Unit 2 Exploring English 主题类文拓展阅读（配套教参Word）-【步步高】2025-2026学年高一英语必修第一册学习笔记（外研版·新教材）

(选自人教版必修第一册 UNIT 5)

THE CHINESE WRITING SYSTEM：

CONNECTING THE PAST AND THE PRESENT

China is widely known for its ancient civilisation which has continued all the way through into modern times，despite the many ups and downs in its history.There are many reasons why this has been possible，but one of the main factors has been the Chinese writing system.

At the beginning，written Chinese was a picture-based language.It dates back several thousand years to the use of longgu—animal bones and shells on which symbols were carved by ancient Chinese people.Some of the ancient symbols can still be seen in today’s hanzi.

By the Shang Dynasty(around 1600－1046 BCE)，these symbols had become a well-developed writing system.Over the years，the system developed into different forms，as it was a time when people were divided geographically，leading to many varieties of dialects and characters.This，however，changed under Emperor Qinshihuang of the Qin Dynasty(221－207 BCE)．

Emperor Qinshihuang united the seven major states into one unified country where the Chinese writing system began to develop in one direction.That writing system was of great importance in uniting the Chinese people and culture.Even today，no matter where Chinese people live or what dialect they speak，they can all still communicate in writing.

Written Chinese has also become an important means by which China’s present is connected with its past.People in modern times can read the classic works which were written by Chinese in ancient times.The high regard for the Chinese writing system can be seen in the development of Chinese characters as an art form，known as Chinese calligraphy，which has become an important part of Chinese culture.

Today，the Chinese writing system is still an important part of Chinese culture.As China plays a greater role in global affairs，an increasing number of international students are beginning to appreciate China’s culture and history through this amazing language.

1．What’s the main idea of the text?

A．The writing system of the Shang Dynasty.

B．The history of the Chinese written language.

C．The differences between old Chinese and modern Chinese.

D．The wide use of Chinese all over the world.

答案　B