Everyone wants to perform well at school. Add these tips to your life and you should be on your way to being a top student!

    {#blank#}1{#/blank#}I cannot stress how important it is to pay attention to what your teacher is teaching you. Take part in class discussions if you have something worth adding. Pay attention during class, especially during lectures.

    Taking notes is important. You don't need to write down every single word your teacher says but write down what he or she writes on the board, or any special fact you think you might need for a test.

    {#blank#}2{#/blank#}In this way, it will help you learn more effectively by actually thinking about what you are writing.

    Don't skip school. You will be missing some knowledge. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}However, you will have more work. Also, try not to be late for class. It's most likely that your teacher won't appreciate it and you will get yourself behind.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#}If you have an “I don't care about school or this class” attitude, then teachers will be less willing to help you with problems or offer you extra credit(学分). The same goes for lazy attitude. Have a respectful attitude to the teacher and other students. Try not to laugh when other students make mistakes.

    Always ask questions. {#blank#}5{#/blank#}If you don't understand, ask someone. Read your textbook and notes, and then if that fails, seek help. Ask a teacher, friend, classmate, parent, etc. Get a tutor(家教) if you need one.

A. Be prepared.

B. Write in your own words.

C. Pay attention to everything the teacher says.

D. Staying organized will be helpful.

E. There is no shame in needing some help.

F. It is true that you could make up the work.

G. Keep a good attitude towards things.

Five Things Nobody Told Me about College

    As I type this, I am in my university dorm room. A year ago, when I was awaiting to hear the results of my college applications, I often went to websites for some type of insider look on what college would be like. However, there's only so much that prep books, websites, and older friends can teach. Here are the top 5 things nobody told me about college:

    {#blank#}1{#/blank#}

    Nobody entering a university knows exactly what they want to study. If they tell you otherwise, they're lying and will probably change what they want to purse within the first quarter of attendance. During my first quarter at University of California, Riverside (UCR), I thought that I wanted to study Political Science with its focus on International Affairs, so that's what I applied for. However, once I worked with statewide and local government, I realized that a better fit for me would be Public Policy, and now I am in the process of changing my area.

    {#blank#}2{#/blank#}

    In college, there are so many good chances for you to meet your expectations. However, there is a very important difference between wanting to do something and applying for something. In order for you to take advantage of the conferences, research, internships, and fellowships that your university offers, apply! Step into your academic advisor's office, introduce yourself, and begin making the valuable connections that are necessary to help during the rest of your college career. Great things happen when you step out of your comfort zone, and you would be surprised on how many chances exist if you just ask.

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#}

    College is where you meet your bridesmaids, neighbors, and potential bosses. The relationships you develop now will probably be linked to the ones you value later, so be wise about the people who you invest yourself in. You are only one person, and you do not have time to waste on people who would rather cause drama or mess up with your purpose. Surround yourself with uplifting individuals who challenge you to be better while loving you for who you are, and be patient to the people who are the complete opposite of that description.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#}

    As a first-year, I was afraid to make any noise towards campus issues that I noticed. It was not until I became involved in student government that I gained the confidence to handle projects that I created with the help of ASUCR Office of the President. During my first quarter, I spoke directly to the Chancellor, asking him for support towards my initiatives, met with the Vive Chancellors, and cooperated with my teaching assistances to begin my undergraduate research protect. Nothing good will happen when you are silent.

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#}

    At my high school, there were about only four active club and organizations that students could be a part of. Imagine my surprise when I stepped foot onto UCR's campus, where over 400 organizations exist, ranging from political organizations to karate club. You are not paying all or your tuition(学费)to merely go to class, study, pass tests and graduate. Make something worthy out of your experience. Create that you will want to tell your grandchildren one day. It all begins here, by signing up to join an organization.

A. Get involved in student activities

B. Your voice is actually super important

C. There is a significant increase of opportunities

D. Stay in active communication with your friends

E. Get smart about the people who you spend your time with

F. Your major does not matter as much in your first of college

G. College life is meaningful.

How to Sleep Better

    If you're having trouble getting good sleep through the night (turning, waking up more than once, for example), this text will tell you what you can do to ensure a peaceful night's sleep.

    ⒈Get up on time. Changing your sleeping time by more than an hour can severely disturb (干扰) your sleep quality. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} For example, if you normally wake up at 6 am on weekdays to get to work, you might go to bed around 10 pm, because that's when you start to feel sleepy, and it's also a good time to ensure 8 hours of sleep. If, on the weekend, you sleep until 9 am, you probably won't be able to fall asleep that night until 1 am.

    ⒉{#blank#}2{#/blank#} Wait at least three hours after dinner before going to sleep. Digestion(消化) slows down while asleep, and a full stomach may interrupt(打搅) sleep. Similarly, you should avoid going to bed on an empty stomach, as a completely empty stomach may equally disturb your sleeping patterns(模式).

    ⒊{#blank#}3{#/blank#} Exposure(暴露) to light during the time when you're supposed to be sleeping can disrupt(扰乱) your body's internal clock. Turn your light off, or use a very dim night light. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}They include windows, LED clocks, computer lights and cable boxes.

    ⒋Change your sleeping position. You may think that it's impossible to control what position you sleep in since you don't fully understand what you are doing, but it is possible and it can make a big difference. {#blank#}5{#/blank#}

A. Try to avoid all sources of light.

B. Keep the room as dark as possible.

C. Make note of unusual circumstances (状况).

D. Be mindful of what you eat or drink before bed.

E. Sleep is considered to be adequate only when there is no daytime sleepiness.

F. In other words, sudden change of sleeping time will affect your “biological(生物的) clock”.

G. If you wake up in the middle of the night, make an effort to have a comfortable position.

    One of the biggest reasons people drop an exercise program is lack of interest. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} The good news is there are tons of different sports and activities to try to see which one inspires you.

    When picking the right type of exercise, it can help to consider your workout personality. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} If so, solo sports like running, biking, or snowboarding could be for you. Or do you like the shared motivation and companionship that comes from being part of a team? School sports, intramural leagues, club teams, and pick-up games are great ways to stay active with others.

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#} For example, whether your chosen activity is affordable and available to you (Activities like horseback riding may be harder for people who live in cities, for example.) You'll also want to think about how much time you can set aside for your sport.

    It's a good idea to talk to someone who understands the exercise, like a coach or fitness expert at a gym. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}

    Doctors know that most people benefit from regular exercise, even those with disabilities. If you have a health problem or other concern (like being overweight or very out of shape), talk to your doctor before beginning an exercise plan.

    Considering the benefits to the heart, muscles, joints, and mind, it's easy to see why exercise is wise. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} Even small things can count as exercise when you're starting out -like taking a short bike ride, walking the dog, or raking leaves.

A. Without fun, it is hard to keep it up.

B. You also need to plan around practical considerations.

C. You have to make a list of your favorite exercises, too.

D. He or she can get you started on a program that's right for you.

E. Different types of exercise can strengthen different muscle groups.

F. And the great thing about exercise is that it's never too late to start.

G. For example, you may like to work out alone and on your own schedule.

Evaluating Sources of health Information

    Making good choices about your own health requires reasonable evaluation. A key first step in bettering your evaluation ability is to look carefully at your sources of healthy information. Reasonable evaluation includes knowing where and how to fins relevant information, how to separate fact from opinions, how to recognize poor reasoning, and how to analyze information and the reliability of sources. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}

    Go to the original source. Media reports often simplify the results of medical research. Find out for yourself what a study really reported, and determine whether it was based on good science. Think about the type of study. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}

    Watch for misleading language. Some studies will find that a behaviour "contributes to" or is "associated with" an outcome; this does not mean that a certain course must lead to a certain result. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}

    Carefully read or listen to information in order to fully understand it.

Use your common sense. If a report seems too good to be true, probably it is. Be especially careful of information contained in advertisements. {#blank#}4{#/blank#} Evaluate "scientific" statements carefully, and be aware of quackery (江湖骗术).

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#} Friends and family members can be a great source of ideas and inspiration, but each of us needs to find a healthy lifestyle that works for us.

Developing the ability to evaluate reasonably and independently about the health problems will serve you well throughout your life.

A. Make choices that are right for you.

B. The goal of an ad is to sell you something.

C. Be sure to work through the critical questions.

D. And examine the findings of the original research.

E. Distinguish between research reports and public health advice.

F. Be aware that information may also be incorrectly explained by an author's point of view.

G. The following suggestions can help you sort through the health information you receive from common sources.

How to make the most of your time with your host family

Living and studying abroad can be a meaningful and enriching experience. And living with a host family is one of the best ways to immerse（沉浸） yourself in the culture. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} Here are some tips on making the most of your time with your host family.

 {#blank#}2{#/blank#}. You have to understand that host families are sharing the living space with others just because they want to give a kid the opportunity to live abroad. They are willingly changing their lives so you can experience this! With their support, things become easier.

Many people struggle to feel comfortable with their host families at first. This is a completely normal feeling! You've just left everything you've known for years behind to start a new life. It's okay to be confused. {#blank#}3{#/blank#} While you may know the language, some expressions can be hard to understand at first. Be patient with yourself and remember that you will adapt but it will take some time.

Feeling at home can be difficult at the beginning. That's why spending time in common areas is necessary. If you spend all your time in your room, it's going to be hard to feel like you belong . Joining in everyday activities with your host family will help you create a family bond. For example, some families like having dinner together on weekends. Make time for those moments. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}.

Communication is key. If you are unsure about something, ask! It's normal to know few customs and habits at first, so instead of doing things blindly, just ask. Your host family will understand and help you. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} When you are out with your host family, ask them about these, and keep learning them when you are on your own!

A. The language barrier（障碍） can also be a struggle.

B. Showing gratitude will take you a long way.

C. Keep in mind that when in Rome, do as the Roman s do.

D. Then, you'll have chances to expose yourself to their language.

E. It's also normal not to know a lot about unspoken social rules of the country.

F. Not only will they appreciate it but you will also feel like a part of their world.

G. However, living with a foreign family can be difficult and adapting to it can take some effort.