I once had an unforgettable experience that has affected and directed the way I think and act now.

    When I was about seven years old, my grandfather {#blank#}1{#/blank#} me to a fish pond on a farm and told me to throw a stone into the water. He told me to watch the circles created {#blank#}2{#/blank#} the stone. Then he asked me to think of myself as that stone. “You may create lots of circles in your life, but the waves {#blank#}3{#/blank#}come from those circles will disturb (干扰) the peace of all the people around you,” he said {#blank#}4{#/blank#}. “Remember that your circle may spread to many other circles, meaning that your thoughts or actions may disturb others' {#blank#}5{#/blank#}. You are responsible for what you put in your circle. If you want, the good or peace that comes from your circles{#blank#}6{#/blank#}to others. At the same time, the anger or jealousy (嫉妒) coming from your circle will also spread to other circles. You should allow the good feelings {#blank#}7{#/blank#} others, not the bad ones, because you are responsible for both.”

    That was the {#blank#}8{#/blank#} time I heared my grandfather tell me these. I had realized that each person's {#blank#}9{#/blank#}or anger can move out into the world. If we are filled with doubt or anger, we cannot create world peace. We spread the feeling and thoughts that we hold inside, whether we speak {#blank#}10{#/blank#} or not. These circles are spreading into the world. Creating beauty or making troubles to other circles of life.

    Eric and Chen first met in their Math class at an American college. Chen was an international student f{#blank#}1{#/blank#} China. He wanted to learn about American culture and hoped he and Eric would become good friends. At first, Eric seemed f{#blank#}2{#/blank#}. He always greeted Chen warmly before class. Sometimes he offered to study with Chen. He even i{#blank#}3{#/blank#} Chen to eat lunch with him. But after the term was over and they were in different classes, Eric seemed more distant. They didn't s{#blank#}4{#/blank#} each other very much at college. One day Chen called Eric, But Eric didn't seem very interested in talking to him, Chen was h{#blank#}5{#/blank#} by Eric's change of attitude（态度）. "Eric said we were friends." Chen said. "I thought friends were friends forever. As a foreigner, he doesn't understand the way Americans view friendship.

    Americans use the word "friend" in a very general way. Their friendship is based on common i{#blank#}6{#/blank#}. When the shared activity ends and they have no the same interests, the friendship may die. Now as Eric and Chen are no longer c{#blank#}7{#/blank#}, their "friendship" has changed.

    In some culture's friendship m{#blank#}8{#/blank#} a strong life-long tie between two people—friendship develops slowly, since it is built to last. American friendship develops q{#blank#}9{#/blank#}, and it may change just as quickly.

    Learning how Americans view friendship can help non-Americans remove misunderstandings（误解）. It can h{#blank#}10{#/blank#} them make friends in the American way.

    In 1990, when I {#blank#}1{#/blank#} (be) nine years old, I wanted very much to find {#blank#}2{#/blank#} pen friend. I found Ashley's address in a magazine, and decided {#blank#}3{#/blank#} (write) to her.

    I sent off my letter with a little hope. Very quickly, I received her letter. {#blank#}4{#/blank#} my surprise, Ashley was only one month {#blank#}5{#/blank#} (old) than me. I learned some new expressions from her. I{#blank#}6{#/blank#} (real) liked this new friend.

    Letter after letter, year after year, Ashley and I continued to write to one another. A letter would be received and I'd write back right away. We would send each other birthday and Christma {#blank#}7{#/blank#} (gift).

    Eight years later, my parents decided it was time {#blank#}8{#/blank#} me to meet this friend. They drove me down to Mississippi for a few days. We {#blank#}9{#/blank#} (have) a fun time together. We did the things that teenage girls love to do.

    Twenty-five years after the {#blank#}10{#/blank#} (one) letter, Ashley and I still have an amazing friendship. Although we don't write letters now, we communicate through mobile phones and the Internet.

A: What do you usually do on weekends?

B: I usually have piano {#blank#}1{#/blank#} , What about you?

A: I often go to the movies.

B: I like movies, too. How often do you go to the movies?

A: I go to the movies {#blank#}2{#/blank#} a week.

B: What's your favorite movie?

A: Kung Fu Panda 2.

B: Who do you usually go with?

A: My friend, Bill.

B: Tomorrow is Saturday. Do you want to{#blank#}3{#/blank#} to the movies this weekend?

A: Yes. Would you like to go with us?

B: Sorry, I'd love to, but I have to have piano lessons at {#blank#}4{#/blank#} twice on weekends then, and I have to help my mom with some{#blank#}5{#/blank#}.I'm afraid I have no time to go with you. Have a good time with your friend.

A: Thank you.