A Brief History of Time

    Stephen enjoyed writing books. In 1988 he{#blank#}1{#/blank#} A Brief History in Time. This book covered modem subjects on cosmology such as the big bang and black holes in terms that could be understood by the{#blank#}2{#/blank#} reader. The book became very popular selling millions of {#blank#}3{#/blank#}and remaining on the London Sunday Times best-seller list for four years. He had since written many more books{#blank#}4{#/blank#} A Briefer History in Time, On the Shoulders of Giants, and The Universe in a Nutshell.

    In today's world, sleep experts often say that for a better night's rest, Americans should turn {#blank#}1{#/blank#} their smart phones or iPads before sleeping. Such electronic products make the brain more {#blank#}2{#/blank#}, and then influence their sleep. But according to a latest survey, more than 90% of Americans regularly use a computer or some other {#blank#}3{#/blank#}of electronic products in the hour before bed.

    Researchers find that man-made light from some electronic products at night may reduce(减少) the brain chemicals that help {#blank#}4{#/blank#}. In the study, the researchers let volunteers read, play games and watch movies on a screen for different time while measuring {#blank#}5{#/blank#}much light their eyes received. They found that two hours of {#blank#}6{#/blank#}before a bright screen at night reduced the sleep chemical levels by about 22%.

    Then the researchers studied the college students {#blank#}7{#/blank#} often used computers at night. They got the {#blank#}8{#/blank#} results. And researchers say that may not only cause sleeplessness, but also {#blank#}9{#/blank#} the risk of obesity(肥胖症), diabetes(糖尿病) and other diseases.

    To be on the safe side, the researchers suggest that we should use computers {#blank#}10{#/blank#} than before, or turn down our screens as much as possible before sleeping.

Education helps to change his fate(命运)

    17-year-old Cui Qingtao lives with his family in a village of Yunnan. He is the family's {#blank#}1{#/blank#} son. With a brother in a high school and a sister in Fourth Grade, Cui graduated from a high school this summer. To help his poor family {#blank#}2{#/blank#} money. He worked on a construction site(工地){#blank#}3{#/blank#} his parents. On July 22,when he was working, Cui got the admission letter(录取通知书)from Peking University. He was {#blank#}4{#/blank#} by the famous University. When the mailman arrived, Cui was too busy{#blank#}5{#/blank#}to notice that there was a letter for him. Peking University is one of the top {#blank#}6{#/blank#}in China. Cui Qingtao made his parents very {#blank#}7{#/blank#}. His father can't read. When his mother read the admission letter to his father, a big smile broke out on {#blank#}8{#/blank#} face. "My son, you are amazing!"

    Cui got 669 points in this year's gaokao. Cui said he {#blank#}9{#/blank#} come back after graduation and try his best to bring prosperity(繁荣)to his village. "Getting an education is not only a way to change one's fate, but it's the {#blank#}10{#/blank#} way for people like me "Cui said.

A: Hello, Ben, What are you doing?

B: I'm listening to music.

A: Are you listening to pop music?

B: No. I'm listening to classical music.

A: Classical music? {#blank#}1{#/blank#} do you like such boring music?

B: Well, first, I don't think classical music is boring. And I think classical music can make me {#blank#}2{#/blank#} calm. What about you?

What kind of music do you like?

A: I like pop music, of course. And I'm a fan of many pop singers.

B: Who's your favorite pop {#blank#}3{#/blank#}?

A: I like Justin Bieber best, He is handsome and has a beautiful voice.

B: Yes, I've {#blank#}4{#/blank#} of him, too. Do you have his CDs?

A: Sure. I can {#blank#}5{#/blank#} you some if you want to enjoy his songs.

B: OK. Thank you.