When treating some friends to dinner, we Chinese often say, “The dishes are not good. Please forgive me.” In fact, it is a Chinese way of {#blank#}1{#/blank#} (be) modest. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} he really means is that all the dishes here are really wonderful! What he really hopes is compliment from the guests! But {#blank#}3{#/blank#} English would not understand it at all! Now that it is not very good, why should you present the dishes in front of us? The English would say to their guests “ Enjoy yourselves!” when eating and “hope you've enjoyed!” after eating.

    While {#blank#}4{#/blank#} (eat), we Chinese often say to the guests, “Eat slowly.” This would be very {#blank#}5{#/blank#} (puzzle) to the foreigners: Am I eating very violently? Am I eating too {#blank#}6{#/blank#} or too much?

    And now comes the end of the dinner when your guests {#blank#}7{#/blank#} (leave). The Chinese would say, “Walk slowly!” This is a very polite saying in Chinese, but will also be confusing to the foreigners: why can't I walk fast? Does it matter {#blank#}8{#/blank#} I walk slowly or not? Are you worrying that I may fall over? {#blank#}9{#/blank#} change your words {#blank#}10{#/blank#} a simple “Bye!” or “See you next time!”

    Harvard is one of the most famous educational institutions in the world and many people want to study there. The problem is that most applicants don't follow the advice that will most likely get them {#blank#}1{#/blank#} (pick).

    One of the most important things you should remember when {#blank#}2{#/blank#} (apply) to Harvard is that THEY WANT YOU TO HAVE A LIFE. This is probably the main requirement after your grades. The best situation is that you are a {#blank#}3{#/blank#} (nature) leader with lots of activities and active social life. Another important thing to remember is that you have to promote (推销) {#blank#}4{#/blank#} (you) but in a reasonable manner. You should be aware of your strengths and {#blank#}5{#/blank#} (weak). Grades are very important but they are not everything. Try to gain a great school record from your high school years, take extra courses that are interesting, and enjoy life. {#blank#}6{#/blank#} rest will come naturally.

    Last but not least, let's pay attention {#blank#}7{#/blank#} the interview. You should be respectful and most importantly, show real interest in the school (not only the name). {#blank#}8{#/blank#} is a matter of luck to get an interviewer who shares common interests with you. The thing with the interview is that Harvard {#blank#}9{#/blank#} (receive) applications from hundreds, if not thousands of students with the same grades. This means the interview is your chance to show {#blank#}10{#/blank#} you are unique.

    I have been learning English for the last five years and one of the things {#blank#}1{#/blank#} has helped me to improve is reading. I love reading and often read during my free time. First, I {#blank#}2{#/blank#} (start) reading easy things in English, like recipes (食谱) for cooking and short stories {#blank#}3{#/blank#} (write) especially for language learners. Then I moved onto longer stories and newspaper articles. {#blank#}4{#/blank#} first I found that reading was difficult because of the variety of vocabulary and the grammar, {#blank#}5{#/blank#} this soon became easier and I found that I could understand more and more of {#blank#}6{#/blank#} I was reading. I didn't worry if I didn't know all the words, as I could still understand the main ideas. Reading has helped improve my English in many ways. I'm not only {#blank#}7{#/blank#} better and quicker reader, but also my {#blank#}8{#/blank#} (spell), writing, grammar and vocabulary are all much better. I think I have improved faster {#blank#}9{#/blank#} some of my friends who have been learning at the same time as me. So, I would say that everyone who wants to learn a language {#blank#}10{#/blank#} (quick) should read.