Questions you should ask yourself when you fail

    Let's face it.We all fail.The more new things we try the more failures we are likely to have.Experiencing failure can be a learning experience and an opportunity for a fresh start.{#blank#}1{#/blank#} A good way to begin this process is by asking yourself some tough questions.

1．What can I learn from this?

    Take responsibility for what went wrong.OK，so it was not all your fault—but some of it was.Successful people don't make excuses or blame others.{#blank#}2{#/blank#} Be critical but constructive.Try to look at the experience objectively.Make a list of the key things that happened.Analyze the list step－by－step and look for the learning points.

2．Do I need to acquire or improve some skills?

    Did the problem reveal some lack of skill on your part? How could you learn or improve those skills? Perhaps there are books or courses or people you could turn to.{#blank#}3{#/blank#} 

3．Who can I learn from?

    Is there someone whom you can turn to for advice? Did a boss，colleague or a friend see what happened? {#blank#}4{#/blank#} Most people do not ask for help because they believe it to be a sign of weakness rather than strength.It's not.It shows that you are ready to learn and change.Any good friend will be happy to help.

4．What will I do next?

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#}  Will you try something similar or something different? Revisit your goals and objectives.This reversal has been a setback on your journey but think of it as a diversion rather than a halt.You can now reset your sights on your destination and plan a new course.

A．Now draw up an action plan.

B．Make them stepping stones to future success.

C．They take responsibility of the failure.

D．In fact the only way to avoid failure is to do nothing new.

E．The important thing is how we deal with failure.

F．Make a self－development plan to acquire the skills and experiences you need.

G．If they are constructive and supportive then ask them for some feedback and guidance.

                                                                                  Money Matters

    Parents should help their children understand money. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} So you may start talking about money when your child shows an interest in buying things, candy or toys, for example.

    ⒈The basic function of money

    Being explaining the basic function of money by showing how people trade money for goods or services. It is important to show your child how money is traded for the thing he wants to have. If he wants to have a toy, give him the money and let him hand the money to the cashier（收银员）. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} When your child grows a bit older and understands the basic function of money, you can start explaining more complex ways of using money.

    ⒉Money lessons

    Approach money lessons with openness and honesty. {#blank#}3{#/blank#} If you must say no to a child's request to spend money, explain, ”You have enough toy trucks for now.” Or, if the request is for many different things, say. “You have to make a choice between this toy and that toy.”

    ⒊{#blank#}4{#/blank#}

    Begin at the grocery store. Pick out two similar brands of a product—a name brand butter and a generic(无商标产品), for example. You can show your child how to make choices between different brands of a product so that you can save money. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} If he chooses the cheaper brand, allow him to make another purchase with the money saved. Later, you may explain how the more expensive choice leaves less money for other purchases.

A. Wise decisions.

B. The value of money.

C. Permit the child to choose between them.

D. Tell your child why he can or cannot have certain things.

E. Ask yourself what things that cost money are most important to you.

F. Talk about how the money bought the thing after you leave the toy store.

G. The best time to teach a child anything about money is when he shows an interest.

    It's good to have friends that we can talk to and share our thoughts and opinions with.{#blank#}1{#/blank#}But recently, it seems that many of us have been developing a new relationship with a mystery person that we'll never meet.

    These people are virtual (虚拟的) assistants. They are pieces of software that we can talk to and they can talk back to us. An example is Apple's Siri. They might be on your phone or computer or even a smart speaker in your home. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} Instead of typing on a computer keyboard, we can now speak and a voice will answer. {#blank#}3{#/blank#} Tom Hewitson is one of them. He told the BBC, “Now, computers are an active participant in the conversation and in guiding you to make the right decision.” So he's saying this cutting-edge(尖端的) technology has the ability to think for itself and make its own decisions. {#blank#}4{#/blank#} Will it stop us using our own brains and will we lose the ability to write things down or type? They are certainly clever, helping you to book train tickets, give you the latest weather news or even tell you a joke.

    One thing we can't do yet is to make chit-chat (闲聊) or small talk with it. We have to change the way we speak. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} This year Google produced a new product, described by the company as artificial intelligence “for accomplishing real-world tasks over the phone”. It's a type of chatbot(聊天机器人) that will allow you to, for example, chat to your hairdresser about when they can fit you in for a cut. Other companies are working on similar things. But before they perfect this new technology, don't forget who your real friends are.

A. The people behind these voices are called conversation designers.

B. They are different from how we speak to other people.

C. But there's no doubt that this technology will soon become common in our lives.

D. More importantly, they're people we can ask for help or advice.

E. They are changing the way we interact with technology.

F. It is a scary thought that this virtual voice can think for you.

G. They are cleverer than our real friends.

    The most universal facial expression is the smile --its function is to show happiness and put people at ease. A smile says, "I like you. You make me happy."

    That's why dogs make such a hit. They are so glad to see us that they almost jump out of their skins. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}.

    A baby's smile has the same effect. Have you ever been in a doctor's, waiting room and looked around at all the sad faces waiting impatiently to be seen? There were six or seven patients waiting when a young woman came in with a nine-month-old baby. She sat down next to a gentleman who was more than a little impatient about the long wait for service. The baby just looked up at him with that great big smile that is so characteristic of babies,{#blank#}2{#/blank#}. Soon he struck up a conversation with the woman about her baby and his grand-children and then the entire reception room joined in, and the boredom and tension were changed into a pleasant and enjoyable experience {#blank#}3{#/blank#}. Telephone companies throughout the US have a program called "phone power" which is offered to employees who use the telephone for selling their services or products. In this program they suggest that you smile when talking on the phone. Your "smile" comes through in your voice.

    You don't feel like smiling? {#blank#}4{#/blank#}. If you are alone, force yourself to whistle or hum a tune or sing. Act as if you were already happy, and that will tend to make you happy.

    Your smile is a messenger of your goodwill.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}.To someone who has seen a dozen people frown or turn their faces away, your smile is like the sun breaking through the clouds Especially when someone is under pressure from his bosses, his customers, his teachers or parents or children, a smile can help him realize that all is not hopeless that there is joy in the world.

A. He smiled back at the baby

B. Your smile brightens the lives of all who see it

C. Smile gets much easier with practice

D. So, naturally, we are glad to see them

E. Well, force yourself to smile

F. We should give others a real smile, a smile that comes from within

G. The effect of a smile is powerful, even when it is unseen

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 clog 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 (内排肽）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 clog, 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 and all treatment plans considered. Parents who suspect that their teen's low self­esteem is a sign of a far more serious problem should ask a suitably qualified health professional for advice.

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

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

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

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

Bing, also known as a Chinese pancake, is a traditional Chinese recipe, similar to pancakes. It is commonly made of dough (面团).  {#blank#}1{#/blank#}, be prepared to learn how to make these yummy recipes!

Step 1: Combine the ingredients

Combine the ingredients for the dough (flour, salt, and cooking oil). Knead (揉) the dough until it has a soft consistency that isn't too wet. During this time, you can adjust the consistency, for example, by adding more oil or flour.  {#blank#}2{#/blank#}. 

Step 2: Separate the dough

Separate the dough into different pieces, the size that you want.  {#blank#}3{#/blank#}, don't separate it too much, and vice versa. You can use a rolling pin to help with making a circle. Chinese Pancake is commonly made in a circle shape, but can be any shape you want!

Step 3: Add spring onions

Add spring onions to the dough.  {#blank#}4{#/blank#} and sprinkle them on the bing. This gives the flavor for the cong you bing. The name "cong" in cong you bing actually refers to the spring onions. These can also be called scallions, green onions, and onions. You can also knead the dough again to mix the onion in. 

Step 4: Fry both sides

Fry both sides of the pancake on low-medium heat until the sides are golden brown. It takes 3-5 minutes per side. Remember to take it out before the sides get dark brown. Fry for a short time if you want a soft pancake, and fry it for a longer time to make it crispier. 

Step 5: Serve and enjoy!

{#blank#}5{#/blank#}, but can be served in formal meals as well. 

A. Divide it into ten equal pieces

B. Cut the onions into tiny pieces

C. It can be eaten as a casual food

D. Make sure you have enough dough

E. If this is already mouthwatering to you

F. If you want to make the pancake bigger

G. Heat up the pan while still working on the dough