Mom and Dad are two of the most important persons in your life. Over your lifetime, they may influence you more than anyone else you will meet. So if your mom loves to read, you just might grow up carrying a book wherever you go, just as she does. But parents do a lot more than just pass on their hobbies. Moms and Dads need to care for their kids the minute their kids are born. Most parents will do this as long as they live.

    Here are some ways you can stay close, get along well, and build a strong relationship with your parents.

    Spend time together. Instead of playing computer games or watching TV, ask your mom and dad to play with you. Go outside together, or do some reading.

    Be kind. Little things might mean a lot to your mom or dad. You can brighten a parent's day with a hug, a card, or a joke. It's also lovely when a kid cleans up his or her room without being asked. And if you try not to fight with your brothers or sisters, your parents will be so happy!

    Do your best at whatever you do. You don't have to be perfect, but when you do your best, you make your parents proud. It makes them happy to see how you're turning into a good kid. Why？Because it lets them know they're doing a good job.

    Today is Emily's 15th birthday. The following are some presents she receives.

    Me Before You is my favorite romance(浪漫)novel by British writer Jojo Moyes. It tells the story of Louisa Clark and William Traynor (known as Will). At the end of the book, Will dies and leaves Louisa a lot of money. What happens next？You can find out in the book's sequel(续集)After You.

    Will wants Louisa to use the money to live her life happily and richly—to travel, discover new chances and continue her education. However, Louisa is too sad and finds it difficult to forget Will. Louisa now works at a bar in an airport, watching people fly to amazing places. Her boss is really unfriendly and she lives in an apartment that doesn't feel like home.

    However, all of this is about to change. One night, Louisa meets a girl at her doorstep(门阶). She tells Louisa where she is and Louisa can't believe her cars. If she closes the door, her life will stay the same. If she opens the door, she will accept challenges and become the woman Will wanted her to be. Which will she choose？You'll have to find out the answer for yourself.

    Jojo Moyes wrote After You because she wanted to give her characters from Me Before You a future. Her use of language is as descriptive(描写性的)and powerful as that in Me Before

    You. One special quote(引文), "Because me being here sort of means you're still here", deeply touched me. I think this line is really emotional(有感染力的)and powerful.

    Improving Listening Skills in the Classroom

    Listening is a skill that needs to be learned and used well to be able to succeed in any environment. In the classroom, great listening skills mean the difference between a successful student and one who struggles(挣扎)in school.

    Come to class rested.

    {#blank#}1{#/blank#}When your body is well taken care of, your mental(精神的)focus will be much better. If you come to class sleepy or tired, it may be impossible for you to keep your eyes open and concentrate(集中)on what the teacher is saying.

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Have everything you need at the start of the class. If you have homework, make sure you are ready to hand it in. Bring out your notebook and pen so you can start taking down notes. Also, try to read your textbooks before coming into class. It will help you understand more easily what your teacher is talking about.

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    When you're in the front of the class, you'll have an easier time hearing what the teacher has to say. You won't have a daydream when the teacher is near you.

    Take down notes.

    Write down what you hear in class. {#blank#}4{#/blank#} It will also make you concentrate more on what is being said so you can properly take notes. Try to concentrate when you are in class so that you are able to get the key points during a lecture.

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#} Once you learn techniques(技能) to help you with this skill, you should see an improvement in your listening.