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.

    {#blank#}1{#/blank#} (exact) when the first people arrived in what we now know as California，no one really knows. However, {#blank#}2{#/blank#} is likely that Native Americans were living in California at least fifteen thousand years ago.

Scientists believe that these first settler {#blank#}3{#/blank#} (cross) the Bering Strait in the Arctic to America {#blank#}4{#/blank#} means of a land bridge which existed in prehistoric times. In the 16th century, after the {#blank#}5{#/blank#} (arrive) of Europeans, the native people suffered greatly. Thousands were killed or forced into slavery. In addition, many died {#blank#}6{#/blank#} the diseases brought by Europeans. However, some survived these terrible times, and today there are more Native Americans {#blank#}7{#/blank#} (live) in California than in any other state.

    In the 18th century, California was ruled by Spain. Spanish soldiers first arrived in South America in the early 16th century. Two centuries later, the Spanish had settled in most parts of South America and along the northwest coast of {#blank#}8{#/blank#} we now call the United States. Of {#blank#}9{#/blank#} first Spanish to go to California, the majority were religious men, whose ministry was {#blank#}10{#/blank#} (teach) the Catholic religion to the natives.

    Recently, an Indian film “Hindi Medium^" has made {#blank#}1{#/blank#} hit! It told a story that a couple spared no effort {#blank#}2{#/blank#} (give) their daughter the {#blank#}3{#/blank#} (good) education and finally she was accepted by the elite of Delhi. Actually, this phenomenon can also be seen in China.

    Today more and more parents adopt the idea of "personal quality education" and commit to encouraging their children to cultivate a variety of interests outside the {#blank#}4{#/blank#} (tradition) classroom activities, like playing the violin, robot programming and so on. But participating {#blank#}5{#/blank#}too many extracurricular activities does deprive the children of their playtime.

    It {#blank#}6{#/blank#} (point) out that more Chinese parents need to realize that the hand-holding mentality is overwhelming their children. They have to loosen their control, give the kids time of {#blank#}7{#/blank#} (they) own, and let them take the initiative. Today parents worry {#blank#}8{#/blank#} (endless) about preparing the kids for the real world, a battlefield where everyone must arm themselves for a fight. But there is no denying {#blank#}9{#/blank#} the best times in life are those {#blank#}10{#/blank#} (steal) moments we spend with others- an idle afternoon with a beloved companion, a cup of tea with an old friend, or a simple game of tag with classmates after school.

    Dogs are {#blank#}1{#/blank#} very popular pet. Most of them just live with their families. But some dogs have very special jobs {#blank#}2{#/blank#} (do). A group of dogs {#blank#}3{#/blank#} (know) as "Therapy Dogs". These dogs are family pets with special training, {#blank#}4{#/blank#} allows them to go into public buildings and comfort people {#blank#}5{#/blank#} need. The dogs are trained to be calm and quiet. Loud noises and unfamiliar places don't frighten them. They enjoy spending time with people.

    Some therapy dogs go into places, such as hospitals and nursing homes. When the dogs visit the patients, the patients are cheered up. They have fun {#blank#}6{#/blank#} (pet) the dogs and look forward to their visits. The dogs help to brighten their day. Therapy dogs can improve people's health as well. Studies show that when people pet animals, their blood {#blank#}7{#/blank#} (press) and heart rates go down. They are calmer and {#blank#}8{#/blank#} (they) mood improves.

    Other therapy dogs work in schools and libraries. They serve as warm and caring {#blank#}9{#/blank#} (friend) to children, but they also do {#blank#}10{#/blank#} (much). In one town in California, therapy dogs have become children's reading buddies. The dogs make a great audience. The children look forward to reading to the dogs, and the dogs love the attention.

    I am now on my year abroad in Germany as part of my university course. At the {#blank#}1{#/blank#} (begin) of my time here, I had the chance to meet so many new people and make lots of new friends. It is almost like {#blank#}2{#/blank#} (start) a new life and can make you feel nervous and lonely at first. But I knew that when I moved to Germany I had to be open and friendly. This is {#blank#}3{#/blank#} (certain) what I have done since moving here and I have made some great friends along the way.

    Next week a friend of {#blank#}4{#/blank#} (I) is moving to Spain for the next part of her year abroad. She will be living near a beach and have a lot of fun. But I am also {#blank#}5{#/blank#} (concern) about her as she will have to start a new life in another new country. She said that she {#blank#}6{#/blank#} (want) to go back in time very much.

    In order {#blank#}7{#/blank#} (say) goodbye to her, a group of friends and I had a surprise party. We made her a scrapbook (剪贴簿) with photos and memories of her time here so {#blank#}8{#/blank#} she could take it along! We hope that she has {#blank#}9{#/blank#} wonderful time in Spain and that she will get along well {#blank#}10{#/blank#} her new classmates and settle into her new home.