Why are so many people so afraid to fail? Quite simply because no one tells us how to fail so that failure (失败) becomes an experience that means growth. We forget that failure is part of the human condition and that every person has the right to fail.

      Most parents work hard at preventing failure or protecting their children from the knowledge that they have failed. One way is to lower standards. 60% of the parents choose this way. When a child finishes making a table, the mother describes it as “perfect” even though it doesn't stand still. Another way is to blame (责怪) others. If John fails in science, his teacher is unfair or stupid.

      There's a problem with the two ways. It makes a child unprepared for life in the real world. The young need to learn that no one can be best at everything, no one can win all the time, and that it's possible to enjoy a game even when you don't win. A child who's not invited to a birthday party, who doesn't make the honour list on the baseball team, feels terrible, of course. But parents should not offer a quick consolations (安慰), prize or say, “It doesn't matter.” Because it does. The young should be allowed to experience failure and be helped to come out of it.

     Failure never gives people pleasure. It hurts both grown-ups and children. But it can be really good to your life when you learn to use it. You must learn to ask “Why did I fail?” Don't blame anyone else. Ask yourself what you did wrong and how you can improve. If someone else can help, don't be shy about asking them.

Sam: Hi, Maria! Where are you going for the coming vacation?

Maria: Nothing much. I'm staying at home. I think I can {#blank#}1{#/blank#} and watch TV. How about you?

Sam: well, I'm going to Nanjing with my {#blank#}2{#/blank#}.

Maria: Oh, that sounds good! How are you going there?

Sam: {#blank#}3{#/blank#}.

Maria: {#blank#}4{#/blank#} are you staying there?

Sam: A week.

Maria: What are you doing there?

Sam: I'm {#blank#}5{#/blank#}.

Maria: Good plan. Have a good time! Show me your photos when you come back. Bye-bye!

Sam: Goodbye!

    It is never too late to develop good study habits. Follow these good habits, you will become a good student.

    Plan your time carefully. Make a list of your weekly tasks.{#blank#}1{#/blank#}Then decide on good time for studying. This weekly plan may not solve all of your problems, but it will make you know how to spend your time.

    Find a good place to study.{#blank#}2{#/blank#}It may be a desk or a chair at home or in the school library, but it should be quiet. When you begin to work, you should be able to pay more attention to the subject.

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#}Listening to what the teacher says in class means less work later. Sit where you can see and hear well. Get ready for your notebook.{#blank#}4{#/blank#}

    Review（复习）what you have learnt after class. It's normal to forget, so reviewing the day's lessons is important.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}

    If you follow these suggestions, you will study better.

A. Make good use of your time in class

B. Make a plan of your time for a week

C. Then you can finish your homework easily.

D. Choose one place for studying carefully.

E. Taking notes helps you remember the lesson.

Dear Li Hua,

    Thanks for your last letter. In your letter you talked about your problems on English study. Here are some tips on learning English for you.

    Read a book, newspaper or magazine in English with a dictionary. This will help you learn new words in a fun way. Even by spending just 15 minutes a day, your skills can be improved greatly.

    Listen to speeches and watch movies or documentaries in areas you aren't familiar with. They are fun tips on improving English. This activity will help improve listening and vocabulary at the same time.

    Know English grammar inside and out. It is one of the top tips on learning English. Grammar is a basic tool for English learners. It can help you understand better.

    Keep a diary. It allows you to use all of your English skills. This is one of the greatest tips on improving English at any stage of learning the language.

    All in all, learning English is hard, but with these tips on learning English, I believe you will get better at English.

Yours,

Lisa

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