Attraction of the Minions

When it comes to film, people usually favor good over evil,focus on the hero and ignore the supporting characters. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}

Originallycomedic background characters in the film Despicable Me(卑鄙的我), these yellow pill­shaped nuts, havetotally stolen the show and turned into a popular figure. This summer thecharacters debuted(首演)in their own self­titled movie in theaters abroad, having the second biggestopening weekend of all time for a cartoon film according to USAToday.Recently, McDonald's has been including Minion toys with kids' meals in someareas, causing loyal fans to flock to the restaurant to collect them all. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}

Themovie's huge popularity even surprised its writers.“We never knew the Minionswere going to be so popular.It just became a force of nature，” the film's co­writer Cinco Paul toldthe LosAngelesTimes.

{#blank#}3{#/blank#}For many, the appeal is obviously their cuteness.Their simple nature can easilysurpass cultures and age groups.Even children can draw them.Thousands ofexamples of fan­made Minion art from fingernails to Halloween clothes arevisible on global social media platforms.

Butthere's more to the phenomenon than just cuteness.US entertainment website HitFix explains that their way of communicating makes the creatures influential aswell. {#blank#}4{#/blank#} But it seems everyone can understand them through theirexaggerated(夸张的)movements and expressions.

Moreimportantly, their childlike mannerisms is a brand of humor that winshearts.“Clumsy, foolish Minions are recognized as the ultimate betapersonalities，”wrote Peter Debruge of US entertainment magazine Variety.

Theydesire nothing more than to serve their most despicable master. {#blank#}5{#/blank#}“Perhaps we love Minions because they remind us of ourselves，” HuffingtonPost associate Web editor SaraBoboltz wrote, “or an evil version of ourselves.”

Building Trust in a Relationship Again

    Trust is a learned behavior that we gain from past experiences. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} Trust is a risk. But you can't be successful when there's a lack of trust in a relationship that results from an action where the wrongdoer takes no responsibility to fix the mistake.

    Unfortunately, we've all been victims of betrayal. Whether we've been stolen from, lied to, misled, or cheated on, there are different levels of losing trust.{#blank#}2{#/blank#}They've been too badly hurt and they can't bear to let it happen again. It's understandable, but if you're willing to build trust in a relationship again, we have some steps you can take to get you there.

    Learn to really trust yourself. Having confidence in yourself will help you make better choices because you can see what the best outcome would be for your well-being.

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#} If you've been betrayed, you are the victim of your circumstance. But there's a difference between being a victim and living with a “victim mentality”. At some point in all of our lives, we'll have our trust tested or violated.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#} Once trust is lost, what is left? Instead of looking at the situation from this hopeless angle, look at everything you still have and be thankful for all of the good in your life.{#blank#}5{#/blank#} Instead, it's a healthy way to work through the experience to allow room for positive growth and forgiveness.

A. You didn't lose “everything”

B. It is putting confidence in someone.

C. Stop regarding yourself as the victim.

D. Sometimes people simply can't trust anymore.

E. Remember that you can expect the best in return.

F. This knowledge carries over in their attitude toward their future relationships.

G. Seeing the positive side of things doesn't mean you're ignoring what happened.

    How to Welcome Change in Your Life

    Do you embrace(欣然接受) the road you are now on or resist and avoid change at all costs when a recent event has shaken you greatly? Here are things you can do in the midst of uncertainty to choose differently to change the track of your life.

    Don't react.

    What do we do when we don't know what to do? First, stop, take a deep breath and don't do anything.{#blank#}1{#/blank#} It is having faith and trusting what you do know in the unknown.

    Reflect on the past.

    Another activity is to recall times in your life when you were faced with an unknown. Then, think about how you handled the situation.{#blank#}2{#/blank#} Use your past experiences to bring you strength, and to remain you what you are capable of.

    Make conscious decisions.

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#} However, more possibilities open up when we are at peace. Go over your list of what ifs and make a more balanced list of the best and worst situations possible. Then talk to loved ones about what you would do in each situation and the choices you do have.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#}

    We often see fears as our greatest enemy, yet they provide us with an enormous opportunity for self-growth. What if we were to see them as friends who want to help us become a better person? Let your fears help you instead of hurting you. Then, write down what comes to you.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}.

A. Don't panic.

B. Befriend your fears.

C. You may be surprised by the answers.

D. When we are fearful, our options seem limited.

E. Then try to feel at ease with the state of “not knowing”.

F. Learning from past failures helps you make better decisions.

G. Remembering these incidents will remind you that you've gone through difficult situations.

    One of the big challenges that students face in applying to universities abroad is writing the application essay.

    {#blank#}1{#/blank#} Admissions officers(招生负责人) attempt to get at what type of person you are, what motivates you, and what you feel passion for. In a single 500-word piece of writing, they attempt to gather all about you. So your task is to put the stamp of your personality on the essay and make yourself special.

    You can try and guess what the admissions officers like. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} The essay will sound empty and become another dull piece of writing, which admissions officers get thousands of each year.

    It is true that admissions officers aren't exactly looking for anything.{#blank#}3{#/blank#} If they ask for someone who has inspired you, it could be anyone. It could be a grandmother, a teacher, or even a character from a movie. A lot of people will say their dad. But since you really feel it, you'll have a lot to write about.

    There are some important things to remember. These admissions officers want good writers. You don't have to be Ernest Hemingway, but you have to be able to form an interesting story. That means revision and editing, cutting out stupid grammar mistakes, reading it over several times, leaving it for a few days and looking at it again.{#blank#}4{#/blank#}

    Also, you should use exciting language and really make the reader feel the same passion as you do. It also means finding something unique about your point of view, something that other people might not think of. For example, if you want to write about your dad, you can focus on a specific anecdote(趣闻) about him.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}

A. The essays you are required to write differ from university to university.

B. The answer is just as open-ended as the question itself.

C. Admissions officers love personal stories that ring true.

D. The essay topics all have something in common.

E. You can turn to famous writers to polish your essay.

F. Whatever you do, make sure the essay is as good as possible.

G. But that won't work.

Choosing the Right Path to Be a "Better" Person

    Life is a constant exercise in self-improvement. In the rush to achieve, the idea of being "better" can become lost sometimes. You may always wonder how to improve yourself and fulfill your dreams in an easier way. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} 

    Explore your talents

    Eveybody has some outstanding skills or interests. So it's often necessary to be patient and try many things before you find one that suits you.

    {#blank#}2{#/blank#}For example, people loving adventure may not be interested in the quiet chess club, but someone who enjoys other quiet activities might be. Determining who you enjoy being around may help you know what you'll enjoy.

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#}

    No matter how much money you make, you will not be happy if you spend your entire life doing something you hate. "It's important to at least, devote some of your lime to what makes you happy.

    If you're particularly unhappy at your job, consider why. {#blank#}4{#/blank#} If you feel your job isn't meaningful, or isn't in line with your values, consider finding another job.

    Experience something new.

    Research has shown that when we're in our comfort zone, we aren't as productive as we are when we sleep just beyond it. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} Because of that, we may read slowly to our own positive experiences and interactions with others, even when those are little scary. Doing so can help you achieve more.

A. Do what you love.

B. Here are some lips for you.

C. Register in a class you're interested in.

D. Humans adapt very quickly to positive events.

E. It's possible that some changes may change your feeling.

F. Similar types of people may be attracted to the same activities.

G. Try not to allow yourself to focus so much on a certain aspect of your life.

How to keep yourself safe from new virus?

After a new-type coronavirus was detected in viral pneumonia cases in Central China's Wuhan city three months ago, more cases have been reported in recent days. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}:

⒈ Wear masks outdoors

●Wearing a mask is one of the most effective ways to protect you from getting infected.

●Make sure to wear it properly by tightening up the nose clip and pulling the bottom of it over your chin.

●{#blank#}2{#/blank#}, a mask is also needed to prevent you from spreading germs to others.

⒉ Cover your coughs and sneeze with tissue

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or you can cough or sneeze into your sleeve, but avoid covering with your hands directly.

⒊ {#blank#}3{#/blank#}

Wash your hands with soap and running water thoroughly for at least 15 seconds.

● Before eating and after using the toilet

● After returning home

● After touching trash or garbage

● After contacting with animals or handling animal wastes

⒋ Strengthen your immune system and exercise regularly

● Exercise regularly is one of the most important ways to help you stay away from catching any infections.

● Make sure that shared spaces have good air flow and avoid going to crowded places such as hospitals, railway stations and airports. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}

● Seek prompt medical attention if you have symptoms of fever and respiratory infection.

● Avoid close contact with people who have flu or cold-like symptoms.

●{#blank#}5{#/blank#}Avoid contact with wild animals or farmed livestock without any protection.

A. If your hands are not visibly dirty

B. Eat thoroughly cooked meat and eggs

C. Wash your hands frequently and properly

D. Protect yourself and others from getting sick

E. Wear a mask if transport or movement is necessary

F. If you're not feeling well or have symptoms of fever

G. To prevent catching the infection, here's what you can do