剪纸(paper cutting)是中国最为流行的传统民间艺术形式之一。 中国剪纸有_千五百多年的历史，在明朝和清朝时期(the Ming and Qing Dynasties)特别流行。人们常用剪纸美化居家环境。特别是在 春节和婚庆期间，剪纸被用来装饰门窗和房间，以增加喜庆的气氛。 剪纸最常用的颜色是红色，象征健康和兴旺。中国剪纸在世界各地 很受欢迎，经常被用作馈赠外国友人的礼物。
参考翻译：
Paper cutting is one of China’s most popular traditional folk arts. Chinese paper cutting has a history of more than 1,500 years. It was widespread particularly during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. People often beautify their homes with paper cuttings. During the Spring Festival and wedding celebrations, in particular, paper cuttings are used to decorate doors，windows and rooms in order to enhance the joyous atmosphere. The color most frequently used in paper cutting is red, which symbolizes health and prosperity. Chinese paper cutting is very popular around the world and it is often given as a present to foreign friends.
Directions:
For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write an essay. You should
start your essay with a brief description of the picture and then express your views on the importance of learning basic skills. You should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words. Write your essay on Answer Sheet 1.
Section B
Directions:
In this section, you are going to read a passage with ten statements attached to it. Each statement contains information given in one of the paragraphs. Identify the paragraph from which the information is derived. You may choose a paragraph more than once. Each paragraph is marked with a letter. Answer the questions by marking the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 2.
