Questions you should ask yourself when you fail

    The more new things we try the more failure we are likely to have.{#blank#}1{#/blank#}. Experiencing failure can be a learning experience and an opportunity for a fresh start. A good way to begin this process is by asking yourself some tough questions.

1）What can I learn from this?

Take responsibility for what went wrong. OK, so it was not all your fault—but some of it was. Successful people don't make excuses or blame others.{#blank#}2{#/blank#} So you should look at the experience objectively(客观地).

2）Do I need to acquire or improve some skills?

Did the problem reveal some lack of skill on your part? How could you learn or improve those skills? Perhaps there are books or courses or people you could turn to.{#blank#}3{#/blank#}

3）Who can I learn from?

Is there someone to whom you can turn for advice? Did a boss, colleague or friend see what happened?{#blank#}4{#/blank#}. Most people do not ask for help because they believe it to be a sign of weakness rather than strength. It's not. It shows that you are ready to learn and change.

4）What will I do next?

Now draw up an action plan. Will you try something similar or something different? Revisit your goals. Failure doesn't mean you have to give up; maybe you just need to change it in another way.  {#blank#}5{#/blank#}

A. You can now reset your sights on your destination and plan a new course.

B. Make them step stones to future success.

C. They take responsibility for the failure.

D. In fact the only way to avoid failure is to do nothing new.

E. The important thing is how we deal with failure.

F. Make a self-development plan to acquire the skills and experience you need.

G. If they are constructive and supportive then ask them for some feedback (反馈) and guidance.

                                                                                 Are Your Clothes Causing Pollution?

    Very small pieces of plastic, called microfibers, are polluting rivers and oceans.{#blank#}1{#/blank#}Clothes worn for outdoor activities and exercise are often made of artificial material, which is useful in keeping warm. But they contain very small plastic fibers, which may also be harming the environment when you wash them. When people wash these clothes, very small pieces go down the drain (下水道) with the wash water.

    {#blank#}2{#/blank#}

    Pollution caused by plastic is not new, but recent studies have shown the effect of microfibers in the environment.

    Studies show very small microfibers are ending up in our waters, which may come from waste water treatment factories. A 2015 study found them in fish from California.

    Microfibers, effect on food supplies.

    Beyond the waterways, the researchers say microfibers may end up in soil and agricultural lands.{#blank#}3{#/blank#}This means there is much to be learned about microfibers and the environment. Some studies have shown that microfibers end up inside sea animals, like oysters.{#blank#}4{#/blank#}Researchers say that the fibers tend not to move into the tissue of the fish, but it needs more study.

    Steps to save or keep microfibers from the environment.

    Until more information becomes known, there are steps to take to reduce the amount of microfibers in the environment. People should use less of the artificial materials. If we already have those in our lives and we're using them, an important step would be washing them less.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}A bag is being designed in which to wash these clothes. It traps the microfibers in the bag and it may be available for purchase soon.

A. New technology may also help.

B. Studies on microfibers in the environment.

C. They can also move around the atmosphere.

D. Studies on how much of the microfibers is released.

E. The source of these microfibers may surprise you: your clothes.

F. Washing machines keep microfibers from escaping with wash water.

G So if these microfibers have been found in fish and seafood, are they safe to eat?

    As we know, everyone can make mistakes, but don't worry about it. The following is what we should do when we make mistakes.

    Just admit (承认）it. Don't think that our mistakes are caused by others. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}Don't blame other people, and don't cheat ourselves, either.

     {#blank#}2{#/blank#}In order to stop the problem from getting worse, we should act quickly to solve it. If we don't act and deal with the problem quickly, it'll only make us feel more stressed. Also it is necessary to make a plan of action and correct the mistake according to it.  {#blank#}3{#/blank#}

     {#blank#}4{#/blank#}   Those who have made the most mistakes can get an A, for they are the ones who have learned the most. The more we learn from our mistakes, the cleverer we are.

     {#blank#}5{#/blank#}What caused us to make the mistake? How can we avoid making the same mistake in the future? When we act with a method to get a good result, do it that way next time. If we don't, we should stop, think about it, change it and try again.

A. Realize that making mistakes is the best way to learn.

B. Don't be afraid of failure.

C. Be brave and face the fact that we have made the mistakes.

D. Solve it at once.

E. So be away from stress.

F. So decide quickly and act.

G. Think about what we can learn from our mistakes.

    How much do you know about Chicago, Illinois, in the United States? {#blank#}1{#/blank#} And it is! Chicago is actually the third most populous city in the US, right after New York City and Los Angeles, according to the US 2010 Census. “The Windy City” is Chicago's most famous nickname (绰号). {#blank#}2{#/blank#} The city lies right next to Lake Michigan and heavy gusts (一阵风) of wind blow through the city.

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#} In fact, TripAdvisor says that the Art Institute of Chicago is the No 1 place to visit in the city. It is not only a school, but also a world-class art museum.

    If you don't feel like visiting a museum, your best choice is to go to Millennium Park. This is one of my personal favorites. This park holds the famous Cloud Gate, and it looks kind of like a big reflective (反光的) bean. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#} If you enjoy heights, go visit the famous Willis Tower! You can go up to the top of it and step out onto a glass box. You'll be standing over the city, but don't worry – it's completely safe. Doesn't Chicago sound like a fun city?

A. Many people enjoy taking photos in its reflection.

B. You might think it's a big city.

C. Chicago is very well known for its art and culture.

D. Chicago also offers other fun things to do.

E. The famous Cloud Gate is a new landmark in Chicago.

F. It is for good reason.

G. Forget the fact that Chicago is home to nearly 200 art galleries.

    Why play sports? You might say “to get exercise” and you'd be right. To have fun? That's true, too. But there's more. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} According to the Women's Sports Foundation, girls who play sports get a lot more than just fit．

    Girls who play sports do better in school. You might think that playing sports will take up all your study time. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} Exercise improves learning, memory, and concentration, which can give active girls an advantage in the classroom．

    Girls who play sports learn teamwork and goalsetting skills. Sports teach valuable life skills. When you work with coaches, trainers, and teammates to win games and achieve goals, you're learning how to be successful. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}

    Sports are good for a girl's health. In addition to being fit and keeping a healthy weight, girls who exercise are less likely to get osteoporosis(骨质疏松症) later in life.

    Playing sports improves self-confidence.{#blank#}4{#/blank#} Why? It builds confidence when you know you can practice, improve, and achieve your goals. Sports are also a feel-good activity because they help girls get in shape, keep a healthy weight, and make new friends.

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#} Playing sports can reduce stress and help you feel a little happier. How? The brain chemicals released during exercise improve a person's mood. Friends are another mood-lifter. And being on a team creates connections between friends. It's good to know your teammates will support you－both on and off the field!

A. Exercise cuts the pressure.

B. In fact, there are at least 5 more reasons.

C. Regular exercise increases quality of life.

D. Girls who play sports feel better about themselves.

E. Those skills will serve you well at work and in family life.

F. Playing sports offers children more than just physical benefits.

G. But research shows girls who play sports do better in school than those who don't.