There seems never to have been a civilization(文明) without toys, but when and how they developed is unknown. They probably came about just to give children something to do.

      In the ancient world, as is today, most boys play with some kinds of toys and most girls with another. In societies where social roles are strictly determined, boys pattern their play after the activities of their fathers and girls after the tasks of their mothers. This is true because boys and girls are being prepared, even in play, to step into the roles and responsibilities of the adult world.

      What is remarkable about the history of toys is not so much how they changed over the centuries but how much they have remained the same. It is the universality of toys about their development in all parts of the world and their continuing to the present that is amazing. In Egypt, the Americas, China, Japan and among the Arctic peoples, generally the same kinds of toys appeared. Nearly every civilization had dolls, little weapons, toy soldiers, tiny animals and vehicles.

      Because toys can be generally regarded as a kind of art form, they have not been subject to (服从于) technological progress that characterizes inventions for adult use. The progress from the wheel to the oxcart to the automobile is a direct line of advancement. The progress from a rattle (拨浪鼓) used by a baby in 3,000 BC to one used by an infant today, however, is not characterized by inventiveness. Each rattle is the product of the artistic tastes of the times and subject to the limitations of materials then ready for use. (words: 285 ; time : 5ms)

      Mr. Hart, a London taxi driver, has a new black taxi. He hurries through the busy 1 every day.

      One day when he was having a short rest, a young man jumped into his2 .

“To the station as3as you can,” shouted the man in a very 4 way. “My5 leaves at three o'clock.”

      Mr. Hart did his best, but there was a lot of traffic. At every corner there was a6light.

The young man said,” Hurry up, man! I don't want to 7 my train.”

“And I don't want to have an8 ,” replied Mr. Hart quickly.

While he was9, Mr. Hart suddenly recognized the man's 10. He was a11. The police were looking for him. His picture was in the 12 that he read.

      Mr. Hart raced through the streets and 13 through red lights. Soon there was a police car 14 him. Mr. Hart raced on until he 15 the station. He stopped in front of the station at two minutes16 three. The young man quickly jumped out of the taxi, and ran into the station.

       “ 17!” cried Mr. Hart. At the moment the police car stopped, too. “Quick! He is the thief!” shouted Mr. Hart. Two policeman 18 into the station. Three minutes later they19 with the young man.

       “Well 20!” a policeman said to Mr. Hart as they were taking the thief to the police car.

—Oh，my income's rather variable，but I earn 100 yuan a day________.

Earthquake Safety Procedures

An earthquake is a naturaldisaster which occurs when the surface of the earth experiences some kind ofshaking.This happens when the plates of the Earth move together, putting somuch pressure on it that it causes the breakage of the earth's crust.{#blank#}1{#/blank#}Whatever be the reason of theearthquake, it not only has the ability to destruct and damage buildings,houses，electric poles,trees, etc., but also to take the lives of living beings.Therefore, it isimportant for people to know about earthquake safety procedures.{#blank#}2{#/blank#}

One of the main reasons due towhich people lose their life during an earthquake is because they getpanicky.Though it is very difficult to remain calm when the earth under you isshaking，it is very importantto be so.{#blank#}3{#/blank#}If you are inside yourhouse or office when the earthquake begins, do not try to run out of thebuilding.This is because it has been reported that most of the deaths arecaused when people try to move outside the building.When you start experiencingthe vibration, the first thing that you should do is to get under a strong bedor table.{#blank#}4{#/blank#}You can use pillow,newspapers, blanket, big boxes, etc., to protect yourself from fallingremains.Another thing that you have to remember is that you should stay awayfrom china cabinets, tall shelves, mirrors, huge furniture, glass windows,sliding doors, etc., during an earthquake.This is because the shaking andvibration can cause them to fall.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}However,even if you do so, never use the elevator during an earthquake because theelectricity may go off, leaving you stuck in there.

A．Theywill help them to be safe during an earthquake.

B．Youshould ensure that you and your family are safe.

C．Makesure that you stay inside the car till the earthquake stops.

D．AsI said earlier, it is best to avoid trying to run out of the building.

E．Sometimes,volcanic activity can also give rise to an earthquake, too.

F．Otherthan this, it would also be a good idea to cover your head and face.

G．Thebest thing that you can do is to stay at a place till the earthquake stops.