When we are talking about animals in China, the most precious (珍贵的) animal we would think of is the panda. In fact, we have one kind of bird as precious as the panda,1many people don't know much about it. The bird is called crested ibis (朱鹮) . It is as2as snow with a red face and looks very beautiful. It is also in danger like the panda.

Crested ibises3in tall trees by small rivers or rice fields. They look for small fish and4small animals for food. About one hundred years ago,5crested ibises lived in China, Russia and Japan. Later, as they lost their homes,6them was getting smaller and smaller. Between 1965 and 1980, people didn't see any of them living in the wild. Luckily, on May 23, 1981, scientists7seven of them in the south of Shanxi Province. 8protect crested ibises in the wild, the Chinese government is setting up nature parks and developing other plans. Now scientists are doing a lot of research to help them to9more babies. Today there are about 1,500 crested ibises living in the wild. Zoos and research centres10after about 500 crested ibises.

    One day, Jack's parents told him that his grandpa would retire (退休) after working for forty years. Jack said1, "I'm only seven, so it means my grandpa has been…er…a really long time!"

    His parents said, "Yes. There is a (n)2place in his heart that we don't know how to fill. That's why we are going to have a surprise party for him."

    Jack loved his grandpa and wanted to do something3for him. He remembered the business card his grandpa had given him two years before. He knew that his grandpa would no longer hold the position on that card, so he decided to build a new one for his grandpa.

    When the big night came, Jack was4. He put his gift in a small box. But he didn't want to put his gift together with others'. He carried it around with him the whole5.

    When all the other people6, he took his grandpa's hand and brought him over to a chair and gave him the gift.

    His grandpa smiled, "Well, it must be a beautiful7. May I open it now?" "Sure!" Jack said excitedly.

    As Jack's grandpa opened the gift, tears came into his eyes. He was touched by Jack's gift. Jack gave him the greatest gift he had8got! It was a business card with his new position FULL-TIME GRANDPA! Jack said, "Now your9job is my grandpa."

    "Well10do l get paid?" his grandpa asked, smiling. "As many hugs (拥抱) as you want!" With these words, Jack gave his grandpa a hug. "Well, I guess that means I'm the richest man in the world!" said the grandpa.

    You either have it, or you don't—a sense of1that is. But2is it that some people could find their way across the Sahara without a map, while others can3themselves in the next street?

    Scientists say were all4with a sense of direction, but it is not properly understood how it works. One theory is that people with a good sense of direction have worked hard at5it. Research being carried out at Liverpool University supports this idea and suggests that if we don't use it, we lose it.

    Children as young as seven have the ability to find their way6,"says Jim Martland, Research Director of the project. "However,7they are not allowed out alone or are taken everywhere by car, they will8develop the skills. ”

    Jim Martland also emphasizes that young people should be taught certain9to improve their sense of direction. He makes the following suggestions:

    If you are using a map, turn it so that it10to the way you are facing

    If you leave your bike in a strange place, put it near11like a big stone or a tree. Note landmarks on the route as you go away from your bike. When you return, go back along the12route.

    Simplify the way of finding your direction by using lines such as streets in a town, streams, or walls in the countryside to guide you. 13your steps 14you know how far you have gone and note any landmarks such as tower blocks or hills which can help to find out were you are.

    Now you will never get lost15!