If you think you're too shy and want to be a little braver, try the following. You can make it.

             There's no need to hide it. When they get to know you're a shy kid, they'll understand you better. This also helps you feel easier in talks.

              When you smile, people think you're friendly and easy to talk with. Remember that other people have feelings, too, and ①most people will stay away from an angry-looking face.

      Take one small step at a time. If you find it hard to start talks, say something nice about people around you.         Doesn't it make you want to keep talking to that person?

      Turn your attention elsewhere.         ②Don't waste(浪费) time worrying about your looks or whether people like you or not Don't lose heart Each time after you say “hi” or smile at someone for the first time, say “I did it!” to yourself.        

Keep trying and one day you'll never be shy when you talk to others.

The Art of Paper

    Chen Zijiang is a paper-cutting expert whom I interviewed for my article on Chinese Art. Paper-cutting is something that he learned to do from an early age.

    "It is a Chinese folk art with a long history," Mr Chen told me, "Paper cuts of animals have been found in tombs{#blank#}1{#/blank#}" He added that by the Southern Song Dynasty, paper-cutting had become an important part of everyday life.

    {#blank#}2{#/blank#}They are paper cuts for decoration, for religious purposes(宗教目的) and for design patterns.

    Paper cuts for decoration are often seen on windows and gates.{#blank#}3{#/blank#} They are also used on presents. A present for parents whose child has recently been born might show a paper cut of children, for example. Paper cuts which show the Chinese character for double happiness are often used to celebrate weddings.

    Paper cuts for religious purposes are often found in temples.{#blank#}4{#/blank#}

    The third kind of paper cuts are those used to make patterns on clothing. They are also sometimes used to decorate jewellery boxes {#blank#}5{#/blank#}

A. They are usually put up during holidays to bring good luck.

B. They are also used as offerings to the dead.

C. Dragons are very popular patterns for these designs.

D. They can date back to the time of the Northern and Southern Dynasty.

E. Mr Chen went on to explain that there are three types of paper cuts which people still make today.

    Is there a connection between music and language? According to recent studies, the answer is yes: {#blank#}1{#/blank#}Here, we look at two examples

    A recent study by researcher Kraus shows that playing a musical instrument can improve a person's hearing ability.{#blank#}2{#/blank#}The people in the first group were musicians, while those in the second group had no musical training. The musicians were able to hear the talking person more clearly.

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#}Think about violinists in an orchestra (管弦乐团). When the violinists play with the group, they hear their own instrument and many others, too. But the violinists must listen closely to what they are playing, and pay no attention to the other sounds. In this way, musicians are able to focus on certain sounds, even in a room with lots of noise.

    Schlaug, a doctor at Harvard Medical School, works with stroke (中风) patients. Because of their illness, these people cannot say their names, addresses, or other information normally. However, they can still sing.{#blank#}4{#/blank#}Why does this work? Schlaug isn't sure. Music seems to make different parts of the brain work, including the damaged (损坏的) parts. This might help patients to use that part of the brain again.

    Music improves concentration (注意力), memory, listening skills, and our overall language abilities.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}Playing an instrument or singing can help us do better in school and keep our brain sharp (敏锐的) as we get older. Music is not only enjoyable, it's also good for us in many other ways.

    I was happy in those days before I started going to school. Because I had good neighbors to play with. I played with them from morning to evening. We played games outdoors, dressed up as cowboys and rode around on our tricycles(三轮车) happily.

    At the age of five, I had to go to kindergarten(幼儿园) and it was quite hard for me at first. I felt very sad about having to leave my mother each morning. I cried and wanted my mother around. As the days went by, however, I made friends easily in my class. I became happy again and looked forward to leaving my house each morning.

    I still remember those days when I was learning to ride a bicycle. I fell several times but I never gave up. Finally, I was able to join my friends riding around on my bike.

    Another memory I like is the end-of-year concert held at the kindergarten. I was chosen to play the role of Jack in the play, Jack and the Magic Beans. I became the superstar that night and received praise for my performance.

    What a wonderful childhood I had! At times I really wish I could go back to those days.

    "I sometimes get up at three or four in the morning to surf the Intern"

    "I check my e-mail almost forty times a day."

    "I seldom spend less than three hours each time on the net."

    "spend more time in chat rooms than with my 'real-life' friends."

    Do you know any people like these? They are part of a new addiction(瘾) called Internet addiction. According to experts，Internet addicts(迷)spend at least thirty to forty hours online every week. They lose control of the time they spend on the Internet.

    For example, one college student was missing for several days. His friends were worried and 1ooked for him everywhere but couldn't find him. They called the police. The police found the student in the computer lab: he was surfing the Internet — for seven days straight.

    A study shows that about six to ten percent of Internet users become addicted. The teenager spend more time on the Internet than with friends and family. That's why some experts worry most about young people.

    Is "surfing the Internet" a hobby or all addiction for you? You may have a problem if you have one of the following symptoms(症状):

    You go out with your friends less and less.

    You can't wait to get online again.

    You've decided to spend a short time online，but then you spend several hours.

    You do not go to important family events or you do not do school projects because you like to spend hours on the Internet.

    What is the solution? Some experts suggest that people set strict limits(限制) on their time for Internet use. You have to learn to control it，or the Internet would control you.

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