How do we know what's right or wrong in English? Languages such as French and Spanish each has an official(官方的) organization that tells you what's correct. But there is nothing like that in English. So what can we do?

    There is, of course, Standard English. This is the kind of English you read in newspapers or in formal letters. It is also the English you learn at school or in textbooks.

    However, Standard English is not official English. And unbelievably, linguists（语言学家） think Standard English is on the same level as all other types of English such as Cockney English, Yorkshire English, South African English, Australian English, Singaporean English… And according to linguists, there is no such thing as Standard Spoken English.

    English is changing all the time. Every year, new words appear and others disappear. Words change too. For example, for many years, the Latin word “agendum” was the accepted singular form and “agenda” was the plural form. However, these days, very few people use the Latin-sounding“agendum”, with “agenda” being the accepted singular form, and “agendas” the plural.

Newspapers each has their own style when they write certain things. For example，The Guardian puts dates like “21 July 2011”(with the day first, followed by the month and no commas). However, the news agency Reuters writes them like this “July 21, 2011”(with the month first, and a comma(逗号) between the day and the year). Other newspapers have different ways of doing it too. So, as you can see, there's no one “correct” way —there's a variety of ways and each one is acceptable.

    Next time someone tells you that something is wrong, tell them that it isn't wrong, It is just English.

(Each answer should be no more than four words)

    In Thailand, people do not eat with chopsticks, like in China, Japan, and Korea. They use spoons and forks.{#blank#}1{#/blank#}Because most food is already cut. If you need to cut things use the side of your spoon.{#blank#}2{#/blank#} If you are right-handed, keep the spoon in your right hand and the fork in your left hand.

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#} The rice is not on the same plate with the other food. It is not necessary to finish all you rice or all your food. It is good to leave a little on your plate. If you eat anything, it means you want more.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#}The host(主人)will ask you two or three times if you want more food . It is the same with whatever you are drinking. During the meal, never empty your cup or glass. When it is less than half full, your host or neighbor will fill it again.{#blank#}5{#/blank#} Always refill(再加满) your neighbor's glass. This means that you must keep an eye on your neighbor's glass all through the meal.

    Have you lost a dog, a cat, or other pets? Let us help you!

Dear pet owner,

    You are here because someone very dear to you is lost. We're here because we can help. If you have a missing pet, the most important thing you need to do is to get the word out to many people as soon as possible!

    "There is really only one secret of finding a lost dog—to find the person that last saw your dog. The more people know your dog is lost, the more likely you are to find your dog!"

    A picture is worth (值得) a thousand words and our mailing service can spread the words to help find your pet.

    In five minutes you can give us the information we need to create postcards to help find your lost pet. We will deliver (递送) the postcards within 3-4 days to every address near where your pet was last seen! Time is very important to you right now.

    If you need help, please send e-mails to us as soon as possible at LostPetCards.com! It's our team's website.

The Lost Pet Cards Team

Information Card

    Reading makes one wise, but many adults seldom read. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} Sure. They have work to do. They have families to support. But these are only excuses. The fact is that they haven't got a reading habit. A reading habit isn't something natural. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} And it's never too late to develop a reading habit.

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#} A book in rich colors and with simple patterns(图案)such as lines and circles is a good choice for babies of three months old. When they reach six months, they will become interested in simple story books in rich colors.

    When children get old enough to read by themselves, it's necessary to buy books that are both interesting and right for them to understand. Books which are either too easy or too difficult are not good for kids to keep their reading habits.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#} For kids, parents are their first teachers. So parents should read books to set an example. Children will follow them. Scientists say imitating the adults is a born skill. And it is the most valuable way for children to learn. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} 

    Mr. Smith is an American man.{#blank#}1{#/blank#}His English classes are very interesting.{#blank#}2{#/blank#}We all like him .He is our good friend.{#blank#}3{#/blank#}Tom is seven and Marry is four.{#blank#}4{#/blank#}They are very lovely (可爱的). Mr. Smith likes sport.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}He often plays basketball with us.