Improve your memory

    Do you find yourself forgetting where you left your keys or blanking out information on important tests?{#blank#}1{#/blank#}Before your next big exam, be sure to check out some of these tried and tested ways of improving memory.

    Focus your attention on the materials you are studying. Attention is one of the major components (组成部分) of memory. In order for information to move from short-term memory into long-term memory, you need to actively attend to this information.{#blank#}2{#/blank#}

    Structure and organize the information you are studying. Researchers have found that information is best organized in related groups.{#blank#}3{#/blank#}Or you can make an outline of your notes and textbook readings to help group related concepts (概念).

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#}When you are studying unfamiliar material, take the time to think about how this information relates to things that you already know. By establishing relationships between new ideas and previously existing memories, you can greatly increase the likelihood of recalling (回想起) the recently learned information.

    Pay extra attention to difficult information. Remembering information at the beginning or end of an article is easy. However, recalling information from its middle can be difficult.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}Another way is to try restructuring what you have learned so it will be easier to remember. When you come across an especially difficult concept, devote some extra time to memorizing the information.

A.Use this approach in your own studies.

B. Try grouping similar concepts and terms together.

C. Relate new information to things you already know.

D. Repeat the information you are studying to improve memory.

E. Try to study in a quiet place and concentrate on your learning.

F. Fortunately, there are things that you can do to help improve your memory.

G. You can overcome this problem by spending extra time memorizing this information.

    Your children are watching you.{#blank#}1{#/blank#} According to the Health Program，developing healthy habits is an important part for your children. And when it comes to developing healthy habits, parents influence their children more than anyone else.

    {#blank#}2{#/blank#} What happens during those early years can influence children for the rest of their lives. This includes some eating and exercise habits. Children are very careful, even at a young age. Children watch what others do carefully and imitate the behaviors of those closest to them. As parents, you should do the following:{#blank#}3{#/blank#} If you do that, your children are more likely to be enthusiastic about developing theirs.

    Let your children see you taking care of your own physical health by eating fruits and vegetables. Talk to them about healthy habits in appropriate terms and at a proper time.{#blank#}4{#/blank#}

{#blank#}5{#/blank#} Computers，televisions and other forms of technology are a major part of life in the 21st century. Unfortunately, as the use of technology in the home increases, so does the time spent watching TV or playing on the computer. So as parents, you should also arrange the time for your children wisely.

A. Take part in physical activities and exercise regularly.

B. Don't get rid of technology, but use it wisely.

C. Be enthusiastic about developing healthy habits of your own.

D. Your actions arc speaking to them louder than your words will.

F. Children prefer to imitate their parents rather than listen to them.

F. This can be helpful to teach your children to form good eating habits.

G. It's easy for the children to form their healthy habits when they arc young.

    What is stereotype? It is commonly known as a fixed, over generalized belief about a particular group or class of people, consisting of gender, age, occupation, etc.

    Gender stereotype refers to a judgment about someone according to their sex instead of believing in their ability. Men have been thought to be a leader, strong, aggressive and brave. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}

    Age stereotype is that someone judges other people's behavior and appearance because of the age. Children are often described innocent, naughty. Then, young people are usually stereotyped impatient, rebellious and indulge in comfort. Adults are related to responsibility. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} Because the old people are stereotyped weak and sick, not moving flexibly, which means to be a big trouble.

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#} A concept can easily be formed that star is a descent and charming job with a lot of fun and more opportunities to contact fashion and celebrity, to dress up, and to taste delicious food in high-class restaurants. But not all stars can have these wonderful experiences. {#blank#}4{#/blank#} They have to work on the other business to earn money under the pressure of life.

    Some view stereotype a good way to enable them to response to different things, judging if they are good or bad, as well as adapt into a new environment. However, some stereotypes are not quite consistent with the reality. {#blank#}5{#/blank#}Society is developing every day, if we are always looking at it with stereotype, we will lose another side of it. Therefore, it is a good choice for us to deal with issues in wider perspective.

A. Women can also take charge of the nation and run their business.

B. There are more stereotypes about stars than other occupations.

C. Occupation stereotype also occurs in our minds.

D. So most people consider it easy to produce prejudice or misunderstandings.

E. Some stars' salary is lower than common white-collar workers.

F. But women are thought to be attached, weak, compromised and soft.

G. Nowadays, many adults are not willing to attend to their parents.

    Why should you read every day?

    When was the last time you read a book? If you're one of countless people who don't make a habit of reading regularly, you might be missing out. Reading has many benefits, and just a few benefits of reading are listed below.

    Mental Stimulation

    Studies have shown that staying mentally stimulated can slow the progress of Alzheimer's and Dementia. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} Just like any other muscle in the body, the brain requires exercise to keep it strong and healthy.

    Wider Knowledge

    Everything you read fills your head with new bits of information, and you never know when it might come in handy. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}

    Stress Reduction

    No matter how much stress you have at work, in your personal relationships, or countless other problems, it all just slips away when you lose yourself in a great story. {#blank#}3{#/blank#} And an interesting article will distract you and keep you in the present moment, allowing you to relax.

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    When you read a book, all of your attention is focused on the story— the rest of the world just falls away. Try reading for 15 to 20 minutes before work, and you'll be surprised at how much more focused you are once you get to the office.

    Tranquility(安宁)

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#}. Reading spiritual texts can lower blood pressure and bring about a sense of calm, while reading self-help books has been shown to help people suffering from certain mood disorders or mental illnesses.

A. Stronger thinking skills.

B. Improved focus and concentration.

C. A well-written novel can transport you to other worlds.

D. Reading a good book can also bring about great inner peace.

E. That's because keeping your brain active prevents it from losing power.

F. Reading books is also important for learning new languages and cultures.

G. The more knowledge you have, the better-equipped you are to deal with your future challenges.

    We all know that a hot, milky drink and a warm bath are supposed to relax you before bed, but many of us still can't slip into sleep. Here are some tips to help you go to sleep.

    Breathe in through your left nostril(鼻孔)

    {#blank#}1{#/blank#}. Sleep specialist Peter Smith says, "Lie on your left side, resting a finger on your right nostril to close it. Start slow, deep breathing in the left nostril." Peter, author of Sleep Better With Natural Therapies, says this technique is particularly good when overheating is preventing sleep.

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    Relaxing all your muscles can prepare your body for sleep. Anxiety expert Charles Linden says: "Lying on your back, take a deep, slow breath in through your nose and, at the same time, squeeze your toes tightly as if you are trying to curl them under your foot, then loosen them slowly. Breathe again, contract your leg muscles, then your thigh, belly, chest, arms, and so on until you heat all the way up your body. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}.

    Try to stay awake

Challenge yourself to stay awake— your mind will fight against it! "It's called the sleep paradox(悖论)." says psychotherapist Julie Hirst. She explains: "Keep your eyes wide open, repeat to yourself 'I will not sleep. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}, but instead view this as an instruction to sleep and eye muscles tire quickly as sleep turns up."

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    Use at least three senses imagining yourself in a situation where you feel content—a paradise(乐园), sailing on calm waters, walking in flower fields.

A. Just imagine

B. Enjoy a paradise

C. Squeeze and relax

D. The brain doesn't process negatives well

E. You must repeat what you have done

F. This yoga method is thought to reduce blood pressure and calm you

G. When you have gone from head to toe, you should feel ready for sleep

    Bad days happens to many of us. Something makes us sad, angry, frustrated or disappointed. But you still have to get up and go to work. Everything others say to you sounds stupid. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}. Luckily, you can do something about it. Here are some ways to turn around a bad day.

    Accept your bad mood

    Being in a bad mood is not that hard. If you're mad, be mad.{#blank#}2{#/blank#}. This does not give you the right to be rude and unpleasant to others. It just means that you need to recognize and accept your bad mood to be able to do something.

    Tell others

    You can try to keep your bad mood a secret and put on your happy mask. Guess what, you're fooling nobody.{#blank#}3{#/blank#}. Simply tell them“ listen guys, I'm in a really sour mood today. I'm not sure why, but it's nothing to do with what you have done. If I bite your head off, I apologize in advance.”

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#}.

    Spend a few moments to try thinking of at least one or two things that are good: Something you look forward to, such as a person you like at work or something nice that happened recently.

    Take some quiet time

    And if you're having a really bad day, it may be a good idea to withdraw(撤离; 退出)a little if you can. {#blank#}5{#/blank#}. Sit and work somewhere quiet. Take a long bathroom break. Consider going home early or taking the day off.

A. Remember the good

B. It's important to get along well with others

C. Everyone seems to annoy you

D. The best thing to do is to tell the people you work closely with

E. If you're sad, be sad

F. Ask for advice

G. Take a walk in your lunch break