Question

Many of us love stories of time travel, aliens, and the future. But Chinese sci-fi has not seen much attention until now. One work from a Chinese writer made it a hit around the world.

On Aug 23, Liu Cixin, 52, won the world’s top sci-fi prize. He’s the first Asian to ever win the Hugo Award. Liu received the award for Best Novel through his book The Three-body Problem (《三體》).

Liu’s winning work takes the reader back to China in the 1970s. In the book, scientists found a planet with three suns. The aliens on the planet created their own civilization (文明) called “three-body”. The aliens planned to invade (入侵) Earth, but humans on Earth started to form camps to protect themselves from danger.

Liu uses his professional background in computer engineering to write the book. His work is seen as “hard science fiction”, which aims for scientific accuracy (準確). Some say this is why Liu’s novels stand out among other similar Chinese books.

The Chinese culture in Liu’s work also makes his book special. For example, Liu’s work talks about filial piety (孝順). This is a theme Western sci-fi doesn’t pay much attention to.

Most importantly, Liu’s work, like many successful works of science fiction, is popular with people who are unsure of the future. According to Liu, China is growing quickly and is full of temptations (誘惑). This makes it the perfect time for sci-fi.

“People nowadays are locked (困住) in this small box of reality, but science fiction is a way to broaden our minds”, said Liu.

1.According to the article, which of the following is NOT true?

A. Liu Cixin is the first Asian to win the world’s top sci-fi prize.

B. The Hugo Award is an award for science fiction.

C. Liu Cixin wrote The Three-body Problem with his friend.

D. The Three-body Problem is a story set in the past.

2.In The Three-body Problem, _____.

A. there was one sun in the system B. humans and the aliens were friends

C. the aliens wanted to invade Earth D. humans gave up fighting against enemies

3.What makes The Three-body Problem different from Western sci-fi?

A. It is based on scientific accuracy.

B. Readers can find Chinese culture in the book.

C. It includes some uncertain parts about the future.

D. It can broaden people’s minds.

4.According to the passage, Liu’s work is popular with people____________.

A. who work in computer engineering B. who are interested in aliens

C. who love Chinese culture D. who are unsure of the future

5.Why is The Three-body Problem successful? Reasons are as follows EXCEPT__________.

A. he uses his professional background in computer engineering to write the book

B. his work aims for scientific accuracy

C. it is similar to other Chinese books

D. he talks about Chinese culture in the book

Answer 1