How to Create a Mind Map

    Most of us think visually but we write textually. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} It also makes the information we list more difficult to process, remember, and share.

    {#blank#}2{#/blank#} It combines the brain's visual nature with our tendency to write down words. We end up with a diagram that combines logic and order in a less structured manner. This promotes clearer thinking and better comprehension.{#blank#}3{#/blank#} 

    So, how do you create a mind map? The most basic method is to just use a pen and paper, or a marker and whiteboard. It begins with a central topic or idea, then flows outward.{#blank#}4{#/blank#} The next level of topics is represented by branches extending from it.

    There aren't really any rules for creating mind maps. While most flow outwardly from the central topic, some users prefer to build mind maps in one direction.{#blank#}5{#/blank#} This can make groups of ideas easier to identify and remember. It also makes a mind map more enjoyable to create and use.

    Mind maps are extremely effective for taking notes, planning a project, brainstorming an idea, presenting information to others, and many other uses. Take out your pen and have a try.

A. They help to clarify thinking.

B. This goes against how our minds actually work.

C. They help us save time by focusing on key issues.

D. A mind map is the perfect answer to this dilemma.

E. Think of it as a tree, where the central point is the trunk.

F. It's also a lot more enjoyable than simply writing down lists.

G. Others like to add colors, pictures, or symbols in their mind maps.

    A new report says plastics are responsible for $13 billion in damage to the oceans and the undersea environment. The findings were announced recently at a United Nations conference．{#blank#}1{#/blank#}.

    Plastic thrown away carelessly makes its way into rivers and other waterways.{#blank#}2{#/blank#}. After a while, it collects in the sea. And plastic never goes away. Plastic is not biodegradable—destroyed by bacteria or natural processes. Instead, it just breaks up into smaller pieces over time. The oceans contain a lot of chemicals and other pollutants(污染物).{#blank#}3{#/blank#}.That means harmful material may get into our food supply.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#}. Human beings cause pollution and they can take steps to stop it. They can use fewer single use product containers and throw plastics away correctly. Plastic recycling programs also works—where old bottles and other plastics are collected, broken down and used to make new products. We could reuse bottles in our households many times if we wish to, rather than end it after the first use. We could, when we get rid of that plastic, recycle it and reuse it, which replaces the need for raw materials.

    The report also calls on companies to improve methods for using plastics.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}. And it calls for information about the way plastic is thrown out or removed from use. By putting a new value on plastic, industry has a special reason to clean up the environment.

    But all of the companies must join to deal with the problem.

A. Then, fish may eat the plastics.

B. But people can make a big difference.

C. Plastics should be gathered together and reused.

D. It is convenient to use plastic bags in everyday life.

E. It asks for them to better measure and control plastic use.

F. The plastic eventually reaches coastal areas and ocean waters.

G. The report tells about harm to sea life and what might be done to improve the situation.

    The first TV was made by John Baird in 1925. It had one color. It could only show 30 lines. This was just enough room for a face. It didn't work well, but it was a start.

    {#blank#}1{#/blank#} It was in New York- Few people had TVs. The broadcasts were not meant to be watched. They showed a Felix the Cat doll for two hours a day. The doll spun around on a record player. They were experimenting. It took many years to get it right.

    By the end of the 1930s, TVs were working well. America got its first taste at the 1939 Worlds Fair.{#blank#}2{#/blank#} There were 200 small, black and white TVs set up around the fair. The U. S. President gave a speech over the TVs. The TVs were only five inches big but the people loved it.

    By 1948 there were 4 big TV networks in America. They aired their shows from 8 to 11 each night. Local shows were aired at other times{#blank#}3{#/blank#}TV was not "always on" like it is now.

    Color TVs came out in 1953.{#blank#}4{#/blank#} Also, shows were aired in black and white. By 1965, color TVs were cheaper. TV stations started airing shows in color. People had to switch if they wanted to see the shows.

    Now most TVs are high-def (高清). This means that they have many lines on them.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}TVs have come a long way since Baird's 30 line set. High-def TVs have 1080 lines. There are state of the art sets called 4K TVs. These TVs have 3,840 lines. Some people watch TV in 3D. I wonder what they will come up with next.

A. This makes the image clearer.

B. They cost too much money for most.

C. A big TV factory was opened in 1927.

D. The first TV station was set up in 1928.

E. People watch news and shows on them.

F. This was one of the biggest events ever.

G. Most of the time, nothing was shown at all.

    We all know it is not always so easy to be happy. We also know how stressed (有压力的) you are, with homework, exams, sports meetings and extra outdoor activities, let alone trying to have a life outside school. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}

    Exercise

    Physical activity produces all sorts of things which help us to relax and feel good. Exercise can also make us feel more confident, which certainly makes us happier. You don't have to be a future Olympian. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}If you hate P.E., find something less competitive: go for a walk, dance around your room or hit a park.

    Thankfulness

    It is easy to take the good thing in life without thinking about them or showing you're thankful. {#blank#}3{#/blank#} An easy way to do this is to make a list before bed of five things you're thankful for. They can be big things, like your family and friends, or little things, like a good hair day.

    Laugh

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#}But research has shown that a good laugh reduces stress and, even if you start by forcing yourself to laugh, improves how you feel.

    Sleep

    Get enough ZZZs. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} Not getting enough sleep makes you angry and sad, so leave your phone outside your room, turn off the lights and let yourself have a good sleep. Sweet dreams!

A. Teens especially need at least eight hours of sleep.

B. If you're feeling blue, know that you're not alone.

C. You can increase happiness if you exercise with a friend,

D. So here are our top tips on being happy and staying happy.

E. Everyone can get something good from moving a little bit.

F. But studies have shown that giving thanks can make you happier,

G. Some days, laughing is just about the last thing you feel like doing.

The Seven Cs of a Good Letter

    What is the secret of writing a good letter? Here are two main ones. Don't try to be fancy. Don't try to impress your reader. You will be successful if you follow these seven Cs.

    Clear. Use short, direct sentences. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}Try your tone as if the reader were right there with you. Above all, don't use an introduction.

    Correct. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}Don't guess, even for spelling. Refer to your dictionary. If you need to, check a reference book too. Use them as much as you need to.

    Complete. Don't scatter(分散) your points. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}This is good organization too.

    Courteous. Be friendly rather than overly casual. Present your information nicely even if you are complaining about something. In all letters, treat others as you want them to treat you.

    Concise. Make each point as clearly and briefly as you can.

    Conversational. This is really the secret of good writing. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}Such a letter has a natural, friendly tone. Let your personality come through naturally.

    Considerate. {#blank#}5{#/blank#}Write about what you believe the reader needs or wants to know. Try to be helpful. This will build good feeling toward you.

    The seven Cs are about writing letters. But how about school papers? Use the seven Cs. Write as if you are talking to your teacher or professor. You'll be surprised. You'll almost instantly become a good writer. And you might even enjoy writing from now on.

A. Just "talk" to the person.

B. Make them easy to understand.

C. Make sure what you say is correct.

D. Include long sentences in your letter.

E. Writing should not be taken too seriously.

F. Think of the readers' point of view as you write.

G. Finish one point completely before going on to the next.

    A sense of humour can be a person's greatest quality. This skill can help you interact (交流) more easily with others and improve your health. It allows you to find humour in both positive and negative situations, {#blank#}1{#/blank#}, as well as make you better at dealing with difficult situations.

    Having a sense of humor is different from being funny. Being funny means being able to express humor: perhaps telling a laugh-filled story or a well-timed joke. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}. You don't have to be funny to have a sense of humor, or be the one telling jokes.

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#}. Think about your funny friends. How do they add humor to their conversations? What kinds of jokes do they make? Lean from comedians. Focus on their performance, the topics, and how they turn something plain (平淡的) into something humorous.

    Learn to joke. For example, to bring some humor to social functions, learn a few basic jokes. You can also look for humorous pictures and amusing statements to share with others. People often laugh at jokes that deal with their situations, where they live, or their beliefs. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}. If you're in the same business, make a joke about that profession.

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#}. Enjoy small things, find humor in everyday situations, and find humor in life's misfortunes. Anyway, smile as often as you can, and try making others laugh, too.

A. Watch and learn

B. Look at the bright side of life

C. Also it may reduce stress and anxiety

D. True humour can show your personality

E. When you find yourself in an embarrassing situation, step back and laugh

F. Having a sense of humour means being able to let go and not take everything seriously

G. So you can make a light joke about the weather or the city in which you live to break the ice