Xu Beihong was a pioneer of 20th century Chinese art, well known for his traditional ink-and-wash paintings of horses and birds. He was one of the first Chinese artists to explore the techniques (技巧) of oil paintings.

Born in 1895 in Yixing, Jiangsu, Xu Beihong showed a strong interest in arts since childhood. He began studying the Chinese Classics from his father when he was six. Xu spent much time helping out on his family’s farm. He would paint what he noticed in nature. In 1912, his father fell ill. Xu became the breadwinner of the family and began teaching arts in all kinds of schools. In 1917, he began to teach at Peking University at the invitation of Cai Yuanpei.

Beginning in 1919, Xu studied oil painting and drawing in Paris. His travels around Europe allowed him to explore Western art techniques. He studied the bone structure (骨架) and movement of horses. Such knowledge is clear in his works. But his excellent ink brushwork truly brought his horses to life. Through his art, Xu gave the world a new way of understanding horses, celebrating their beauty, strength and spirit.

In 1923, Xu’s oil painting was shown at the French National Art Exhibition (展览). Later, he received invitations from many European cities to hold exhibitions internationally.

After returning home in 1927, Xu took an active part in art education. He focused on developing creativity with students. He also encouraged his students to learn from foreign artworks. “There is no other way to learn art, but to keep practising,” Xu once said.

In 1933, Xu organized an exhibition of modern Chinese painting in Paris. It drew in lots of attention and was then moved to Belgium, Milan, Moscow, and other places. Between 1939 and 1941, Xu travelled to Southeast Asia, holding exhibitions in Singapore and India. All the money from these exhibitions went to Chinese people who were suffering because of the war.

1.1. Which of the following shows the correct order of Xu’s life experiences? a. Xu began exploring Western art techniques. b. Xu got his oil painting shown internationally. c. Xu began teaching arts to support his family. d. Xu was invited to teach at Peking University. e. Xu began studying Chinese arts with his father.

A ecdab

B aebdc

C ebcda

D abedc

解析：选A。事件排序题。解析： e 幼时跟随父亲学习中国典籍艺术 → c 1912 父亲生病，教书养家 → d 1917 受蔡元培邀请北大任教 → a 1919 在欧洲钻研西方艺术技法 → b 1923 油画参加法国国际展览 顺序为 e-c-d-a-b，对应 A 选项 ecdab。

2.2. Why did Xu study the bone structure and movement of horses?

A To help horses grow stronger.

B To train horses in a wiser way.

C To draw artworks of horses better.

D To raise horses on his family’s farm.

解析：选C。细节理解题。解析：原文第三段He studied the bone structure and movement of horses. Such knowledge is clear in his works.，他研究马的骨骼动作，运用到自己绘画作品中，目的是把马画得更好。A、B、D 和绘画创作无关。

3.3. Which of the following best shows Xu’s idea in art education?

A Goals push us forward.

B Practice makes perfect.

C Confidence is the key to success.

D Interest is the best teacher.

解析：选B。句意理解题。解析：原句 “There is no other way to learn art, but to keep practising.” 学艺术别无他法，只能不断练习，对应谚语Practice makes perfect 熟能生巧。其余谚语文中没有体现。

4.4. What does the last paragraph mainly talk about?

A The exhibitions in Southeast Asia.

B Xu’s travelling plan across the world.

C Xu’s success in art and love of country.

D The development of modern Chinese art.

解析：选C。段落主旨题。解析：尾段写徐悲鸿在多国办中国绘画展览（艺术成就），并把全部收入救助战争受难同胞（爱国情怀）。A 只概括局部；B 文中不是旅行计划，是办画展；D 偏离，不是讲现代艺术的发展，而是讲徐悲鸿个人。故选 C。