “Mark Twain” in 1862. He used other pen names as well, including “Josh” and “Thomas Jefferson Snodgrass”. But why did he pick “Mark Twain” at all? Clemens would say because it was a term from river boating where you would find out how deep the water was. ‎ Clemens wrote on many topics, but he was also one of America’s first science fiction writers with such works as A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court. Clemens was attracted by science as well as nature, especially rivers. He invested (投资) in new inventions but lost a lot of money by doing so. ‎ The final interesting fact about Mark Twain is that he was a real cat lover. One summer vacation in New Hampshire, he rented cats from a nearby by for his stay.‎ 28. What was people’s reaction to what Clemens said about Halley’s Comet’s reappearance in 1909?‎ A. They were surprised at his power. ‎ B. They believed in him.‎ C. They thought it was a joke. ‎ D. They were excited about the event.‎ 29. For what purpose did Samuel Langhorne Clemens use a pen name?‎ A. To remember his experiences. ‎ B. To show his gift for writing. ‎ C. To protect himself from danger. ‎ D. To attract more readers.‎ 28. We can learn from the text that Mark Twain ___________.‎ A.loved cats very much ‎ B. was the first writer to write science fiction ‎ C. once wanted to be a scientist D. was very good at investing ‎31. What is the main idea of the text?‎ A. Samuel Langhorne Clemens’ interests. ‎ B. Samuel Langhorne Clemens’ novels.‎ C. How Samuel Langhorne Clemens achieved success. ‎ D. Interesting facts about Samuel Langhorne Clemens. ‎ D Everyone feels sad from time to time. But is it just a passing feeling or the medical condition known as depression? Google has set up a short test that can help people recognize whether they are suffering from clinical (临床的) depression. The test, called PHQ-9, will be offered to people who search for “depression” or “clinical depression” using Google on a mobile device. The search results will show information on depression with a link to a series of questions, to help figure out if someone has signs of depression.‎ To take the test, you should first search for “depression” in Google’s search engine. The results should show an explanation about clinical depression. Below the explanation is a message that reads, “Check if you’re clinically depressed.” Click that message to begin taking the test. Google says the test takes five minutes to complete. Touch the “Get Started” button to begin. At the end, you will see a list of numbers from 0 to 27. It will show how likely you are to have signs of clinical depression. The website also shows what to do next, based on the results of the test.‎ PHQ-9 was developed for adults, not children. The test is available on Google search results only on phones and tablets (平板), not other computers. If you search using a computer, you will see information about depression, but not the link to PHQ-9. If you want to search for “depression” with a computer, or do not see the link to ‎ the test on your phone or tablet, you can search for “PHQ-9” on Google instead. By taking this test on Google, you will be sharing information about yourself with the company, if you are in your Google account. Google says that your answers will be kept secret. They will not be shared with others.‎ ‎32. According to the first paragraph, _________.‎ A. sadness is a sign of clinical depression B. people cannot see the test on mobile phones C. the test has a number of questions D. the test is aimed at treating depression ‎33. According to the text, how can users take the test?‎ A. By asking the researchers for help.‎ B. By using a computer to search for the explanation of depression.‎ C. By clicking the message on the explanation to begin.‎ D. By searching for “depression” using Google on a phone or tablet.‎ ‎34. What can we learn about PHQ-9?‎ A. It was developed for both adults and children.‎ B. People can’t see the link to PHQ-9 on computers.‎ C. Google will inform hospitals of the results to treat depression.‎ D. People can search for “depression” on the phone to avoid it.‎ ‎35. What is the author’s attitude towards the test?‎ A. Concerned. B. Supportive. C. Objective. D. Negative.‎ 第二节（共5小题；每小题2分，满分10分）选项中有两项为多余选项。‎ Secrets of Top Students ‎ A professor of education who has made some studies of top students said that top grades do not always go to the brightest students. 36 ‎ ‎ Top students master a few basic rules that others can also learn. Top students study anywhere or everywhere. A top student who is also a top athlete recites biology terms as he works out every day. Another student learns a new word every morning while brushing his teeth. Top students are also well organized. Top students immediately put the day’s notes in different folders (文件夹). 37 According to one ‎ professor, the student who turns in neat work is already on the way to scoring an A. In the classroom, it is equally important for students to speak up and ask questions. 38 As a student puts it, “Better grades come from better understanding.” Another technique is to do more than the homework. A student says that if her teacher gives five problems, she will undertake ten. In the student’s words, “Part of learning is practising. The more you practise, the more you learn.” ‎ ‎ 39 It showed that students who discussed homework and problems together, tried different approaches and explained their solutions to one another scored higher than those on their own.‎ ‎ Last but not least, all experts and top students agree that the most important “secret” lies in the contribution by parents. They set high standards for their children and hold them to those standards. 40 They impress the lessons of responsibility on their children, and the children deliver.‎ ‎ A. In other words, study time is always placed above fun.‎ ‎ B. This is perhaps the best way for a student to clarify any doubts.‎ ‎ C.They encourage their children in their studies but do not do the work for them.‎ ‎ D. The value of studying together was shown in an experiment. ‎ ‎ E. According to him, top students know how to make the most of their abilities.‎ ‎ F. In this way, they are available for review when nearing examination time.‎ ‎ G. They are taught the importance of learning by their parents. ‎ 第三部分 英语知识运用 （共两节，满分45分）‎ 第一节完型填空 （共20小题，每小题1.5分，满分30分）‎ ‎ A lady wanted a birthday gift from her husband. For many months she had liked a beautiful 41 , and knowing her husband could 42 it, she told him that was all she wanted. On the morning of the 43 , her husband told her how 44 he was to have such a good wife, and how much he loved her. He 45 her a beautiful gift package（纸盒）. She opened it and 46 a Bible（圣经）. 47 , she raised her voice and said to her husband, “With all your money, you give me a Bible?” She was so 48 that she left him.‎ Many years passed and the lady was very 49 in business. She owned two large companies. She 50 her husband was very old, and thought perhaps she should go to 51 him. But before she could, she 52 a letter telling her that he had died, and gave all of his possessions（财产）to her. She needed to come back and 53 things.‎ When she arrived at his house, sadness 54 her heart. She saw the still new 55 , just as she had left it years before. With 56 , she opened it and began to turn the pages. A ring 57 from the Bible to the floor and a 58 could be seen. She picked it up and found it was the ring she wanted in those days. And on the card was the date of her birth, and the words “LUV U ALWAYS”.‎ ‎59 your gift is not packaged the way you want it, it’s because it is better packaged the way it is! Always appreciate little things; they usually lead you to bigger things! The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched for they must be felt with the 60 .‎ ‎41. A. watch ‎ B. coat ‎ C. ring ‎ D. box ‎42 A. guess ‎ B. like ‎ C. design ‎ D.afford ‎43. A. holiday ‎ B.birthday ‎ C.performance ‎ D. meeting ‎ ‎44. A. brave ‎ B. kind ‎ C. sorry ‎ D. proud ‎ ‎45. A. lent ‎ B. gave ‎ C. asked ‎ D. moved ‎ ‎46. A. carried ‎ B. missed C.found ‎ D. held ‎47. A.Angrily ‎ B. Lightly ‎ C. Patiently D. Politely ‎ ‎48. A. calm ‎ B.grateful ‎ C. upset D. careless ‎49. A. failing ‎ B. successful ‎ C. lonely D. poor ‎50. A. wondered ‎ B.realized ‎ C. hoped ‎ D. explained ‎51. A. help B. understand C. catch ‎ D. visit ‎ ‎52. A. received ‎ B. wrote ‎ C. sent ‎ D. passed 53. A. give away ‎ B. pay for ‎ C. look for D. take care of ‎ ‎54. A. filled ‎ B. broke ‎ C. left D. covered ‎ ‎55. A. car ‎ B.letter ‎ C. Bible ‎ D. table ‎56. A. smiles ‎ B.tears ‎ C. laughter ‎ D. interests ‎57. A. hid ‎ B.disappeared ‎ C. dropped D. made ‎ ‎58. A.card ‎ B. pen ‎ C. flower ‎ D. book 59. A.So ‎ B. But ‎ C. Although ‎ D. If ‎60. A. heart ‎ B. eye ‎ C. face ‎ D.hand 第二节（共10小题；每小题1.5分，满分15分）‎ 在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。‎ ‎61.The application of this technology is likely (cause) a revolution in this industry. ‎ ‎62.There is something important about being together and sharing life cannot be found over a wire.‎ ‎63.If penicillin had not been available, many people (die) from sickness or even small wounds.‎ ‎64.One theory (explain) this phenomenon suggests that acupuncture blocks pain signals from reaching the brain. ‎ ‎65.Many drivers are ______________(aggress) and push into other lanes of traffic or pass other cars.‎ ‎66.The way you type your key words (make) a difference. ‎ ‎67.Below are some of the major causes of road accidents in (connect) with vehicles. ‎ ‎68.They make the __________________（assume）that children spend too much time chatting and playing games instead of focusing on their school work. ‎ ‎69.It was too dark, and I couldn’t make out the words (write) on the wall. ‎ ‎70.There are two main points which must (include) when we analyze the Internet. ‎ 第四部分 写作 (共两节，满分35分)‎ 第一节 短文改错 (共10小题；每小题1分，满分10分)‎ 注意：‎ ‎1. 每处错误及其修改均仅限一词；‎ ‎2. 只允许修改10处，多者(从第11处起)不计分。‎ Dear Mandy，‎ I’m not doing well in my lessons at school, especial in maths. My dad says I must try hard because he wants me go to university. He thinks I’m lazy, but it’s not true. I work really hard, often study late into the night! I’ve tried to talk to my mother, but she always said I have to work as hard like my brother does. My brother doesn’t study very hard, and he always gets excellent grades. It’s not fair!‎ The only thing I like it is art. My teacher says I’m the best student she’s had for year. When I told my dad, all he said was, “You mustn’t waste your time in art. You must focus your mind in your lessons！” I’m feeling quite puzzling about ‎ what to do now. Would you please help me out?‎ Thanks a lot! Yours sincerely，Lisa 第二节 书面表达（满分25分）‎ 假定你是李华，你的英国笔友Tom来邮件告知，他对中国悠久历史及壮丽河山很感兴趣。他打算利用圣诞长假来中国旅游，来信希望你能为他推荐旅游景点。请用英语回一封邮件，内容要点包括：‎ 1. 简介你推荐的景点 2.叙述理由 3.表达祝愿及期待。‎ 注意：1. 字数100词左右； ‎ ‎2. 可以适当增减细节，以使行文连贯； ‎ ‎3. 开头语已经为你写好 Dear Tom, ‎ How happy I am to know that you are going to travel in China. ‎ ‎… Yours, Li Hua. ‎ 芷兰2018年上学期高二年级期中考试 英语试题参考答案 听力 1-5 BCCBC 6-10 CCCBA 11-15 CBCCA 16-20 ABCAC 阅读 21-23 BBA 24-27 ACAD 28-31 CCAD 32-35 CDBC ‎ 七选五36-40 EFBDC 完形填空：41-45 CDBDB 46-50 CACBB 51-55 DADAC 56-60 BCADA 61. to cause 62. that/which 63. would have died 64. explaining 65. aggressive ‎ 66. makes 67. connection 68. assumption 69. written 70. be included ‎ 短文改错：‎ 第一句：especial→especially 第二句：me后加to 第四句：study→studying 第五句：said→says; like→as 第六句：and→but 第八句：去掉it 第九句：year→years 第十句：in→on 第十二句：puzzling→puzzled 书面表达（One possible version）‎ Dear Tom, ‎ How happy I am to know that you are going to travel in China. Knowing that you show great interest in Chinese magnificent mountains and rivers, I will recommend Huangshan Mountain to you.‎ Located in Anhui province, Huangshan Mountain is one of the most famous places of interest in China. It towers over the land and reaches to the sky, which shines like a diamond in the blue sky. No words can describe its beauty and it will definitely leave you a deep impression. Obviously, Huangshan Mountain is worth your visit, where ‎ you can live in harmony with nature and be far away from the noise of the outside world. ‎ I will be glad if you can consider my recommendation. I am looking forward to your arrival and wish you a nice journey.‎ Yours, ‎ Li Hua. ‎ 听力原文 Text 1 ‎ W: Do you have any other questions? ‎ M: Yes, I’d also like to know: if I get the job, what are the working hours like?‎ Text 2 ‎ W: Are you ready for the history exam next week?‎ M: Not yet. It is difficult for me to memorise all the names and events, especially dates.‎ Text 3 ‎ W: I love the program, The Voice of China. Do you watch TV every evening?‎ M: No, seldom. But I really like movies, so I go to the cinema twice a week.‎ Text 4 ‎ W: What do you think of TV advertising?‎ M: It is very attractive and can make a deep impression on the audience.‎ W: But it is very expensive.‎ Text 5 ‎ W: Where’s Tom? I saw him in the meeting room just five minutes ago, but now he’s disappeared.‎ M: Mr. Smith called him and he is on the way to the manager’s office.‎ Text 6 ‎ W: Hello, Mark! How were your final exams?‎ M: Oh, I got very poor grades.‎ W: Did the teachers say anything on your report card?‎ M: Yes. Mr. Zhang, my Chinese teacher, said I didn’t concentrate in his classes. My English teacher, Tommy, said I was too lazy to recite vocabulary and Miss Huang, the history teacher, said something about my coming late and missing classes.‎ W: How about your maths exam? You always do well in maths. ‎ M: It was terrible. I was late for the exam and didn’t manage to finish.‎ W: What a pity!‎ Text 7 ‎ M: Excuse me, Madam. I’m looking for some material on environmental protection for my graduation paper. Where can I get it?‎ W: All our books about the environment are on that shelf over there.‎ M: I also want to find the book, Jane Eyre. My elder sister wants to read it again.‎ W: Let me see; that book has already been checked out and it won’t be returned until next Monday.‎ M: OK, I bet my sister will feel bad after hearing this. How long can I keep a book when I borrow one?‎ W: No more than three weeks.‎ M: How much is the overdue charge per day if a book is overdue?‎ W: One dollar and ten cents per book per day.‎ Text 8 ‎ M: May I help you?‎ W: Yes, I need a lipstick.‎ M: Do you have any particular brand in mind?‎ W: I like Lyfel very much.‎ M: We have many different shades of Lyfel lipstick. What color do you usually wear?‎ W: Pink. But I’m thinking of buying one in a dark color, maybe dark red or dark yellow. I am going to start a new job next month. I need to look more serious.‎ M: There aren’t any serious colors in the Lyfel group of lipsticks, I’m afraid. Why not try another brand?‎ W: Well, any brand will do, as long as I can find the right color.‎ M: How about this Maybelline one or that L’Oréal one? The colors aren’t that bright. ‎ W: I think the L’Oréal one is better.‎ Text 9 ‎ M: Good evening, Selina. What’s that wonderful smell from your kitchen? Are you cooking now?‎ W: Yes. ‎ M: Are you good at cooking? What are you cooking: vegetable soup or stewed beef? ‎ W: I studied cooking at a training school. I plan to run a restaurant, so I have to practise cooking! I am steaming some fish in a pressure cooker. Have you ever tried steamed fish?‎ M:Yes, I have. But the taste of steamed fish at that restaurant is not good. The fish is not well cooked and it is too salty.‎ W: That’s true. They must add too much soy sauce. Have a taste of my fish. ‎ M: Thank you. Oh, it’s delicious. Besides steamed fish, what else are you good at cooking?‎ W: I like stewing beef with potato, frying chicken, and hot and sour soup, but I am not good at baking cakes. ‎ M: So many dishes. Next Friday is my birthday. I would like to invite you to cook for my dinner party. Would that be OK?‎ W: Why not? It is a good opportunity for me to practise cooking.‎ Text 10 ‎ A 49-year-old Argentine artist called Martin Mazia has been learning Chinese painting and calligraphy for 17 years. He has never set foot in China.‎ Although he is not good at Chinese, Mazia is good at the four main categories of Chinese calligraphy. He can even write jia gu wen (the earliest evidence of Chinese use of the written word).‎ Mazia is surrounded by Chinese paintings and calligraphy in his home. He says the Chinese culture was the soul of the works.‎ The strong love of Chinese painting and calligraphy began with a traditional Chinese ‎ medicine class. Mazia intended to learn about it to ease his backpain. While he was learning about it, he was attracted by Chinese characters. Later he did a lot of research on the Internet and learned Chinese from the local Chinese.‎ ‎“Chinese culture has many unique things. After years of studying, I find all the arts from different cultures have one thing in common: the pursuit of beauty,” Mazia said.‎