The benefits of keeping a journal (日志)
If you want to grow, one important thing you should do is keeping a journal. It may seem simple, but it can make a big difference in your life. I have been keeping journals for years. Writing all the lessons I learn and all the ideas I get has become a habit for me. 【小题1】 Here are some benefits you will get by keeping a journal.
◆ It prevents you from losing an idea. Have you ever gotten an idea only to lose it later because you didn’t write it down? 【小题2】 But then I developed the habit of writing down every idea that came into my mind as soon as possible. If I’m away from my computer, I usually write it down on a piece of paper that I bring wherever I go. I will then transfer the idea to the journal in my computer.
◆ It helps you review all the lessons you’ve learned. By reviewing your journal, you can quickly see the lessons you’ve learned and the ideas you’ve gotten. 【小题3】 You can use the ideas to propel (鞭策) yourself forward.
◆ 【小题4】 After keeping a journal for years, you can look back at it and see how far you’ve gone. Things that were big problems in the past might seem small today. The raw ideas you had in the past might have been realized today.
◆ It helps you expand your ideas. When you try to come up with a sentence to express an idea, you are thinking actively about it. 【小题5】 In the end, you will expand your ideas.
| A．I often experienced that myself. |
| B．It trains you to express your thoughts. |
| C．It allows you to see your progress over time. |
| D．Just use whatever tool you feel comfortable with. |
F. And to be honest, I can’t imagine what my life would be like without it.
G. Then you can do whatever necessary to avoid repeating the same mistakes.
A trip to Key West
As we cross the bridge to Key West, we can see many boats.___【小题1】____ Others belongs to people who have sailed their boats here from many different places.
In the city, the houses are almost all painted white.A few are pink or light blue.Many houses are very old and very small.Key West is a very old city._______【小题2】_______.
Many palm trees (棕榈树) grow here. Colorful flowers grow in front of many of the little houses. You can stay in a room in one of these houses for the night.You can smell the ocean on the soft warm wind that blows across the island.
We drive past several streets and then come to Whitehead Street. There is a monument there. The signs says this is the southernmost part of the United States.The sign says “ America Begins Here.” __【小题3】____ It is the second largest ocean.
After taking a few photographs of the sign, we turn the car around and follow Whitehead Street to number 1907.____【小题4】_____ For a few dollars, you can see the inside of the house.Hemingway had many cats when he lived here.He is gone, but the cats remain.Many are asleep on the beds or chairs.They are used to seeing people walking through the old house.
_____【小题5】____ There is a private museum here we want to visit.It is the Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Society Museum.The museum is named after treasure hunter Mel Fisher, who discovered an old sunken Spanish treasure ship near Key West more than twenty years ago.
| A．Finally, we go back home. |
| B．Beyond the sign is the Atlantic Ocean. |
| C．Some are fishing boats you can use for the day. |
| D．After that, we travel a little way to Green Street. |
F.It is made of modern materials, i.e.steel and concrete.
G.This house belonged to the famous American writer Ernest Hemingway.
| A. Weather is to blame B. Divided opinions C. Inheriting（遗传） characteristics D. Home of the redheads E. Greater sensitivity to pain F. Gene mutation（基因变异） |
【小题1】
Britain may be the most red-headed country in the world. About 1 to 2 percent of the world’s population has red hair, but in the UK the numbers are much higher, with 13 percent of Scots, 10 percent of the Irish, and 6 percent of people in England having red hair, according to the BBC.
【小题2】
Scientists have tried to explain why some people have red hair for some time and now they may have found an answer: the dull weather in Britain. The human body needs vitamin D from sunshine, but unfortunately people living in Britain do not have enough of it because of its maritime climate. In fact, Britain gets even more cloud than countries in the far north of Europe. In Sweden, for example, the average daily hours of sunshine is 5.4 . In Scotland it is only 3.1 hours.
【小题3】
To deal with this, the DNA of people living in these areas has changed slightly; scientists call this a mutation. Originally, the coloring on our body is a mixture of two kinds of melanin – black melanin is suppressed while only red / yellow melanin is made. The result is red hair, light skin color, freckles and a greater sensitivity to sunlight.
【小题4】
However, what’ s more interesting is that the redhead DNA mutation is recessive, which means it is hidden and can often skip generations without showing. At least 1.6 million Scots carry a redhead gene mutation, and most are unaware that they do. This is why a person who does not have red hair can still produce red-haired children if he or she is a carrier of this special DNA.
【小题5】
The research on red hair, like many areas of science, is contradictory(不一致). In 2002 researchers showed that redheads are more sensitive to pain, and need more anesthetic during surgery than people with blonde or dark hair. However, in 2005 scientists found that a MCRIR mutation gives redheads a higher tolerance for pain. Research into these aspects of red hair genetics continues. Redheads should though be more careful about their exposure to sunlight as they are at an increased risk of contracting skin cancer. If you are a redhead, the advice is not to stay out of the sun, but to be careful about how much exposure you get, and to cover yourself with a high factor sunscreen.
It is a great truth because once we truly understand and accept it, then life is no longer difficult.
Most do not fully see this truth. __【小题1】 It seems to them that their difficulties represent (stand for) a special kind of suffering especially forced upon them or else upon their families, their class, or even their nation.
__【小题2】 Problems, depending on their nature, cause us sadness or loneliness or regret or anger or fear. These are uncomfortable feelings, often as painful as any kind of physical pain. And since life causes an endless series of problems, life is always difficult and is full of pain as well as joy.__【小题3】
__【小题4】 When we desire（希望） to encourage the growth of the human spirit, we ncourage the human ability to solve problems, just as in school we set problems for our children to solve. __【小题5】 As Benjamin Franklin said, "Those things that hurt, instruct" (应该从痛苦艰辛中学习和获得指示。). It is for this reason that wise people learn not to fear but to welcome the pain of problems. （words: 171）
| A．Problems are the serious test that tells success from failure. |
| B．Life is not a trap set for us by God so that he can condemn（谴责） us for failing. |
| C．It is through the pain of meeting and working out problems that we learn. |
| D．Yet, it is in this whole process（过程） of solving problems that life has its meaning. |
F. We don’t know how to make money and participate(join) in problem solving collaboration (合作、协作) groups.
G. What makes life difficult is that the process of facing and solving problems is a painful one.
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Happiness is the only true measure of personal success. Making other people happy is the highest expression of success. 【小题1】 With that in mind, here are some suggestions that will immediately increase the amount of happiness in your life:
【小题2】
If there’s any big truth about life, it’s that it usually lives up to your expectations. Therefore, when you rise from bed, make your first thought: “Something wonderful is going to happen today. Guess what? You’re probably right.
Take time to plan and prioritize (优先处理).
The most common source of stress is the thought that you’ve got too much work to do. Rather than worry about it, pick one thing that will move you closer to your highest goal and purpose in life. Then do that first.
Eat high quality food slowly.
【小题3】 Even so, at least once a day try to eat something really delicious, like a small chunk of fine cheese or and imported chocolate. Taste it, focus on it and enjoy it.
Let go of your results.
The big enemy of happiness is worry, which comes from focusing on events that are outside your control. Once you’ve taken action, there’s usually nothing more you can do. 【小题4】
End each day with gratitude.
Just before you go to bed, write down at least one wonderful thing that happened. It might be something as small as making a child laugh or something as huge as a million dollar deal. 【小题5】
| A．Start each day with expectations. |
| B．Give a gift to everyone you meet. |
| C．Thinking about that thing makes your head hurt. |
| D．It’s impossible to make others happy if you’re not happy. |
F. Sometimes we can’t avoid eating something quickly and running.
G. Focus on the job at hand rather than some fantasy that might happen.
| A. Try to know more about your child. B. Being a daddy is your top priority. C. Value your child for what he is. D. Let your child teach you. E. Time is of the essence. F. Look for the good and praise it. |
Seven Simple Rules for Dad
My main object in life is to make sure I do the best possible job raising Tommy, now aged ten. That means I have to be the best possible father I can be. I am no psychologist, but I do see what succeeds with my son and me. I also observe other fathers. Here is what I have found works best in the dad department.
1.
| 【小题1】 |
2. Share your strengths and fears.
You are your child's ally, not his adversary. The child who knows that his father was once afraid of the dark, and is still afraid of needles, gets to know that his own weaknesses are part of mankind, not a unique shame.
3.
| 【小题2】 |
4. Do not allow your children to be rude.
My son is expected to share, answer others when they greet him and congratulate those who succeed. By teaching him about politeness, I make sure he realizes that others' feelings are worth taking into account. If he can get that into his little towhead, he will have learned the most basic foundation of human interaction.
5.
| 【小题3】 |
6.
| 【小题4】 |
7.
| 【小题5】 |
—benjamin j. stein in The Washingtonian
Before going outside in the morning, many of us check a window thermometer(温度计)for the temperature. This helps us decide what to wear. 【小题1】 We want our food to be a certain coldness in the refrigerator. We want it a certain hotness in the oven. If we don’t feel well, we use a thermometer to see if we have a fever. We keep our rooms a certain warmth in the winter and a certain coolness in the summer.
Not all the thermometers use the same system to measure temperature. We use a system called the Fahrenheit scale. But most other countries use the Centigrade scale.
Both systems use the freezing and boiling points of water as their guide. 【小题2】
The most common kind of thermometer is made with mercury(水银)inside a clear glass tube. As mercury (or any other liquid) becomes hot, it expands. As it gets colder, it contracts. That is why on hot days the mercury line is high in the glass tube. 【小题3】
First. Take a clear glass juice bottle that has a cap; fill the bottle with coloured water. Tap a hole in the center of the cap using a hammer and thick nail. Put the cap on the jar. Then stick a plastic straw(吸管) through the nail hole.
【小题4】
Finally. Place a white card on the outside of the bottle and behind the straw. Now you can see the water level easily.
【小题5】
As the temperature goes down, the water will contract, and the level in the straw will come down. Perhaps you will want to keep a record of the water level in the straw each morning for a week.
| A．Thermometers measure temperature, by using materials that change in the same way when they are heated or cooled. |
| B．We use and depend on thermometers to measure the temperature of many other things in our daily lives. |
| C．Take wax (you may use an old candle if you have one) and melt some of it right where the straw is struck into the cap to seal (把……粘住) them together. |
| D．The water will rise in the straw. As the temperature of the air goes up, the water will expand and rise even higher. |
F．Now that you know this rule you can make a thermometer of your own that will work.
G．People use thermometers which are made by themselves when travelling around the world.
The next long vacation might be still months away, but it’s never too early to tailor a good travel plan.
Planning ahead with discount air tickets and hotel booking sites may bring you the prize of an overseas adventure. Here, 21st Century offers some tips on how to plan a cheap, creative travel route.
Book a budget flight
【小题1】 Discount airlines tend to increase their fare as the plane fills up and early reservations are usually rewarded with the lowest fares.
Most major domestic airlines offer discount tickets for off-peak travel. China Southern Airlines now provides favorable group purchase ticket deals to attract tourists to cities like Hong Kong and Guilin. 【小题2】
Another way is to search for a cheap ticket on the websites of low-cost airlines, which offer you very low fares though less comfort.
The budget airline has a long history in the West. It’s also called a no-frills carrier(经济型航班)for doing away with traditional free services, such as food and drinks. They charge you extra for catering on board, or securing a seat. 【小题3】
Popular airline routes
Air Asia: The Malaysian-based airline flies form seven cities in China including Tianjin, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Hangzhou, Guilin and Shenzhen in the Chinese mainland, and provides trips to cities such as Paris and London. 【小题4】 Many tickets are priced under 1500 yuan.
Southwest Airlines: If you go traveling in the US you can take this low-cost airline based in Texas.
Find a cheap 5-star service hotel
【小题5】 It’s a great idea to look for YHA（Youth Hostels Associa-tion）backpackers, or Bed ＆ Breakfast deals online.
| A．It can transfer you to most South East Asian countries. |
| B．So you have to read more discount information before boarding. |
| C．The key to getting any good-priced plane ticket is to reserve the flight early. |
| D．So it’s wiser to take hand luggage because many budget airlines put a fee on checked in luggage. |
F. Like airline tickets, the price for a budget hotel depends on when you book it: the earlier, the cheaper.
G. Get your holiday off to a flying start by booking a cheap flight to hundreds of destinations ebookers offers.
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【小题1】
Home is a place where one feels safe and secure but unfortunately, it is also a place where you may have serious accidents. The biggest single cause of accidents is human error! So you must take care of yourself!
Causes of home accidents.
【小题2】 Balconies, fireplaces, staircases, ponds, glass doors or kitchens can all increase the risk of accidents. Hot water, household chemicals, fireplaces, matches, alcohol and sharp objects are also potential dangers. Loosing balance, clumsiness and being tired or careless can be the reasons for these accidents. What’s more, if you are under stress or when a routine is changed, you may also be under the risk of home accidents.
Most common types of accidents.
You can see many dangerous home accidents happening around you. The most common ones are slips, falls and collisions. They are not fatal but often result in broken bones. The second most common types of accidents are burns, swallowed objects or breathed in chemicals.
【小题3】 Some other possible dangers at home are poisioning, choking, drowning, electric shocks, and animal bites. Some of these accidents may even result in death.
The importance of education.
Sometimes the simplest precaution protects you from the greatest harm. 【小题4】 The Ministry of Health can train professionals to educate nursing staff, ordinary people, voluntary workers, teachers, nursery staff and parents in home accident prevention and control. When people know first aid, they can reduce the risk of serious injuries.
【小题5】
You must take measures to make your home a safer place. For instance, keep knives and other sharp objects in a safe drawer. Wipe up any liquids on the floor immediately in order not to slip or fall. Keep hot objects away from the reach of children. You also mustn’t leave children unattended near a bath that has water in it. If you keep furniture away from windows, you may prevent possible harm. Store all medicines, household chemicals, and so on, preferably in a locked box and do not forget to keep all dangerous substances in their orginal containers. In brief, if you want to protect yourself, be careful not to be sorry!
| A．Is home really safe? |
| B．Nursing home injuries. |
| C．Ways of preventing accidents. |
| D．The design of houses can cause accidents. |
F. They especially affect children and need hospital attendance.
G. Therefore, it is important that we should educate people.
| A. Set a Good Example for Your Kids B. Build Your Kids’ Work Skills C. Place Time Limits on Leisure Activities D. Talk about the Future on a Regular Basis E. Help Kids Develop Strategies of dealing with different things F. Help Your Kids Figure Out Who They Are G. Build Your Kids’ Sense of Responsibility |
Mothers and fathers can do a lot to ensure a safe landing in early adulthood for their kids. Even if a job’s starting salary seems too small to satisfy an emerging adult’s need for rapid content, the transition from school to work can be less of a setback if the start-up adult is ready for the move. Here are a few measures, drawn from my book Ready or Not, Here Life Comes, which parents can take to prevent what I call “work-life unreadiness.”
【小题1】_________You can start this process when they are 11 or 12. Regularly review their emerging strengths and weaknesses with them and work together on any shortcomings, like difficulty in communicating well or cooperating. Also, identify the kinds of interests they keep coming back to, as these offer clues to the careers that will fit them best.
【小题2】________Kids need a range of real role models. Have regular dinner-table discussions about people the family knows and how they got where they are. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of your own career and encourage your kids to form some ideas about their own future. When asked what they want to do, they should be discouraged from saying “I have no idea.” They can change their minds 200 times, but having only a foggy view of the future is of little good.
【小题3】_______Teachers are responsible for teaching kids how to learn; parents should be responsible for teaching them how to work. Assign responsibilities around the house and make sure homework deadlines are met. Encourage teenagers to take a part-time job. Kids need plenty of practice developing effective organizational skills, such as managing time and setting priorities(优先).
【小题4】_________Playing video games encourages immediate content（满足）. And hours of watching TV shows with canned laughter only teaches kids to process information in a passive way. At the same time, listening through earphones to the songs for a long time encourages kids to stay inside instead of participating in other outdoor activities. All these activities can prevent the growth of children’s communication and thinking skills and make it difficult for kids to develop the kind of sustained (持续的) concentration they will need for most jobs.
【小题5】_________They should know how to deal with setbacks, stresses and feelings of inadequacy. They should also learn how to solve problems and resolve conflicts, ways to brainstorm and think critically. Discussions at home can help kids practice doing these things and help them apply these skills to everyday life situations.
What about the son or daughter who is grown but seems to be struggling and wandering aimlessly through early adulthood? Parents still have a major role to play, but now it is more delicate. Most of all, these new adults must feel that they are respected and supported by a family that appreciates them.