When I was a little girl, my mom would say, “Half the fun of doing anything is sharing it with others.” {#blank#}1{#/blank#} Friends and mates allow us to enjoy our successes and our joys, comfort us in our hard moments, and provide a mirror for us to learn more about ourselves. I've always looked at friends as the family we choose. They enrich our lives. As Robert Louis Steven once said, “{#blank#}2{#/blank#}”.

    To be a good friend or partner, it's important to be a good listener. Hear what your friend or mate has to say first rather than jump to conclusions or get defensive. {#blank#}3{#/blank#} When they hear their words repeated back to them, it can help them to realize what they said was not exactly what they meant to say.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#} You know the old golden rule, “Care for others the way you would like them to care for you.” The support of a friend during a tough time could make the difference between success and failure. Encouragement and confidence are the gifts that can help change a person's life.

    Take care, though, with whom you choose to have close relationship, for they can have a great effect on yourself – respect and life path. As someone once told me “{#blank#}5{#/blank#} They will either take you up or down.”

A. I am afraid so.

B. It is quite true

C. Friendship is the most important factor.

D. Sometimes it is useful to be their mirror.

E. A friend is a present which you give yourself.

F. The attitudes of your friends are like the buttons on a lift.

G. Patience, sympathy and understanding are also important qualities.

Learning a second language

    Nowadays, more and more people are learning a second language. So why should we spend time learning a second language?{#blank#}1{#/blank#}. Let us see.

    Career

    If your work involves regular contact with speakers of foreign languages, being able to talk to them in their own language will help you to communicate with them better.{#blank#}2{#/blank#} Knowledge of foreign languages may also increase your chances of finding a new job, getting a promotion or a transfer overseas, or of going on foreign business trips.

    Travel

    Being able to speak a foreign language, for example, the Japanese language, would benefit you greatly should you be traveling to Japan.{#blank#}3{#/blank#} If you are fond of tourism, then knowledge of the local language is a must-have to avoid bad experiences or discomfort.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#}If you are a high school student who is interested in going abroad for further education, then you will have to learn the language of the country which you wish to move to. In some countries, being able to speak that country's national language is a must for students wishing to pursue (继续) education there.

    Personal growth

    Learning a second language can help in broadening one's horizons(视野). It can help in learning about the culture of that particular country{#blank#}5{#/blank#} Not only can you enjoy different forms of art and literature relating to the new language, but you can also meet new people, make new friends and develop long-lasting relationships.

A. Education

B. Challenge.

C. Is it really worth it?

D. This will save you a lot of trouble.

E. It can help you to make sales and get good deals.

F. And it can open the way for new interests and hobbies.

G. Could you be required to study a particular language at school?

    Culture Shock

    Culture shock refers to the anxiety and feelings (of surprise, uncertainty, confusion, etc.) felt when people have to operate within a different and unknown cultural or social environment, such as a foreign country.

    Generally speaking, we could say that there are four stages of culture shock. The first stage is called “the honeymoon”. In this stage, you are excited about living in a different place. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}

    The next stage is “the hostility(敌意)stage”. In this stage, you begin to notice not everything is as good as you originally thought it was. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} Moreover, people don't treat you like a guest anymore.

    Then you come to the third stage called “recovery”. In this stage, you start to feel more positive. {#blank#}3{#/blank#} The whole situation starts to become more favorable and you begin to learn to adapt yourself to it.

    The last stage of culture shock is called “adjustment”. In this stage, you have reached a point where you actually feel good. {#blank#}4{#/blank#} The things that originally made you feel uncomfortable or strange are now things that you understand. Now you have adjusted to the new culture and you feel comfortable.

    Not all individuals visiting another country will experience all these four stages. 

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#} It also occurs within cultures as individuals move from place to place or from one setting to another (e.g., from high school to college).

A. You feel that friends should help each other to deal with culture shock.

B. And you try to develop comprehension of everything you don't understand.

C. In addition, culture shock is not limited to the overseas visitor.

D. You become tired of many things about the new culture.

E. You have learned enough to understand the new culture.

F. You begin to understand you need to travel a lot.

G. And everything seems to be marvelous and everybody seems to be so nice to you.

    Developing good teacher-student relationships

    We all have our favorite teachers-those who seem truly interested and treat us as intelligent beings. But what about teachers we don't know as well (or even don't like much)?{#blank#}1{#/blank#}

    First, do the obvious stuff: show up for class on time, with all assignments completed. Be polite, be respectful, and ask questions.

    {#blank#}2{#/blank#} Obviously, your teachers are really interested in their subjects or they wouldn't have decided to teach them! Showing the teacher that you care sends the message that you are a dedicated student.

    You can also schedule a private conference during a teacher's free period. Use this time to get extra help ask questions, inquire about a career in the subject, or talk about your progress in class.{#blank#}3{#/blank#}

    What to do if you don't get along

    Before you try to get out of a class to escape a teacher you don't like, here are a few things you can try to make a difficult relationship work:

    Ask yourself, “What can I learn from this teacher?” Even if you don't worship his or her personality or lectures, dig deep until you find a subject in which your teacher is very knowledgeable.{#blank#}4{#/blank#}

    Talk to students who are doing well in the class and ask them for tips, tools, and a plan of action to get along with the teacher better.

    If your relationship problems can't be solved in school, then it's time to tell your parents. Let them meet with your teacher and try to work it out.

    Teachers are there for more than just homework, and they know about more than just their subject matter.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}Undoubtedly, there will be a few teachers along the way who you'll always remember-and who might change your life forever.

A. Show an interest in the subject.

B. Teachers sense when your only motivation is to get special treatment.

C. They can help you learn how to function as an adult and a lifelong learner.

D. You can do lots of things to get a good connection going with your teacher.

E. Focus of that part of the teacher's personality, and use it as a tool for learning.

F. Here are some things to avoid when trying to establish a relationship with your teacher.

G. You may be surprised to learn that your teacher is a bit more relaxed one-on-one than when lecturing in front of the whole class.

    A volunteering vacation can be a meaningful way to spend your time off, but to make the trip satisfying both for you and the cause you are supporting, several factors need to be considered. Here is some advice on planning the ideal vacation:

    {#blank#}1{#/blank#} There are hundreds of causes to volunteer for, and finding one close to your heart will lead to a more worthwhile trip. Possibilities include wildlife conservation, education, environmental protection, health and nutrition. Also, consider any personal and professional skills that you can contribute. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}

    Choose your destination and setting. Your volunteering trip will be more enjoyable if you use it to reach a favorite destination. If Southeast Asia is on your mind, helping with tree-planting programs in Bali would benefit the environment and let you appreciate the scenic island. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}

    Is volunteering outdoors in a hot or snowy climate appealing, or do you prefer being in an air-conditioned office?

    Ask the right questions. {#blank#}4{#/blank#} Be aware that most volunteering programs require a weeklong commitment. Ask other questions like: How many hours of work per day is required? Are there days off? Will you be working individually or as part of a team? And what are the goals of your efforts? {#blank#}5{#/blank#} Ask if the cost includes only accommodations or meals and transportation too.

A. Figure out your cause.

B. Find a well-respected organization.

C. And think about the surroundings you want.

D. Your duty there is to help, as well as to rest and relax.

E. The more you know about your trip, the more successful it will be.

F. Despite the word “volunteer”, these vacations usually cost you some money.

G. If you're a doctor, for example, working at a health clinic could be an ideal fit.

Interview dressing tips for high school students

    Most high school job seekers aren't interviewing for professional jobs. Instead, they're usually looking for part-time jobs in shops, restaurants, or volunteering. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}. In fact, a teen would look pretty silly in an adult business suit.

    Here is a guide on what you should wear and shouldn't wear in an interview.

    Choose proper interview clothes

    When you're dressing for a job interview, your clothing should be in good condition, workplace proper.

    {#blank#}2{#/blank#}. Instead, try not to stand out, and fit into the office culture.

    Wear dress shirts and slacks (长裤)

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#}. Paired with dark slacks, it's a look that is mature (成熟的) and tasteful, but still comfortable.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#}

    Just because high school job interviews are more casual(随意的), you don't have to rule out a tie!

    After all, looking a little dressed up doesn't hurt anyone. A tie can be a great choice for a young man, looking to make a good impression.

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#}

    You should avoid extreme hairstyles or colors. Also, keep makeup to the minimum. No jeans or shorts, or anything especially low cut or too short－keeping everything professional is a must.

A. No ties

B. What not to wear

C. A tie can make a great impression

D. It's a perfect time to find your own preference

E. It is not the time to show your unique style or personality

F. Accordingly, a teen's interview clothes don't have to be very formal

G. A simple dress shirt is a perfect choice for a high school job interview