How long have you not written a character?

    Popular TV program National Chinese Characters Contest has brought people's attention back to written Chinese.

    The(compete)is the Chinese version of a classic word game American Spelling Bee. Pupilsusually come from the fifth or sixth grade, (divide)into different teams and try to write down every word according to Its pronunciation.

    In less than two hours, the contestants need to solve dozens of questions(concern) error- prone(容易出错的) characters. Many students keep up with the show. They refer toas “the interesting Chinese lessons on TV”. Teachers and parents are also happy to see that children can learn and have fun at the same time.

    The program has gone beyond the circle of primary school students. “It is (surprising) instructive. I have corrected a lot of my own mistakes by watching the show,” saidadult viewer.

    Guan Zhengwen, chief director of the show, considers written Chinesethe root of China‘s(culture)heritage, “TV shows on Chinese language mean more than just a trend,” he said. “Mass media need to seek innovation(创新) in order to preserve our culture, We hope that National Chinese Characters Contest will get more people(brush)up our written language.”