Final answer:
The Chinese made several discoveries more than a thousand years before people in Europe did, such as gunpowder and papermaking.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Chinese made several discoveries more than a thousand years before people in Europe did. The correct answer is a) gunpowder and papermaking. Gunpowder was first used in battle in 919 CE by the Chinese, and the invention of paper dates back to ancient China. Paper was not popular in Europe until the 14th century. Both gunpowder and papermaking were significant technological advancements made by the Chinese.