Albert Einstein(1879-1955)

Early Life

    Albert Einstein was born on I4th March,1879 in Germany. He was an extraordinary (非凡的)person since he was born. Einstein wasn't able to speak a word until three. He was curious(好奇的)and imaginative. He loved watching things carefully and asked a lot of questions about them

His questions were often hard to answer for teachers.

Schooling

    Einstein started school in 1885. Though he did well in maths and science, he failed in many subjects like history geography and languages. He was not the teachers' favourite. He didn't enjoy going to school. Einstein finished high school in Switzerland and entered a university in Zurich. He graduated（大学毕业）as a teacher of maths and physics in1900.

Scientific Work

    After graduation. Einstein worked at the Patent Office. He spent much time studying physics. By 1909, Einstein had become a top scientist. Though he became successful in the field of science, he still put great effort in scientific research. Finally, he won the Nobel Prize for physics in 1921.

Later life

    Einstein kept at his research until he died in 1955. Scientists studied his brain(脑)after his death to see if there was anything special about it. However there was no conclusion(结论).

    Today, many famous scientists still think Einstein is the smartest man in the world.

A.   B.   C.   D.   E.

{#blank#}1{#/blank#}⑴The Japanese eat noodles on New Year's Day and their birthday. In Japan, noodles are a symbol of long life.

{#blank#}2{#/blank#}⑵The onion in Greece is a symbol of birth and regrowth(重新生长). People in Greece don't eat onions on New Year's Day. They hang(悬挂) them on the front door.

{#blank#}3{#/blank#}⑶In the Philippines, people always put 13 different kinds of fruits on the table on New Year's Eve. Every fruit is round in shape.

{#blank#}4{#/blank#}⑷In America, people like to eat some green vegetables. They think eating green vegetables on New Year's Day can bring them money and success(成功).

{#blank#}5{#/blank#}⑸In Spain and some Latin American countries, people eat twelve grapes at midnight on New Year's Eve one grape for good luck in each month of the new year.

The Secrets of Happiness

    Most people want to be happy, but few know how to find happiness. Money and success alone do not bring lasting(长久的) happiness. 快乐取决于我们自己。 In other words, we make our own happiness. Here are a few suggestions to help you be happier.

    The first secret of happiness is to enjoy the simple things in life. You can read a good book or listen to your favorite music. People who have several close friends live happier and healthier lives.

    Another secret to be happy is to be active, 你应该学会忘记你的烦恼。 Many people do these activities, such as dancing, playing a sport, or skating or soccer.

    Finally, many people find happiness in helping others. If you want to feel happier, do something nice for someone. You can help a friend with his or her lessons, go shopping to buy food for your family members, or simple help to wash the dishes.

    Kyra Komac, 28 years old, now has 25 furniture(家具）stores all over the country. The new store, in London's Camden High Street, takes her back to where it all started.  She tells us about how the business began.

    "When I was little, my mother began selling flowers in Camden Market. She couldn't leave me at home on my own, so I had to go to the market with her. To begin with, I didn't have to do anything. I just sat there, and my mum told me jokes and stories so I didn't get bored. When I got older, I gave my mum a hand and I really enjoyed it."

    "Then, one year, my grandma gave me a book for Christmas. It was all about making candles and I loved it. I was 14, and I didn't have to go to the market anymore because Mum could leave me at home on my own. I spent my free time making candles of all shapes and sizes. I made hundreds of them."

    "One day, my mother was ill so I had to go to the market on my own. I decided to take some candles with me and see if I could sell them. They were sold out in twenty minutes! The next week, my mum gave me some money to buy some wax(蜡）to make more candles. They were sold out really quickly, too."

    "Nine months later, we decided to stop selling flowers. My mum and I couldn't make enough candles during the week, so some of my school friends started to give us a hand. I paid them one pound for every candle, and we used to sell them for three or four times. It was fun and my friends worked with me in the market."

    "At the age of 22, my uncle lent me some money and I opened my first shop in Portobello Road. Since then, I've never looked back, even in difficulties. In the first store,  we only sold candles, but now we sell everything from furniture to paintings. Oh, and candles，of course."