Do you know "World Reading Day"? It is on April 23rd. It is the eighteenth "World Reading Day". As we know books are very important for us.

    In Germany, more than 70% of the people like reading: They often read. They read in their homes. They read in libraries. They read in parks. They even read in hospitals. Parents often read books for kids.

    It is easy to buy books in Germany. There are many bookshops in Germany. They are in big cities and small town. A bookshop can sell many books every day. Germans also like to buy books on the Internet. More and more people buy books on the Internet.

    In Germany, people often have reading parties. They are happy at the parties.

    Do you love reading? Hope you enjoy it!

    It seems that a family just isn't complete (完整的) without a pet. But if pets aren't suitable to a family's lifestyle or environment, they can quickly lead to problems such as stress or arguments (争执). To save yourself and your family such problems, treat this decision seriously. When choosing a pet, people must consider the family's health. Many people are allergic (过敏的) to cats and dogs. Perhaps a dog or cat with short hair will be fine. And a dog might not be the best choice for a child who is naughty (顽皮的) because the dog might bite him or her. Some people can also have problems with certain pets. It's a good idea to spend a little time with the pet around each member of the family before making your decision. Consider the quality of life of the pet, too. If a pet is used to having space to run around, it can quickly develop psychological (心理的) problems when it is kept in a small flat all day. If pets are allowed to run about in areas with lots of traffic, they can meet an early end. Cats shouldn't be brought into homes that already have large dogs because they won't be able to get along well with each other.

    The decision as to what kind of pet to choose is very important. If you find the right one to suit (适合) everyone in the family and their lifestyle, then it's time to choose one. Remember that your decision is important because it can have effects that last for many years.

    In Thailand, people do not eat with chopsticks like in China, Japan, and Korea. They use spoons and forks.{#blank#}1{#/blank#}.Most food is already cut. If you need to cut things, use the side of your spoon first and then use your fork.{#blank#}2{#/blank#}. If you are right-handed, keep the spoon in your right hand and the fork in your left hand.

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#}.The rice is not on the same plate with other food. It is not necessary to finish all your rice or all your food. It is good to leave a little on your plate. If you eat up anything,it means you want more.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#}.The host (主人)will ask you twice or three times if you want more food. It is the same with whatever you are drinking. During the meal, never empty your cup or glass. When it is less than half full, your host or neighbor will fill it again.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}. Always refill (再加满) your neighbor's glass. This means that you must keep an eye on your neighbor's glass all through the meal.

    I wish there would be a way to describe China in a simple word but that's impossible.

    {#blank#}1{#/blank#}In my English classes when the students were asked what they would do if they only had a few hours to live, most students told me they would spend their last few hours with their families and parents.

    {#blank#}2{#/blank#} I teach in Xiangyang, a beautiful city which the Hanjiang River goes across it and I live here better. The foods are cheaper than those in the US, so are clothing and articles(物品) of everyday us. People pay less for the public transportation, too.

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#} However, it is reported that still there are a few children who can't afford the expenses(费用) of schooling. But the government organized Project Hope many years ago. It creates conditions for the poor children to go back to school.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#}I seldom saw the things mentioned of the creative(有创造力的) changes China has made. But the economic miracles(经济奇迹) have the big problems.

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#} To be honest, if I compare China with the US, my answer has always been the same: "We are not worse or better than each other; we are only different."

    Peter wanted to travel, especially to English-speaking countries such as America and Australia. But he knew that he had to improve his English, so he went to Green Language School to take English lessons. Peter worked very hard at his English. At last, he became ill. Every evening he went to bed, closed his eyes but he stayed awake(醒着的).

    Peter was worried so he went to see the doctor." I can't sleep at night. What should I do, Doctor?"

    "I have a piece of advice, "said the doctor. "Try to count(数)numbers. When you count up to 1,000, you'll be asleep."

    The next day Peter returned to the doctor's office." Did you try my advice？And are you better today?" asked the doctor.

    Peter wasn't happy. "Er, I tried counting from one, two...up to four hundred and twenty-one, and I felt sleepy. Then I got up and drank some coffee. Then I went on counting up to 1,000. But I still couldn't be asleep."

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