Chopsticks, a simple pair of sticks, are an essential part of dining in many Asian cultures. They were first used in China and then introduced to other areas in the world. They come in various materials like wood, bamboo, and metal, each offering its own unique feel and grip. Below are some things to know about Chinese Chopsticks.

1) When were chopsticks invented?

    Before chopsticks were invented, Chinese ancestors used their hands to eat. But how did they eat soup and porridge? They had to use sticks. Chopsticks were first used in China about 3,000 years ago during the Shang Dynasty. According to “Records of the Grand Historian”, the last king of the Shang Dynasty used ivory chopsticks. So, China has at least three thousand years of history with chopsticks. During the Pre-Qin period, chopsticks were called “Jia”. In the Han dynasty, they were called “Zhu”. Since “Zhu” sounds like “stop” in Chinese, which is an unlucky word for people on boats, they started calling them “Kuai”, meaning “fast” in Chinese. This is how Chinese chopsticks got their name today.

2) Who invented chopsticks?

    The records of using chopsticks have been found in many written books but lack physical evidence. However, there are many stories about how chopsticks were invented. One story says that Jiang Ziya, an ancient Chinese military strategist, made chopsticks after seeing a mythical bird. There is also a story that Yu the Great, a legendary ruler, used sticks to pick hot food so he could save time and control floods. But we don’t know exactly who invented chopsticks. We can only say that ancient Chinese people made chopsticks.

3) Chopsticks Etiquette (礼仪)

    Playing with chopsticks is seen as impolite. It is polite and kind to pick up food for the elderly and children. When eating with elders, Chinese usually let the elders take up their chopsticks first. Often, a caring host will give a piece of food (like a chicken leg) from the plate to a guest. Tapping chopsticks on the edge of your bowl is considered rude because beggars (乞丐) in ancient China did this to get attention.

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1.1. Why did people start calling chopsticks “Kuai” instead of “Zhu”?

A Because “Zhu” was too difficult to pronounce.

B Because “Zhu” sounds like an unlucky word in Chinese.

C Because “Kuai” was more similar to the word for bamboo.

D Because “Kuai” was easier to pronounce and write.

解析：选B。细节理解题。根据第二段的“Since ‘Zhu’ sounds like ‘stop’ in Chinese, which is an unlucky word for people on boats, they started calling them ‘Kuai’, meaning ‘fast’ in Chinese.”可知，在古代，筷子被称作“箸”，但由于“箸”和“住”同音，“住”有停驻之意，为行船的人们所忌讳，他们希望的是又快又安全地抵达目的地，所以就将“箸”改称为“筷”。故选B。

2.2. Which of the following statements is TRUE?

A Jiang Ziya is confirmed as the inventor of chopsticks.

B Physical evidence clearly identifies the inventor of chopsticks.

C Yu the Great used chopsticks to control floods.

D The exact inventor of chopsticks is unknown.

解析：选D。细节理解题。根据第三段的“But we don’t know exactly who invented chopsticks.”可知，筷子的确切发明者是未知的。故选D。

3.3. According to the passage, which is considered an inappropriate behavior?

A Picking up food for the elderly and children.

B Letting elders use their chopsticks first.

C Tapping chopsticks on the edge of your bowl.

D Giving a piece of food from the plate to a guest.

解析：选C。细节理解题。根据第四段的“Tapping chopsticks on the edge of your bowl is considered rude because beggars in ancient China did this to get attention.”可知，吃饭的时候用筷子敲击碗沿是不合适的，因为用筷子敲碗是过去乞丐在乞讨时引起人注意的做法。故选C。

4.4. What is the purpose of the passage?

A To advertise.

B To introduce.

C To educate.

D To persuade.

解析：选B。推理判断题。文章主要介绍了筷子的历史、发明背景以及在不同时期的称呼和使用礼仪。因此本文主要目的是为了说明介绍。故选B。