Cell Phones: Hang Up or Keep Talking?

Millions of people are using cell phones today. In many places it is actually considered unusual not to use one. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} They find that the phones are more than a means of communication—-having a mobile phone shows that they are cool and connected.

    The explosions around the world in mobile phone use make some health professionals worried. Some doctors are concerned that in the future many people may suffer health problems from the use of mobile phones. In England, there has been a serious debate about this issue. Mobile phone companies are worried about the negative publicity of such ideas. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}

    On the other hand, why do some medical studies show changes in the brain cells of some people who use mobile phones? Signs of change in the tissues of the brain and head can be detected with modern scanning(扫描)equipment. In one case, a traveling salesman had to retire at a young age because of serious memory loss. {#blank#}3{#/blank#} He would often forget the name of his own son. This man used to talk on his mobile phone for about six hours a day, every day of his working week, for a couple of years. His family doctor blamed his mobile phone use, but his employer's doctor didn't agree.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#} The answer is radiation. High-tech machines can detect very small amounts of radiation from mobile phones. Mobile phone companies agree that there is some radiation, but they say the amount is too small to worry about.

    As the discussion about their safety continues, it appears that it's best to use mobile phones less often. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} Use your mobile phone only when you really need it. Mobile phones can be very useful and convenient, especially in emergencies. In the future, mobile phones may have a warning label that says they are bad for your health. So for now, it's wise not to use your mobile phone too often.

A. Use your regular phone if you want to talk for a long time.

B. They will possibly affect their benefits.

C. In many countries, cell phones are very popular with young people.

D. He couldn't remember even simple tasks.

E. What do the doctors worry about?

F. They say that there is no proof that mobile phones are bad for your health.

G. What is it that makes mobile phones potentially harmful?

    How do actors and actresses memorize hundreds of lines? Memorizing lines takes practice and constant repetition. However, there are a few ways to make the memorization process run smoothly and quickly.   

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    For most performers, there is no quicker way of memorizing lines. To learn lines, an actor must recite the play loud over and over again. Most rehearsals(彩排) encourage this by running through the lines or having a ＂read through＂. By the time opening night arrives, most actors have spoken their lines hundreds of times.

Listen to your cast members.

    Sometimes inexperienced actors spend rehearsals looking at fellow performers, waiting patiently to say their next line. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} This will help the actor learn his lines better because the context of the dialogue is absorbed.

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    Because there is often not enough rehearsal time, many performers find ways to listen to the play's dialogue during everyday activities. They use a tape recorder or an MP3 player to listen to the lines from each relevant scene. Some actors prefer to record the lines of all the characters, including their own. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}  Others like recording the lines of fellow cast members, and they leave a blank space so that they can insert their dialogue while listening to the recording.

Think positively and don't panic.

    Most actors will experience stage fright before the opening night. Actors forget lines now and then. When it happens, however, most of the time the audience never notice. If you forget a line in the middle of your performance, don't freeze. Stay in character. Keep the scene going to the best of your ability. If unfortunately you forget a line once, you will probably never forget that line ever again. {#blank#}5{#/blank#}

A. Record your lines.

B. Practice makes perfect.

C. Read lines loud and repeat them.

D. Read lines loud and remember them in a short time.

E. Sometimes embarrassment is the toughest method of memorization.

F. Then, they not only listen carefully, but they also speak all of the lines.

G. Instead, they should be listening carefully, responding in character at all times.

                                                                             Easy Ways to Keep Your Brain Sharp

Everyone is forgetful, but as we age, we start to feel like our brains are slowing down a bit一and that can be a very annoying thing.{#blank#}1{#/blank#}Read on for some techniques worth trying.

    ⒈{#blank#}2{#/blank#}

    People who regularly made plans and looked forward to upcoming events had a 50 percent reduced chance of Alzheimer's disease (早老性痴呆症)，according to a recent study.{#blank#}3{#/blank#}Something as simple as setting a goal to have a weekly coffee date with a friend will do. There's evidence that people who have a purpose in life or who are working on long or short-term goals appear to do better. In other words, keep your brain looking forward.

    ⒉Go for a walk.

    Mildly raised glucose (葡萄糖) levels can harm the area of the brain that helps you form memories and physical activity can help get blood glucose down to normal levels. In fact, exercise produces chemicals that are good for your brain.{#blank#}4{#/blank#}

    ⒊Learn something new.

    Take a Spanish class online, join a drawing club, or learn to play cards. A study found that mental stimulation (刺激) limits the weakening effects of aging on memory and the mind. But the best thing for your brain is when you learn something new and are physically active at the same time.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}Or go dancing with your friends.

A. Focus on the future.

B. This can be especially harmful to the aged.

C. It should be something like learning gardening.

D. So take a few minutes each day to do some reading.

E. But don't worry if your schedule isn't filled with life changing events.

F. Luckily, research shows there is a lot you can do to avoid those moments

G. In other words, when you take care of your body, you take care of your brain.

    How much do you know about Chicago, Illinois, in the United States? {#blank#}1{#/blank#} And it is! Chicago is actually the third most populous city in the US, right after New York City and Los Angeles, according to the US 2010 Census. “The Windy City” is Chicago's most famous nickname (绰号). {#blank#}2{#/blank#} The city lies right next to Lake Michigan and heavy gusts (一阵风) of wind blow through the city.

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#} In fact, TripAdvisor says that the Art Institute of Chicago is the No 1 place to visit in the city. It is not only a school, but also a world-class art museum.

    If you don't feel like visiting a museum, your best choice is to go to Millennium Park. This is one of my personal favorites. This park holds the famous Cloud Gate, and it looks kind of like a big reflective (反光的) bean. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#} If you enjoy heights, go visit the famous Willis Tower! You can go up to the top of it and step out onto a glass box. You'll be standing over the city, but don't worry – it's completely safe. Doesn't Chicago sound like a fun city?

A. Many people enjoy taking photos in its reflection.

B. You might think it's a big city.

C. Chicago is very well known for its art and culture.

D. Chicago also offers other fun things to do.

E. The famous Cloud Gate is a new landmark in Chicago.

F. It is for good reason.

G. Forget the fact that Chicago is home to nearly 200 art galleries.

    Accidents happen more often than you think. Every year in China, 3.2 million people die in accidents – that's an average of six people per minute. Experts say that the 10 minutes after an accident can make the difference between life and death. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}.

    The second Saturday of September is World First Aid Day. It fell on Sept 8 this year. First aid refers to the first steps taken to help someone who's injured. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}. It also includes getting help, either by telling other people or calling 120.

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#}, do cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR, 心肺复苏), and treat things like burns, bleeding and broken bones. It takes as little as two hours to learn these skills.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#}. You can also read books or watch videos that can be found on free apps like First Aid(急救指南). {#blank#}5{#/blank#}. The Peking Union Medical College Hospital offers these options.

    “Learning first aid is good for everyone and it is better to start young,” Wang Jiangshan, a doctor in the hospital's emergency room, told the China Youth Daily. “It can benefit oneself and others for the rest of one's life.”

A. It includes keeping the person safe and staying calm

B. You can learn first aid by visiting the official website of China First Aid Training

C. This is why learning first aid is so important

D. Right now is a good time for us to learn more about first aid

E. Some hospitals also give courses or even hold first aid camps for kids

F. In the US, first aid is a basic skill that every student has to learn

G. Basic first aid training teaches you how to deal with emergencies

    Does a Dog Help a Teen with Low Self-esteem?

    A dog is known as man's best friend for good reason. Loyal and affectionate, a dog companion can enrich its owner's life in many ways. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} Many teenagers suffer from periods of low self-esteem(自尊)as they try to navigate the wavy waters of adolescence and deal with all of its associated highs and lows.

    A teenager who lacks self-esteem may feel isolated from his peers and unable to tell his parents about personal issues. The company of a dog can be a huge comfort and ease feelings of loneliness and awkwardness. A dog offers genuine unconditional love. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} 

    All dogs need exercise, so taking his dog for a walk is the perfect opportunity for a teenager to get outdoors and benefit from fresh air and physical activity. Exercise allows people to take control of their bodies, which is often the first step toward regaining control of other aspects of their life, says mental health specialist Dr. Alan Cohen. {#blank#}3{#/blank#} Exercise releases chemicals called endorphins (内腓肽) into the brain, which create positive responses in the body, including improved self-esteem.

    Dogs can help teenagers be more sociable and make new friends, suggests HELPGUIDE. {#blank#}4{#/blank#} A dog is a great ice-breaker, avoiding awkward social situations and putting the teenager at ease with people he meets. The more confident the teen becomes when out and about with his dog, the more his self-esteem will improve.

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#} If a teenager is suffering from depression or developing dangerous habits such as alcohol and drug abuse, more extreme action may be required. In these cases, professional help should be sought. Parents who suspect that their teen's low self-esteem is a sign of a far more serious problem should ask a suitably qualified health professional for advice.

A. It simply accepts its owner for who he is and doesn't judge, question or criticize.

B. In some cases, having a dog will not help with a teenager's low self-esteem.

C. Pets offer an unconditional love that can be very helpful to people with depression.

D. You don't have to worry about hurting your pet's feelings or getting advice you don't want.

E. In particular, someone with low self-esteem may find a pet dog to be extremely beneficial.

F. Many forms of exercise besides walking can be enjoyed with a dog, such as cycling, jogging and throwing a ball.

G. A teen may meet his peers while walking his dog in the park or taking part in a dog training class.