Comics use drawings and words to tell stories that can be funny or serious, or a little of both. Comic books grew out of comic strips in newspapers.

    One of the most successful early comic characters in America was Mickey Dugan, better-known as "the Yellow Kid". He wore a yellow coat that was too big for him. He was a character in a comic strip which provided opinions on the problems of cities. The Yellow Kid first appeared in 1895. The character became so popular that it was also used to sell products and to create plays.

    Adventure stories in comic books were very popular during the 1930s- the time known as the Golden Age of Comics. Famous characters created during that time include the science fiction hero Flash Gordon and the detective Dick Tracy.

    The 1930s also gave us a superhero who came to Earth from another planet. Superman was a newspaper reporter for Daily Planet in the big city when he lived on the Earth. Superman became a hero of comic fans as he used his ability to fly to fight for "truth and jus tice(正义)". Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster were seventeen when they created Superman in 1933. They sold the rights(版权) of the character to the DC Comics Company for one hundred and thirty dollars. That might be a lot of money to them at the time. But it was nothing compared to all the money made since then from Superman comics, radio and TV shows, movies and toys. Finally, in 1975, they wanted to get more for their creation. DC Comics agreed to pay each of them twenty thousand dollars a year for life. And it agreed to put their names as the creators of Superman in all future printed materials and films.

Now there are more and more cars on the road. How can we keep safe on the way to our school? First, we must know {#blank#}1{#/blank#} the traffic lights mean. For example, the green light means "go". Second, if {#blank#}2{#/blank#} aren't any traffic lights at the crossing, we can't cross it until we are sure to be safe. Third, we should look both sides before crossing the street. Fourth, don't play on the road. It's too dangerous. Finally, when we see the old people or children crossing the street, we should go along {#blank#}3{#/blank#} them. It's helpful to them. But {#blank#}4{#/blank#} most important thing is to obey the traffic rules. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} everyone obeys the traffic rules, there will be fewer traffic accidents.

 Do you know about the Color Run? Some people say it's the happiest running experience in the world. The sport is a 5- km run where everyone throws colored dust(粉末) at each other. The sport is very popular in the US and it's getting more popular in China, too.

 The sport is similar to an Indian holiday called Holi. The holiday came from stories about good beating evil(邪恶), but today it's about having fun. Everyone throws colored dust at each other and shouts" Happy Holi".

 The Color Run doesn't have a time limit(限制), and there are no winners or prizes. The only rule is that runners have to start the race wearing all white. They want everyone to forget about competition and just enjoy the experience.

 During the race, after every kilometer, there are people holding colored dust who will splash (泼洒) you with it. By the end of the race, the runners will be covered with all the colors.

If you are a middle school student, you will spend over eight hours a day in the school.  But do you know how to make your school life better? {#blank#}1{#/blank#} Maybe it is helpful. 

First of all, you should know what the most important thing is in school.  {#blank#}2{#/blank#} You should listen carefully to your teachers in class.  You can also go to the library, if there is one in your school. {#blank#}3{#/blank#} You can read different kinds of books there. 

{#blank#}4{#/blank#} There you can know more about what you like and meet many friends.  They may have the same hobby as you.  Do you have any good friends around you? You can share (分享) good and happy things with them.  That's great.  {#blank#}5{#/blank#} When they say "Thank you!", you will find that is the best moment in your school life. 

A. Of course, it is your study. 

B. Here is some advice for you. 

C. It's a quiet place for you to study. 

D. You can look them up in the library. 

E. Joining a school club can also make you relaxed. 

F. Don't forget to help your classmates and your teachers. 

Making new friends can be difficult, especially if you are a child in a new neighborhood. It may seem like everyone else has a friend to sit with or to talk to. Don't worry:if you're a nice person, you can make friends,too. 

Step 1. Decide what kind of people you want to play with. Choose (选择) wisely, because you'll probably become like them. Pick children that are nice to other people. 

Step 2. Smile and say something nice to the person you want to be your friend. If you like a person's shoes or think a girl is good at basketball, just say so. Everyone likes compliments. 

Step 3. Join clubs and teams. If you like sports, try out for some. Put yourself in situations where you are around many children that enjoy the same activities as you. It's easier to develop (发展) friendships when you have the same hobbies. 

Step 4. Ask questions whenever it's appropriate(适当的). People love to talk about themselves. Be careful not to ask too personal questions or ask someone too many questions. But asking one or two questions shows you're interested in him or her.