Laozi or Lao Tzu, who lived in the 6th century BC, was a well-known philosopher in ancient China. He was the founder of Taoism. His teachings have been passed down through centuries and today there are still many followers of Taoism.

    Famous and respected as he is. Laozi's personal life is still a mystery and there are many stories about his birth and life. The only reliable biography of him is Shiji written by historian Sima Qian of 145 BC. According to Shiji, Laozi was born in Ku County of the state of Chu, the present day Luyi County of Henan Province. His family name was "Li", and "Dan" was his designation (字).

    At first, Laozi worked as a historian at the royal court (王朝) of the Zhou Dynasty. Later, he went on a trip to the west and met the guardian of the Hangu Pass (函谷关) who asked Laozi to write a book to record his wisdom for the good of the country.

    Upon his request, Laozi began writing his famous book—Daodejing. Daode means "virtue". So the title can be translated as "Classic of the Virtue". After finishing writing the book, the wise old man left Hangu Pass. No one had seen him or known where he was ever since.

    However, because of the fact that none of the original texts about Taoism have any reference about the life and death of Laozi, today many researchers have the opinion that Daodejing was in fact not written by Laozi alone. Some even say that Laozi was never a real person but can be referred to any old wise man in ancient China who taught philosophy.

    Andrew Holleman, a 12-year-old boy, loved playing in the open land near his home. The land was wet and forested, and made a home for birds, other animals and many different plants.

    It made the perfect place for him to study and get to know nature. He had seen some red-tail hawks, red foxes, wood turtles and other animals. He also found special native flowers.

    Suddenly it was reported that the "empty" land would be improved by a lot of houses on it. The plants would be removed, the animals would run away and most would probably die. Then the wet soil would be covered with extra grounds.

    When he heard about the news, he was not happy. He was very worried that the land and water would be polluted. Andrew wrote down clearly all the research he had done about the area, and how the houses would affect(影响)the local environment. He sent letters to members of local government and television reporters. He also called on his neighbors to oppose the building of the houses.

    Although he was only 12 years old, he had the courage and wisdom of a person much older.

    Andrew's teachers described him as a gentle, shy and active. His classmates also admired how much he knew about local animals and plants, and the environment. Each day after school, Andrew went door-to-door, to ask the people to sign(签字), who did not want the houses to be built. In only one month, he got the signatures of 250 people.

    In the end, the land remained a safe place for birds, animals and plants that belonged there.

    Andrew won many prizes for his brave and great work to stop the houses being built, and he helped save the environment.

    Catherine Banner is becoming the next J. K. Rowling. She started1her book sitting at the back of the2at the age of 14.

    Miss Banner published her first work, The Eyes of a King, which was a best seller.

    "Growing up, I always3stories and writing," she said. "When I was4, one of my favourite games was to staple(用订书钉装订) together pieces of paper and make5into a book with stories and pictures. And later I spent hours after school writing6."

    "I wrote whenever I had any7time. Sometimes I even wrote down a few sentences at the end of the class or between lessons so as not to8them. It was just a bit of fun."

    "I am really excited. It means so9to me. Now I'm looking forward to10what people think of the book."

    Miss Banner began her study in English literature(文学) at Cambridge University in October 2008. The sequel(续集) to The Eyes of a King, Voices in the Dark, was published on September 22, 2009. Then she wrote a third part of her series, The Heart at War. The series were completed in 2012.

    Hello, my name is Peter. I study at a secondary school in England. School days usually start at 9 am in England. So I usually go to school at 8:45 am. School is over at 3:30 pm. So I have much time to go to different clubs(俱乐部).

    I am good at all my lessons. My favourite lesson is cooking. All my teachers are very friendly and helpful. I never(从不) go home for lunch, l have lunch at school with my classmates. After lunch, we often go to the school field. Sometimes we play hall games. Sometimes we just sit under the trees, reading or talking. Sometimes we also go to the Computer Centre 1o listen to music or send emails to our friends.

    I like my school and have a good time at school every day.

    Summer vacation is coming. The Parkers are taking a 1 to Sanya. How will 2 go there? They have 3 ideas. The son Dale says, "Let's take the4. Taking a journey by train is really relaxing. We5enjoy the beautiful scenery (风景) from the window." The daughter Alice says, "But the train station is far from our 6. If we go there by train, we have to 7 early. So let's drive a car." "8?" asks Dale. "Because we can 9 at any time we want," answers Alice. "But I think taking a journey by car is 10. What about taking a bus?" asks Dale. "Oh, I don't like that. There are always 11 people on the bus, and it 12 a long time," says Alice. Then they go to ask for their 13ideas. Mr. Parker wants to take the plane because it's the fastest (最快的) way. He says that they shouldn't spend too much time on the way, 14they won't have much time to visit the city. But Mrs. Parker wants to go by ship, because it is cheap (便宜的) and they can save some 15. Which do you think is the best way?