If you need a guy to help you with something, there are ways that will help you.

Find the right person to ask for help.

{#blank#}1{#/blank#}. For example, if you need someone to look after your house while you are away for a month, don't select a person who has a wife and kids and can't possibly leave them to help you.

{#blank#}2{#/blank#} 

Even if it's a small favor, try to find a place that has some privacy (私密性). This is especially important if you're asking for help that you don't want someone else to hear, such as borrowing money from him.

Use special words to set the table so that he knows you're in need.

{#blank#}3{#/blank#} Or words such as “I really need your help” are OK. These words give him the chance to understand that he can be of help.

Ask for help in a clear way that expresses what you need, and the reason why you need it.

For example, if you're asking him to take you to the airport, tell him when you need him to arrive. If you're borrowing money from him, say the amount and the reason why you need the money. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}

Ask for help in such a way that you give him the chance to refuse.

{#blank#}5{#/blank#} If you don't give him that choice, he may feel as if it's something he has to do instead of something he wants to do.

A. Find the right place to ask him.

B. Be a kind person who always helps others.

C. The person must have the ability to help you.

D. Besides, you should tell him when you will give it back.

E. You can say, “I'm really in trouble. Can you help me?”

F. It can be difficult to find the right words to tell what you need.

G. Make it clear that you completely understand if he can't help you.

    Johannes Gutenberg--the ploneer of the printing press

    Johannes Gutenberg was chosen to be the most important figure of the past millennium(千年) by the media(媒体). You may not be familiar with him.{#blank#}1{#/blank#}Gutenberg is praised for having invented the printing press and therefore preparing the way for printing books.

    He was born into a wealthy family in the city of Mainz, Germany. His early training was in goldsmithing. In 1428, he moved to Strasbourg and lived there for almost 20 years.{#blank#}2{#/blank#}Gutenberg used his skills in metalwork for the mass(大批量) production of books.{#blank#}3{#/blank#}That means that each copy of the Catholic bible(圣经) and all of its 73 books were painstakingly handwritten by men. Gutenberg fashioned a font(字体) of over 300 characters, far larger than the fonts of today. To make this possible, he invented the variable-width mold(模具) and perfected the mixture of materials used by type factories up to the present century.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#}The between 1450 and 1455,while preparing to produce a large Latin Bible, Gutenberg is thought to have printed a number of smaller books, a calendar, and a papal Letter of Indulgence. The Bible of 42 Lines, the oldest surviving printed book in the Western world, was completed by August 15,1456.

    The invention of the modem printing press changed the way information was delivered.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}Even today in the computer age, we rely heavily on the printed word or text for instruction, information, and for the pleasure of reading literature.

A. Gutenberg made the world a much richer place

B. But he has certainly influenced your life in some ways

C. Gutenberg's idea was one of the greatest of all mankind

D. By 1450, Gutenberg was back in Mainz at work on a printing press

E. In fact, this invention contributed a lot of educating the masses(大众) worldwide

F. Before the spread of Gutenberg's idea, books were primarily handwritten

G. It was in Strasbourg that he probably made his first experiments with moveable type and printing

    How to Pick the Perfect Watermelon

    I love watermelon, but what I don't love about watermelon is picking them out. There is nothing worse than cutting into a watermelon and having it taste not sweet.{#blank#}1{#/blank#}

    Evaluation: You need to evaluate your watermelon to make sure that the watermelon is symmetrical. Irregular shapes typically indicate the watermelon received inconsistent amounts of sunshine and water.

    Color and Appearance: The color of the surface is extremely important.{#blank#}2{#/blank#}If it's shiny, it's not ripe yet. Another important thing is to look for the field spot. This will be a yellow spot on the underside of a watermelon. It should be a creamy yellow color.{#blank#}3{#/blank#} Don't take the watermelon if the field spot is white or non-existent.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#} For a sweeter and riper watermelon, there shouldn't be a visible stem (茎) on the surface. If there's a stem, it indicates that the watermelon doesn't fall off the vine on its own.

    Knock on it: Gently knock on the watermelon, and listen to the sound it makes. A ripe watermelon should have a full, deep, and hollow sound.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}Make sure of the firmness of the melon when you knock on it. You want the surface to be hard and firm.

A. Look at the stem.

B. The darker the yellow, the sweeter the melon.

C. Watermelon can help you increase your brain power.

D. While an under ripe melon will make a more dull one.

E. The perfectly ripe watermelon should be dark green in color.

F. Here are some helpful tips on how to pick the perfect watermelon.

G. Watermelon is one of the most popular summer fruits that almost everyone loves.

How to Choose a Good Book

    You love reading, and you're dying to get your hands on a book. But you've read all your books several times, and you're getting tired of reading the same ones. You're planning to go to the library, but don't know what kind of books to get. With the right knowledge, it's easy for you to choose a good book.

    Make a list answering these questions:

    What kind of books do you like? {#blank#}1{#/blank#} Is there a type of book that you would like to try? What are your interests? By doing this you will find books that you might like.

    {#blank#}2{#/blank#}

    Very often good books are quietly collecting dust in your own house. Maybe you forget about one, or someone who is living with you has a couple of good books. Also by searching your house, you can find books that you can read, and they won't even cost you any money.

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#}

    Read best-seller lists published in most newspapers or weekly magazines. Find out which new books are making headlines, and why.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#}

    If it does, then use its search engine to find a certain book or books by a certain author. You can also do this at home.

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#}

    If you would rather have Book 1 over Book2，put Book2 back. If you would prefer Book 3 to Book 1, put Book 1 back.

A. Search your house.

B. What books have you read?

C. Ask someone to recommend a good book.

D. See if the library or bookstore has computers.

E. Read book reviews in newspapers and magazines.

F. Narrow down your choices.

G. What authors do you like?

    Traveling alone gives you the freedom to create your own schedule and do as you please. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} For example, a travel partner can provide practical support and celebrate in the rewards of first-hand experience with unfamiliar locations and cultures. Here are several steps to find a travel partner who will improve your journey. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} Traveling should be fun. When you are on a trip, you will want to do lots of activities that you enjoy. Preferably, your companion will want to do the same things as you.

    Discuss financial plans. Before you travel, you should plan a budget. {#blank#}3{#/blank#} You don't want to be planning an expensive getaway when your friend is looking for budget travel.

    Have an honest conversation. If you are thinking about traveling with a companion, take some time to have an open discussion. Schedule a time to sit down and talk. Try saying, "I know we've talked about the idea of traveling through Europe together. Let's have a coffee this week and actually talk that through." {#blank#}4{#/blank#} You should also talk about your travel style.

    Find someone who is flexible. Choose a travel partner who can adjust. {#blank#}5{#/blank#}Maybe it will rain on the day you planned to visit the Grand Canyon. Or you might not be able to get reservations at that French restaurant you've been dying to try.

A. Look for someone with common interests.

B. You should discuss your goals for the trip.

C. Travel with a friend who is pretty easygoing.

D. But traveling with a partner has its benefits, too.

E. Make sure that you are on the same page concerning money.

F. Try to meet your new travel partner in person before your trip.

G. No matter how carefully you plan your trip, it is likely that something will go wrong.

    Did you once make you friends angry or unhappy because of your words? Are you having trouble getting people to reply to your requests? {#blank#}1{#/blank#} Learn how to say things the right way with this great guide!

    Could you give me five minutes? vs Go away.

    {#blank#}2{#/blank#} When you're busy and can't do anything else, just saying "Go away" is certainly not right. You can keep everyone happy by saying "Could you give me five minutes?"

    Excuse me. vs Move.

    Telling someone to "Move out of the way" is very impolite. The next time someone is in your way, saying "Excuse me" is a good idea. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}

    I'm afraid I can't. vs No.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#} People will think it impolite to simply say "No". The next time you have to refuse an invitation, you'd better say, "I'm afraid I can't."

    Would you mind...? vs Stop it!

    Someone doing something you don't like, and perhaps being impolite. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} To get the result you want, it's not a good idea to shout "Stop talking on your phone in the cinema!" and it's a good choice to ask them politely with the sentence, "Would you mind not using your phone in the cinema, please?"