Have you ever heard of e-waste, which can be produced every day? How do you deal with your computers, MP4 players and mobile phones when they're broken or you want a new one?

    Most people just throw them away. With the development of electric industry, e-waste pollution has become a serious problem. According to the United Nations, in 2014, people around the world produced 41.8 million tons of e-waste and only recycled 6.5 million tons. The US was the biggest waster, producing 7.1 million tons. China came second, with 6 million tons.

    It's important to pay attention to e-waste. It can either be valuable or harmful, depending on how we deal with it. E-waste is a valuable urban mine. The value of the metals, like gold and silver in the waste around the world, is amazing. And the metals can be reused. But if people throw them away, the toxic chemicals can get into the earth or air, effecting the environment and people's health.

    Apple, for example, now recycle people's used products in China when they are buying new ones. The company will test and repair the used ones and sell them at lower prices. To help reduce e-waste, we can also take computers and phones to see if companies offer recycling programs.

    “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.

    Last summer, we had a volunteer activity in a village school. In the school. I saw a name Feng Aiguo on a list. This man offered much money to the school. I thought he must be a1 man.

    One day, on my way home from school, my bike was broken. Luckily I found a repairing stand(修车摊)across from the street. An old man was 2 a bike. He was wearing a clean suit. He looked energetic(精力充沛的). While waiting. I knew 3 about him from the old men chatting there. He was Lao Feng and 4to repair bikes after he repaired(退休). Two months ago, his family moved to a new house. His son didn't want him to repair bikes any longer. He bought him suits and asked him to 5 them and rest at home. But it didn't work. The old man continued his repairing work in his suits.

    After a while, the old man got my bike repaired. 6 I was leaving an old lady came and called him "Aiguo". 7 the name on the list of the village school came into my mind. But how could such a common repairman 8so much money? I asked him if he knew that village. He told me it was his hometown and the 9there still needed help. So he always saved money by repairing bikes to help them. Then I was sure that he was the person on the 10.

    A woman bought a parrot from a pet store. However, the woman decided to return the parrot to the shop the next day.

    "This bird doesn't talk," she told the pet shop owner.

    "Does he have a mirror in his cage(笼子)?" the owner asked. "Parrots love mirrors."

    The woman bought a mirror and left. The next day she came back, saying that the bird still wasn't talking.

    "How about a ladder? Parrots love ladders," the owner said. The woman bought a ladder and left. But the next day, she was back.

    "Does your parrot have a swing? No? Well, once he starts swinging, he'll talk," the owner said.

    The woman then bought a swing and left.

    When she walked into the store the next day, she began to cry. "The parrot died," she said.

    The pet store owner was shocked. "I'm sorry. Tell me, did he ever say anything?" he asked.

    "Yes, right before he died," the woman answered, "in a low voice, he asked me, 'Don't they sell any food at that pet store?'"

    Sometimes we forget what's really necessary in life. We sometimes have lots of things to do at once, but we forget to deal with the most important things first. We have to remember to "feed the parrots" in our lives.

A: Hello, Tom. Tomorrow is Sunday. Shall we go swimming?

B:{#blank#}1{#/blank#}. I am not feeling well.

A: {#blank#}2{#/blank#}?

B: I have a headache. I think{#blank#}3{#/blank#}.

A: You are tired? Maybe you should take a rest.

B: {#blank#}4{#/blank#}. I'll have a good sleep this afternoon.

A: I hope you'll be better soon. And Let's go swimming next time.

B: All right.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}!

A: Bye!