Americans spend their weekends in different ways. But usually they choose the same aim— to rest, to enjoy the time with their family and friends.

    Some Americans hold parties on Saturday night.{#blank#}1{#/blank#} Then they won't get up until 9, 10 even 11 o'clock next morning. As soon as they get up, they will go to the nearest corner ship to buy the daily newspaper.{#blank#}2{#/blank#}  It will help them to decide what to do on Sunday afternoon.

Before going out on Sunday, they will have a meal, which is called " brunch"—"br" from "breakfast" and "unch" from" lunch".{#blank#}3{#/blank#} After brunch some Americans may have a picnic with their family or friends. They will take many things with them, such as fresh vegetables, seafood, drinks, table cloth and so on. Usually they drive to a beautiful park, a lake or the seaside.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#} It is the biggest meal of the week and all family members try to present(出席).

    Weekends are to be welcome everywhere.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}

    A little stream(小溪) ran down from a high mountain through many villages and forests. Then it reached a desert." I went through so many difficulties. I should have no problem crossing the desert," she thought. As she started, she found herself slowly vanishing(消失)into the sand. After many tries, she still failed." Maybe I can't reach the ocean," she said sadly to herself. At this time, a deep voice said," If wind can cross the desert, so can a river." It was the voice of the desert. But the little stream answered," That's because the wind can fly, but I can not."

   "That's because you can't give up what you are.  Let yourself evaporate(蒸发)into the wind and it can take you across me," said the desert." Give up what I am now? No! No!" The little stream could not accept this idea." The wind can carry the vapor(蒸汽)across the desert and let it leave as rain. The rain will form a river again," said the desert. "And whether you're a river or vapor, your nature never changes." After hearing this, the little stream went into the open arms of the wind. It carried her to the next stage of her life.

    The course of our lives is like the experience of the little stream. If you want to go through difficulties in your life to head for success, you should also change the way you are.

    My work allows me to live in different countries. Reading books helps me to connect with my friends, family and my home country, the UK. Here are some books that I read a lot.

    Daddy Long Legs

    This book is about the story of a young girl, Judy, who goes to university and gets lots of new experiences. This book always makes me think of my mother because she used to read it to me when I was ill in bed.

    Harry Potter

    I'm sure many of you know Harry Potter books! I have read them many times since primary school. I really get lost in the stories. These days I'm reading them again in Germany.

    The Railway Children

    这是我最喜爱的书之一It was a gift for my 13th birthday from my best friend, so it still strongly makes me think of my childhood. It is about three children and their adventures(冒险经历)next to a railway.

    There are some skills for students to listen to the teacher in class, which means you're going to have to practice it. Just as you would have to practice basketball to be a better player, you also have to practice listening. How to listen in school?  {#blank#}1{#/blank#}

    One of the things you need to do is to make sure that your mind doesn't wander (漫游). It's easy to start thinking about other things, especially when you're not interested in the subject. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}

    Next, listen for the main ideas. If you want to catch every little piece of information, you'll feel tired and bored.

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#}Not only does this show respect(尊敬) to the teacher, it also helps prevent your mind from wandering. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}Or it could just be someone talking to their neighbors who shouldn't be. It can even be some birds outside the classroom window, or a group of kids who are talking loudly as they pass the door to your room.

    Finally, you need to take notes because you will not remember everything the teacher said. You'll have to take down the notes so that you can study it after class. {#blank#}5{#/blank#}

    Listening isn't always easy, but if you follow these simple steps, you'll be much more successful in your classes.

A. Here are some suggestions.

B. You'll also need to look at the teacher.

C. So make yourself pay attention to what the teacher is saying.

D. Taking notes also makes you pay attention to the class.

E. It might be a friend who is trying to pass you a note.

    Last week, I had a great vacation to Hainan with my family. We had great fun playing in different places. On Monday, the weather was sunny and hot. We went to White Beach and swam in the water. On Tuesday, it was cloudy. We visited two museums. We saw a lot of things. On Wednesday and Thursday, It was rainy and windy. We walked around the city. We bought interesting things and ate some delicious food. On Friday, the weather was cool. We climbed mountains. We were very tired but felt very happy. I really enjoyed my vacation.