Ancient and Modern Chinese Characters ①In the Beginning
When people write in English，they use letters.People who write in Chinese，however，use characters（文字）that stand for words or ideas.Historians believe Chinese writing began as early as 1500 BC.The earliest forms were called"oracle bones." These were animal bones marked with pictures and symbols.In addition to writing on bones，the Chinese also made marks on turtle shells.By 1400 BC，the Chinese writing system had become more difficult.It had more than 2，500 characters.Around 200 BC，Chinese characters became standardized （標準化的） .This means that every one used the same characters.
②Then and Now
Many modern Chinese characters are similar to those from 2，000 years ago.For example，the character that means man in the Lishu system from 200 BC is similar to the character that means man from the Jiantizi，or modern simplified（簡化）system，of the twentieth century.
③A Simpler System
People have made efforts to change Chinese characters over the centuries.The most important changes happened in the twentieth century.The Chinese government made many characters easier so that more people could learn to read.This simpler System is used in mainland China and Singapore.Traditional characters are used in Taiwan，Hong Kong，and Macao.Even with these changes，Chinese writing from 2，200 years ago is still understood today.
（1）When did Chinese writing begin？
As early as 1500 BC.
As early as 1500 BC.
（2）When did everyone use the same characters in China？ Around 200 BC.
Around 200 BC.
（3）Are modern Chinese characters similar to those from 2，000 years ago？ Yes.
Yes.
（4）What is the most important change in the twentieth century？ The Chinese government made many characters easier so that more people could learn to read.
The Chinese government made many characters easier so that more people could learn to read.
（5）Where are traditional characters used now？ Traditional characters are used in Taiwan，Hong Kong，and Macao.
Traditional characters are used in Taiwan，Hong Kong，and Macao.
