“I've always had a pretty clear idea of what I want to do.” says Mary, a middle school student who wants to become a director some day. You may not be as sure of your career (职业) as Mary. But you can start thinking about and planning for your future career.

    The following article helps middle school students plan for careers.

    Explore (探索) your interests

    Many middle school students don't yet know what they want to do. But in fact, students may change their minds several times, perhaps even after they enter society. And some of tomorrow's careers might not exist (存在) today. Focusing on just one job in middle school isn't necessary. But looking into the kinds of careers you might like can help you succeed.

    ①          

    Understanding what you enjoy and what you're good at is the most important step in exploring careers. If you don't know what you want to do, you should ask yourself what you like to learn about. If you really like science, what do you enjoy about it — the lab work or the research? It's important to think about what you like to do, because work will finally be a big part of your life.

Discover possible careers

    Once you've thought about the subjects and activities you like best, the next step is to look for careers that put those interests to use. If you love sports, for example, you might consider a career as a P.E. teacher or a soccer coach. If you like English, a career as an English teacher, a translator or a travelling guide might be a good choice.

    ②          

    After discovering possible jobs, you'll want to learn more about them. Talking directly to workers on the phone, by email, or through online discussion can help you get information about what they do. Even meeting with them in person is helpful. First-hand information is necessary for you to find out if you'll really like a career.

    On my weekly math exam, I made a big mistake. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}Even worse, in front of all my classmates he criticized(批评) me! I was angry.

{#blank#}2{#/blank#}I thought I must be called for more punishment. But to my surprise, he said, Do you get your mistake now? I believe a clever student like you would have never done that except by accident.

    Next, he carefully read both the question and the answer. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}

    He was so kind that I was deeply moved. My anger went away.

    But it wasn't the end. He called me again and gave me some papers that afternoon. They are especially designed for me. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}

    In my heart I had nothing left to say, only thanks and sorry. {#blank#}5{#/blank#}I should thank him for he was such a good teacher.

Good morning! {#blank#}1{#/blank#} Jenny is my first name. Green is my last name. I am in Sunshine Middle School. What's that? {#blank#}2{#/blank#} My telephone number is 227-8932. That is my pen. It is blue. What color is my ruler? {#blank#}3{#/blank#} I can spell it—P-U-R-P-L-E.

    I have a good friend.{#blank#}4{#/blank#} His phone number is 883-9246. He likes green. His cup, jacket, pen and ruler are green. {#blank#}5{#/blank#}He likes nine and I like eight.

    In the USA, there are many kinds of restaurants.

    Fast food restaurant are very famous. You can find McDonald's and Kentucky Fried Chicken in many countries around the world. You look at a menu(菜单) on the counter(柜台), and say what you'd like to eat. You pay the person who brings food to you. You take your food and sit down or take it away. There's no need to leave a tip(小费).

    In a coffee shop, you sit at the counter or at a table. You don't wait for the waitress to show you where to sit. She usually brings you coffee when you sit down. You tell her what you'd like to eat and she brings it to you. You pay the cashier(收银员) as you leave.

    In a family restaurant, the waitress shows you where you can sit. Often the waitress tells you her name, but you don't need to tell her yours. If you can't finish eating everything, your waitress gives you a doggy bag to take the rest of food home. You should add (增加) fifteen per cent(百分比） to the bill(账单) as a tip.

    In top class restaurants, you had better order before you come, and you need to arrive on time. The waiter shows you where to sit. If you have wine there, he may ask you to taste it. You can only refuse it if it tastes bad. When you get your Bill, check it and then add fifteen to twenty per cent to it as a tip for the waiter.