E
The famous artist Wen Tong was considered as a master during the Song dynasty. He was born in 1018 and died in 1079. He was famous for his paintings of bamboo.
Why was he so good at drawing bamboo? Well, he loved bamboo! He planted only bamboo in his garden. He didn't just grow bamboo. He also studied bamboo to see what it looked like in different weather and how it grew.
One day in spring, there was a storm in the village. Everyone rushed home. But Wen Tong rushed to his bamboo garden. He wanted to see what water on bamboo leaves looked like.
One hot day in summer, most people stayed inside their home, trying to keep cool. But Wen Tong was in his bamboo garden. He wanted to see the bamboo clearly in the strong sunlight.
One day in the fall, it was so windy that some people fell over when they stepped outside. But Wen Tong went to his bamboo garden. He wanted to see the bamboo leaves swaying in the wind.
One day in winter, it started to snow. All the other villagers were inside their home, trying to stay warm. But Wen Tong was in his bamboo garden. He wanted to see the snow on the bamboo.
After many days just like these, he knew what bamboo looked like in all seasons, in all weather, and at all ages.
So when it was time to paint, he remembered everything he had seen. One of his friends said, "When Wen Tong draws bamboo, he has its image in his mind."
1. When was Wen Tong born?

2. Where did Wen Tong grow bamboo?

3. Do you think Wen Tong's method is still valuable for modern artists? Why?

1. He was born in 1018.
2. In his garden.
3. Yes. Because direct observation helps artists create more authentic and emotional works, which technology cannot replace.（言之有理即可）

F
Erica dreamed many times about going fishing. But her father wouldn't agree. "It's much too dangerous for you," he'd say. Erica tried to change her father's mind. But her father only said, "I don't want you to be unhappy. I'm just worried about you."
Erica couldn't understand why her father wouldn't let her go fishing. She could swim very well—much better than some of her friends.
"You said I should always try new things," Erica said to her father. "You said that it's the only way people grow inside."
Erica's father said, "But sometimes a new thing can be dangerous."
"Is going on boats dangerous?" asked Erica. "Then why do you do it? Benny Nathan is younger than I am. But he goes fishing all the time."
Erica's father said, "But you're not as strong as Benny."
Erica knew her legs weren't very strong. But her arms were. She had to show her father that she was strong.
That Saturday when Benny came over, Erica asked him to race her in the swimming pool. Her father came along to watch.
"This is a special race," Erica said. "You can only use your arms, not your legs."
Benny started off quickly, but soon his arms became tired. Erica began to pull ahead. She got to the end of the pool first.
After the race was over, Erica's father said, "I was wrong. You can take care of yourself—on a boat, or in other places."
Two days later, she was on a boat heading out to sea. Her father was sleeping next to her on a chair.
1. What was Erica's dream?

2. Why did Erica's father say no to her dream?

3. If you were Erica, would you stick to your dream even though your dad said no? Why?

1. Her dream was to go fishing.
2. Because her father thought it was dangerous to go fishing and Erica was not strong enough.
3. Yes. Because realizing my dream is very important and I don't want to give up easily. I will work hard and prove myself to my dad.（言之有理即可）