Reading comprehension

Chinese calligraphy is an important part of traditional Chinese culture. Calligraphy started in China and spread to other parts of Asia with Chinese culture. It has a history of 4,000 to 5,000 years. Calligraphy is the art of writing Chinese characters（汉字）and rules of writing with a brush. When you practice calligraphy, it is important to pay attention to the changes of the strokes（笔画）and the spaces between characters.

There are many famous calligraphers in history, such as Wang Xizhi and Yan Zhenqing. Different calligraphy works can show different calligraphers’ feelings and personalities. Today, they can be seen on the walls of offices, shops, hotels and many other places.

“If I live in China, I will become a calligrapher rather than a painter for sure,” the world-famous master of art, Picasso said. He fell in love with Chinese calligraphy as soon as he saw Zhang Daqian’s works.

The tool for practicing calligraphy is calligraphy brushes. They are usually made from the hair of different animals. Practicing calligraphy takes a lot of time and many people take lessons to learn it. During the lessons, they can learn how to write different strokes of Chinese characters. If you’re interested in it, you may start practicing with a teacher right away.

Calligraphy, an amazing traditional art form, shows the love that all Chinese people have for culture and beauty. Chinese people of all ages practice calligraphy often, not to be a calligrapher, but to enjoy the peaceful mind.

（1）How long is the history of Chinese calligraphy?

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（2）What do we need to pay attention to when we practice calligraphy?

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（3）What does the underlined word “they” refer to?

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（4）When did Picasso fall in love with Chinese calligraphy?

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（5）Why do Chinese people of all ages practice calligraphy often?

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