Be a Green Child

    What does it mean to be green? “Green” is more than just a color.{#blank#}1{#/blank#} Why green? Plants are green, and without them the Earth wouldn't be such a lovely home for us human beings. What can we do? Here's a four-step guide to being green.

    Reduce It!

    {#blank#}2{#/blank#} For instance, a shorter shower means you used less water and less fuel since your house uses to run the heater that warmed up the water.

    Reuse It!

    Sometimes people call ours a “throwaway society”. It means that we're a little to willing to throw away old stuff (东西) and buy new stuff.{#blank#}3{#/blank#}

    For instance, if your baby brother becomes older and loses interest in his plastic basketball hoop (篮圈), why not give it to another family who has a little kid?

    Recycle It!

    Recycling has never been easier. Many communities will pick it up right in front of your house and some towns even require it. Recycled goods go to a recycling center, where they can be turned into new cans, bottles, and paper.

    Enjoy It!

    It's true that rubbish and pollution are problems, but the Earth remains a huge and beautiful place that's ready for you to explore.{#blank#}4{#/blank#} Go for a hike, visit local nature centers and gardens, and climb up mountains.

    But before you travel the globe, take a look at your own backyard. Is there a spot where you could plant a tree or put in a little fruit or vegetable garden? {#blank#}5{#/blank#}

A. It also means taking special steps to protect the environment.

B. Many times, even if you no longer need something, someone else just might.

C. You can start locally by visiting the naturally beautiful spots in your city.

D. Turn off the water when you're brushing your teeth.

E. Get out there and get your hands dirty.

F. You can watch with pride as your tree takes root and your garden plants grow.

G. When you use less of something, you do a good thing for the Earth.

    It is not so easy to disagree with your parents. Here are a few quick tips on how to show your opinion in the right way.

     {#blank#}1{#/blank#} Don't let angry words fly out of your mouth if you don't really want to say them，or you will have a lot of work to do later.

     {#blank#}2{#/blank#}How would you feel if you were your mother or father？ Why do they do that？ Is it really bad？

    Try to stay calm. If you find yourself getting too angry, ask for some time to be alone.  {#blank#}3{#/blank#}

    Learn to listen. Maybe your parents aren't as persuasive as you think.  {#blank#}4{#/blank#}

Pay attention to needs rather than problems. {#blank#}5{#/blank#}Tell your parents that you want to discuss the problem with them rather than work against them.

A. Think before you speak.

B. Never listen to your parents.

C. Think about the problem from your parents' point of view.

D. It is quite common to disagree with one's parents.

E. Hear them out and then decide how to deal with the problem.

F. Be clear about what you need，rather than focus on why you disagree.

G. If you can, try to discuss the problem with your parents at another time.

    Where you choose to stay can make or break your vacation experience. But even the most experienced travelers may not know the difference between the two main types of homes-away-from-home—hotels and motels. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} The answer isn't as simple as you'd think.

    These two types of lodging(住宿)have the same basic purpose—a place for travelers to sleep.{#blank#}2{#/blank#} For instance, they came to be for different reasons, and at very different times.

    The word “hotel” dates back to the 1600s and comes from a French word, hôtel. That word, just like the English one, referred to a place that provides lodging, meals, entertainment, and other services to travelers. {#blank#}3{#/blank#} This word dates back to the 1920s and combines the words “hotel” and “motor.” As America's major highway system developed, so did motels, filling the need for roadside stops for motorists traveling cross-country.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#} Hotels tend to be built for longer stays, while motels are intended more for one-or two-night stops along a journey. Because of this, hotels are much more likely to have offerings like lounges, gyms, and entertainment.

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#} Want the place you stay to be just as much a part of your travel experience as anything else? Choose a hotel, Just need a place to pop in and out of to shower and sleep? A motel might be the better choice.

A. There are many secrets that hotels won't tell you.

B. But there are plenty of features that set them apart.

C. Have you ever stayed in a motel on your vacation?

D. Motels, on the other hand, are a much more recent lodging option.

E. Besides their first letters, is there any real difference between them?

F. So, in the end, it comes down to what you want from your trip and from your lodging.

G. There are also other differences that can help you figure out which type of place you're in.

    I have seen how having an animal in your life can make things much better for all concerned. Here are some reasons.

    A pet's love never stops.

    {#blank#}1{#/blank#}. Even if you cannot return that unconditional love, just knowing that it is there will make your life better.

    Caring for something other than yourself is emotionally healthy.

    Giving and getting a little love, even if you have to say "sit down" 270 times a day, can take your mind off your troubles and help you to see what really matters.

    {#blank#}2{#/blank#}.

    If you have a dog, you need to take it (and yourself) on walks. Dogs are happiest when they are walking. And it's common knowledge that taking regular walks is also good for your heart and brain health.

    Just the act of petting a creature lowers your blood pressure and helps you relax.

    The next time you are feeling uncomfortable, I suggest going to your local shelter and giving some love to an animal there. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}, but notice how you feel when the two of you are exchanging emotional energy. And don't be surprised if you do adopt!

    Saving a life will make yours better.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#}, but what about the used ones? All my animals have been rescued, and they are as sweet as can be.

    Maybe you think you don't have enough room in your heart.

    You may already have a family to love, and that is totally wonderful. {#blank#}5{#/blank#}. I know not everybody is an animal lover, but if you think you might be, don't lose this chance.

A. You won't have to take it home

B. Some people want lovely pets

C. Having a pet is also physically healthy

D. If you want more love in your life, consider a pet

E. Taking your dog for a walk can make your dog happy

F. Some people prefer their new puppy to be from a pet store

G. No matter what, your pet will always love you and remember you

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

B. Take part in physical activities and exercise regularly.

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

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

E. 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 are young.

Whether you're traveling to the next town over or to the other side of the word, careful planning goes a long way toward ensuring your trip is a success. The right preparation helps you avoid potential disasters, such as having your credit card declined or running out of clean clothes to wear. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}

Make your reservations for fights and accommodations.

{#blank#}2{#/blank#}, where you want to stay and how you want to get around, make your reservations. For flights, book around two months out. And don't wait till the last minute for your hotels either. You don't want them to be booked or almost-booked because then prices skyrocket.

Set a travel budget.

Before you do anything, you need to know how much money you will have for this trip. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}, so start your planning by breaking down how much you want to spend on transportation, food, accommodation, sightseeing and any other activities you hope to include in your trip.

{#blank#}4{#/blank#}

If you're going abroad, you may be required to get a visa. Besides, check the website of your intended country's consulate or embassy to see what is required for you to enter the country. Visas may take weeks or even months to finalize, so check early in the planning process.

Pack appropriate clothing for your destination and trip.

Check the weather at your destination 2-3 days before you depart. This will let you know what type of clothes you need to bring. {#blank#}5{#/blank#}. Will you be expected to wear a suit for a conference, or will you be able to bathe in a bathing suit on the beach?