【题一】

Dear Peter,

　　The picture is about aChinese idiom “wen ji qi wu”. This idiom originated from a well-known story happened in Xin Jin Dynasty. In order to serve their country well, two patriotic young men, named Zu Ti and Liu Kun, both got up and practised sword playing the moment they heard the cock crow. Day by day and year in, year out, they never stopped. Later, they all made great contributions to protecting their country.

　　Nowadays, people usually use the phrase “rising up upon hearing the crow of a rooster to practise sword playing” to signify that someone is exerting himself to do something worthwhile. It is also used to describe that a person of noble aspirations exerts himeself in time.

　　If you have any other questions about this idiom, please tell me.

　　Yours,

　　Li Hua

【题二】

Dear Peter,

　　I came to see you but you were out. I’d like to invite you to see Beijing Opera with me next week, since you have always wanted to know more about Chinese culture since the first day to China.

　　With a history of nearly 200 years, Beijing Opera is a form of traditional Chinese theatre, which is considered as the quintessence of Chinese culture. The performers in ornate costume perform various stories happened in history to audience by singing, dance and motions. I can tell you more about it when we meet.

　　Please let me know when you will be free and I will buy the tickets in advance. I sincerely hope that you can accept my invitation and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.

　　Yours,

　　Li Hua