Vegetarian UK

Vegetarians and vegans

    Vegetarians (people who don't eat meat) and vegans (people who don't eat or use any animal products) are becoming increasingly common in UK culture. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} A recent survey showed that three million people were vegetarian. Visit a British supermarket and you will see a wide range of vegetarian ingredients and prepared meals on the shelves, including vegetarian sausages and vegan cheese.

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    So why are Brits cutting out meat? Many are unhappy about the poor treatment of animals and the effects of meat and fish production on the environment. Worries about food safety (for example BES or “mad cow disease”) also play a part. {#blank#}3{#/blank#} According to the Vegetarian Society, a meat-free diet could help reduce the risk of certain cancers and heart disease, as well as obesity and high blood pressure.

    Organic farming

    Another rising trend is in how UK food is produced. Many people are rejecting GM (genetically modified) food and intensive farming practices. They want their food to be organically produced. Organic farmers use very few or no chemicals, pesticides or fertilizers and organic meat is produced without the use of drugs and antibiotics. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}  

    Organic food

    According to the Soil Association, three out of every four UK households now buy some type of organic food. Some get organic meat, fruit and vegetables from farmers' markets, where products are sold directly to the consumer. Others have a box of organic fruit and vegetables sent to their homes every week. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} Although it\s often more expensive, fans of organic food say it tastes much better!

A. A healthy diet

B. A balanced diet

C. Many people buy organic products in their local supermarket.

D. More and more people are deciding not to eat meat or use animal products.

E. A healthy soil reduces disease and helps crops grow strong and healthy.

F. Others choose to change their eating habits to improve their general health.

G. Organically farmed animals also have more living space and more nutritious food.

    Fun doesn't have to be expensive

    Everyone likes to have fun, but not everyone has much money to spend. Here are some free or cheap ways to enjoy yourself.

    Go outside

    Going outside in good weather can be a lot of fun if you don't want to stay at home. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} If you live in a city, you can go window-shopping. Or you can explore an old part of town and admire the buildings.

    Try a hobby

    While you're out, take pictures of things you find. Planning and taking pictures can make you aware of the beauty all around you. Photographic equipment can be expensive, but it doesn't have to be. You probably already own a camera or a cell phone that can take pictures. Other creative hobbies can also be done with basic materials. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}

    Find an event

    Libraries often hold free public events. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}And while you're there, borrow a book or movie for free. Museums and universities also hold free events.

    If you can't find a free event, you can volunteer at an event that requires tickets. People who organize concerts and plays need help.{#blank#}4{#/blank#} Sometimes they reward volunteers with free tickets.

    Meet a friend

    Relationships are often the best things in life. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} For example, invite a friend for a walk, an event or a time working on your hobby. Hosting doesn't have to be difficult. If your friend comes in the afternoon, you don't have to serve a meal. You can sit and talk, play board games or card games or watch a movie together.

A. A friend in need is a friend indeed.

B. Stop by one to find out what's going on.

C. Hike or bicycle with a friend on a nearby path or in a park.

D. Whatever you do, find a friend to share it with.

E. It's a good idea to stay at home to watch a movie.

F. You can set up or take down chairs or greet visitors.

G. Drawing and writing require nothing more than a pencil and paper.

Steps for a Successful College Application

    When it comes to getting into the college of your choice, your college application is the most important tool you have in your hands. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}, while a bad one can land you at the bottom. Keep the following tips in mind when you are going through the college application process and you'll be on the road to admission.

    Be Prepared

    {#blank#}2{#/blank#}, carefully look over all the questions and requirements. Dedicate a page to each college with a checklist of everything you'll need to submit, such as transcripts, recommendations, the essay, copies of awards/certificates, etc.

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    Former Records Technician, Carmen Huff, says the best thing students do is to get their applications early—or at least by the deadline. Colleges and universities receive so many applications that they don't have the time to accept late ones. The more time you give the college or university to process your application, the more time you'll have to deal with any problems that might arise, Huff says.

    Watch Your GPA and Test Scores

    This is the first thing that most universities look at. For example, most four- year colleges don't have a GPA requirement, but top Ivy Leagues(常春藤联盟) usually only accept students with a 3.5 or higher GPA. However, if your GPA is weak, don't give up applying. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}.

    Write an Amazing Essay

    A great essay can help tip the balance in your favor. {#blank#}5{#/blank#}. Many colleges require two essays, one short and one long. What you write not only shows how literate you are, but also provides the reader with an impression of your values and beliefs.

A. Be On Time

B. Be Patient and Determined

C. When you have a test or an exam

D. When you first receive the application

E. A great application can zip you to the front of the line

F. So, take the time to think your essay through carefully

G. Instead, be sure to emphasize your other good qualities such as any awards or community involvement

    Children who have developed leadership skills are sure to have a bright future.{#blank#}1{#/blank#}Not only will they gain more self-esteem and interact more easily with their peers, they can also make an impact on their community. These qualities will continue to develop as children grow up. Here are simple techniques to develop children's leadership qualities.

    Discuss peer pressure. Children are often exposed to peer pressure and worry about how others view them.{#blank#}2{#/blank#}Leadership requires being socially involved, but still honoring personal morals and standards. Discuss hypothetical (假设的) peer pressure situations and ask kids to consider how they'd behave in different situations.

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#}When they're able to clearly show their thoughts, they feel more self-confident and are able to deal with complex problems. You can help by encouraging children to speak out and by listening seriously to their thoughts. Although many children go through rebellious stages, don't enforce silence. Instead, suggest self-expression.

    Teach by example.{#blank#}4{#/blank#}Even if they don t express it aloud, children may see you as a role model. Model leadership behavior by helping others, volunteering in leadership positions and taking action in everyday life.

    Develop children's individual talents and encourage participation. Every child has potential for leadership skills, but not every child develops skills in the same way.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}A child might be a talented athlete or skilled at painting and drawing. Find ways for kids to develop these skills in a group setting, which promotes teamwork and social skills.

A. Encourage children to express themselves.

B. Pay attention to specific interests and abilities.

C. Find volunteer and community service opportunities.

D. Children start benefiting from leadership skills at any age.

E. Children with self-awareness have a greater ability to lead.

F. Children observe the adults in their lives, and value what they see.

G. Talk with your children about the importance of avoiding peer pressure.

    Are you happy with your appearance？{#blank#}1{#/blank#} "Almost all the girls with single﹣fold eyelids in our class have had double﹣eyelid operations, "Zeng, a Senior 2 student from Chengdu, told Xinhua. Zeng had the same surgery done this summer. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}

    From popular photo﹣editing apps to plastic surgery, it seems that large eyes, pale skin and a skinny body are the only standard for beauty these days. But can following this standard really make us feel good about ourselves？

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#} According to Huxiu News, over six in ten girls choose not to take part in certain daily activities, such as attending school, because they feel bad about their looks. As much as 31 percent of teenagers avoid speaking up in class because they worry that others will notice their looks.

    Many teenagers are upset about their appearance because they believe in unrealistic standards of beauty, experts say. {#blank#}4{#/blank#} Seeing all these things can make anyone believe that they're too dark, too fat, too short, or too tall.

    However, trying to live up to strict standards can make us feel anxious. What troubles us is not just our "imperfect" looks, but the fact that we criticize ourselves too much.

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#} Plus﹣size models are being featured in some fashion shows. All of us should be just as confident as they are.

A. Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.

B. Body image anxiety is common among teenagers.

C. Guys care just as much as girls do about their body image.

D. Some teenagers might feel negatively about their appearance.

E. She and many of her classmates believe bigger eyes look more beautiful.

F. It's not uncommon for teenagers to feel confident about their appearance.

G. Perfect faces and bodies are everywhere in advertising TV shows and social media.

Making the decision to invest in healthy lifestyle changes is more than just flipping a switch. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} Psychologists have found that it takes an average of 66 days for a new habit to become automatic, but the truth is that building and maintaining lifestyle changes is highly dependent on each individual. However, there are some easy strategies that can help you develop a lifestyle change plan that works for you.

Focus on the whole picture. Lifestyle changes are like a puzzle. There are many pieces that must be added up to the whole picture. Building habits in only one area of the puzzle will leave your overall picture lacking dimension. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} So it is important to understand how they all interact when setting up your lifestyle change plan.

Set realistic and achievable goals. {#blank#}3{#/blank#} Focus on setting goals that are realistic. Instead of expecting to run a marathon in six months, shoot for running a 5-kilometer race and then work up to the marathon. Setting realistic goals that you can achieve and then building on them will help you maintain momentum（动力） and stay motivated.

{#blank#}4{#/blank#} Building habits takes time. Be patient with yourself and understand that the fastest way forward isn't always the smartest way forward. The goal in creating lifestyle changes isn't to get to the finish line as quickly as possible. The goal is to build habits that are sustainable in your everyday life. {#blank#}5{#/blank#}