木兰：替父从军展非凡，铁血英姿立世间
Mulan, also known as Hua Mulan, is a heroine from Chinese folk legend. She became “the first Asian Disney princess” when the animated musical action-adventure movie Mulan was produced by Walt Disney Pictures in 1998.
Why Mulan Is Famous
Mulan is a well-known heroine in China because she cared deeply about the national crisis, protected her family, and proved that women could be as strong as men. Her story was recounted in The Ballad of Mulan, a folksong in the Northern and Southern Dynasties. Nowadays, The Ballad of Mulan is a must-read article for all Chinese middle school students.
The Story of Mulan
According to The Ballad of Mulan, Mulan was born in 412 AD during the Northern Wei Dynasty (386–534). Her father was a retired soldier. To cultivate Mulan’s courage, he taught Mulan martial arts and weapons practice, such as riding, shooting arrows, and swordplay when she was a child. As she got older, her military talents grew stronger.
Her life took a turn when the Rouran people invaded China. To protect the country, the ruler issued a conscription (征兵) order. As the only adult male in the family, Mulan’s elderly father was listed in the draft. Mulan was anxious about the situation and she made the courageous decision to replace her father in the military draft.
She disguised herself as a man and started twelve years of army life in the frontier. Mulan eventually returned home in triumph after 12 years. To praise her bravery during the battles, the ruler wanted to grant her the position of officer but Mulan declined. She just desired to stay with her family and to spend more time with her parents.
Have you read The Ballad of Mulan or watched any movies about Mulan? Do you like her? Share your thoughts HERE.
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1.1.Which of the following is NOT a reason why Mulan is famous in China according to the text?
A She demonstrated women’s strength and bravery.
B She was good at weapons practice.
C She deeply cared about the national crisis.
D Her story was recorded in The Ballad of Mulan.
解析：选B。1.B 细节理解题。根据第二段内容可知，木兰以深切关心国家安危、保护家人以及证明女性可以和男性一样坚强而闻名。《木兰辞》也讲述了她的故事，是所有中学生必读的文章。然而，文章并没有明确指出她擅长武器使用是她出名的直接原因。故选B。
2.2. Which of the following is TRUE about Mulan’s father?
A He was a fierce warrior when young.
B He was an experienced hunter.
C He had taught Mulan various martial arts.
D He was willing to serve in the army.
解析：选C。C 细节理解题。根据第三段的“To cultivate Mulan’s courage, he taught Mulan martial arts and weapons practice, such as riding, shooting arrows, and swordplay when she was a child.”可知，为了培养木兰的勇气，她父亲在她小的时候就教她武术和武器使用，如骑马、射箭和剑术。由此可以推断，木兰的父亲教了她各种武术。故选C。
3.3. What does the underlined word “declined” mean?
A Interpreted.
B Escaped.
C Approved.
D Refused.
解析：选D。D 词义猜测题。根据划线部分后面的“She just desired to stay with her family and to spend more time with her parents.”可知，皇帝认为木兰有能力在朝廷效力，任得一官半职，但是她只想和家人呆在一起，由此可推测木兰拒绝了任职。故选D。
4.4.What can be inferred about Mulan’s main personality characteristics from the story?
A She was mean but intelligent.
B She was loyal and filial.
C She was timid but righteous.
D She was courageous and selfish.
解析：选B。推理判断题。木兰心系国家安危，体现了她对国家的“loyal（忠诚）”；为了不让年迈的父亲上战场，替父从军，体现了她的 “filial（孝顺）”。故选B。