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.

    The jobs of the future have not yet been invented. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}. By helping them develop classic skills that will serve them well no matter what the future holds.

1). Curiosity

    Your children need to be deeply curious. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}. Ask kids, “What ingredients (配料) can we add to make these pancakes even better next time ?” and then try them out. Ingredients make the pancakes better? What could we try next time?

2). Creativity

    True creativity is the ability to take something existing and create something new from it. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}. There are a dozen different things you can do with them. Experimenting with materials to create something new can go a long way in helping them develop their creativity.

3). Personal skills

    Understanding how others feel can be a challenge for kids. We know what's going on inside our own head, but what about others? Being able to read people helps kid from misreading a situation and jumping to false conclusions. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}. “Why do you think she's crying?” “Can you tell how that man is feeling by looking at his face?” “If someone were to do that to you, how would you feel?”

4). Self expression

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#} there are many ways to express thoughts and ideas—music, acting, drawing, building, photography. You may find that your child is attracted by one more than another.

A. Encourage kids to cook with you.

B. And we can't forget science education.

C. We can give kids chances to think about materials in new ways.

D. So how can we help our kids prepare for jobs that don't yet exist?

E. Gardening is another great activity for helping kids develop this skill.

F. We can do this in real life or ask questions about characters in stories.

G. Being able to communicate ideas in a meaningful way is a valuable skill.

    Etiquette, or good manners, used to be the glue that held society together. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} Sadly, these days it has mostly gone by the wayside. This list is several best rules of etiquette that have now disappeared.

    Opening the Door

    In days gone by, a gentleman would always open doors for ladies. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} This has now almost entirely disappeared and it is not entirely the fault of the men. I have seen women laugh at men for opening a door for them. They seem to be confusing manners with chauvinism（大男子主义）.

    Writing Thank-You Notes

    In days gone by, whenever a person received a gift, they would write a thank-you note as soon as possible. {#blank#}3{#/blank#} Parents would sit children down after a birthday or Christmas and coach them in their first thank-you note. It is a shame that gift giving has now become a virtual obligation and the idea of a thank-you note would be laughed at.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#}

    We seem to have completely lost the concept of correct timing when it comes to parties these days. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} After all, a party normally has a guest of honor-this is usually the oldest woman present. It was considered extremely rude in the past to leave a party before the guest of honor-and once the guest of honor left, it was a signal to all that they should begin their own preparations to leave.

A. Arriving on Time.

B. Leaving at the Right Time.

C. People leave with various excuses.

D. It enabled people to get on well with each other.

E. This rule was true even if the giver was a relative.

F. It could be the lady they were driving, or a stranger.

G. We've thrown away the concept of a guest of honor at will.

    If you want to keep fit, please refer to the following:

    Move More

    Make it a daily habit to find ways to move your body.{#blank#}1{#/blank#} Climb stairs instead of taking the lift. Walk your dog; play with your kids. It doesn't have to be an hour in the gym or a 45-minute dance class. But that's great when you're up to it. At the same time, move more.

    Give up Smoking

    Ever since 1960 when it was announced that smoking was harmful to health, Americans have been reducing their use of tobacco products. Just recently, we've seen more and more teens smoking. Could it be the Hollywood influence?{#blank#}2{#/blank#}Take care! Warn your children against smoking.

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#}

    While recent studies show a glass of wine or one drink a day can help protect against heart disease, more than that can cause other health problems such as liver and kidney disease and cancer.

    Reduce Stress

    Easier said than done. Stress comes in many ways.{#blank#}4{#/blank#}Spend 30 minutes a day doing something you like such as walking on the beach or in a park, reading a good book, visiting a friend, listening to relaxing music, and watching a funny movie.

    Protect Yourself from Pollution

    If you can't live in a smog-free environment, at least avoid smoke-filled rooms.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}Exercise indoors in air conditioning when air quality is good.

A. Avoid Overdrinking

B. There are many things you can do to move your arms and legs.

C. Think carefully before doing something.

D. Exercise outside when the smog(雾霾)rating is low.

E. It seems that the stars in every movie smoke cigarettes.

G. It's important to reduce it.

    If you have ever been in a school play or ever made believe you were a doctor, detective, or a space traveler, you know the enjoyment that acting brings. Almost all of us have the wish to play the part of someone or something else. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}

    In the ancient world, acting was often associated with religious ceremonies and other special occasions. As far back as 2,200 B. C. trained Chinese actors performed ceremonial dances in costume and makeup at harvest festivals. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} To the dance was gradually added pantomime (哑语)—the imitation of movements and gestures—as well as the wearing of masks, the singing of chants, and finally the use of dialogue.

    While acting was coming into its own in the ancient Chinese classical theatre, it was doing the same in the western world, in Greece. From about 500 B. C. on, acting became a highly specialized art in Greece. Greek actors, however, still wore masks, and their motions were largely fixed by custom. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}

    Modern acting, by contrast, gives the individual actor great opportunity to develop his or her personal talents for serious, comic, or musical drama. The names, faces styles of famous movie actors are known worldwide. {#blank#}4{#/blank#} A special form of acting takes place in radio drama, which was highly popular before television. In radio drama the actors face an unique challenge. They are unseen by their audience. So they must rely on voice alone to make their characters real to the listeners.

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#} Only forty percent of Broadway actors are employed, most of them for only part of the year. Those who become stars need not only talent, but determination. They must not be easily discouraged. Otherwise, they might give up before the opportunity for stardom presents itself.

    Have you avoided the gym because you're too nervous or self-conscious (难为情的)? But if becoming healthier and more fit is one of your goals, heading to the gym is probably on your agenda.

    First of all, let's put this into perspective. Your attention may go right to the fittest people in the room who are moving from machine to machine with ease.{#blank#}1{#/blank#}It's hard to believe that every single one feels confident. One thing for sure is, repeated action builds up confidence, and the more frequently you go, the more familiar you'll get with your surroundings and the less nervous you'll feel. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}

    Work out a plan. Walk around the gym and check out the busy areas, the less crowded areas, the different machines, etc. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}Now, with a plan in place, you can confidently move from exercise to exercise.

    Start slow with cardio (健心运动). You can also get familiar with the gym by getting onto a stationary bike and going at a relaxed pace.{#blank#}4{#/blank#}Notice other people and what exercises they are doing to get some ideas, look at the machines around you, and survey the gym to feel more comfortable.

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#} You may feel the need to move quickly from machine to machine. But if you stop to observe others around you, you'll notice many of them are working out in a relaxed manner. So, take your time, walk slowly and use that time to figure out your next move. Who knows if you're planning your next exercise or heading somewhere? Other people are so focused on their routine that they're most likely not paying attention to you anyway.

A. Slow down your pace.

B. Get the plan ready and then follow it.

C. Then, sit down and write out the order of your workout.

D. Think of how many people are frequenting gyms each day.

E. Use this time to scan the gym instead of wandering around aimlessly.

F. Here are some tips to help you feel more confident in the gym.

G. There is no need to be self-conscious about your level of physical fitness.