We often see top students around us and everyone knows about them. Let us take Jenny as an example. She is the monitor of our class. She spends a lot of time working for our class. But she always gets good grades in all subjects. How do students like Jenny do that? When I asked her, she said, "Hard work is not the whole story. It's not how long you sit at the desk with your books open. It's what you do as you are sitting." In fact, we can see many top students spend fewer hours on their studies than their classmates. Jenny gave me some valuable suggestions.

    If your math teacher gives you five problems, you should do six. If your Chinese teacher gives eight pages of reading, you should read nine. The more you practice, the more you learn.

    Studying is a matter of your personal interest, so choose the way you are most comfortable with. Some people like working at night when the house is quiet, while others like doing their work early in the morning. However, others like studying as soon asthey arrive home from school while the work is fresh in their minds. No matter which way suits you, try to do your best.

    Studying is your business and the business comes before entertainment(娱乐). When you are studying, phone calls should go unanswered, TV shows unwatched, snacks given up. Studying is the only thing in your mind. Nothing can pull your attention away from what you are studying.

    Studying is like eating. You should eat a little at a time. You can plan what to do today, but don't do too much. When you can't finish the work you planned to do, you will feel stressed and may lose confidence. On the other hand, you will not study well without a good plan. It all de pends on how you manage your time.

    The students who hand in a clearly written paper are already half way to get an A.. Tidy papers are likely to get higher marks than messy ones. When you write clearly and do your work carefully, the thoughts in your mind are clear. You can avoid making more mistakes.

    April Fool's Day is on April 1^st. People can play a trick on (开……的玩笑) others on that day. It's very popular in England and the USA. Mother's Day is on the second Sunday in May. It's a day to thank mothers. On that day, mothers usually get flowers and cards from their children. Fathers and children do housework on that day, so mothers can have a good rest. Thanksgiving Day is on the fourth Thursday in November in America. On that day, family members all get together to have a big dinner. Christmas Day comes on December 25^th. It's the most important festival in a year. Father Christmas sends presents to children.

    Table manners are different from country to country. If you visit a friend's home for a meal, it's good to know about certain customs.

    Morocco

    In many homes, people often sit on the floor to eat a meal. Often, everyone eats from the same plate. It is in the center of the table. Only eat the food in front of you. Don't reach across someone for food. It is common to use your fingers and small pieces of bread to eat food. Use only your right hand to eat. Don't say "no" to food. If the host offers you food or drink, take some and try a little.

    Also remember: In many homes, it is common to take off your shoes.

The United States

    In most homes, people usually sit on chairs when they eat a meal. People eat from their own plate or bowl, but sometimes people share desserts. If you want something (for example, the water), ask for it. Reaching across someone is rude. It's OK to eat things like sandwiches, fruit, French fries, pizza, and some kinds of meat with your fingers. It's OK to say "no" to food if you don't like it.

    Also remember: People often talk when they eat a meal together.

    My mom hates to cook. She'd rather ride her motorcycle or practice rock climbing. She also spends a lot of time with me. Every morning Mom takes me to school by motorcycle. Occasionally I'll come home to find her scaling(攀爬)the side of the house.

As her daughter, I used to feel embarrassed that my mom was so different. But now________.

    It all started with a cooking project. Every student in Mrs. Maitland's home-economics class was supposed to create an original dish, then present it at school the following Tuesday morning. Mom and I spent hours in the kitchen. We tried jelly-filled hot dogs, baked ham with chocolate sauce, and hard-boiled eggs rolled in coconut. We eventually agreed on chocolate cakes with bright green pepper mint frosting. I was satisfied. It beat hot dogs, anyway.

    The big day came. Our parents appeared, bringing many tasty dishes. Finally, I saw Mom, empty handed! I met her at the door. "You forgot it, didn't you?"

    Mom's eyes opened wide. "I'm sor--" She couldn't finish her apology. A loud alarm cut her off. Mrs. Maitland yelled, "Fire! This is not a drill! Everyone out of the building!"

    We all headed for the stairs and gathered at the parking lot. Smoke started to curl out of one of the third-floor windows. Mom held my hand tightly. I forgot about my cake.

    Suddenly, we heard a scream. We looked up and found Danny Patterson was trapped in the burning building! Mom disappeared. She grabbed her climbing tools from her motorcycle and walked quickly toward the building.

    She scaled the huge pine tree next to the school. At the top, she started to throw her weight back and forth. The tree swung toward the window, and she hopped onto the ledge and into the building.

    Mom's ropes flew as she created a harness. She secured one end, and then lowered Danny safely to the ground. Everyone cheered!

    Who cares if my mom hates to cook?

    A different culture keeps my eyes and mind open. When I stayed in Russia (A)an exchange student, I learned about it.

    One day, a Russian trend invited me to a (B)well-known restaurant in Moscow(莫斯科)I looked forward to trying local (当地的)food. After arriving there, I found nothing on the table but several small plates, on which there were nuts, a few slices(片)of tomatoes, and several pieces of onions. Although the dishes were simple, we drank a lot and I felt the passion(热情)from the bottom of his heart. In China, when we invite friends or relatives, we always treat them to a big dinner. We prepare as much food as we can(C)      show our friendliness.

    What a different culture it is l Even though we try our best, it's very (D) difficult to get used to their customs. Another Russian custom also impresses me deeply. As we know, it is very cold in winter there. When winter comes, (E)俄罗斯人喜欢游泳.They even take their kids outside together. Like their parents, (F)Russian kids rub (擦)their bodies with snow before jumping into the water. Although the water is freezing cold, they all play happily in it.

    What fun it is to know about a different culture.