For many people, history classes are seen as no more than requirements for getting degrees in chemistry, biology, business, marketing, etc. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}． Below are a few reasons why it's vital that today's people continue to learn about the past.

    Understanding where people come from plays a key role in understanding who they are.{#blank#}2{#/blank#} For this reason, it's extremely important to learn history in order to understand why people are the way that they are.   

    Through history classes, you can experience a shift (改革) in the way you think. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}It's important to develop minds to be able to consider problems from different angles. Finally, this shift can improve your ability to analyze and understand situations, to make educated decisions and to learn how to weigh the consequences related to each choice before you.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#}The idea that history repeats itself is rooted in truth. From wars to fashion to political trends, historians are often able to make predictions about the future based upon the past. By having a deep understanding of what happened in the past, today's people can better prepare for brighter futures by making the right decisions—instead of repeating old mistakes.

    Many people may not believe that a degree in history can lead to a well-paid job. In fact, students who graduate with degrees in history can become lawyers, business owners, think tank members, educators, leaders in historical organizations writers and so on. {#blank#}5{#/blank#}.

    I was ten when I first sat with my grandmother behind the cashier(收银台) in her grocery store. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} I quickly learned the importance of treating customers politely and saying “thank you.”

    At first I was paid in candy. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} I worked every day after school, and during the summer and on weekends and holidays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. My father helped me set up a bank account. {#blank#}3{#/blank#} 

    By the time I was 12, my grandmother thought I had done such a good job that she promoted me to selling cosmetics(化妆品). I developed the ability to look customers directly in the eye. Even though I was just a kid, women would ask me such things as “What color do you think I should wear?” I took a real interest in their questions and was able to translate what they wanted into makeup(化妆) ideas. {#blank#}4{#/blank#} 

    The job taught me a valuable lesson: to be a successful salesperson, you didn't need to be a rocket scientist—you needed to be a great listener. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} Expect they are no longer women buying cosmetics from me; instead, they are kids who tell me which toys they would like to see designed and developed.

A. Later I received 50 cents an hour.

B. Before long, she let me sit there by myself.

C. I ended up selling a record amount of cosmetics.

D. Today I still carry that lesson with me: I listen to customers.

E. My grandma's trust taught me how to handle responsibility（承担责任）.

F. Soon I found myself looking more beautiful than ever before.

G. Watching my money grow was more rewarding/worthy than anything I could have bought.

    Basic first aid is a very valuable skill to have when going on a camping trip. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}

    Cuts. With small cuts, you need to be careful to keep the area of the wound clean to avoid getting infected. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} If the cut has not stopped bleeding, raise the wounded area above the heart and place pressure on the area to stop the bleeding. {#blank#}3{#/blank#} It should be held in place with tape, but should not be too tight.

    Blisters. Blisters can turn a fun walk in the woods into a terrible experience. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}

Change your bandage and socks and keep the blistered area clean. Make sure that you pack different size bandages and first aid cream.

    Sprains. If you have got a heavy pack on your shoulders, it can be very easy to twist your ankles. Walking sticks can be a traveler's friend. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} A good ACE bandage should be packed in case of a sprained ankle. This can help fix the sprained area until you can get medical attention.

    After seeing the above dangers and treatments, it's also helpful to pack a small basic first aid kit for your trip. Make sure that you include items that are unique to you and fit your environment (bleeding, bruise, snake bite, etc.).

A. They can help you keep balance on rough areas.

B. Wear comfortable shoes and socks during the trips.

C. Treat the cut with first aid cream to prevent infection.

D. They are an open wound and can get infected if not cared for.

E. Apply some cream and cover the wound with a dry, clean bandage.

F. Below is a brief list of less-severe injuries that you can prepare for.

G. Some climates can be very hot during the day and very cool at night.

    The goal of homework is to help students remember and understand what they learned in school that day. It can also help teach them independence and time-management and planning skills, which are keys to success in the real world.{#blank#}1{#/blank#} Here are some successful habits of how to do a good job of homework.

Set the stage.

    Your children need a quiet spot to do their homework. This should be the same place every day, whether it is at the kitchen table or at their desk in their room. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}You can take the time to work on a quiet task of your own, whether it's paying bills, reading the newspaper, or planning the next day.

Time it right.

    Homework for young children should be done when your children get home from school, because the information is still fresh in their minds and they have enough energy. Have your kids eat some snacks and talk about their day with you. Then have them start their homework. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}

It's not your homework: it's theirs.

    You need to be involved in homework to see what your children are learning and how well they know what they need to know. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}But guide them if they are struggling. You want them to get the feeling of pride and accomplishment on their own.

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    Let your children know how grown up it is for them to have homework and how proud you are of them. Try to instill (灌输）into them that it is “fun” to be able to do the assigned tasks. Let them show you their work, praise them for finishing their homework, and always do it with a smile.

A. Be hopeful and confident.

B. Get excited and be positive.

C. Be nearby while they do their homework.

D. Be sure not to do the homework for your children.

E. That means the television is shut off, even for you.

F. A small amount of homework also has a great influence on students.

G. Arrange other activities for later in the day so kids can get their homework done first.

How to Recognize a True Friend

    Sometimes it can be hard to recognize a true friend. Hopefully this article will help you recognize which friends are the keepers.

    Be able to trust your friends. You should be able to trust true friends and they should return this trust. Do your friends tell you secrets that no one else knows? Ask you for advice?{#blank#}1{#/blank#} However, if your friends hide things from you and act secretly, then this is a sign that they may not trust you.

    {#blank#}2{#/blank#} Think about it. How comfortable are your friends when they are around you? Are they being themselves around you? Are they acting fake or perhaps hiding something? True friendships can take a while to develop, but if your friends are true they should feel comfortable around you, and vice versa (You with them)

    Think about loyalty(忠诚). {#blank#}3{#/blank#} If you are in need of a helping hand, your true friends should be there to offer it to you. True friends don't try to get one another into trouble. A true friend will always be loyal to you and will not reveal secrets.

    Think about nicknames. A lot of true friends love to give each other nicknames！ If your friend is giving you nicknames, then this is a great sign. Think of the nickname your friend has given you, does it suit you well? {#blank#}4{#/blank#}Look at how you fight. Nearly all best friends fight. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} True friends will find their way through a fight, no matter what the size is. True friends will remain “faithful” to each other even during a fight. They will not tell each others' secrets, and they still care about each other.

A. Consider comfort.

B. Choose your friends carefully.

C. True friends are always there for one another.

D. Both are sure signs that your friend trusts you.

E. If so, this shows your friend must know you quite well.

F. So if you and your friend have a little argument, don't worry!

G. An inside joke shows that you share a special connection with your friend.

Why is volunteering important?

    When it comes to service work, it is important to realize that the actual goal should be getting the most out of your volunteering work. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}

    Gaining new /social experiences.

    Volunteering allows students to get involved with new things and develop social and academic skills that couldn't be learned in a classroom environment. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}

    Giving back and helping others.

    Volunteers create better environments for others—they create healthier communities and they brighten lives. Jill, a senior student, had been a volunteer in her community (社区) for more than three years. {#blank#}3{#/blank#} "They always tell me how great we sound and how they wish they had taken time to learn an instrument in their youth."

    Creating connections with people.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#} Not only does the volunteer work you do show who you are as a person, but it reflects many positive qualities that possible employers and admission officers want to see. Volunteering allows you to meet a wide variety of people from all sorts of walks of life.

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    Volunteering isn't one of the most attractive jobs, but it is one of the most beneficial and uplifting (令人振奋的). It's taking some time out of your day to help others. Volunteer work makes us feel good. It builds self-confidence and lifts up the spirits.