Do you want to feel happy and know how great you are? Here are five ways to make you feel good about yourself.

    Encourage yourself. Look in the mirror and say to yourself, “I am a special person and there's no one in the world like me. I can do anything.” It may not sound so good, but it really works!

    Help others. Do something nice for someone who always makes you feel good.

    Smile! Be friendly to people you meet. No one can refuse(拒绝) a big smile. Look for the good things in your friends and family.

     Learn something new! New things may be great challenges(挑战), but when you fall in love with them or get some progress, you'll be very happy.

    Stay with your family. We all need our family time. Talk with your mom and dad or maybe even your cousin. This can make you feel warm and give you confidence to get on well with others.

    In northern Scotland there is a long deep lake called Loch Ness.  More than 200 meters deep, it is the largest lake in the UK.  People  say  a  big monster (怪兽)  lives in its dark, cold waters. It weighs more than 1,000 kilos and is at least ten meters long. Some people say it has a head like a horse. Others say it looks like a snake. Many people travel to Loch Ness to look for this strange monster, but only a few people have seen it. At least, they say they have seen it.

    The Loch Ness Monster is a famous legend (传说). The first story about a monster in Loch Ness was told over 500 years ago, but the legend of the monster spread widely only in the twentieth century. In 1933, a husband and wife reported that they saw a big monster in Loch Ness. Several people have taken photos, but at least one of them was a hoax (骗局). During the 1960s, a team was formed to look for the monster. They took many photos and made movies, but they were never able to find a monster.

    There is no real fact that a monster lives in Loch Ness, but there is also no fact that one doesn't live. One thing is true about Loch Ness: there are a lot of tourists there.

    Table manners are different from country to country. If you visit a friend's home for a meal, it's good to know about certain customs.

    Morocco

    In many homes, people often sit on the floor to eat a meal. Often, everyone eats from the same plate. It is in the center of the table. Only eat the food in front of you. Don't reach across someone for food. It is common to use your fingers and small pieces of bread to eat food. Use only your right hand to eat. Don't say "no" to food. If the host offers you food or drink, take some and try a little.

    Also remember: In many homes, it is common to take off your shoes.

The United States

    In most homes, people usually sit on chairs when they eat a meal. People eat from their own plate or bowl, but sometimes people share desserts. If you want something (for example, the water), ask for it. Reaching across someone is rude. It's OK to eat things like sandwiches, fruit, French fries, pizza, and some kinds of meat with your fingers. It's OK to say "no" to food if you don't like it.

    Also remember: People often talk when they eat a meal together.

    Once upon a time, there was a strange bird. He lived in a tree near the bank of a river. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}

    One day, one of the two heads saw a delicious fruit on a tree. He picked it and started eating the fruit. "It is one of the most delicious fruits I have ever eaten," he said.

    The other head said, "{#blank#}2{#/blank#}" The first head laughed and said, "You know that we have only one stomach. It makes no difference whether I eat it or you eat it. Moreover, I'm the one who found the fruit. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}"

    Later that day, the other head found a tree having poisonous (有毒的) fruits. He took a poisonous fruit and told the first head, "I will eat this fruit."

    The first head shouted, "{#blank#}4{#/blank#} If you eat it, both of us will die."

The other head replied, "Shut up! I'm the one who found the fruit. I have the right to eat it."

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#} In the end, both of them lost their lives.

A. So I have the right to eat it.

B. The first head started crying, but the other head still ate the poisonous fruit.

C. Let me also taste the delicious fruit.

D. The bird had two heads, but they shared one stomach.

E. What do you think of the bird with two heads?

F. Please don't eat this poisonous fruit.

G. The bird looks very beautiful and cute.

Improving Listening Sills in the Classroom

    Listening is a skill that needs to be learned and used well to be able to succeed in any environment. In the classroom, great listening skills mean the difference between a successful student and one who struggles (挣扎) in school.

    Come to class rested.

    {#blank#}1{#/blank#} When your body is well taken care of, your mental (精神的) focus will be much better. If you come to class sleepy or tired, it may be impossible for you to keep your eyes open and concentrate (集中) on what the teacher is saying.

    {#blank#}2{#/blank#}

    Have everything you need at the start of the class. If you have homework, make sure you are ready to hand it in. Bring out your notebook and pen so you can start taking down notes Also, try to read your textbooks before coming into class. It will help you understand more easily what your teacher is talking about.

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#}

    When you're in the front of the class, you'll have an easier time hearing what the teacher has to say you won't have a daydream when the teacher is near you.

    Take down notes.

    Write down what you hear in class. {#blank#}4{#/blank#} It will also make you concentrate more on what is being said So you can properly take notes. Try to concentrate when you are in class so that you are able to get the key points during a lecture. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} Once you learn techniques to help you with this skill, you should see an improvement in your listening.