My mother was a cleaner in our school canteen(食堂) when I was in the middle school. At that time she was such an embarrassment(难堪) to me not only because of her job but also her look. She had only one eye. Every time I saw her in my school, I pretended(假装) not to see her and ran away.

 After graduating, I got a good job in another city. Then I got married and had two kids. I told my family that my parents had been dead, so they never saw my mother, even her photo. But one year later, I got a letter, it read:

 My dear son Jeff,

    I'm sorry to disturb(打扰) you, but I really miss you all the time. I'm afraid that I will have no chance to see you again.

    I'm sorry that I was always an embarrassment to you when you were growing up. However, I had no choice. When you were very young, you got into an accident and lost your eye. As a mother, I couldn't stand that you would have to grow up with one eye. So I ……

    I was proud of my son who was enjoying his beautiful world for me with that eye.

    With all my love to you!

                                                              Mom

 After reading the letter, I couldn't help crying.

    Now many people like to keep dogs as their pets. But how did dogs become humans' close friends?

    In some places of Europe (欧洲), about 10,000 years ago, some wild (野生的) dogs often came to human's houses to find food. The wild dogs looked different from the ones today. They looked like wolves (狼). At first, they felt ① frightened. They always stood and looked for a short time. Then they got the food and ran away. Sometimes the young dogs couldn't run fast and people caught them. People trained them and the young dogs grew up with the help of people. Slowly, the wild dogs became home dogs. They could make home safe when people were away. They helped people hunt (狩猎). They helped people keep warm on cold nights. ② Sometimes, they could smell and hear danger before people could. In some cold places, they helped people pull (拉) things people need.

    Now there are more than 400 different kinds of dogs in the world. And they look different from each other. The number and kind are growing all the time. Today, some people mainly (主要地) regard dogs as pets. In fact, dogs are really our close friends. We should protect them from being killed.

根据短文内容回答问题

Up in the Sky

    Take a trip up a hill on a windy day. What is flying high in the sky? It isn't a bird or a plane. It is a kite!

    Kids and adults like flying kites. Long ago, the first kites were made by Chinese people. Then, people around the world began flying kites.

    One story tells a man's hat got lifted off by wind. He had fun chasing his hat, so he did it again! His hat became the first kite. Other stories tell that people liked watching leaves on windy days. They tied leaves to strings and watched them fly.

    Long ago, kites became important in keeping China protected. A man might be lifted up by a kite while he spied(监视) on an enemy. He could use the kite to fly high like a plane. He could also fight from the air!

    Kites come in many shapes, sizes, and styles. They are usually made of cloth or paper. A kite might be shaped like a bird, a fish,  or just a box. Kites are also painted with colors.

    You can use a kite to catch fish. First you tie a fishing line to a kite. Then you put bait(鱼饵) on the line. You watch the kite with hopes as it flies over the water. When you pull the kite down, you might find a fish on your line! Some people think this is more fun than using a fishing pole(杆).

    Many countries have special days to honor kites. People make, sell and fly many types of kites. There are several kite festivals in China. The Beijing International Kite Festival is usually held in April every year. People spend all days flying kites. You might see famous fighter kites. People fly these kites quite fast and try to cut other flyer's lines.

    There is much to learn about kites. From long ago in China until now, kites have had many uses. They have been used for spying, fighting, and fishing. But the best way to use a kite is to fly it high for fun!

    My best friend and I are in the same school. Her name is Alice. We first met each other two years ago. We were all new in the school then. She is beautiful. She has long black hair, round black eyes and a small nose. She doesn't like to dress up, so I usually see her wearing jeans and a T-shirt or sweater.

    Alice and I are always talking or laughing about something. She has a wonderful sense of humor (幽默感). When I am not happy, I like talking to her. And she always tries her best to make me happy.

    We have the same interests. We both enjoy playing the guitar and singing. We like going to the movies. Sometimes in summer, I go with her and her family to their summer house by the lake. We usually spend most of the afternoon swimming. In the evenings we walk into town or stay at home and watch TV. It's always fun to be with her.

    Though our lives get busy, we still have time to see each other. I am better in math and science and she is better in English, so we often help each other with our homework.

    I am lucky to have a friend like her.

    Before you start your day, the following habits are good for you.

    {#blank#}1{#/blank#} Music can make you relaxed and is good for your health. Listening to music before work will bring you a relaxing day.

    {#blank#}2{#/blank#} The hot shower will help you to get a good stretch. The stretch will make you start the day feeling more relaxed.

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#} Breakfast is known as "the most important meal of the day". A balanced breakfast is important for every one of us. Be sure to have some milk and fruit.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#} A morning walk can let you get ready for the day, help you sleep better at night and so on.

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#} Taking time to sit down and make a list of your activities for the day allows you to have a greater sense of orderliness.