In most languages, a greeting is usually followed by "small talk". Small talk means the little things we talk about at the start of a conversation. In English-speaking countries people often make small talk about the weather: "Nice day isn't it?" "Terrible weather, isn't it?" But there is something special about small talk. It must be about something that both people have the same opinion about. The purpose of small talk is to let both people agree on something. This makes meeting people easier and more comfortable. People usually agree about the weather, so it is a safe topic for small talk. But people often disagree about religion or politics so these are not suitable topics for small talk in English. The topics for small talk also depend on where the conversation is taking place. At football matches, people make small talk about the game they are watching, "Great game, isn't it?" At bus-stops, people may comment about the transport system, "The bus service is terrible, isn't it?"

    Greetings and small talk are an important part of conversation in any language. The way people greet each other and the things they talk about, however, may be different from one language to another. This shows that there is much more to learn when we learn a language than just the vocabulary and the grammar of the language. We also have to learn the social behavior of the people who speak it.

    Astronauts on shorter shuttle missions（使命）often work very long days. Tasks are scheduled so tightly that break times are often used to finish the day's work.  This type of schedule is far too demanding for long missions on the International  Space Station（ISS）.  ISS crewmembers usually live in space for at least a quarter of a year. They work five days on and two days off to mimic the normal way they do things on Earth as much as possible . Weekends give the crew valuable.  Weekends give the crew valuable time to rest and do a few hours of  housework.  They can communicate with family and friends by email , internet phone and through Private video conferences.

    While astronauts cannot go to a baseball game or a movie in orbit, there are many familiar activities that they can still enjoy . Before a mission. The family and friends of each ISS crewmember put together a collection of family photos, messages, videos and reading material for

    The astronauts to look at when they will be floating 370 kilometers above the Earth.  During their mission, the crew also receives care packages with CDs, books, magazines, photos and letters . And as from early 2010, the internet became available on the ISS , giving astronauts the chance to do some “web surfing （冲浪）”in  their personal time.  Besides relaxing with these more common entertainments, astronauts can simply enjoy the experience of living in space.

    Many astronauts say that one of the most relaxing things to do in space is to look out the window and stare at the universe and the Earth's vast land mass and oceans.

    If something that you're doing doesn't challenge you, then it doesn't change you. We all need some normal stress in our lives, after all.{#blank#}1{#/blank#} So challenge the following limits:

    ⒈Figure out what you're scared of and do it continuously.

    If you're a salesman, and you're scared of talking to people personally or over the phone now, instead of being scared and thinking you'll fail, spend at least five minutes a day to pick up the phone and make a call. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} But don't stop on the first try! Eventually, you can look at fear in the eye and say, “Go on. I'm not scared!”

    ⒉{#blank#}3{#/blank#}

    Make sure this hobby is not linked to your career; you have to relax and relieve your stress while performing this. Some examples might be cooking, sewing, painting and so on. Apart from helping you challenge yourself, taking a class for your hobby may also give you extra income.

    ⒊Set aside at least nine minutes a day for physical exercise.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#} A simple 9-minute run around your neighborhood can do wonders for yourself. Exercise can not only help you maintain your regular weight, but also make you feel better about yourself.

    ⒋Travel and allow yourself to be interested in new people.

Don't just limit yourself to your fellow travelers—-try to connect with the service staff. You never know what kind of people they're going to be. Get out of your house or go online right now to book your class. {#blank#}5{#/blank#}

A. You should do it continuously.

B. Someone may hang up on you.

C. You don't need to go to the gym.

D. Running in the gym may be a better choice.

E. Start to travel now and learn to challenge yourself.

F. Take a class for a hobby you've been wanting to develop.

G. You can never see any improvement if you stick to your comfort zone.

    When you're in high school, it can be difficult to find a job. You may not have much, or any, formal work experience and there aren't many jobs available for teenagers. However, if you're looking for a job, there are things you can do to help get your application noticed and help yourself get hired. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}

    Don't be shy.

    Tell everyone you know you are looking for a job. Many jobs aren't advertised and you may be able to get a good job lead from a friend or family member.

    {#blank#}2{#/blank#}

    One good way to get experience is to start by working for friends and neighbors. Babysitting, garden work, doing cleaning, and pet sitting all can be included on your resume (简历).

Keep an open mind.

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#} This is a tough market and you may not be able to find a job doing what you want to do. The more flexibility you have, the more opportunities you'll be able to apply for. Plus, even if the job isn't your first choice, it may turn out to be better than you expected.

    Check the rules.

    There are only certain jobs you can do and hours you can work. {#blank#}4{#/blank#} The minimum age you can work at paid non-agricultural employment is 14.

    Write a resume.

    A resume may not be required by employers. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} Even though you may not have much information to include, a resume shows that you're serious about your job search.

A. Start close to home.

B. Be always optimistic.

C. You can count on the following chance.

D. Don't limit yourself to certain types of jobs.

E. But it can help you stand out from the competition.

F. These job search tips will help you get your job search started.

G. Check the Child Labor Law regulations to see how they apply to you.

    ⒈Part of northern California had become an inferno(火海) in the latest big fire. A nearby town, Paradise, was reduced to ash. Nearly 50 people are confirmed dead and over 200 missing. Six of the ten most destructive fires in California's history have occurred in the past decade. Last year was the most destructive year on record, until this year. Why is the Golden State so flammable?

    ⒉There are three reasons why California has been surrounded by flames. First, the climate is becoming warmer. This has led to snow melting earlier, drier landscapes and a longer season when fires are likely to occur.

    ⒊A second reason is that more people live in flammable places. Since the 1990s 60% of new homes in California, Washington and Oregon have been built in spaces next to nature. These areas, which environmentalists call the "wildland-urban interface", are at higher risk of wildfire.

    ⒋A third reason is that there is more fuel. Before western settlers arrived, fires used to happen often and naturally, which made less fuel available for future fires. For the past century fires have been controlled well. This has led to a build-up of dry brush, and makes the average wildfire much likelier to turn into a big one.

    ⒌Putting out the flame is the most immediate task for California, but not the last. Many survivors will want to rebuild their homes exactly where they were. Californians will also want to ensure that utility companies(公用事业公司) are acting and investing responsibly. Investigations into what caused the fire are still going on, but some reports suggest it may have begun with sparks (火花) from lines owned by an electricity company.

Teenagers earning money

    In the United States, you can only get a full-time job if you are 16 years old or older. But there are things that teenagers can do to earn (赚得) some spending money. Here are a few ideas.

    Parents with young children sometimes want to go out for dinner or to the movies, but they don't want to leave their children alone. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} If the children go to bed early, you can do some of your homework!

    Some adults have a dog, but they don't have time to take it for a walk. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} So some teenagers work as dog walkers. It's a good idea — you earn money and you're outside in the fresh air. You get some exercise, too!

    Teenagers can deliver (递送) newspapers. You usually ride a bike around a neighborhood and leave a newspaper at each house. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}You have to get up early, too, because people want to read their newspaper with their breakfast.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#} Some companies pay teens to do online research. They want to know what teens are interested in. It's a fun and easy way to make money. You can also design web pages for friends or adults.

    Sometimes adults pay teenagers to mow (修整) their lawns (草坪). It's a great job because you get fresh air and exercise. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} Then you have regular customers (常客), because grass always grows!

A. Dogs need a lot of exercise!

B. It brings a lot of safety problems.

C. Normally you have to have your own bike.

D. Teenagers can work at home on their computers.

E. It's important to tell an adult where you're going.

F. Do your job carefully and people will want you to do it again.

G. So, they ask a teenager to stay in the house and look after their children while they are out.