Benjamin Banneker was born a few months before another great American—George Washington. Benjamin was black, but he was not a slave (奴隶). He and his mother and his grandmother were free. Benjamin's grandmother came from England. In America she got a job and worked for many years to pay for her boat trip across the ocean. After working many years, she saved enough money to buy a farm. Benjamin lived with her for a while. She taught him to read, write and do arithmetic (算术).

    Benjamin's neighbours knew that he was clever. They were not surprised when he built a large wooden clock. He made each piece after studying a small pocket watch. The clock made him famous, for it was one of the first clocks built in America. People from other places began to send hard problems of all kinds to Benjamin to settle.

    Thomas Jefferson heard of Benjamin Banneker's ability to settle hard problems. He asked Banneker to help build the city that was to be the capital of the United States—Washington, D.C. Banneker worked hard on the plans for the city. He marked where the streets and buildings—the Capitol (美国国会大厦), the White House, and many other places should be built.

    Later, L' Enfant, the Frenchman who had designed the new city, had a quarrel, and went back to France in anger. He took all of the plans away. The workmen couldn't build without any plans to follow.

    For a while it seemed that the plans for the capital might have to be changed, but Benjamin Banneker remembered the plans he had helped draw. He drew each again as he had built each piece of his clock.

    If it weren't for Benjamin Banneker, Washington,

    D.C might look very different from the way it does today.

Once upon a time all feelings went to an island for a vacation, and each was having a good time. Suddenly, a warning of a strong storm was announced, so all rushed to their boats. Yet, Love did not wish to run away quickly. There was so much to do. But as the clouds darkened, Love realized it was time to leave. But there were no boats to use. Love looked around with hope.

Just then Richness was passing by Love in a large boat. Love shouted, "Richness, can you take me with you?" Richness answered, "No, I can't. There is a lot of gold and silver in my boat. There is no place here for you."

Love decided to ask Vanity (虚荣) who was also passing by in a beautiful boat for help. But Vanity said with a cold voice, "No, I can't take you with me. My boat will get dirty with your muddy feet."

Sorrow passed by after some time. Again, Love asked for help. But it was useless. "No, I can't take you with me. I am so sad. I want to be by myself."

When Happiness passed by a few minutes later, Love again called for help. But Happiness was so happy that it hardly cared about anyone else.

Love was growing worried and hopeless. Just then somebody called out, "Come, Love, I will take you with me." Love did not know who was being so kind, but jumped onto the boat happily.

After getting off the boat, Love met Knowledge. Love asked, "Knowledge, do you know who was so kind to give me a lift when no one else wished to help?"

Knowledge smiled, "Oh, that was Time."

"Time?" asked Love. "But why did Time help me?"

Knowledge smiled with deep wisdom and answered, "Because only Time is able to understand how valuable (有价值的) Love is."

You're chatting with a friend and want to suggest a good book. All of a sudden, you can't remember the title! The harder you try to remember, . the more it eludes (使不记得) you. We've all been there, and everyone knows how hard it is to remember all the information in your head. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}

● Repeat important information out loud. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} When you repeat something out loud, you aren't technically memorizing it. You're actually creating a pattern (方式) and sound that will make the information easier to remember in the future.

● {#blank#}3{#/blank#} Turn the TV off while you study and put down the phone while you're driving. When you do different activities at the same time, your attention is divided, which will make it hard to process (处理) the information necessary to remember what you're doing.

● Take notes and write things down. Taking notes will help you memorize the information, even if you never look at your notes again! {#blank#}4{#/blank#} So you'd better use pens and paper if you really want to remember your friend's birthday or an important meeting.

● Take a short walk. Studies show that taking a walk will increase your memory. If you're trying to remember something, spend a few minutes walking around your neighborhood to see if it helps. {#blank#}5{#/blank#}At best, you'll remember the name of that life-changing book from primary school!

 Critical thinking(批判性思维) is trying to improve the way you think. People use critical thinking in every area of life to solve problems and evaluate claims(评估主张) Like every other skill, critical thinking takes practice. When a problem comes our way, we need to think critically to decide how to solve it. When we see an advertisement, for example, we should stop and think. Advertisements are made to make people feel certain that they are true, and then people can buy the products. But is what the advertisement says true? Is it making a claim? Or does it only int erest us? Critical thinking is important and stops us from making poor choices. In fact, we are using it if we ask questions naturally about what we see.

 Practice makes perfect. While you are growing in critical thinking, you' ll become a wiser and more thoughtful person. There are many ways of doing practice. Here are a few.

 Read about a topic people disagree on. Look at articles or books on all sides of the subject. For each side of the subject, think carefully and evaluate it.

 When you see or hear a claim, ask questions about it. Who is making the claim and why?

 Evaluate your own thinking. Where and why do you think uncritically? How can you improve? Critical thinking should be part of everything we do. It may help you to succeed at work or school. Make yourself into a habit of critical thinking. Change your thoughts and change your world.

Everyone's talking about"digital citizenship", but what is it? Digital citizens can use technology to communicate with others online and know how to use the internet in a safe and responsible way. Are you a good digital citizen? {#blank#}1{#/blank#}

Stay safe

To stay safe, never give your personal information online, such as your address or the name of your school.{#blank#}2{#/blank#} Don't tell your friends your passwords.

Show respect

Just like in real life, it's important to behave well online. For example, if you want to post a photo of someone, make sure you ask for their permission first.{#blank#}3{#/blank#} It's OK to disagree, but always be polite!

Be kind

Before you post a comment online, stop and think. Is it positive (积极的)? How will your words make someone feel? {#blank#}4{#/blank#} Never post nasty messages.

Be careful

{#blank#}5{#/blank#} Remember that people online are not always who they say they are. Never open emails from strangers, click on strange links or download apps without asking an adult. They could contain viruses. If you' re not sure, ask your parents or teacher!

Spending time and learning online can be great if we' re good digital citizens. So, be safe, be responsible and have fun!