Question

Mo Yan, a Chinese writer has won the 2012 No bel Prize in Literature, announced the Swedish Academy in Stockholm on Thursday. The win makes Mo Yan the first Chinese citizen to win the Nobel in Literature in its history. Informed of his win today, the author, who was having dinner at home, was “overjoyed and scared”.

He published his first book in 1981, but found literary success in 1987 with Hong Gaoliang Jiazu, which was successfully filmed in the stone year, directed by famous Chinese director Zhang Yimou. It was adapted from his 1986 novel of the same name and filmed in Gaomi, bringing to life a visual landscape of red sorghum fields and a fiery setting sun. His most famous works include Big Breasts and Wide Hips, Sandalwood Penalty and the 1985 novel Red Transparent Radish.

Born in 1955 to parents who were farmers, Mo Yan-- a pen name for Guan Moye, grew up in Gaomi in shandong province in eastern China. At the age of 12, he left school to work, first in agriculture, later in a factory, In 1976 he joined the army and during this time began to study literature and writing. Gaomi county is where most of Mo’s stories happen. It’s a place that has inspired him throughout his 31-year writing career.

“I grew up in an environment full of folk culture, which comes into my novels when I pick up a pen to write. This has definitely affected, even decided, my works’ artistic style, ”Mo told a group of reporters in his hometown of Gaomi, Shandong, shortly after he won the award.

“I really didn’t see this coming, ” Lu Jiande, director of the Institute of Literature at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told 21st Century. “I know Mo Yan pretty well and one thing a lot of people don’t know is how good he is with words. His writing is surprisingly beautiful. In his writing, he can make words live and breathe. ”Lu said. “He is far ahead of other Chinese in the sense that he takes the critical perspective inside first, starting from criticizing himself instead of the outside world. ”

Some critics point out that Mo’s works have a tendency toward vulgarity(粗俗).

In an interview with South China Morning Post, Professor Xiao Ying of Tsinghua University said “the award was outside of my expectation, as Mo Yan’s works are still short on the idealism of pursuing humanity, which marks previous N obel literature prize winners”. (346W)

1.How did Mo Yan feel when he was told about the news?

A. Excited and proud. B. Worried and cautious.

C. Uncertain and shocked D. Happy and surprised..

2.Which of the following statements about Mo Yan is RIGHT?

A. He was the first Chinese to win the Nobel Prize.

B. He grew up in a poor family.

C. Red Sorghum was his first work.

D. Gaomi is famous for its beautiful scenery.

3.What has inspired Mo Yan when he is writing?

A. His experience in the army.

B. His living environment in Gaomi County.

C. Modern urban life.

D. Other writers’ works.

4.Professor Xiao Ying of Tsinghua University thinks that Mo Yan______.

A. can match previous Nobel literature prize winners

B. focuses on the idealism of pursuing humanity in his works

C. is worth admiring

D. doesn’t deserve to be given the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2012

Answer 1