1. (2023九上·福州期中)  阅读理解

In the Chinese history, writing tools play an important role. Among them, the writing brush (毛笔) is the first one that should be paid attention to.

The beginning of the writing brush in China can date back to the Neolithic age (新石器时代), while it was popular during the Warring States period (战国时期). The tool is widely used in Chinese writing and painting.

Nowadays, many primary schools have calligraphy classes (书法课) where teachers teach students how to use the writing brush to enjoy Chinese traditional culture. The soft brush can leave strong lines on paper. But that only comes through years of hard work. If you want to write Chinese characters well and be a famous writing artist, you need to practice writing for a long time.

For many Chinese artists, the brush is more than a writing tool. "When I pick up the writing brush, suddenly my ideas and even stories build a relationship with the brush." said Liu Qinghe, a famous Chinese artist. With a good writing brush, when we put our ideas into it, we give it life. When a writer picks up the brush, he or she can feel what hides in the brush.

1. （1） What does the underlined part "them" refer to?

   A . The writing brush. B . The painting pen. C . The Chinese history. D . The writing tools.
3. （2） When did the writing brush come into wide use?

   A . In the Neolithic age. B . During the Warring States period. C . In modem times. D . During the Spring and Autumn period.
5. （3） Primary schools teach students to use the writing brush because they want students ____.

   A to know the importance of writing

   A . to know about traditional Chinese culture B . to know the important role of writing brush C . to tell the difference between the writing brush and painting pens
7. （4） The underlined sentence in Paragraph 4 means ____.

   A . Liu Qinghe has a deep love for the writing brush

   B we need a good brush to write down ideas

   C. Liu Qinghe's ideas are different from others'D. there is a beautiful story about the brush
9. （5） The passage is written mainly to ____.

   A . tell us about four inventions in ancient China B . introduce a famous writing artist to us C . introduce the history and value of the writing brush D . tell us how to write well with the writing brush