In China, the history of people planting and using bamboo can date back to as far as 7000 years. As early as the Shang Dynasty, bamboo was being used in ancient people's daily lives. It was used for food, clothing, housing, transportation, {#blank#}1{#/blank#} (music) instruments and even weapons.

    The {#blank#}2{#/blank#} (apply) of bamboo in science and technology is thrilling. In 251 BC, Li Bing, in Sichuan, {#blank#}3{#/blank#} (lead) the local people in building the Dujiang Weirs(都江堰), the first irrigation network in the world, in which bamboo played {#blank#}4{#/blank#} important role. The world's oldest water pipe was also {#blank#}5{#/blank#} (make) of bamboo. During the Han Dynasty, the people in Sichuan {#blank#}6{#/blank#} (success) sank a 1600-metre-deep well with thick bamboo ropes. This technology did not spread to Europe {#blank#}7{#/blank#} the 19^th century, and it was by using the technology {#blank#}8{#/blank#} the Americans drilled the first oil well in Pennsylvania in 1859.

    In Chinese culture, bamboo is well-known as {#blank#}9{#/blank#} of the “four gentlemen” in plants. To many distinguished men, bamboo is a symbol of goodness and honesty. It is always closely related to people of positive spirits. Influenced by bamboo culture, many people are taught to hold on when {#blank#}10{#/blank#} (face) tough situations.

    Americans are proud of their variety and individuality, yet they love and respect few things more than a uniform, whether it is the uniform of {#blank#}1{#/blank#} elevator operator or the uniform of a five-star general. Why are uniforms so popular there?

    Among the arguments for uniforms is that most uniforms look more {#blank#}2{#/blank#} (profession) than civilian (百姓的) clothes. People expect superior quality from a man {#blank#}3{#/blank#} wears a uniform. The television repairman wearing a uniform tends {#blank#}4{#/blank#} (inspire) more trust. Faith {#blank#}5{#/blank#} the skill of a garage worker is increased by a uniform. Uniforms also have many practical {#blank#}6{#/blank#} (benefit). They save on other clothes and laundry bills. They are  often {#blank#}7{#/blank#} (comfortable) than civilian clothes. Among the arguments against uniforms {#blank#}8{#/blank#} (be) their lack of variety and the loss of individuality. {#blank#}9{#/blank#} there are many types of uniforms, the wearer of any particular typeis generally stuck with it, without change. When people look alike, they will think, speak, and act {#blank#}10{#/blank#} (similar).

    Keeping a diary in English is one of the effective ways to improve our English writing ability.

    Compared with other forms of writing, it is shorter and takes {#blank#}1{#/blank#}(little) time. It can help us to develop the habit of thinking in English. If we persist in this practice, gradually we'll learn how {#blank#}2{#/blank#}（express）ourselves in English. In keeping a diary in English, we certainly run up against many {#blank#}3{#/blank#}(difficult). In the first place, it often happens that we have trouble in {#blank#}4{#/blank#}(find) appropriate words and phrases to give expression to our mind. Secondly, there {#blank#}5{#/blank#}(be) many idiomatic ways of saying things in Chinese. And it is extremely hard for us to put them into English {#blank#}6{#/blank#}(proper).

    As far as I am {#blank#}7{#/blank#}(concern), my suggestion is {#blank#}8{#/blank#}we should always have a notebook and a Chinese-English dictionary within easy reach. Whenever something beats us, we can first put it down in our notebook and then consult our dictionary. We can also ask our English teacher {#blank#}9{#/blank#}help, if necessary. In short, I believe that it is of great use to keep a diary in English for {#blank#}10{#/blank#}development of our writing skills.

    We high school students do have some growing pains, but we can get rid of them{#blank#}1{#/blank#} (correct) and wisely. First, some of us are upset about our body style and looks. It's unnecessary and it's not important at all. We needn't care about it. It is one's inner beauty that{#blank#}2{#/blank#} (matter). Second, we sometimes seem to be misunderstood by our teachers, parents and classmates. Faced with this, we can find a proper time to have a heart-to-heart talk with them, trying to remove the misunderstanding. Some of us have fewer friends, I think being open-minded and friendly will do us good. Third, we may fall behind others, {#blank#}3{#/blank#} makes us stressed. Actually we can encourage{#blank#}4{#/blank#} to work efficiently, full of{#blank#}5{#/blank#} (determine). At last, some of us don't have much pocket money, so they feel unhappy. Isn't it strange? So long as we have some, that's enough. And we can learn how to spend money.

    Since the 1970s many new{#blank#}1{#/blank#} have been found for me. …I have even been put into space rockets and sent to explore the Moon and Mars. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}, my goal is to provide humans with a life of high quality. I am now truly filled with happiness that I am a{#blank#}3{#/blank#} friend and helper of the human race.