People have been making and flying kites for about 2,000 years. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}Some historians believe it the ancient Chinese may have started kite flying 2000 years ago. It is still a popular hobby in China, Japan and Korea and in other countries of the Far East where beautifully decorated appear in different colors.

    {#blank#}2{#/blank#}Simple kites are made by crossing two sticks and covering them with paper or cloth. Then you attach a string at the end. More expensive kites have frames made of fiberglass, plastic or aluminum. The name comes from a graceful bird called kite.

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#}A flat kite is the oldest and simplest type of kite.  It flies because air flows over and under the kite's wing. The pressure under the wing helps the kite lift into the air.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#}Early scientists sent kites up into the air to measure temperature at different heights. In 1752, Benjamin Franklin used a kite to prove that lightning was a form of electricity. He attached a metal key to the string of a kite. When lightning hit the kite, electricity passed down the string and Franklin got an electric shock. It was a very dangerous experiment that you shouldn't copy.

    Kites were also used to develop airplanes. The Wright Brothers experimented with kites before they flew the first airplane. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} In World War I the Germans developed a large kite that could transport people to a submarine. Kites were also used to carry radio signals over long distances.

    Today most people fly kites as a hobby. Kite festivals are organized in many cities in all parts of the world.

A. Kites are made in many different sizes, colors and shapes.

B. flying kites is great fun and it is easy if you know some secrets.

C. Kites have also been used in experiments.

D. No one knows for sure who invented the kite.

E. In Japan families fly fish kites on Children's Day, May5th.

F. Stories of kites were brought to Europe till the end of the 13^th century.

G. In the past, kites were sometimes used to take pictures in wars.

    Reading is really a good way to improve ourselves.{#blank#}1{#/blank#} If you don't believe me, please consider these reasons to read more books.

    ⒈You will optimize your brain power.

    {#blank#}2{#/blank#} Unlike watching television, which requires no thought process, reading is an active learning experience that will keep your mind sharp（even in old age）.

    ⒉{#blank#}3{#/blank#}

    If you're looking for entertainment on a budget, you can't beat books. Thanks to the popularity of electronic reading devices like the Kindle and re-selling websites like eBay, it's never been easier to entertain yourself for hours at a time, for the low cost of a few dollars.

    ⒊You will reduce stress and get into a good night's sleep.

    Exposing yourself to artificial light on your cellphone or TV reduces your body's production of melatonin （褪黑激素）, which can make it difficult to get a good night's sleep.{#blank#}4{#/blank#} Just replace that with a good book, which is a much better sleep-friendly alternative.

    ⒋You will change your life.

    I firmly believe that if it were not for books, I wouldn't have achieved so much in my life; nor would I have the knowledge, imagination or creativity that I depend on as a writer, business owner, and coach.

    Do you have the desire to read books now?{#blank#}5{#/blank#}

A. You will entertain yourself at any time.

B. You will entertain yourself at a low price.

C. The more books you read, the better your life will be.

D. This shouldn't come as a shock, but studies suggest reading makes you smart.

E. I hope these reasons encourage you to unlock your potential with the power of reading.

F. You should know that it is wise to keep a book in your purse or car at all times.

G. You would be wise to cut off all electronics at least an hour before bed.

    For a long time, I have been thinking about the idea of going abroad to do something worthwhile(值得做的), such as doing some voluntary work, working with kids or animals. However, I had been stopped for different choices with the kind of things I could do and different countries where I could do them.{#blank#}1{#/blank#} And I had been puzzling over how I was able to afford the flights, costs and everything.

    I thought I couldn't wait to do something.{#blank#}2{#/blank#} So I just got up off my bed and went downstairs. I started making sandwiches, and then put some crisps, some biscuits and an apple into about six little picnic bags. I called a couple of friends and told them my idea that I was going into the city to give these foods out to the homeless.{#blank#}3{#/blank#}

    While we were buying some other things in the supermarket, we saw a whole cooked chicken that was on sale, so we bought it. We gave it to the first homeless man we came across.{#blank#}4{#/blank#} What a feeling like no other!

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#} But I was very sad because I knew I had only helped one person out of thousands. Actually, it made me cry. But still at least I felt good to have helped others and the excitement got me satisfied, so I just had to keep doing that!

    I think we don't need to look too hard or travel too far for the things that are always on our own doorsteps.

A. He was really shocked and grateful.

B. He seemed glad to share the story with others.

C. They don't need to travel far for voluntary work.

D. Besides, it's very expensive to prepare for that.

E. I said to myself, “I have to do something worthwhile NOW！”

F. My friends loved my idea so much that they decided to join me.

G. I felt very happy because I did something making someone's day.

    In our daily life, some people prefer to hold on to the past and play it again and again like a broken record. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}. However, those with no regrets let go of the past and live joyfully at present. They also live by the following principles.

    ⒈Following your unique path leads to greater achievements.

    We all have passions and inner guidance. If you follow your passions and inner guidance, your life will take on deeper meaning and fulfillment. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}.

    ⒉Let your interest guide you, not societal pressures.

    We all know the feeling of being interested about something. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}. But too often we allow societal pressures to control our feeling. To check whether your interest is guiding your life, start doing what you want to.

    ⒊Understanding happiness is a choice.

    We often think we will be happy once we get that job, or finish that course. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}. Everything outside of you is temporary(暂时的). Once it goes, so will your happiness.

    ⒋{#blank#}5{#/blank#}.

    We support others by our words and actions, while receiving others' support and love back. Expressing heartfelt feelings allows us to have no regrets for whatever tomorrow may bring. It may also be exactly what others need to face their current challenges.

A. Don't think twice about expressing love and appreciation

B. Try living according to what your inner knowing guides you to do

C. What is right for one person may not be right for another

D. They, in turn, live with regret, anger, and fear

E. Don't settle for less than what you want

F. The truth is that happiness comes from within

G. It guides what we are doing

    Hobbies play an important role in our life. Most people have a lot of free time available but seldom use it gainfully. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} There are many hobbies from which you can pick and you can choose one that suits your talents.

    Once you have decided to start a hobby, it will be wise to go through a list of popular hobbies and choose one that is close to your heart and can make you feel confident. Some of the most popular hobbies that people generally take to are reading, listening to music, gardening, fishing, sports, music, exercise and computer-related activities. Each of these hobbies can give you great benefits. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}

    Learning a new hobby is really a wonderful experience. As you progress, you will be living in a new world and learning new skills. You will begin to discover your hidden talents that you didn't know. You will start reading more about your hobby, meeting other hobbyists with similar interests, exchanging views and building friend circles both near and far. {#blank#}3{#/blank#} In these games you will get the opportunity to meet others on a regular basis and develop great relationship.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#} They can help you keep good health and remain fit. On the other hand, if you are young and take a great interest in sports, you can develop your skills and finally get financially rewarded too. Similarly, gardening provides the hobbyist with enjoyable pastime and opportunity for relaxation. At the same time they get the rewards of their labor.

    People take up hobbies for interest  enjoyment and relaxation. Over a period of time, you might develop outstanding skills and get financially rewarded. {#blank#}5{#/blank#}

    "Did you hear what happened to Adam last Friday?" Lindsey whispers to Tori.

    With her eyes shining, Tori brags, "You bet I did. Sean told me two days ago."

    What are Lindsey and Tori talking about? It just happens to be yours truly, Adam Freedman. I can tell you that what they are saying is (a) not nice and (b) not even true. Still, Lindsey and Tori aren't very different from most students here at LintonHigh School, including me. Many of our conversations are gossip(闲话). {#blank#}1{#/blank#}, which are just as follows.

    {#blank#}2{#/blank#}. Usually, gossip spreads information about a topic—breakups, troubles at home, even dropping out—that a person would rather keep secret. The more embarrassing or shameful the secret is, the juicer the gossip it makes. Probably the worst type of gossip is the lie. People often think of gossipers as harmless, but cruel lies can cause pain.

    If we know that gossip can be harmful, then why do so many of us do it? The answer lies in another effect of gossip: the satisfaction it gives us. Sharing the latest rumor can make a person feel important because he or she knows something that others don't. Similarly, hearing the latest rumor can make a person feel like part of the "in group". {#blank#}3{#/blank#}.

    Gossip can also have a third effect: it strengthens unwritten, unspoken rules about how people should act.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#}. Translated into high school terms, this means that if everybody you hang around with is laughing at what John wore or what Jane said, then you can bet that wearing or saying something similar will get you the same kind of negative attention. The do's and don'ts conveyed through gossip will never show up in any student handbook.

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#}. The next time you feel the urge to spread the latest news, think about why you want to gossip and what effects your "juicy story" might have.