Empathy

    Last year, researchers from the University of Michigan reported that empathy, the ability to understand other people, among college students had dropped sharply over the past 10 years.{#blank#}1{#/blank#}Today, people spend more time alone and are less likely to join groups and clubs. Jennifer Freed, a co-director of a teen program, has another explanation. Turn on the TV, and you're showered with news and reality shows full of people fighting, competing, and generally treating one another with no respect.{#blank#}2{#/blank#}There are good reasons not to follow those bad examples. Humans are socially related by nature.{#blank#}3{#/blank#}Researchers have also found that empathetic teenagers are more likely to have high self-respect. Besides, empathy can be a cure for loneliness, sadness, anxiety, and fear.Empathy is also an indication of a good leader. In fact, Freed says, many top companies report that empathy is one of the most important things they look for in new managers.{#blank#}4{#/blank#} “Academics are important. But if you don't have emotional (情感的) intelligence, you won't be as successful in work or in your love life,” she says.What's the best way to up your EQ (情商）? For starters, let down your guard and really listen to others.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}To really develop empathy, you'd better volunteer at a nursing home or a hospital, join a club or a team that has a diverse membership, have a “sharing circle” with your family, or spend time caring for pets at an animal shelter.

A. Everyone is different, and levels of empathy differ from person to person.

B. That could be because so many people have replaced face time with screen time, the researchers said.

C. “One doesn't develop empathy by having a lot of opinions and doing a lot of talking,” Freed says.

D. Humans learn by example—and most of the examples on it are anything but empathetic.

E. Empathy is a matter of learning how to understand someone else—both what they think and how they feel.

F. Good social skills—including empathy—are a kind of “emotional intelligence” that will help you succeed in many areas of life.

G. Having relationships with other people is an important part of being human—and having empathy is decisive to those relationships.

    For many high school students, it seems that there is never enough time. There are several steps you can take to organize your time better.

    ⒈Make a to-do list every day. It makes it easy to plan any activities or meetings you may have in addition to homework. Be sure to set priorities (优先的事物).{#blank#}1{#/blank#}

    ⒉Use spare time wisely. Do you have a study hall? Instead of wasting that time, read a book or do homework.{#blank#}2{#/blank#} If a friend asks you to do something and you have homework to do, realize which is more important and see your friend later.

    ⒊Decide on the time that is good for you to do certain things. If you are more of a morning person, try getting up an hour earlier and do schoolwork before school. Review your notes every day.{#blank#}3{#/blank#} If you spend a few minutes at the end of every day going over what you learned, it will mean less time studying when it is time for the exam.

    ⒋{#blank#}4{#/blank#}Studies have shown that getting enough rest helps your memory. When you are tired, everything seems more difficult. It is best to stay on a regular sleeping cycle as much as possible.

    ⒌Tell your friends and family about your work timetable. Explain that you will be working at certain times and ask them not to disturb you.{#blank#}5{#/blank#} you can call your friends later.

A. Set goals for yourself.

B. Get a good night's sleep.

C. Do the most important tasks first.

D. And also, do not be afraid to say “no”.

E. You should finish your homework on time.

F. Don't wait until just before a test to remember everything.

G. Don't take phone calls during the time you set aside or work.

    The key to losing weight is to understand what really motivates you. Have you ever been excited about losing a few pounds?{#blank#}1{#/blank#} And to help you keep your weight under control, you need some coping strategies.

    Ask questions. When you're researching different dieting products and plans or even talking to a doctor about diets, ask as many questions as you can.{#blank#}2{#/blank#}Ask questions like: Do I have to purchase special meals or supplements? Does the program include a part to help me maintain my weight loss?

    Get real.{#blank#}3{#/blank#} Don't burden yourself with unrealistic expectations. Remember, large amounts of weight loss are not realistic and are most likely not safe or healthy. Talk with your health care professional to determine a healthy weight goal.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#}To maintain your weight, you must balance your intake of calories with the energy you burn. Just 30 minutes of fast walking in most days can take about 10 pounds off your weight each year.

    Weigh yourself weekly. It's important to track your weight on any diet or weight loss plan, but don't get on the scale every day. Weighing daily won't show you the big picture.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}

A. Stay balanced.

B. Once a week is fine.

C. Stick with your healthy eating plan.

D. Losing one to two pounds a week is a realistic goal.

E. Being well informed will help you choose the best diet for you.

F. Regular weight check-ins will show you your progress over time.

G. If so, you must find a way to turn that excitement into determination.

How to improve vocabulary fast

    Your vocabulary refers to the words in a language you are familiar with. We should learn some ways to expand it.

    Read every day.{#blank#}1{#/blank#}. Choose reading material that is slightly above your level and keep a dictionary with you to look up words you do not know.

    {#blank#}2{#/blank#}.If you do not meet with an unfamiliar word in your daily reading, use your dictionary to search for one.

    Learn the correct definition and pronunciation for each new word. Pronunciation is as important as definition because in order to add a word to your active vocabulary, you must be able to use it in speech.

    Elaborate (详尽阐述) on the meaning of the word. If you have just learned the word “stubborn”, think about the neighbour who will not lend you his car.{#blank#}3{#/blank#}.

    Use your new word in speech and in writing. E-mail your sister about how your cat is stubborn about sleeping on your pillow. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}.But the more you use it, the more fluent you will become in its use. Soon it will be a regular part of your active vocabulary.

    Tell everyone you are trying to increase your vocabulary. Encourage them to ask you what your latest word is.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}.

    The more you explain the meaning of a word to someone, the more likely you are to remember it.

A. Find a new word every day.

B. The vocabulary can be increased.

C. Your vocabulary contains the words you understand.

D. The more often you read, the faster your vocabulary can grow.

E. Or let them ask for the definition of a new word you have used.

F. Imagine him shaking his head, and think of him as 'stubborn in his refusal.”

G. The first time you use a new word in speech it may seem strange.

    One of the easiest and most pleasing ways to express your creativity (创造力) is by drawing. In addition, drawing can calm you down in many ways. It can help keep you away from negative thoughts and clear your mind. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}

    Draw something that makes you comfortable. Content (内容) does not matter as much as the meaning you connect with whatever you choose to draw. If you find mountains or trees relaxing to be around, try your hand at drawing. You can also draw things like pets or buildings. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} For example, draw a dog's head on a pig's body with a horse's legs and tail.

    Just draw. Experiment on drawing with different color patterns (色型) and emotions. Believe it or not, drawing can help realize physical relaxation by lowering your blood pressure. Color your drawing with bright, exciting colors. Draw patterns. Start with changes of circles, as they're easier to draw. Simply cover a page in a pattern. Keep your subjects smile. Whether you are drawing mountains, humans, or animals, add a face with a smile. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}

    Go somewhere where you feel calm. Choose some quiet places. Turn off your phone, and avoid areas with television or computers. Some private (私人的) places are best, as your drawing will not be forbidden by the presence of others, and you will be less likely to be bothered. Get outside. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}. Drawing outside can also give you ideas of things to draw.

    Have fun. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} Don't worry about the final product. And don't judge your artistic abilities. Lose yourself in the experience of creation! Sitting down to draw for just a few minutes can brighten your feelings. You'll feel energetic and may feel even more open­minded for the rest of the day.

A. Let yourself enjoy the process.

B. Listen to music when you draw.

C. Simply being outside will calm you down.

D. Sure, it's silly but you'll probably smile back.

E. Hang up your work somewhere it will catch your eye.

F. You can even try combinations of different animal parts.

G. And the enjoyment of drawing can help keep your stresses away.

    If you just moved, you might be wondering who lives in your neighborhood. It's always a nice surprise to learn that there are families similar to your family close by. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} Here are some tips on how to make a good first and lasting impression.

    Do a Drop and Hi. Within the first few weeks of getting settled, consider dropping a small baked good or local treat with a card that includes your phone number and name. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}

    Host Something. Once you are on a first - name basis with a few of your neighbors, consider hosting a small meet and greet event. Do something outside like a BBQ to keep things simple and relaxed.

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#} It's always such a nice gesture if you help your neighbor with bringing in their garbage can or ask if you can help carry groceries, etc. Ask if you can help or suggest they borrow one of your tools. Being considerate goes a long way.

    Exchange Numbers. It's important to exchange numbers, especially if you or your neighbor may be traveling. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}

    Good neighbors become friends and always watch out for each other. {#blank#}5{#/blank#}

A. Help When You Can.

B. Hold a Positive Attitude.

C. It's no good having a face - to - face talk.

D. You can then tell them if you see anything wrong happening.

E. A "looking forward to meeting you" type note is always nice.

F. But how do you make sure you're the kind of neighbor people want to spend time with?

G. With these tips, you'll find yourself with a good community of close friends in no time.