宋朝始于960年，一直延续到1279年。这一时期，中国经济大幅增长，成为世界上最先进的经济体，科学、技术、哲学和数学蓬勃发展，宋代中国是世界历史上首先发行纸币的国家。宋朝还最早使用火药并发明了活字（movable-lype）印刷。人口增长迅速，越来越多的人住进城市，那里有热门的娱乐场所。社会生活多种多样。人们聚焦在一起观看和交易珍贵艺术品。宋朝的政府体制在当时也是先进的。政府官员均通过竞争性考试选拔任用。

 

参考译文：

The Song Dynasty began in the year 960 and lasted to the year 1279. During this period, China’s economy developed rapidly and had become the most advanced economy, and its science, technology, philosophy and mathematicians boomed too. During the Song Dynasty, China was the first country that issued paper money in the history of the world, gunpowder was first used, and the movable-type printing was also invented. As the population increased fast, more and more people moved to cities, where existed many entertainment places. The social life was diverse. People could gather together to watch and exchange valuable artworks there. The government system was also advanced at that time. The government officials were all selected and employed by competitive exams.