'USA? Britain? Which country is better to study in?' We often hear such discussions. As China opens its door, it is a dream for many Chinese students to study abroad. They want to learn about the outside world.
     It's true that studying abroad can help students develop themselves. Their foreign language skills will be improved and it may be easier to find jobs.
     But there are problems that should be considered. Language is the first. Students must spend a lot of time learning another language.     
     Students must also learn to live without parents' care and deal with all kinds of things they haven't had to do before, like looking after themselves. There are reports about Chinese students abroad running into an ocean of difficulties and giving up finally. When they have to take care of themselves, it is hard for students to study well. 
     Finally, studying abroad brings a heavy burden (负担) to the family. For most Chinese parents, the cost of studying abroad is very high. But is it worth it?
     We know that there are many famous people who have achieved success through their hard work in China. Liu Xiang is a good example. Once an American teacher invited him there, but he refused. He kept training hard with his Chinese teacher. He surprised the world when he won a gold medal at the Athens Olympic Games. So when you wonder which country is better to study in, think again.

    Do some colours makes you feel calm while others give you energy? Scientists have studied the connection between colour and mood(心情) for a long time. Many believe that colour can influence our moods.

    Warm, bright colours such as yellow and red are positive colours. They can give people a pleasant feeling. Cool colours such as blue, purple, and green are relaxing colours. They help people experience calm feelings.

    Many public places are decorated(装饰) with certain colours in order to create certain moods. Orange makes people feel hungry, and many restaurants are painted in this colour.

    People use colour in their homes to create moods as well. Blue is a peaceful colour. It helps you rest, so it is a very good colour for a bedroom.

    Colours can also create bad moods. Some types of blue make people feel sad. Red can make people feel angry.

    What is your mood right now? Now look at the colour of the walls round you. Does it match your mood?

    Nowadays, a new method is used to decide who are the top students in school. The best students are those who not only get high marks, but also follow the rules and the behavior standards for middle school students. Here are some of the new rules and standards.

    Tell the truth. Have you ever copied someone else's work on an exam? If you have, then don't do it again! That's not something an honest student should do. If you have played computer games for two hours in your room, don't tell your parents you were doing homework.

    Learn to work together with others. It would be more fun when more people work together. Did you fight with your teammates when your basketball team lost? Only working together can make your team stronger. Be friendly to the people you are with. Try to think of others, instead of only yourself.

    Be open to new ideas. Have you ever thought that people could live on the moon? Perhaps you'll discover Earth II someday. Don't look down on new ideas. Everyone's ideas are important. You should welcome them, because new ideas make life better for everyone.

    Use the Internet carefully. Some websites on the Internet aren't for kids, so make sure to visit the web pages that are good for you. You can visit the websites for fun or homework. Can't you find any good websites for children?

    Every student spends lots of time studying and almost everyone would like their study to be more efficient (高效的). Here are two ways to help you manage your time better when studying.

Your study environment

    Watching TV while studying is a bad idea and makes your study ineffective (无效的). So you'd better turn off the TV while you're studying. Some students like listening to music while studying. Music is OK, but whether it helps or hurts depends on whether it can keep your mind at peace. Make sure that any music you listen to is actually helping you study, but not drawing your attention away. Good lighting and temperature are necessary, too. When it's too hot or too cold, it will be harder for you to give all your attention to what you are working on.

    Full attention for at least 40 minutes at a time

    One of the most important things you can do to study efficiently is to give all the attention to your study for at least 40 minutes at a time. Don't let anything else draw your attention away from the study during the period. Then have a rest and relax. Don't study for too long a time because your brain gets tired and it needs a rest.

    If you choose these ways, you will make an improvement in how you manage your time for study.