Teachers at American colleges and universities have many different teaching methods. Some teachers give homework and check homework every day, and students in their classes have to take many exams. Some teachers give only writing tasks. Some teachers always follow a course outline and usually use the textbook. Others send students to the library for tasks.

    The atmosphere(气氛) in some classrooms is very formal. Students call their teachers Professor (教授) Smith, Mrs. Jones and so on. Some teachers wear business clothes and give talks. Other classrooms have an informal (非正式的) atmosphere. Students and teachers discuss their ideas. Teachers dress informally, and students call them by their first names. American teachers are different in their teaching styles.

    At most American colleges and universities, libraries and learning centers can be used by students at any time. They can often use tape recorders, video machines and computers. They can buy books, notebooks and other things at campus stores. There are also services (服务) to students. They can get advice on their problems from their teachers. Colleges and universities usually offer facilities (设施) to students. Some schools have swimming pools and tennis courts. Most have fast food restaurants.

Charity Cause in UK

    If you watch British television on March 15. you might be surprised to see celebrities(名人) wearing funny red noses and joking around But don't worry. They're not mad. It's all part of a money raising event called Red Nose Day. Founded in 1985 by two British actors, the aim of the event is to raise money to help poor people in the UK and Africa. Celebrities support the event by making appearances on special TV shows. For example. UK Prime Minister David Cameron once appeared in a music video by One Direction, which the band produced for the event.

    British don't just raise money for charitable(慈善的)causes on one day year, but they do it all year round. One way of doing "is by shopping in charity shops. These small shops sell clothes, books and household goods just like any other shop except that it's all secondhand.

    There are nearly 10,000 charity shops in the UK. Their business model is simple anybody who has things they don't want any more can give them to a charity shop. Where they are checked, cleaned and priced. The money that is made by selling them is used for a charitable cause.

    The idea of buying used clothes may sound unpleasant, but for shoppers who have less spending money, it has been a welcome choice. Now, shopping at charity shops is also becoming popular with young people looking for another kind of fashion. "You can find very beautiful and special clothes for a very cheap price. I don't mind wearing the clothes that other people may have worn them, I simply wash them before I wear them," said Anne Marie, a 19-year-old from UK.

    So next time you see a charity shop. Why not go inside? Who knows, you might find a lovely dress for just a few pounds. Even better, you can enjoy wearing it, it means that your money helped a good cause.

    Dragon Boat Festival is very popular in China. It usually comes in May or June. On that day, people eat special food " rice dumplings. It is known for the dragon boat race. The dragon hoar race is the most popular activity during the festival. A dragon boat looks like a dragon, and is painted red, white, yellow or black. Usually, a dragon hoar is 20 to 40 metres long, and needs 20 people to row. Boatmen row the boat in cadence(节奏) with the drumbeats(鼓声), and a man in the front of the boat waves a small flag to help coordinate(使动作协调) the rowing.

    The dragon boat race becomes a popular activity in. South China. The international(国际的) dragon boat race is held in Guangzhou and Hong Kong every year.

    Many scientists think that the earth is getting warmer and warmer. If the change continues, the natural world and human society will face danger. Scientists believe human activity is responsible for the climate change. We produce too many greenhouse gases. They keep heat in the air and make the earth warm.

    Many of the world's governments agree. And they want to solve the problem. So from December 7 to 18, 2009, they held a conference in Copenhagen, Denmark to talk about global warming and climate change.

    Representatives(代表) from 192 countries and regions went to the meeting. Although they have not reached an agreement, the Copenhagen Accord(《哥本哈根协议》) was an important beginning to save the earth. It was made by a small group of countries including China, the US, India, Brazil and South Africa. Some other countries at the conference also showed support.

    What are the key points of the Copenhagen Accord? The accord limits global temperature increases to 20C by 2050 compared to pre-1850. Scientists think it could help the world to avoid serious climate change.

    The accord also says that developed countries must promise to cut greenhouse gas emissions(排放) to the UN by January 31, 2010. The accord asks developed countries to give money to help developing countries.

    Many countries and organizations are disappointed that the conference didn't reach a legal document(法律约定). And they think the accord is not clear enough about its goals.

    African leaders are worried that the goal of a 20C global temperature increase isn't good enough, because it will mean a much higher increase in temperature across Africa. This could cause big problems like food and water shortages across the continent.

    Still, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon believes the conference was an "improvement".