The earliest maps were probably drawn in the Middle East. Some of these maps have1and they show us the people at that time thought the earth flat(平的).As time went by, the pictures became more detailed and maps were more2made. Later on, ancient Greeks(希腊人)used their3of math and science to make maps. Greek maps tell us the Greeks knew the world was 4.

    From simple pictures, mapmaking has turned into a science. Maps are made5 surveying(勘测)land. In the1900s, people around the world started to share information to make6maps. With the help of the photographs taken from the sky and space, maps are now more exactly made than ever.7the world is always changing, we will always need new maps.

    There are many types of maps, but almost all use8and pictures to describe what a place is like when the map is made. A map usually tells what the pictures 9. Some maps may show the whole world. A road map will help you know the10from one place to another. Other maps may use pictures to show the temperature and population in different places.

    More and more people like keeping pets, so pet hospitals are usually very busy. Kind persons who love animals are needed to provide help in busy pet hospitals. Those vets (兽医) will teach them how to take care of the pets.

    Scientists think that pets will probably be much smaller because people in the future will live in much smaller space. Scientists are now working on making very small farm animals. The same thing might be done to make small cats and dogs.

    It's said that one day you might own a panther (豹) as a pet. Some scientists believe that they might have to start turning wild animals into pets since this might be the only way to save them from dying out.

    What about buying a robot to be a pet? This may sound silly, buy it could become true. Robot dogs have been made to sell. They are like real dogs. These pets might become more and more popular in the future.

    Lots of people want pets while they are on holidays. A hotel in Minnesota has solved this problem. They lend cats to their guests. Many experts (专家) believe that this idea will become more and more popular. It is very possible that in the future you will be able to order a pet, as well as room service, at a hotel.

Store Guide         Here's a list that shows what is on each floor of a department store.

The computer and the Internet have made a huge change in people's life. People can't1 their life without them. Now sitting in front of a table and clicking a2 , people can easily get on the Internet. Over 80 per cent of people in the world 3 the Internet every day. Because of the Internet, people can4 talk about what they know. The life before and after the invention of the computer and the Internet are very 5 , and the biggest changes are about communication (交流) and information, First of all, people all 6 to have the easiest way to communicate with others. With the 7 of the computer and the Internet, people can easily talk with others. What's more, people can easily get information through the Internet. Using the Internet, people can 8 all kinds of information they need.

People can know many things and get a lot of information all over the 9 when they stay home. In the past, it was not 10 for people to find information in a very short time at home.

 The Lisu's Kuoshi Festival(傈傈族阔时节) is one of the most fantastic ethnic (民族的) festivals in Yunnan province. Kuoshi is local Lisu language, which means New Year. It usually falls between the last ten- day period of December and January of the next year. People often get together to celebrate the coming new year!

 In the morning, the breathtaking " Climbing Ladder of Knives" starts the celebration. The well- trained barefoot Lisu man climb up a 20- meter- high ladder made of 36 sharpened knives. Those who climb the ladder are called " Nipa", which means wizard(巫婆). They are also regarded as heroes in their village. At the top of the ladder, Nipas perform some extremely difficult activities and win warm applause (掌声) from the audience.

 In the afternoon, the organizers ho id some wonderful competitions and ceremonies for festival- goers, including bamboo- pole climbing, horse- riding, crossbow shooting. People from different age groups enthusiastically join in the competitions, showing their special skills to other people.

 In the evening, there are also various exciting activities. The villagers get together around the fire, enjoying homemade rice wine, performing their folk songs and dances. The celebration often reaches almost the whole night.

 Kuoshi Festival is an ethnic carnival when the Lisu people throw themselves in joyful celebration. The exciting and wonderful activities show the colorful lifestyle, bravery and enthusiasm of the Lisu ethnic.

My name is Lucy. I had an experience of staying at home alone on Saturday afternoon two years ago. It was getting dark outside. However, there were still two hours before my1 finished watching the opera and returned home. I thought the opera was 2 , so I didn't go with them. After finishing my homework, I locked myself in my parents' bedroom and 3 the TV. My favourite cartoon was playing on TV.

Suddenly, the 4 began to ring. I picked it up and said" Hello?", but nobody answered. I was worried about this strange phone call. I knew someone was at the other end. Finally, I hung up.A minute later, the phone rang again, but still nobody answered, I became more and more 5 as time passed by.

Then I asked my friend Anna for help. She 6 me to give my parents a call. But my parents were not allowed to use phones in the 7 . As we talked, an unfamiliar(不熟悉的) car stopped in front of my home. I8 the window and saw it. Five minutes passed and the car was still there. I thought I'd better 9 a safe place to hide.10 , my parents arrived home soon. The unfamiliar car also drove away.