Keeping a diary in English is one of the effective ways to improve our English writing abilities.   

{#blank#}1{#/blank#} (compare) with other forms of writing, it is shorter and takes {#blank#}2{#/blank#} time. It can help us to develop the habit of thinking in English. {#blank#}3{#/blank#} we persist in this practice, gradually we'll learn how to express ourselves in English. In keeping a diary in English, we certainly run up against many difficulties. In the first place, it often happens {#blank#}4{#/blank#} we have trouble finding appropriate words and phrases to give expression to our mind. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} (second), there are many idiomatic ways of saying things in Chinese. {#blank#}6{#/blank#} it is extremely hard for us to put them into English properly.

    As far as I am concerned, my {#blank#}7{#/blank#} (suggest) is that we should always have a notebook and a Chinese-English dictionary within easy reach. Whenever something {#blank#}8{#/blank#} (beat) us, we can first put it down in our notebook and then consult our dictionary. We can also turn to our English teacher for help, if necessary. In short, I believe that it is {#blank#}9{#/blank#} great use to keep a diary in English for {#blank#}10{#/blank#} development of our writing skills.

    We think that life in Chinese high school is an adventure in which we have to survive mountains of homework and all kinds of exams. Yet would it be{#blank#}1{#/blank#}(surprise) if I tell you that high school life in the US is almost as stressful and demanding as it is in China?

    In US high school, everything{#blank#}2{#/blank#}(record) into your studying document, including your grades on quizzes, tests and final examinations. Failing{#blank#}3{#/blank#}(turn) in your homework on time will directly affect your grade for a certain course. Perhaps contrary to{#blank#}4{#/blank#}we used to think of the US high school students, they pay more attention to their{#blank#}5{#/blank#}(academy) performance to try to get into a distinguished university.{#blank#}6{#/blank#}, they'll be disappointed after graduation from high school.

    Like university students, US high school students have the{#blank#}7{#/blank#}(free) to choose the courses that most interest{#blank#}8{#/blank#}(they). Even a ninth grader can sit{#blank#}9{#/blank#}the same classroom as twelfth graders. But this also means he or she has to work very hard, because the teacher will not treat him or her differently just because he or she is a few years{#blank#}10{#/blank#}(young).

    There is no doubt that friendship is one of the most valuable things in our life. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} is very difficult to find a better definition(定义) of friendship. A true friend is the person {#blank#}2{#/blank#}can share all our sadness and double all our happiness. In time of trial(尝试) , he or she is always at our side to give us help and comfort.

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#}(know) how precious friendship is, we should be very {#blank#}4{#/blank#} (care) with our choice of a friend. Better choose those people with a good character {#blank#}5{#/blank#} our friends. Besides, we should forgive their mistakes and try to help them as much as possible.

    A true friend can always{#blank#}6{#/blank#}(trust), loved and respected. If you tell a friend your secrets, he or she won't tell {#blank#}7{#/blank#}. Friends share their joys and sorrows. They help each other go {#blank#}8{#/blank#}difficulty, and cheer each other up when they are sad. The most important thing{#blank#}9{#/blank#} should be noted is that a friend always understands you. In {#blank#}10{#/blank#} word, a life without a friend is a life without a sun.