A poor farmer had a friend who was famous for the wonderful apple trees he grew.

    One day, his friend gave the farmer a young apple tree and told him to plant it. The farmer was pleased with the gift, but he did not know where to plant it.

    He was afraid that if he planted the tree near the road, strangers would steal the fruit. If he planted the tree in one of his fields, his neighbours would come at night and steal some of the apples. If he planted the tree near his house, his children would take the fruit. Finally he planted the tree in his woods. But without sunlight and good soil(土壤), the tree soon died.

    Later the friend asked the farmer why he had planted the tree in such a poor place. "What's the difference?" the farmer said angrily and then told what he had thought.

    "Yes, "said the friend, "but at least someone could have enjoyed the fruit. Now you not only have robbed everyone of the fruit, but also you have destroyed(毁掉) a good apple tree!"

    Some British and American people like to invite friends for a meal at home. You should not be upset if your English friends don't invite you home. It doesn't mean they don't like you.

    Dinner parties usually start between 7 and 8 p.m. and end at about 11 p.m. Ask you hosts(主办人) what time you should arrive. It's polite to bring flowers, chocolates or a bottle of wine(酒) as a gift.

    Usually the evening starts with drinks and snacks. If you want to be very polite, say how much you like the room, or the pictures on the wall. But remember—It's not polite to ask how much things cost.

    In many families, the husband sits at one end of the table and the wife sits at the other end. They eat with their guests(客人).

    You'll probably start the meal with soup or something small, then you'll have meat or fish with vegetables, and then dessert followed by coffee. It's polite to finish everything on your plate and to take more if you want it.

    Did you enjoy the evening? Call your hosts the next day, or write them a short “thank you” letter. British and American people like to say “thank you, thank you, thank you” all the time!

    There is a park near my home. People like to go to this park after work. Some of them go to the park every day. Look! This is Mr. King. He is sitting on a chair and watching the children. Some children are playing a game. Some boys are playing football. Lucy and Lily are standing under a big tree. They are talking about their favorite movies. There is a small river in the park. We can see some boats on the water. Some children are sitting in the boats with their parents. Listen! A girl is singing. It's really a nice park. I come here every day.

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    July 4, 2015 was American's 239th birthday. This country had an International Hot Dog Eating Competition for the big day.

    Since 2007, Joey Chestnut is always the winner of the competition. His best show was in 2009. He ate 69 hot dogs in ten minutes. This year, Chestnut's winning history came to an end. Matt Stonie, a 23-year-old man won the competition by eating 62 hot dogs. He ate two more than Chestnut. Stonie took home 10,000 dollars as a prize.

    Though it was the young man's first win here, Stonie already won some other eating competitions. He once got the first place in eating the most birthday cake (5.5 pounds in nine minutes).

    Women took part in the competition too. The 2015 women's winner was Miki Sudo who ate 38 hot dogs.

    It is said the competition started on July 4,1916. Now it is one of the traditions (传统) on America's National Day.

    Mrs.White had a lovely young cat，and it was the cats first winter.One evening，it was1 outside when it began to snow.Mrs.White2 everywhere and shouted its.But she couldn't find it.So she3 the police，and said，"I4 a cat.Did anyone find one？""No，Madam" answered the policeman at the other end."I will ring you up if someone finds it.What5 is your cat？""white.""I think it may be in the snow.But don't worry.I know cats are really very6 animals."They sometimes live for a few days in the snow, and they're quite all right" Mrs.White felt7 when she heard this."Yes，yes.I think you are8"She said，"and my cat is very clever.She can almost talk." The policeman was getting tired.He said，"9 don't you put down your telephone？Perhaps she is trying to 10you now.