The benefits of keeping a journal (日志)

    If you want to grow, one important thing you should do is keeping a journal. It may seem simple, but it can make a big difference in your life. I have been keeping journals for years. Writing all the lessons I learn and all the ideas I get has become a habit for me.{#blank#}1{#/blank#}Here are some benefits you will get by keeping a journal.

    It prevents you from losing an idea. Have you ever gotten an idea only to lose it later because you didn't write it down?{#blank#}2{#/blank#}But then I developed the habit of writing down every idea that came into my mind as soon as possible. If I'm away from my computer, I usually write it down on a piece of paper that I bring wherever I go. I will then transfer the idea to the journal in my computer.

    It helps you review all the lessons you've learned. By reviewing your journal, you can quickly see the lessons you've learned and the ideas you've gotten.{#blank#}3{#/blank#}You can use the ideas to propel (鞭策) yourself forward.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#}After keeping a journal for years, you can look back at it and see how far you've gone. Things that were big problems in the past might seem small today. The raw ideas you had in the past might have been realized today.

    It helps you expand（扩展） your ideas. When you try to come up with a sentence to express an idea, you are thinking actively about it.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}In the end, you will expand your ideas.

A. I often experienced that myself.

B. It trains you to express your thoughts.

C. It allows you to see your progress over time.

D. Just use whatever tool you feel comfortable with.

E. Thinking actively helps you connect your idea to another idea.

F. And to be honest, I can't imagine what my life would be like without it.

G. Then you can do whatever necessary to avoid repeating the same mistakes.

    When high temperatures are around the country, some things also go up. Here are four things expected to rise along with our desire to stay indoors and best the heat.

    ①Sales of goods that keep you cool.

    Malls are high on the list of places where people often go for free air conditioning outside home in summer.{#blank#}1{#/blank#}Goods related to keeping cool, like air conditioners, fans or sun care items, are very popular.

    ②{#blank#}2{#/blank#}

    Pests like stink bugs(椿象) grow fast during summer heat waves, and many agriculture experts are expecting a repeat of last year's incident that harmed fruit and crops, particularly on the East Coast.

    ③Energy bills

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#}With all those air conditioners and fans working, it makes sense that energy bills will be higher than average.{#blank#}4{#/blank#} “Not only are people going to have extremely high energy bills for July, it will also put increased stress on power plants, and we're going to see more air pollution because of it,” says Angela Fritz.

    ④Violence

    Heat waves may cause violence, right?

    Not necessarily, says Richard Larrick, a researcher. He took a unique look at the relationship between violence and heat through baseball. Larrick and his research team examined 57,294 Major League Baseball games taking place between 1952 and 2017 and found that while heat may increase violence, there always has to be a motive. “{#blank#}5{#/blank#}Instead, heat affects a specific form of violence,” he said.

A. Air pollution

B. Pest population

C. Rising heat is the expected response in any summer

D. Heat does not directly lend to more violence in general

E. More and more people are worried about their expenses

F. As more energy is used, air-quality problems may occur

G. So it's not a surprise that some sales jump during heat waves.

    Food safety is a problem in all places around the world and people in different areas of the world prepare foods in different ways. The WHO released five simple rules for preparing food in a safe way. They call these rules the “Five Keys to Safer Food”.

    Key 1: Keep clean.

    {#blank#}1{#/blank#}People should wash their hands often — before touching food and while they are preparing food. People should wash all surfaces and equipment used for preparing food.

    Key 2: Separate raw and cooked.

    Raw foods should not touch prepared foods. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}

    Key 3: {#blank#}3{#/blank#}

    People should cook eggs and meat especially carefully. These foods may carry more micro-organisms (微生物) than other foods. Food like soup must be boiled for at least a minute to make it be cooked completely. It is also important that people re-heat cooked food completely.

    Key 4: Keep food at safe temperatures.

    When people finish eating, they should keep the left food in a refrigerator below 5℃and shouldn't store it for too long. At room temperature, about 20℃, the amount of micro-organisms can increase very quickly. But temperatures above 60℃ or below 5℃ control the growth of micro-organisms. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}

    Key 5: Use safe water and raw materials.

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#} Damaged or old food may develop harmful chemicals as it gets older.

A. Cook completely.

B. This key tells about the importance of washing.

C. Eat healthily.

D. They can live where we make food.

E. People should use safe water and choose fresh foods.

F. They cannot grow as quickly in a very hot or very cold environment.

G. People should use separate equipment and tools for touching and preparing raw foods.

The Science of Risk-Seeking

    Sometimes we decide that a little unnecessary danger is worth it because when we weigh the risk and the reward, the risk seems worth taking. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} Some of us enjoy activities that would surprise and scare the rest of us. Why? Experts say it may have to do with how our brains work?

    The reason why any of us take any risks al all might have to do with early humans. Risk-takers were better at hunting, fighting, or exploring. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} As the quality of risk-taking was passed from one generation to the next, humans ended up with a sense of adventure and a tolerance for risk.

    So why aren't we all jumping out of airplanes then? Well, even 200,000 years ago, too much risk-taking could get one killed. A few daring survived, though, along with a few stay-in-the-cave types. As a result, humans developed a range of character types that still exists today. So maybe you love car racing, or maybe you hate it. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}

    No matter where you are on the risk-seeking range, scientists say that your willingness to take risks increases during your teenage years. {#blank#}4{#/blank#} To help you do that, your brain increases your hunger for new experiences. New experiences often mean taking some risks, so your brain raises your tolerance for risk as well.

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#} For the risk-seekers a part of the brain related to pleasure becomes active, while for the rest of us, a part of the brain related to fear becomes active.

As experts continue to study the science of risk-seeking, we'll continue to hit the mountains, the waves or the shallow end of the pool.

A. It all depends on your character.

B. Those are the risks you should jump to take.

C. Being better at those things meant a greater chance of survival.

D. Thus, these well-equipped people survived because they were the fittest.

E. This is when you start to move away from your family and into the bigger world.

F. However, we are not all using the same reference standard to weigh risks and rewards.

G. New brain research suggests our brains work differently when we face a nervous situation.

    Traveling to all corners of the world gets easier and easier. We live in a global village, but this doesn't mean that we all behave in the same way.

    {#blank#}1{#/blank#}An American shakes your hand firmly while looking you straight in the eye. In many part of Asia, there is no physical contact at all, in Japan, you should bow, and the more respect you want to show, the deeper you should bow. In Thailand, people greet each other by pressing both hands together at the chest.{#blank#}2{#/blank#}

    Many countries rules about what you should wear and what you shouldn't wear. In Muslim countries, you shouldn't reveal(暴露) the body, especially women, who should wear long blouses and skirts.{#blank#}3{#/blank#}Remember to place them neatly together where you came in.

    In Spain, lunch is often the biggest meal of the day, and can last two or three hours. For this reason many people eat a light breakfast and a late dinner. In Mexico, lunch is the time to relax, and many people prefer not to discuss business as they eat.{#blank#}4{#/blank#}

    In most countries, an exchange of business cards is necessary for all introductions.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}If you are going to a country where your language is not widely spoken, you can get the back side of your card printed in the local language. In China, you may present your card with the writing facing the person you are giving it to.

A. In Korea, you should take off your shoes when entering a house.

B. What will you do when travelling abroad?

C. In both countries, eye contact is avoided as a sign of respect.

D. You should include your company name and your position.

E. How should you behave when meeting someone for the first time?

F. However, in Britain, it's usual to have a business meeting over breakfast.

G. It is very important for you to behave properly.

How students can stay safe while studying abroad

Safety has always been a huge concern for students who study abroad. What are the best ways to ensure safety while studying abroad in unfamiliar surroundings? We've compiled our top tips for staying safe abroad.

Learn about the country's language, culture and legal system.

As well as learning the language, students should get familiar with their host country's legal system and culture. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}What are your legal rights as a foreigner abroad?

Research your destination.

Before you leave, find out as much as you can about the local area using travel advisories (公告) and alumni (校友) recommendations. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}

Pay attention to everyday safety.

In some countries, tourists are frequent targets for crimes such as pickpocketing. So avoid travelling alone, especially at night. Let others know where you are going. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}

You should also plan for emergencies by saving the number of a trusted friend as well as your local embassy or consulate (领事馆).

Protect your privacy.

{#blank#}4{#/blank#}While it's OK to be outgoing, you shouldn't be too open with strangers as any personal information could be used to steal your identity.

While out, you should also be aware of your possessions and not have them on display.

Buy travel and health insurance.

Depending on the country, you may want to buy travel and health insurance, which will cover the cost of stolen items or personal injury. {#blank#}5{#/blank#}So consult those in the travel abroad office to find out your options.

A. Sometimes these services are provided by your college.

B. You should learn to communicate with local people fluently.

C. You should always do your best not to draw attention to yourself.

D. For example, is it offensive to wear certain clothing to go to certain popular sites?

E. And always use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps with pre-arranged fares.

F. Many students choose to study abroad for they want to expose themselves to another culture.

G. This includes knowing the nearest subway or train stations, emergency service numbers and areas to avoid.