The Grand Canyon(科罗拉多大峡谷) is a large river canyon in Arizona. It is over220 miles long and over a mile deep in some places. Its widest point is 18 miles wide. The canyon is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

    Over millions of years, the Colorado River wore away rocks as it passed through the area. Slowly, the river made the path deeper and deeper. Now, the canyon is surrounded by steep walls on either side, while the river continues to flow at the bottom of the canyon.

    Besides its large size, the Grand Canyon is also known for its magnificent colors. The canyon is made of layers of rock(岩层), and each layer of rock has a different depth and color. Geologists have identified almost 40 different layers of rock exposed by the rivers erosion.

    The climate in canyon area is primarily desert, with both high and low temperatures. The upper rims of the canyon often receive snowfall. The air quality is usually very high, although dust storms and smoke from fires can change the air.

    The Grand Canyon is home to a variety of plants and animals. Plants range from various species of cactuto pine forests. Many types of animals live in the area, including the bald eagle, bobcats, bats and gila monsters. Six different kinds of rattlesnakes have been found in the area.

    Today, the canyon is part of the Grand Canyon National Park. About five million tourists visit the park each year.

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    We all want to protect our planet, but most of us are too busy or too lazy to make a change that would improve our lifestyle and protect the environment.

    {#blank#}1{#/blank#} There is nothing new here but if you follow at least some of these suggestions, you can be proud of yourself for taking part in protecting the environment.

    Donate

    {#blank#}2{#/blank#} If they can still be used, give them to someone who needs them. You can also give them to charities. These charities will give them away to help people in need.

    Turn off your electrical devices (电器)

    When you are not using an electrical device, turn it off. For example, if you are not watching TV, turn it off. {#blank#}3{#/blank#} It's an easy habit to form which will help you save a lot of money.

    Walk or ride a bicycle

    Driving is one of the biggest causes of pollution. If your parents want to give you a ride, ask yourself the following question: Do I really need to use the car? {#blank#}4{#/blank#}

This list is far from being complete, but besides protecting the environment, all these things will help you save money.

    When my friend first arrived in Australia, he saw an old man selling some cheap goods(商品) in the street of Sydney. The old man was one of the poor people in Sydney and in fact there was no difference between them and beggars(乞丐). Most of them were some lonely old people. My friend was a kind hearted man, so he quickly gave some money to him. The old man asked him to pick some goods from him. My friend had no interest in those goods, so he left without choosing. But the old man followed him all the way.

    At first, my friend didn't think a lot, just thinking he would go home. But then when he went very far and saw the old man still following him, he was a little angry, thinking the old man must feel he was kind and wanted more money. My friend turned back and told him with sign language(手语) not to follow him because he didn't have much money.

    But the old man seemed not to understand, speaking something unknown and still following him. My friend happened to meet his Australian friend in the street. Hearing his story, his friend turned to ask why the old man was following his friend. The old man was out of breath, "My son, you gave me money, but you didn't want my things, so I have to give you something. I see you are a foreigner, likely not familiar(熟悉) with our city. I just want to follow you and show you the way. All I can do for you is this..."My friend was surprised. He said he didn't know why, but he felt the old man was just like his father, nice and warm.

Abingdon School Open Day

    The Open Day this year will be on Saturday, 1 October 2011. The Open Day is for all the family, with activities and displays(展示) about all aspects(方面) of the school. All the teachers, students and parents will attend. The day starts at 9:30 a. m. and finishes at 2:30 p.m.  You are welcome to arrive at any time during the lessons in the morning and afternoon. Please read the outline of Open Day events.

    If you can't come to the Open Day, that's all right. There are many other chances(机会) to visit Abingdon School

    St Helen School and St Katharine School Open Day will be on the same date, so you can also visit those two.

    Parking at the school on the Open Day may be limited(有限的), so you can also park your cars in Lotus Supermarket's car park.  It's just a three-minute walk away.

The map of Abingdon School can be found on the school website-www. abingdon. edu.