I had always found {#blank#}1{#/blank#} interesting to talk to foreigners and learn about the cultural differences between countries. Last Saturday, I {#blank#}2{#/blank#} (meet) a man from France who explained to me {#blank#}3{#/blank#}the French greeted each other. Now I know the French usually shake hands when they meet {#blank#}4{#/blank#} they know each other well, they kiss each other on the cheek. When {#blank#}5{#/blank#}(say) goodbye, they shake hands again. So it is not {#blank#}6{#/blank#}(usual) for a Frenchman who you greeted several minutes ago {#blank#}7{#/blank#}(come) and shake hands with you again.

    Every culture in the world has its own taboos. It is necessary that we {#blank#}8{#/blank#}(be) aware of them because breaking a taboo may be an {#blank#}9{#/blank#} (annoy) experience. For example, in Japan, “4” and “9” are considered to be numbers that are unlucky. We should know this in order not to cause {#blank#}10{#/blank#} (offend).

    Texting while crossing the street will soon{#blank#}1{#/blank#}(ban)in Honolulu, Hawaii. From October {#blank#}2{#/blank#}, you could be fined if you step into a Honolulu street while looking at your phone. Honolulu is the first major U. S. city that passed a law,{#blank#}3{#/blank#}says, "No pedestrian shall cross a street or highway while viewing a mobile electronic device."

    The law {#blank#}4{#/blank#}(include) all electronic devices with screens: cell phones, tablets, gaming devices, digital cameras and laptop computers. The law does permit {#blank#}5{#/blank#}exception. Pedestrians may use such devices in the street to call emergency services and rescue workers, such as firefighters and police {#blank#}6{#/blank#}(officer).

    {#blank#}7{#/blank#}(hope), it will lower the number of people hit and {#blank#}8{#/blank#}(kill) by cars in the city. Pedestrian deaths in America have been increasing as the use of cell phones rises. Honolulu has {#blank#}9{#/blank#}(many) pedestrians hit in crosswalks than almost any other city in America. The number of pedestrian deaths in 2017{#blank#}10{#/blank#}(rise) to 6,000, 11% higher than in 2016.

    Food is one of the most basic and important daily needs. It gives us the strength and energy we need{#blank#}1{#/blank#}(work) and play. Food also plays a role in our social interactions. Whether we{#blank#}2{#/blank#}(celebrate) important occasions or just relaxing with friends, eating is an important social pastime. It is also an important part of our culture.{#blank#}3{#/blank#}a particular people like to eat can tell us a lot{#blank#}4{#/blank#}a country's geography, history and traditions.

    Last Monday, some Australian students came to our school for a visit. They {#blank#}1{#/blank#}(show) to visit various optional courses. One of our teachers taught them something about calligraphy. As a volunteer, I explained {#blank#}2{#/blank#} English when necessary. They were impressed by the amazing Chinese art, and some of them even tried writing some characters successfully. {#blank#}3{#/blank#} (remember) the enjoyable moment, we took photos together and this was really a memorable and rewarding event.

    Chinese communities around the world welcomed the Year of the Pig {#blank#}1{#/blank#} February 5th. Celebrations took place across the globe, ranging from Southeast Asia's centuries-old Chinese communities to the more recently {#blank#}2{#/blank#} (establish) Chinatowns. In the streets of several European {#blank#}3{#/blank#} (city), performances of dragon dances and lion dances drew huge crowds of people. Celebrations in London are expected {#blank#}4{#/blank#} (last) a month with series of activities, {#blank#}5{#/blank#} is the biggest Chinese New Year celebration outside Asia.