How to Pick the Perfect Watermelon

    I love watermelon, but what I don't love about watermelon is picking them out. There is nothing worse than cutting into a watermelon and having it taste not sweet.{#blank#}1{#/blank#}

    Evaluation: You need to evaluate your watermelon to make sure that the watermelon is symmetrical. Irregular shapes typically indicate the watermelon received inconsistent amounts of sunshine and water.

    Color and Appearance: The color of the surface is extremely important.{#blank#}2{#/blank#}If it's shiny, it's not ripe yet. Another important thing is to look for the field spot. This will be a yellow spot on the underside of a watermelon. It should be a creamy yellow color.{#blank#}3{#/blank#} Don't take the watermelon if the field spot is white or non-existent.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#} For a sweeter and riper watermelon, there shouldn't be a visible stem (茎) on the surface. If there's a stem, it indicates that the watermelon doesn't fall off the vine on its own.

    Knock on it: Gently knock on the watermelon, and listen to the sound it makes. A ripe watermelon should have a full, deep, and hollow sound.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}Make sure of the firmness of the melon when you knock on it. You want the surface to be hard and firm.

A. Look at the stem.

B. The darker the yellow, the sweeter the melon.

C. Watermelon can help you increase your brain power.

D. While an under ripe melon will make a more dull one.

E. The perfectly ripe watermelon should be dark green in color.

F. Here are some helpful tips on how to pick the perfect watermelon.

G. Watermelon is one of the most popular summer fruits that almost everyone loves.

    Have you ever changed your mind, or even given up a dream because you were afraid of what someone else might think of you? If you're often worried about what friends, family, or even strangers in the street might think, then you're using up a huge amount of energy worrying.{#blank#}1{#/blank#} But the steps below should help.

Step 1: Ask yourself what matters to you.

    Maybe you can't stand the gym, but your best friend works out every day. It's natural for people around you to have different values from you.{#blank#}2{#/blank#}

Step 2:{#blank#}3{#/blank#}

    The truth is that I'm not the centre of the world, and neither are you! Most of the people around you are far too busy going about their own lives to think much about you.

Step 3: Recognize that their opinion can't hurt you.

    There are a few cases where opinions will make a difference.{#blank#}4{#/blank#} But the people who really matter are going to love you for who you are.

Step 4:{#blank#}5{#/blank#}

    You can't control people's thoughts. You've got no idea what might go through their head, or why. You can't please everyone all of the time, and there's no need to try to.

A. Do whatever you want to do.

B. This is a hard habit to get rid of.

C. You should make everyone around you happy.

D. So just be clear and honest with yourself.

E. Remember that they're not all watching you.

F. Accept that you can't control what people think.

G. For instance, your boss's opinion is usually important to you.

Jessica: What are you doing now?

Susan: I {#blank#}1{#/blank#} (listen) to the news.

Jessica: Is there anything urgent? If not, I {#blank#}2{#/blank#} (real) want to have a talk with you.

Susan: No, there isn't. What's wrong?

Jessica: I think your grandma is {#blank#}3{#/blank#} nice person, but I can't help {#blank#}4{#/blank#} (think) that she doesn't like me.

Susan: Oh, she likes you. She is just old-fashioned and has her own way of doing things.

Jessica: But every time I clean the kitchen, she comes in {#blank#}5{#/blank#} me and cleans it again. Then she complains that the house is not tidy. I can't deal with this.

Susan: Just let her do it and ignore (忽视) her. She thinks if you don't get on your hands and knees {#blank#}6{#/blank#} (clean) the floor, the floor won't be clean.

Jessica: What a silly thing to say! What's a mop (拖把) for? And what's wrong with my cooking?

Susan: Nothing. I love your cooking.

Jessica: Then why does she complain about it? This morning she suggested that I {#blank#}7{#/blank#} (go) to cooking school to learn {#blank#}8{#/blank#} to cook.

Susan: Jessica, just ignore her. She only wants to make sure {#blank#}9{#/blank#} we can take care of ourselves.

Jessica: Don't we?

Susan: Yes, we do. I'm sorry that she makes you suffer {#blank#}10{#/blank#} stress, but I wish you'd learn to get along with her. Remember, she's an elder.

Jessica: Don't worry. When things get tense (紧张的), I just remind myself that she's your grandma, and I keep my temper (脾气) under control and my mouth shut.

    Do you know how to pick a good book you'll really like? Here are some tips.

    Start with Your Interest. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}  You can pick something that you love to read, not for school. They can be ancient martial arts(武术), computers, or fashion design. You name it, there are books about it.

    What's Your Type? Do you prefer fiction or nonfiction (or both)? Fiction books, like novels, can transport you to another world or help you imagine something beyond your own experience. Nonfiction books give you the who, what, when, and why of something. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}  Many of them read like novels from start to finish.

    Read the Description. The reviews and quotes(引语) on the back and inside covers of many books give you an idea of what the book is about. They can also help you pick future books, too. If you find a book you really like, take a minute to read the quotes and see which authors praised the book. {#blank#}3{#/blank#} 

    Find a Family Favorite. Which book did your mother love best when she was at your age?{#blank#}4{#/blank#} Find out and give them a read — then you can share your thoughts about the book.

    Finally, you'll probably enjoy what you're reading a lot more if you find a quiet place and make time for the book. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} You can put on some good music, get yourself some tea and let yourself be carried away by the book. You'll see that time does fly when you're reading something you love!

A. How about your brothers and sisters?

B. They tell stories using facts — but that doesn't mean they're boring.

C. Reading is a good way to improve your English.

D. Most reading is best enjoyed when you can concentrate on it.

E. Often, they'll have similar styles and you might find books you like by those authors, too.

F. So you should read as much as possible when you are free.

G. Reading on your own isn't like reading for school.

    Are you having trouble concentrating when you're reading a book or listening to a lecture? This list of activities might help to improve your study habits.

    Make a List. We often have trouble paying attention to one thing because our brain wants to think about something else. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} You don't worry about whatever else you should be doing.

    Sleep More. Studies show that people who sleep fewer than eight hours a night for a period of time have slower response systems and more difficulty recalling information. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}

    Eat Healthier Foods. Many people enjoy foods high in fats and sugars. {#blank#}3{#/blank#} They might give you a temporary burst of energy. However, that energy is soon followed by a crash.

Reduce Screen Time. This may be the most unpopular suggestion among young people. Screen time — or time spent looking at cell phones, televisions, computer screens, has a clear effect on the attention span. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#} Concentration improves for students who participate in team sports. It could be that being active is helpful in this way. Participating in a sport trains your brain to concentrate on specific tasks, and shut out other thoughts.

A. Be active.

B. Practice more.

C. These foods can provide enough energy for focusing.

D. But these foods can't be helpful enough when it comes to focusing.

E. That is bad news for teens who stay up studying the night before a test.

F. Researchers advise parents to limit it when their children need to be focused.

G. By writing down all the things you need to do, you'll gain a sense of control.

Improving your family life can help make your family members closer and prevent conflicts from getting in the way of everyone's happiness. But at times it seems difficult. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} Here are some concrete steps to make your life more enjoyable.

Do household chores (杂务) together. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} However, sharing household responsibilities can help everyone in your family feel happy. Try to make it as fun as possible, such as by playing music or having contests. Besides, divide chores up into age-appropriate categories. After dinner, the youngest could wipe the table, the oldest could fill the dishwasher, and you could put away leftovers.

{#blank#}3{#/blank#}When someone expresses an opinion, don't interrupt them before they can finish speaking. Maintaining respectful communication channels will strengthen your bond.

Express love and appreciation frequently. Little verbal (口头的) and nonverbal gestures of affection go a long way. {#blank#}4{#/blank#} If your sibling is doing their homework and there's an empty glass on their desk, ask them, "Hey, can I get you more water?"

Respect your parents' need to protect you. While children need increasing degrees of freedom as they get older, remember that your parents are in charge. Their job is to keep you safe and give you the tools you'll need to take care of yourself when you're an adult. If your parent doesn't allow you to go out without an adult or makes you go to bed early, remember that they have your best interests in mind. {#blank#}5{#/blank#}

A. Why do you feel so?

B. Where do you start?

C. Few people actually enjoy that.

D. Chores mean more responsibilities.

E. Respect what your family members say.

F. Don't yell to get your way if they say no!

G. Find small ways to show you care for each other.