参考译文
In China calligraphy occupies a distinguished position in the field of traditional art．It is not only a means of communication，but also a means of expressing a person’s inner world in an aesthetic sense．Ancient people paid great attention to calligraphy．It was the essential capability by which a candidate could manifest his literary talent in the Imperial Examination，for it gave a first impression to the examiners．Children of high officials had to try to write a good hand，and even emperors themselves were expected to be good at calligraphy．
难点注释
1．第一句中，“占据了一个独特的位置”还可译为has a unique place。
2．第二句中，“不仅……而且……”可以用not only…but also…来表达；“内心世界”可译为inner world。
3．第三句中，“重视”还可译为attached importance to，thought highly of或  took…seriously；注意从此句起用过去时。
4．第四句中，“展现”还可以用show来表达。
5．第五句中，“帝王自己也要……”意思是“帝王自己也被期望……”，所以
要译为emperors themselves were expected to …。