Some students, parents and teachers in Shanghai were surveyed last month. According to the result of the survey, the generation gap (代沟) between students and parents as well as teachers is becoming wider. Here is what they said.

    Voice of the students:

    "Our parents hold too high expectations（期待）which put us under lots of pressure（压力）. They care too much about our lives and studies," one student said.

    "It's impolite that some students' parents read their children's diaries without permission!" one student said angrily.

    "Some of our teachers are so serious that we can't make friends with them at all," another student said sadly.

    Voice of the parents:

    One mother said, "After school, my daughter usually locks herself into her room and spends lots of time talking with others on the phone. And I can't stand her clothes and hairstyle!"

    "I thought my son was doing very well in his studies. I didn't realize I was being cheated (欺骗) by him until I got a call from his teacher," said a father.

    Voice of the teachers:

    An English teacher said, "Today, the role of the teacher is to put knowledge into students' brain. The power teachers have kept students away from them."

    "Some parents pay too much attention to their children's grades. They never create a lively and colorful environment at home," another teacher said.

    "In the past, teachers and students often played games together or talked with each other. Today, only studies and grades are talked about," said a teacher.

    Voice of scientists:

    Scientists say that a school should be a place where students can learn not only knowledge, but also how to face failure bravely enough.

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

    Try a hobby

    While you're out, take pictures of things you find. Taking pictures can make you notice the beauty around you. And you'll get interesting photos. If you don't have a camera or a mobile phone that can take pictures, you can try drawing. Drawing only needs a pencil and paper.

    Get outside

    Going outside in good weather can be a lot of fun, especially if you go with a friend. Hike or ride a bicycle in a park. If you live in a city, you can also go window shopping.

    Find an event

    Libraries often hold free public free events, stop by one to find out what's going on. And while you're there, borrow a book or movie for free. Museums and universities also hold free events.

    Meet a friend

    Relationships are the best things in life. Whatever you do, find someone to share it with. Invite a friend for a walk, an event or a time working on your hobby. If your friend comes in the afternoon, you don't have to serve a meal. You can sit and talk, play computer games or card games or watch a movie.

Dear Anna,

    Thank you for the photo of your family. This is my family photo. My grandfather is on the right. My parents are on the left. My father's name is Mike Smith. He is an English teacher. My mother is Linda Smith. She is not a teacher. That boy is my brother. His name is Mark. He is 12. He is in Class 2 Grade 5. That girl is me. I'm 14. I'm in Class 1 Grade 7.

Susan

    In this letter, Susan shows(展示) her {#blank#}1{#/blank#} to Anna. There are {#blank#}2{#/blank#} people in this photo. Her grandpa is on the right and her parents are {#blank#}3{#/blank#}. Mike Smith is an English teacher. {#blank#}4{#/blank#} is her mother. Mark is Susan's {#blank#}5{#/blank#} and he's 12. Susan is 14 and she's in Class 1 Grade 7.

Do you know from what English people get their family names? (你知道英国人的姓是怎么来的吗？)Finish the sentences after you read the story.

    Everyone has a family name. But what does it mean? From what do family names come?

    First, some family names come from the place of their homes. If a man lives on or near a hill, his family name may be Hill. In England people's names may be Wood, Lake, because they live near the wood or lake.

    Second, family names come from a person's job. If a person is a cook, he may be Cook.

    Third, many people get their family names from their father's given name. If you hear the name "Jackson", you know that he is the son of Jack.

    To figure out your birth number, add up the numbers in your birth date, like in the example, until there is only one digit. Example: March 20, 1950.

    3+20+1950=1973=1+9+7+3=20=2+0-2The birth number in this example is"2", "the peacemaker".

    2's are the born diplomats(外交家). They are aware of other's needs and moods and often think of others before themselves. They're naturally analytical and they don't like to be alone. Friendship is very important and can lead them to be successful in life.