阅读下列短文,从每题所给的 A、B、C、D 四个选项中选出最佳答案。
A
Calligraphy is a unique traditional art in China. In a broad sense, calligraphy refers to writing rules of linguistic symbols. The ancients continuously improved and updated calligraphy in their daily writing, ploughing for thousands of years, making calligraphy show the unique contemporary ideas and spirits of each dynasty, and then pushing them to evolve into works of the art with both form and meaning.
The calligraphy of the Qin Dynasty has left a brilliant magnificent page in the history of Chinese calligraphy. The Qin seal script( 篆书 ) had very strict rules and was not easy to write, so the clerical script ( 隶书 ) came into being. During the Han Dynasty, there were various styles of the clerical script.
The cursive script( 草书 ) came into being and became very popular during the Eastern Han Dynasty. It was of great significance to the development of the art of calligraphy in China. In this great era of calligraphy, Wang Xizhi was born—he was a great calligrapher whose name has lasted through ages.
By the time of the Tang Dynasty, the culture was so profound and brilliant that the art of calligraphy reached its peak in the early Tang Dynasty.
Through thousands of years, the unique art of calligraphy has become more like a wordless poem, an invisible dance, a blank painting and a silent music. Although many people don't use brush pens to write Chinese characters in their daily lives, calligraphy is still close to us, and it has now been extended to every aspect of our lives.
Among all kinds of paper, Xuan paper has a special place in Chinese culture. The history of Xuan paper dates back to the Tang Dynasty. At that time, paper was produced in Xuancheng, Jingxian, Ningguo and Taiping. Among them, the paper made in Jingxian was the best for its excellent qualities. Because most paper distribution centres were in Xuancheng, the paper was then named Xuan paper.
Xuan paper is made from the bark( 树皮 ) of the blue sandalwood( 檀香木 ) tree and rice straw. The process of making it includes many steps like washing, boiling and drying. Each step needs a lot of time and care. The final product is soft, thin but strong. It doesn't tear( 扯破 ) easily and can take in a lot of ink. Because of these qualities, Xuan paper has been loved by painters and calligraphers. It helps them fully express their creative ideas and feelings.
Xuan paper is not only a material for art but also a cultural symbol. It represents the rich heritage( 遗产 ) of the arts in Chinese history. Even in today's modern world, Xuan paper continues to play an important part in Chinese art and cultural traditions. It serves as a bridge connecting the past with the present, allowing modern artists to look for good ideas from history while creating new works. Thanks to the special treasures of Xuan paper, the beauty of Chinese calligraphy and painting can remain and be passed down through generations.
() 1. What does the underlined word "evolve" in paragraph 1 probably mean?
A. Disappear slowly.
B. Develop gradually.
C. Stay unchanged.
D. Move quickly.
() 2. What is the writer's purpose in mentioning "a wordless poem" and "a silent music" in paragraph 5?
A. To show calligraphy is a form of art.
B. To explain how to write calligraphy.
C. To compare Chinese and Western arts.
D. To introduce famous poems and music.
() 3. Why was the paper named "Xuan paper"?
A. Because Xuancheng had the most trees.
B. Because it was first made in Xuancheng.
C. Because Xuancheng paper was of the best quality.
D. Because its distribution centres were in Xuancheng.
() 4. What is the main idea of the last paragraph?
A. Xuan paper is expensive but popular.
B. Modern artists prefer Western paper.
C. Xuan paper connects history with today.
D. Chinese painting is losing its tradition.