Question

China and Western countries may have different cultural beliefs(信仰) about certain animals, but when it comes to pigs, somehow(不知怎的) we have the same idea – we agree that pigs are ugly and lazy.

But the truth is that pigs do have some finer qualities. And maybe there’s no better time to clear their names than now, with the end of the Year of the Pig on January 24 this year.

For starters, science long ago proved that pigs aren’t stupid at all. According to a research, “pigs are as clever as dogs and chimpanzees.” They like to play. They can remember things for a long time. And they can decide who treat them well and who don’t.

There are lovable pig characters in cartoons too. Peppa Pig, an English animated (动画的) television series that begin in 2004, has now become one of the most popular cartoons in 180 countries and areas. The four members in the cartoon’s pig family teach children from all over the world to get on well with friends. Their daily stories show that family members are the most valuable persons to cherish (珍惜). And in China, the adventures(冒险) of McDull, a piglet who works hard towards his dreams even though he seldom succeeds, have been made into films since 2001. McDull is slow and patient, and not afraid of repeated failures. He has a heart of gold.

Perhaps these are the qualities of pigs to keep in mind when we say goodbye to the Year of the Pig—their intelligence (智力), cuteness, patience and innocence(无邪).

Traditional ideas	Somehow China and Western cultural beliefs reach an 1. on pigs. Pigs are ugly and lazy.
2. about pigs	Pigs’ intelligence is 3. to that of dogs’ and chimpanzees’. Pigs can 4. things for a long time. Pigs can make a 5. who treat them well and who don’t.
Pig characters in cartoons	Peppa Pig	An 6. cartoon character. Her family teach kids friendship and the 7. of family.
McDull	From China. He works hard to 8. his dream even though he is slow and keeps 9..
New impressions	Pigs are clever, cute, 10. and innocent.

Answer 1