English is the first language of several countries. However, it has many differences. British, American, and South African English are all spoken differently. In many English language courses, the British and American differences are taught. One is not more correct than the other, but there are important differences between the two.

    Probably the biggest difference between American and British English is the vocabulary. Different words and expressions are used to talk about the same thing. For example, in the United States, people throw their garbage into the trash can. In England, people throw their rubbish into the dustbin. In Britain, people take a lift to the fifth floor. In America, people take an elevator.

    American and British grammar can be also different. For example, speakers of British English will ask "What did you do at the weekend?", but Americans usually say "on the weekend." In the United States people usually say "I've gotten a new car.", but in the UK they will say "I've just got a new car."

    The pronunciation in American and British English is also different, even when the spelling is the same. The word "tomato"—pronounced "to-mah-to" in British English—is a classic example of this.

    Vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation are three ways English is different in different parts of the world. Learning all these is not easy, so English learners should just know that they are always there.

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      Information Card

    Reading books is a good hobby for all kinds of reasons.

    First, reading books is fun. You can always keep yourself amused if you like reading， especially when the weather is bad. It is a relaxing hobby, too. You can really become lost in a book.

    Next, you can read a book almost anywhere: in a car, in a waiting-room, on a plane, in bed—even in the bath. All you need is a book! Reading is a convenient hobby as it is easy to stop and then start again.

    Another good reason for reading books is that it is useful. If you read as a hobby, you will get better and better at it. This means that you will read faster and will become better at understanding what you read. As your reading improves, you will probably find your schoolwork become much easier. Many school subjects depend on good reading and, as you read, you learn more and more.

    Some people say that reading is out of date. This is not true. You have to be able to read to use a computer and, the better you read, the better your computer skills will be. Reading is hardly out of date!

What other hobby could be more useful, or more enjoyable!

    Susie Sunbeam was not her real name; that was Susan Brown. But every one called her Susie Sunbeam because of her such a sweet, smiling face.{#blank#}1{#/blank#}.

    Her grandfather first gave her this name, and it seemed to fit the little girl so nicely that soon it took the place of her own.

    Even when a baby, Susie laughed from morning till night. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}.

    When she had learned to walk, she loved to go about the house and get things for her mother, and in this way save her as many steps as she could. She would sit by her mother's side for an hour at a time, and ask her ever so many questions, or she would take her new book and read

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#} She never used an unkind word, but tried to do whatever would please her playmates best.

    One day, a poor little girl with a very ragged dress was going by and Susie heard some children teasing her and making fun of her. She at once ran out to the gate, and asked the poor little girl to come in. "What are you crying for?" Susie asked. "Because they all laughed at me," she said.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#} She cheered her up with kind words, and gave her a nice dress and a pair of shoes.

    This brought real joy and gladness to the poor child.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}.

    We've heard about several "poor students" in the past year. Cui Qingtao, a student from Yunnan, working with his parents on a building site when he got an admission letter(录取通知书) from Peking University. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} She is a student form Hebei. She was doing her part-time job in a different city when her family got her admission letter from Peking University.

    {#blank#}2{#/blank#} For example, they are all strong and optimistic (乐观的). Li Enhui said in an interview, "As long as we are alive, there are no problems that cannot be solved, and many people don't have my experiences. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}" Such an idea makes many adults feel embarrassed. He refused to accept donation money and decided to make money by himself. This is also the common thing that "poor students" have. Whatever kind of values you hold, such personalities(品格) are necessary for growth. {#blank#}4{#/blank#} Not everything goes well all the time. Only being strong and optimistic, can one go through difficulties. In fact, living in poor families doesn't promise such good personalities, and living in happiness doesn't promise optimistic attitudes(态度). We like such "poor students" because they are strong and optimistic.

    For them, few can choose their lifestyles. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} That's why they are highly praised. Every one of us should learn from them.