All About "A-thons"

    A marathon is a long-distance running race. Now it is not only a competition, but some people organize marathons for charity. Runners get friends, families and other people to support {#blank#}1{#/blank#} (they). They promise to provide a certain amount of money for every race. For example, {#blank#}2{#/blank#} the runner runs one kilometer, the providers will each give the runner $1 for the charity. Much of money can be raised this way. However, not everyone can run, {#blank#}3{#/blank#} people in the USA have thought of other ways to raise money, {#blank#}4{#/blank#} (use) the idea of marathon.

    Walk-a-thons: A walk-a-thon is similar {#blank#}5{#/blank#} a marathon, but people walk instead of running. This is one of the most popular {#blank#}6{#/blank#} (way) for people to raise money.

    Read-a-thons: Many schools organize read-a-thon to raise money. Students can get money {#blank#}7{#/blank#} (easy) for the number of books they read in a given amount of time. Little kids can also get money according to how many pages they read. The read-a-thons {#blank#}8{#/blank#} (hold) not only to raise money, but also to encourage teenagers to read.

    Bowl-a-thons: Bowling is an interesting sport for many {#blank#}9{#/blank#} (America). In a bowl-a-thon, people raise money for every point they get in the game. The {#blank#}10{#/blank#} (high) the score is, the more money they make for the charity.

    As we know, English is an important subject in middle school. Everyone knows that they must learn English well, but some people don't know how to be a good {#blank#}1{#/blank#} (learn). Here are, some tips that may help you with your English.

    The {#blank#}2{#/blank#} (big) problem is people's own fear. They worry that they won't say things correctly or that they will look foolish(愚蠢的) {#blank#}3{#/blank#} they don't talk at all. Don't be {#blank#}4{#/blank#} of being laughed at. Only when we aren't afraid of making {#blank#}5{#/blank#} (mistake) can we learn English well.

    The fastest way to learn anything is to do it again and again {#blank#}6{#/blank#} you get it right. Like anything else, learning English needs practice. Don't let a little fear stop you from getting what you want.

    The best way {#blank#}7{#/blank#} (learn) English is to have a good environment.

Take notes in English, put English books around your room, listen to English radios and {#blank#}8{#/blank#} English news, movies and programs. Speak English with your friends whenever you can. The {#blank#}9{#/blank#} (much) English material you have around you, the faster you will learn it.

    Many people think that exercises and tests aren't much fun. However, by {#blank#}10{#/blank#} (do) exercises and taking tests you can really improve your English. If you never test yourself, you will never know how much progress you are making.