Everyone wants to be self-confident, but maybe we just don't know how to be. Here are some tips on how you can feel more confident about yourself.

    {#blank#}1{#/blank#} Everyone has shortcomings. When you have found your shortcomings, work to overcome them. If you are a shy person, take part in social activities, such as parties, and speak to at least one or two people there.

    Second, try to spend more time with positive people. Successful and confident people have their own ways of settling problems.{#blank#}2{#/blank#}

    Third, set goals for yourself. With each goal you achieve, your self-confidence will increase.{#blank#}3{#/blank#}We are afraid that we might lose. Stop thinking like that and give yourself a chance.

    Fourth, start each day with a sense of opportunity.{#blank#}4{#/blank#}Think positively about yourself.

    Actually everyone has his or her own way of becoming confident.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}Friends might have useful suggestions, too. In short, as long as you try new things, you are sure to become more confident.

A. Pay attention and learn from them.

B. You should talk with your friends.

C. First, don't think about your weak points.

D. It's not always right to ask friends for help.

E. Sometimes we might be afraid of trying new things.

F. Start your day by reading something encouraging.

G. First, you should know what your weak points are.

    For a long time, I have been thinking about the idea of going abroad to do something worthwhile(值得做的), such as doing some voluntary work, working with kids or animals. However, I had been stopped for different choices with the kind of things I could do and different countries where I could do them.{#blank#}1{#/blank#} And I had been puzzling over how I was able to afford the flights, costs and everything.

    I thought I couldn't wait to do something.{#blank#}2{#/blank#} So I just got up off my bed and went downstairs. I started making sandwiches, and then put some crisps, some biscuits and an apple into about six little picnic bags. I called a couple of friends and told them my idea that I was going into the city to give these foods out to the homeless.{#blank#}3{#/blank#}

    While we were buying some other things in the supermarket, we saw a whole cooked chicken that was on sale, so we bought it. We gave it to the first homeless man we came across.{#blank#}4{#/blank#} What a feeling like no other!

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#} But I was very sad because I knew I had only helped one person out of thousands. Actually, it made me cry. But still at least I felt good to have helped others and the excitement got me satisfied, so I just had to keep doing that!

    I think we don't need to look too hard or travel too far for the things that are always on our own doorsteps.

A. He was really shocked and grateful.

B. He seemed glad to share the story with others.

C. They don't need to travel far for voluntary work.

D. Besides, it's very expensive to prepare for that.

E. I said to myself, “I have to do something worthwhile NOW！”

F. My friends loved my idea so much that they decided to join me.

G. I felt very happy because I did something making someone's day.

    With the development of technology and economy, social media is becoming one of the fastest-growing industries in today's world. A study conducted by the US Pew Research Center showed that 92 percent of teenagers go online daily. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}

    Changing relationships

    High school student Elly Cooper from Illinois said social media often reduces face-to-face communication. "It makes face-to-face relationships harder because of people s attention given to their phones instead of their friends," Cooper said.

    {#blank#}2{#/blank#} Beth Kaplan from Illinois met her long-distance friend through social media. He currently lives in Scotland, but they're still able to frequently communicate with each other. "I can feel close to someone that I'm talking to via FaceTime,'' Kaplan said.

    Wanting to be "liked"

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#} The 19-year-old Essena O'Neill announced on the social networking service Instagram that she was emitting social media because it made her unable to stop thinking about appearing perfect online. {#blank#}4{#/blank#} Teenagers who get negative comments can't help but feel hurt.

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#}

    However, Armin Korsos, a student from Illinois, takes advantage of the comments he receives over social media to improve his videos on the social networking site YouTube. "Social media can help people show themselves and their talents to the world in a way that has never been possible before," Korsos said.

A. Opening new doors.

B. Teenagers' attitude toward social media

C. However, the social media is beneficial to long-distance friends.

D. The rise of social media has changed the way teenagers see themselves.

E. Negative comments can also do great damage to a teenager's self-respect.

F. The wide spread of social media has changed nearly all parts of teenagers' lives.

G. Yet, some think with social media, it's easier to start relationships with anyone from anywhere.

    It's great fun with your favorite four-legged friend outdoors. But unfortunately for humans and pets alike, spending an abundance of time outdoors can have a troublesome downside: tick (扁虱) bites. "Tick season" actually takes up most of the year. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} The following safety tips may help you protect your pet from harmful tick bites.

    Lessen Your Pets Exposure to Ticks

    {#blank#}2{#/blank#} Usually they are particularly fond of tall grasses and brush. If possible, clear your yard regularly to create a safer environment for your pet to play in. If you think that your pet may be exposed to ticks, speak to your vet to discuss safe, effective products that may be able to prevent the attachment of ticks.

    Check Your Pet for Signs of Ticks

    Check your pet for ticks daily, especially if he or she has been playing outside or in a wooded or grassy area.{#blank#}3{#/blank#} Run your hands along your pets body, feeling for small bumps (肿块) and looking for dark spots. Ticks can be black, brown, and can range in size.

    Know How to Safely Remove a Tick from Your Pet

    Removing a tick from your pet can be a terrible task, but it's important to act quickly if you find evidence of a tick on it, as diseases can be spread from the creatures within a few short hours. {#blank#}4{#/blank#} Among them using the tick remover is the most commonly used one.

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#}

    A single bite from a disease-carrying tick can spread disease to your unsuspecting pet. Symptoms of diseases include fever, loss of appetite and reduced energy. If your pet shows any of these signs, seek veterinary (兽医的) help as soon as possible.

A. Know the Symptoms

B. Ticks can live in all types of environments.

C. Wash away the ticks you've removed in the toilet

D. Areas to check include most parts of the body.

E. And summer months tend to see an increase in bites.

F. After removing a tick from your pet, always clean the wound.

G. There are varieties of removal methods that can be found online.

    Five Things to Do in a Traffic JamTired of traffic jams? Here are some tips that can help you to calm down in a traffic jam. Listen to CD audio book. It's a good idea to keep several audio books in your car. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}Listening to an exciting story is more interesting than sitting silently and being bored. Sing loudly. If you begin getting angry because of a long traffic jam, turn your CD player on or radio up. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}Imagine you're a wonderful singer and the audience is listening to you in admiration. Your stress will disappear. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}.You can use the radio and play entertaining games while waiting. For example, you can guess the song or the singer or to see how quickly you can recognize a new song. Have a snack Keeping a tasty snack in the car is especially good for waiting in traffic jams. Choose what you like most of all, so you will look forward to traffic jams to have a chance to eat the delicious snack. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}In that case, time is the last thing to worry about. Argue with the radio talk show host Find a station with a radio talk show.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}If you disagree, you can show your anger. Don't be afraid to call their ideas stupid. Only make sure that the car windows are closed so no one may hear you. Sitting in a traffic jam can be very stressful but next time you can use these simple tips, and you won't notice how long you have been waiting and soon you will be on your way.

A. Play games

B. Use the radio.

C. Enjoy every bite of it.

D. Listen to their debates carefully.

E. Loud singing can help to reduce stress.

F. Begin to enjoy them as quickly as you can.

G. The storyteller's voice can clear all your bad emotions.

    If you are already making the time to exercise, it is good indeed! With such busy lives, it can be hard to try and find the time to work out. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} Working out in the morning provides additional benefits beyond being physically fit.

    Your productivity is improved. Exercising makes you more awake and ready to handle whatever is ahead of you for the day. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}

    Your metabolism(新陈代谢) gets a head start. {#blank#}3{#/blank#} If you work out in the mornings, then you will be getting the calorie(卡路里) burning benefits for the whole day, not in your sleep.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#} Studies found that people who woke up early for exercise slept better than those who exercised in the evening. Exercise energizes you, so it is more difficult to relax and have a peaceful sleep when you are very excited.

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#} If you work out bright and early in the morning, you will be more likely to stick to healthy food choices throughout the day. Who would want to ruin their good workout by eating junk food? You will want to continue to focus on positive choices.

    There are a lot of benefits to working out, especially in the mornings. Set your alarm clock an hour early and push yourself to work out! You will feel energized all day long.

A. You will stick to your diet.

B. Your quality of sleep improves.

C. You prefer healthy food to fast food.

D. There is no reason you should exercise in the morning.

E. You can keep your head clear for 4-10 hours after exercise.

F. After you exercise, you continue to burn calories throughout the day.

G. If you are planning to do exercise regularly, or you're doing it now, then listen up!