Close contacts between Japan and the rest of the world were created in the twentieth century. In the last forty years, business contacts between Japan and the West have become very important. Many foreign companies now have offices in Japan and Japanese businessmen do business around the world. Differences between Japanese and Western ways of doing business, however, often bewilder foreign businessmen and make doing business in Japan difficult for foreigners.

    The American businessman, for example, wants to start talking business immediately. He does not want to wait. The Japanese businessman, on the other hand, likes to arrive at decisions after giving them serious thought. Another thing foreign businessmen have difficulty in understanding is when a Japanese means "Yes" or "No". This is because of cultural differences between Japanese and Western society, which make it difficult for a Japanese to say "No" directly.

    In the USA, it is easy to say "No" to something one does not want to do. But in Japan, it is very difficult to say "No". To refuse an invitation or a request with "No" is felt to be impolite. It is thought to be selfish and unfriendly. So instead of saying "No" directly, the Japanese have developed many ways to avoid saying "No". These can help them avoid hurting other people's feelings. However, this often makes their ways of doing business rather difficult for foreigners to understand and follow.

Lake Tahoe is the best place to go during winter vacations. You will have a lot of fun if you follow these tips(提示).

The first thing you should do is to wear at least(层) three layers(层) clothes. If you don't, you will have a cold!

You should also go skiing(滑雪) for at least one day. If you don't, your trip to Lake Tahoe will be boring.

Stay there for at least three days and two nights. If you don't, you won't enjoy yourself there. You may spend a lot of time on the way. It will be a waste of time and money.

Also, here are some things you shouldn't do at Lake Tahoe.

First, don't drive on the highway when it's snowing, or a traffic jam(交通堵塞) will make you angry. Second, don't try the sk i resort(度假村) food. Believe me , it's terrible. Bring your own food. At last, be careful when you sk i by yourself. Skiing is a dangerous sport. When you are skiing, you may fall down, get hurt or even die.

How to Ride a Bicycle in Traffic

Cycling in traffic is something that seems dangerous but can be quite safe as long as you follow the rules of the road, exercise alertness(机敏) and common sense. Here are some tips for you. 

{#blank#}1{#/blank#} A helmet (头盔) won't prevent accidents. But it can protect your head from serious hurt if you are in an accident. That's why it's always safer to wear it when cycling. 

{#blank#}2{#/blank#} So always have lights if it is not very bright out, and if you cycle in the evening, reflective(反光的) clothing is a great idea. The easier you are to be seen, the less possible you are to be hit. 

If you're an inexperienced cyclist, it isn't a good idea to throw yourself in the heavy traffic. {#blank#}3{#/blank#} Pick some quiet back streets and get used to being around cars and other road traffic. Gradually build up your stamina (耐 力) on larger roads by practising on them on quiet days. 

You should always pay attention to the rules of the road. Always ride with the traffic. Stay off sidewalks, stop for red lights, stop at stop signs, and follow all other traffic signs.{#blank#}4{#/blank#} Your good habits can help improve others' safety awareness. 

Avoid doing things that will affect your ability to hear cars coming up behind you. If you need to talk on your mobile phone, stop and pull over. Don't listen to music or radio. Some cars are very difficult to hear, so you need to pay careful attention to not being run over by them. 

What do you think of these tips? {#blank#}5{#/blank#}

For many tests and exams， you are tested on your abilities to communicate successfully. In order to speak English fluently， you need to think in English. If you don't， your speech will be slow and it won't sound natural. Here are three pieces of advice for you to practice thinking in English. 

★Look at objects around your home and school， and think of what they are called 
in English. Try to make a direct connection between the object and the English word. 

★When you are out in a public place， practice describing the things and people you see in your mind. For example， think "There is a man walking down the street. He's wearing a suit. I think he is going to work. " Try to think in English first， not in your first language. 

★When you have to say something in English， think first and ask yourself， 
"What words and phrases do I know in English that I can use in this situation? " Try not to think in your first language and translate your ideas into English. If you do， you will get frustrated very quickly. 

Try these tips and you'll soon find that you are thinking in English. 

A good relationship plays an important role in life. How can you keep a healthy and strong relationship with your classmates? {#blank#}1{#/blank#}I believe they can help you have a healthy and possibly long-term（长期的）relationship. 

Be honest with them. Do not hide （隐藏） things from them. Besides， don＇t tell lies and don＇t be afraid to tell the truth. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}If there is no trust, there's nothing else. So be honest and they will open up to you gradually（逐渐地）. 

{#blank#}3{#/blank#}It is very important to show respect to your classmates. Respect doesn't mean always saying ＂yes＂ to them. It means that you should respect their preference（偏好）. Don＇t try to control your classmates' thoughts. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}

Make sure you have a good sense of humour（幽默感） with your classmates． {#blank#}5{#/blank#}Laugh a lot with them and joke with them. Laughter keeps relationships strong and lasting.