A
Paper cutting is one of China's most popular folk arts. Archaeological (考古学上的) finds show that the tradition started in the 6th century; it is even supposed that the beginning of paper cutting is even a few centuries earlier.
Paper cuts have special importance at festivals and on holidays. To get rid of (摆脱) the old and bring good luck, people put up paper cuts on the windows on the Eve of the Spring Festival.
Paper cuts are not produced by machine, but by hand. They are done all over China, but are different in the method in different areas. There are two methods of making paper cuts—by using scissors (剪刀) or knives. As the name suggests, scissors cuttings are made with scissors. Several pieces of paper (up to eight pieces) are placed together. The patterns are then cut with pointed scissors. Knife cuttings are made by putting several pieces of paper on a table. Following a pattern, the artist cuts the patterns into the paper with a knife.
In the past, paper cuts are usually made only by women and girls. They use scissors and paper to cut all kinds of pictures such as apple trees, peach blossoms, mice, fighting roosters (公鸡) and rabbits eating carrots.
This used to be one of the skills that every girl was to master. Professional paper cutting artists are, on the other hand, almost always men who can make a living by working together in workshops.
21．How long has paper cutting lasted at least?_____
A．About 600 years. B．About 1,500 years.
C．About 2,000 years. D．About 2,700 years.
22．People put up paper cuts on the windows in order to ________.
A. make them look more beautiful B. show others their excellent skills
C. bring them good luck in the new year D.sell them on the Eve of the Spring Festival
23．What does the third paragraph mainly tell us?_______
A．Two kinds of paper cuts. B．Paper cuts are made by hand.
C．Paper cuts are made by machine. D．The process of making paper cuts.
