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.{#blank#}1{#/blank#}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?{#blank#}2{#/blank#}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.{#blank#}3{#/blank#}You can use the ideas to propel (鞭策) yourself forward.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#}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（扩展） your ideas. When you try to come up with a sentence to express an idea, you are thinking actively about it.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}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.

E. Thinking actively helps you connect your idea to another idea.

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.

    Having a pet dog at home can be beneficial in many ways. It can teach you the value of responsibility, companionship, and caring for something other than yourself. Owning a pet dog is not just a temporary thing{#blank#}1{#/blank#}You should care for your pet dog properly so you do not neglect it and help your parents train the pet dog so it is well behaved. You should also make sure you deal with any issues your pet dog is having responsibly so you do not harm your pet dog in any way.

    {#blank#}2{#/blank#}You should start by providing the necessities for your pet dog, including food and fresh water. Your parents may already have a feeding schedule set up, with set times in the day for feeding your pet dog. You should follow this feeding schedule and ask your parents if you can help it with giving your pet dog food and water on a daily basis.

    Clean up after the pet dog. You can also be a good pet owner by making sure you clean up after your dog. This means picking up any food that falls out of its food bowl and wiping up any water around its water dish so its feeding area is clean.{#blank#}3{#/blank#}

    Take your pet dog for daily walks.{#blank#}4{#/blank#} You should create a walking schedule with your parents and assist your parents in walking your pet dog. You may put the collar or harness on the dog and take a tarn holding the leash during the walk, with the supervision of a parent.

    Play with your pet dog. You should spend at least ten to fifteen minutes a day playing with your pet dog so that it feels loved and acknowledged by you{#blank#}5{#/blank#}

A. Give food and water to the pet dog.

B. Train your pet dog with simple orders.

C. It is a permanent responsibility that you must care for on a daily basis.

D. Never ever try playing jokes on your pet dog, because it will get hurt easily.

E. You should also use encouraging words and reward it with a treat if it behaves well when playing.

F. You can also pick up any pet toys and put them in one area so that they are not scattered all over house.

G. M you have a pet dog that is medium to large in size, you will need to walk it on a daily basis.

    How to Prepare for an Exam

    {#blank#}1{#/blank#} There's no need to be tense (紧张的) or cram (死记硬背). By doing a couple simple things ahead you can ensure that you are confident and ready for anything that comes up on the test.

    {#blank#}2{#/blank#} After you have taken notes from studying all of your material including the book and your notes, use that information to make flash cards. Turn statements into questions

    Quiz yourself. Once everything is written down on flashcards, quiz yourself with the cards. Keep reviewing the questions that you get wrong until you get them right. You can carry flashcards around with you and quiz yourself when you're on the subway or riding in the car.{#blank#}3{#/blank#} Definitely continue to quiz yourself until you get them all right.

    Do practice questions.{#blank#}4{#/blank#} Practice doing the questions in the book that you were assigned for homework. Do extra questions in the back of the book. Re-do questions that you got wrong, and try to figure out why you got them wrong. Do practice questions until you feel more comfortable with subject matter.

    On the day of the exam, set your alarm at least two hours before the test. Scientists believe that a good night's rest is the key to better test scores. An hour and a half before the exam, start running through all the themes and sub-topics in your head. Like always, check your notes if you get stuck. Use your flashcards to help you commit all the tiny details to memory if they're not already memorized.{#blank#}5{#/blank#} If you're given yourself enough time to study, you should feel well prepared and relaxed.

A. Goon a balanced diet.

B. Take exercise and keep it up.

C. Make flash cards.

D. This is especially helpful for subjects such as math.

E. You might quiz yourself for a half hour or so, then take a break

F. Stop studying at least 15 minutes before the exam, but an hour is preferable.

G. Preparing for an exam can be stressful and time-consuming, but it doesn't have to be.

    In your life, sometimes you may be asked to speak in front of a large group of people. Although it sounds a little scary, even those with stage fright can speak successfully to the group with adequate preparation.

    Practice your speech before the big day. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} If possible, practice the speech in front of a friend or family member to get used to saying it to real people. If you feel you must have note cards, limit the amount to about three cards. This will force you to keep your speech concise and help you keep your eyes focused on your audience.

    Remember why you've been invited to speak. If you're battling fear over speaking to a large group of people, keep your mind on the fact that you were selected for this important role. The speech organizers must have seen something valuable in you or your expertise. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}

    Remember that fear of public speaking is very common. {#blank#}3{#/blank#} Most of the people in the audience would be feeling the same fear and stress that you do in your position. Knowing this may make you feel better.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#} What you say should be tailored to why you're there and who you're speaking to in order to avoid sounding general. If speaking to a charity group, mention the good work certain specific individuals have done for the cause. If speaking at a business conference, briefly state why you want to help these people.

    Keep eye contact with the crowd. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} Pick one person in each section and look at him while you're speaking. After each important point in your speech, switch your focus to another section. When you focus only on one person at a time, the size of the crowd isn't as frightening.

A. A good memory is really helpful.

B. Show appreciation to your audience.

C. Mention your audience in your speech.

D. The more you have it memorized, the better.

E. In fact, it's normal to feel nervous or stressed out before a big speech.

    If you're having trouble getting good sleep through the night (turning, waking up more than once, for example), this text will tell you what you can do to ensure a peaceful night's sleep.

    ⒈Get on schedule. Changing your sleeping time by more than an hour can severely disturb your sleep quality. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}For example, if you normally wake up at 6 am on weekdays to get to work, you might go to bed around 10 pm, because that's when you start to feel sleepy, and it's also a good time to ensure 8 hours of sleep. If, on the weekend, you sleep until 9 am, you probably won't be able to fall asleep that night until 1am.

    ⒉Be mindful of what you eat or drink before bed.{#blank#}2{#/blank#}Digestion slows down while asleep, and a full stomach may interrupt sleep. Similarly, you should avoid going to bed on an empty stomach, as a completely empty stomach may equally disturb your sleeping patterns.

    ⒊{#blank#}3{#/blank#}Exposure to light during the time when you're supposed to be sleeping can destroy your body's internal clock. Turn your light off, or use a very dim(暗淡的)night light. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}They include windows, LED clocks and computer lights.

    ⒋Change your sleeping position. You may think that it's impossible to control what position you sleep in since you aren't fully aware of what you are doing, but it is possible and it can make a considerable difference. {#blank#}5{#/blank#}

    A volunteering vacation can be a meaningful way to spend your time off, but to make the trip satisfying both for you and the cause you are supporting, several factors need to be considered. Here is some advice on planning the satisfactory vacation:

    {#blank#}1{#/blank#} There are hundreds of causes to volunteer for, and finding one close to your heart will lead to a more worthwhile trip. Possibilities include wildlife conservation, education, environmental protection, health and nutrition. Also, consider any personal and professional skills that you can contribute. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}

    Choose your destination and setting. Your volunteering trip will be more enjoyable if you use it to reach a favorite destination. Southeast Asia is on your mind, helping with tree­planting programs in Bali would benefit the environment and let you appreciate the scenic island. {#blank#}3{#/blank#} Is volunteering outdoors in a hot or snowy climate attractive, or do you prefer being in an air­conditioned office?

    Ask the right questions. {#blank#}4{#/blank#} Be aware that most volunteering programs require a week-long stay. Ask other questions like: How many hours of work per day is required? Are there days off? Will you be working individually or as part of a team? And what are the goals of your efforts? {#blank#}5{#/blank#} Ask if the cost includes only accommodations or meals and transportation too.

A. Figure out your cause.

B. Find a well­respected organization.

C. And think about the surroundings you want.

D. Your duty there is to rest and play.

E. The more you know about your trip, the more successful it will be.

F. Despite the word “volunteer”, these vacations usually cost you some money.

G. If you're a doctor, for example, working at a health clinic could be an ideal fit.