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 at 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.

    You fall down on the road and a kid you barely know rushes over to help. You come home after a long day to find your dad has prepared your favorite meal. Just before lunch in social studies class, you learn about places where people don't have clean water or enough food.{#blank#}1{#/blank#}They're likely to make you feel grateful.

    Gratitude (感恩) is one of many positive emotions. It's about focusing on what's good in our lives and being thankful for the things we have.{#blank#}2{#/blank#} It's taking a moment to reflect on how fortunate we are when something good happens — whether it's a small thing or a big thing.

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#}Making a habit of gratitude can also be good for us. Like other positive emotions, feeling grateful on a regular basis can have a big effect on our lives. Brain research shows that positive emotions are good for our bodies, minds, and brains.

    Positive emotions open us up to see more possibilities and take in more information. They improve our ability to develop skills, learn, and make good decisions.{#blank#}4{#/blank#} When we feel grateful for someone's kindness toward us, we may be more likely to do a kindness in return. Thanking people can make it more likely they'll do a kindness again.

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#} When we feel and express heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to people in our lives, it creates loving bonds, builds trust, and helps you feel closer.

A. Gratitude doesn't just feel good.

B. What do these have in common?

C. Gratitude can lead to positive actions.

D. Gratitude helps us build better relationships.

E. Such kind of people are more likely to succeed.

F. We can use lots of words to describe feelings of gratitude.

G. Gratitude is stopping to notice and appreciate the things that we often take for granted.

    “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”, so when you want to do business in France, you have to get to know French culture, to make marketing plans, and to run your business by local laws.

    {#blank#}1{#/blank#}The French take great pride in their language, so anyone who does not speak it may run the risk of being disrespected by his French colleagues or business partners. Also, another reason why learning French is important is that it is a great way to show every possible French business partner that you care and respect their country's culture and language.

    There are obvious ways of greeting people in French. When you meet someone new, it's usual to shake his hand firmly and always look at the person in the eye.{#blank#}2{#/blank#}

    Dress well.{#blank#}3{#/blank#} Your business clothing is a reflection of your success and social status. Always try to be stylish. Women are advised to dress simply but elegantly. Wearing make-up is practiced widely by business women.

    The French are passionate about food, so lunches are common in doing business in France, which usually consist of an appetizer, main meal with wine, cheese, dessert and coffee, and normally take up to two hours{#blank#}4{#/blank#}

    Do not begin eating until the host says, “Bon appetite”. Pass dishes to the left, keep wrists above the table and try to eat everything on the plate{#blank#}5{#/blank#} This may suggest that you find the food tasteless. If eating in a restaurant, the person who invites always pays.

A. The French draw information about people based on their appearance.

B. This is a time for relationship building.

C. Maybe you have heard the expression.

D. Language should be the focus of anyone planning to do business in France.

E. Be careful with adding salt, pepper or sauces to your food.

F. When you meet a friend, kissing is common.

G. English and French are both spoken in formal occasions.

Urbanization

    Until relatively recently, the vast majority of human being lived and died without ever seeing a city. The first city was probably founded no more than 5,500 years ago. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} In fact, nearly everyone lived on farms or in tiny rural (乡村的) villages.

    It was not until the 20th century that Great Britain became the first urban society in history—a society in which the majority of people live in cities and do not farm for a living.

    Britain was only the beginning.

    {#blank#}2{#/blank#} The process of urbanization—the migration (迁徙) of people from the countryside to the city—was the result of modernization, which has rapidly transformed how people live and where they live.

    In 1900, fewer than 40% of Americans lived in urban areas. Today, over 82% of Americans live in cities. Only about 2% live on farms. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}

    Large cities were impossible until agriculture became industrialized. Even in advanced agricultural societies, it took about ninety-five people on farms to feed five people in cities. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}

    Until modern times, those living in cities were mainly the ruling elite ( 精英) and the servants, laborers and professionals who served them. Cities survived by taxing farmers and were limited in size by the amount of surplus（过剩）food that the rural population produced and by the ability to move this surplus from farm to city.

    Over the past two centuries, the Industrial Revolution has broken this balance between the city and the country. {#blank#}5{#/blank#}

    Today, instead of needing ninety-five farmers to feed five city people, one American farmer is able to feed more than a hundred non-farmers.

A.That kept cities very small.

B.The rest live in small towns.

C.The effects of urban living on people should be considered

D.Soon many other industrial nations became urban societies.

E.But even 200 years ago, only a few people could live in cities.

F.Modernization drew people to the cities and made farmers more productive.

G.Modern cities have destroyed social relations and the health of human beings.

    As we all know, friendship is of great importance in our daily life. A friend can give us help and share our difficulties and happiness. But how to make friends is still difficult for some of us.{#blank#}1{#/blank#}

    Be friendly to others. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} You should try to make a stranger feel at home wherever he happens to be. Think more of others than of yourself and never judge a person by his appearance and clothes.

    Be reliable. If you and your friends agree to meet somewhere, don't be late. If you're not going to make it on time or make it at all, call them as soon as you realize it. {#blank#}3{#/blank#} Be someone that people know they can depend on.

   {#blank#}4{#/blank#} Listen carefully to what people say, remember important details about them (their names, their likes and dislikes), ask questions about their interests, and just take time to learn more about them.

    Encourage and support your friends: A true friend always gives encouragement to his friends. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} Never make fun of or laugh at your friends in front of others. Never leave your friends when they are in trouble. You should come to support them.

A. Be a good listener.

B. A friend to all is a friend to none.

C. When you say you'll do something, do it.

D. He will stay with them in good as well as bad times.

E. The following information can give you some tips.

F. Smile at others and you are sure to get a smile in return.

G. A true friend should always share the same interest with you.

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.