Since the day of its birth, the United Nations has been the subject of much debate.{#blank#}1{#/blank#}Others think that it is too weak. We can better understand this debate if we learn more about the U.N. and its history.

    The U.N. was started for two reasons. First, when the idea was born, people all over the world were tired of war. They felt that there must be peaceful answers to the world's problems.{#blank#}2{#/blank#}

    The second reason was that modern science had developed new bombs and airplanes.{#blank#}3{#/blank#}National borders were beginning to lose their meaning. Science would develop even more dangerous weapons in the future. Only an international organization would be able to control modern science.

    Franklin D. Roosevelt, U.S. President at the time, believed that the Allies (联盟) should plan for peace before the war ended. On December 1, 1943, Roosevelt, Britain's Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin from Soviet Union agreed to start an organization for world peace.{#blank#}4{#/blank#}

    During the next year and a half, the idea of such an organization was debated around the world. Then came the big day. On April 11, 1945, the first international meeting of the United Nations took place in San Francisco. The goal of the meeting was to write the U.N. Charter (宪章). All of the fifty-one nations at the meeting had their own ideas to offer for the Charter.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}Every nation present voted for the Charter. No one voted against it.

A. After a long debate, a final Charter was agreed upon.

B. The U.N. Charter is a beautiful piece of writing.

C. They asked all countries, large and small, to join the organization.

D. Even the smallest country on earth can have its voice heard.

E. They also felt that only an international organization could keep world peace.

F. These weapons made it almost impossible for a country to defend itself.

G. Some people attack the organization because they think it is too powerful.

    What do the world's most successful people all have in common? The researchers found that high achievers like Robert Moses turn out to be all alike:

    Busy！Busy!

    {#blank#}1{#/blank#} in a study of general managers in industry, John Kotter reported that many of them worked 60 to 65 hours per week-which translates into at least six 10-hour days. The ability and willingness to work difficult and tiring hours has characterized many powerful figures. Energy and strength provide many advantages to those seeking to build power.

    {#blank#}2{#/blank#}

    The difference between successful people and very successful people is that very successful people say “no” to almost everything. And that's what gives them the time to accomplish so much. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}. And focus means saying “no” to a lot of distractions（分散力）.

    Know what you are

    Ignore weakness and keep improving your strengths. Don't waste time exploring skill areas where you have little competence. Instead, focus on-and build on-your strengths. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#} Wiseman created a “luck school” to test these ideas-and it was a success. In total, 80 percent of people who attended luck school said that their luck bad increased. On average, these people reported that their luck had risen by more than 40 percent.

A. Just say no！

B. Ask for more time.

C. Strengths are exactly what you are good at.

D. Achievement requires concentrations（注意力）

E. This means knowing who you are and what you are good at.

F. Does applying these principle（原则）to your life actually work?

G. High achievers never stop working and they never lose a minute.

    If anyone had told me three years ago that I would be spending most of my weekends camping, I would have laughed heartily. Campers, in my eyes, were people who enjoyed insect bites, ill-cooked meals, and uncomfortable sleeping bags. They had nothing in common with me. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}

    The friends who introduced me to camping thought that it meant to be a pioneer. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} We slept in a tent, cooked over an open fire, and walked a long distance to take the shower and use the bathroom. This brief visit with Mother Nature cost me two days off from work, recovering from a bad case of sunburn and the doctor's bill for my son's food poisoning.

    I was, nevertheless, talked into going on another fun-filled holiday in the wilderness. {#blank#}3{#/blank#} Instead, we had a pop-up camper with comfortable beds and an air conditioner. My nature-loving friends had remembered to bring all the necessities of life.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#} We have done a lot of it since. Recently, we bought a twenty-eight-foot travel trailer complete with a bathroom and a built-in TV set. There is a separate bedroom, a modern kitchen with a refrigerator. The trailer even has matching carpet and curtains.

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#} It must be true that sooner or later, everyone finds his or her way back to nature. I recommend that you find your way in style.

A. This time there was no tent.

B. Things are going to be improved.

C. The trip they took me on was a rough one.

D. I was to learn a lot about camping since then, however.

E. I must say that I have certainly come to enjoy camping.

F. After the trip, my family became quite interested in camping.

G. There was no shade as the trees were no more than 3 feet tall.

    Tipping is part of everyday life in many parts of the world. It's usually an informal charge that's paid on top of the bill to show appreciation to the person who has provided you a service.

    Tipping culture can vary from place to place. In the Middle East, people who serve usually try to be more helpful. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}. An example is the tour guides of Egypt. When a tourist goes around a famous site in Egypt like the pyramids, they^'11 often be accompanied by a very qualified tour guide. Thanks to the guide, a tourist will certainly know more about the pyramids than he or she did at the start. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}.

    In some places, tipping doesn't exist at all. Tips aren't part of life in China, South Korea or Japan. But in other places in Asia, not leaving a tip can lead to trouble. An American travel agent told Conde Nast Traveler that in India, for example, a person who doesn't leave a tip after a meal in a restaurant will often be chased down the street. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}, he said.

    Many people only give tips on a subjective （主观的）basis. But it's this subjective aspect to tipping that can cause problems. On the one hand, they don't want to be mean; on the other hand, they don't want to pay too much and feel that they've been cheated. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}.

A common solution for this problem is to offer a guideline on the check. {#blank#}5{#/blank#}.

This can prevent the awkwardness when it's time to pay up.

A. Tips are then given to appreciate the expertise of the guide

B. If you tip badly, people think less of you

C. They'll run after you and scream for money

D. It will suggest that a certain percentage of the bill should be paid on top as a tip

E. Very often people who travel to the United States forget to tip

F. After all, a tip isn't part of the bill

G. But they may expect a little extra in return

How to Pass Final Exams

    If you're a student, exams are an important part not only of any class, but also your final grade. Preparing throughout the semester is the most effective way to do well on your final exams. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}There are things you can do to help you pass your exams.

    Attend class regularly. You cannot successfully pass a class or exams if you do not attend the class. This will allow you to hear important lectures and take notes. It also helps you understand your readings and assignments. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}Teachers usually discuss what is on an exam during classes. If you aren't in class, you can, t get this important information.

    Start studying early. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}A month before the test date is a good time to begin your preparations. You can study simply by reviewing your notes for 20­30 minutes a day. If you have questions, ask the teacher.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#}Practice exams are a highly effective way to study for tests. They will help you relax and point out any weak areas you may have going in to the final exam date. If you test yourself just twice, you will remember 75% ­ 80% of the material two weeks later. With no practice tests, that figure is just 20%.

    Reduce your anxiety. You wouldn't have anxiety if you weren't worried about passing your final exam. However, research shows that anxiety blocks your ability to focus, which can really put a damper （抑制）on your studying and test performance. {#blank#}5{#/blank#}

A. Do a practice exam.

B. Understand how you can study best.

C. Every individual learns differently.

D. Most exams are based on what happens in class.

E. It is never too early to start studying for a final exam.

F. Basically, there's just no shortcut for knowing the material.

G. Try some relaxation techniques when you're feeling worried.

    Many students have to live with roommates while going to school or university. Having a roommate can be one of the best experiences, or easily one of the worst.{#blank#}1{#/blank#}

    Follow these five tips to avoid the common mistakes that make good roommate relationships worse.

    Talk things out.{#blank#}2{#/blank#}If something happens, sit down with your roommates and have a face-to-face conversation. Complaining about your roommates behind their backs creates nothing but awkward situations and general unhappiness.

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#}Some roommates become the best of friends, and some don't. Don't put pressure on yourself or your roommate to reach this level, especially when you first meet. Remember, you are trying to make a new friend, not scare your roommate away. And if your roommate doesn't end up being your best friend, there is no need to worry about it.

    Clean up after yourself. Or at least, keep your mess on your side.{#blank#}4{#/blank#}But being considerate with where you put your own stuff will help you avoid the arguments.

    Ask before you take. This applies to food, clothes, supplies and anything else that you don't own.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}Even if you both agree to share everything you should still ask.

A. Don't expect to be best friends.

B. Communication is of vital importance.

C. You don't need to keep the room clean and organized all the time.

D. Rooms can be really easy for a mess to pile up.

E. If you want to have a good relationship with your roommate, it all starts with you.

F. Not all roommates can become your best friends.

G. Show your roommate that you have respect for his or her belongings.