How to become a better reader

    Language and literacy (读写能力) are among humans' greatest inventions. Evolving（演变）over the course of human history, languages are a reflection of our cultural and societal attitudes. Today, surrounded（包围）by social media, television, movies, and, of course, books, the ability to read and write is important to expressing one's feelings. Most humans acquire language in early childhood and speak fluently when they are about three years old, but our continued relationship with language gives shape and meaning to our lives.{#blank#}1{#/blank#}

    Take it slow. Many readers feel that they read too slowly, especially compared with others.{#blank#}2{#/blank#}The best readers are flexible（灵活的）— slowing down when needed — and always have a dictionary at hand.

    Read aloud. When humans first began reading written words, it was unusual to read in silence.{#blank#}3{#/blank#}Try listening to the author reading their own work — you'll be surprised to find how clearly it comes through on the page.

    Write. Writing and reading go hand-in-hand: how and what you read affects how and what you write, and the best readers often make the best writers. But while much can be learned from close, repeated readings, there are many pleasures to language that can only be experienced through the practice of writing.{#blank#}4{#/blank#}

    Tell your friends. All of the literature is essentially communication from an individual's inner voice to an audience.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}It's a good way to see the world from someone else's eyes and, in the process, carefully examine your own reaction to what you're reading.

A. But the truth is that the faster you read, the less likely you are to understand fully what you're reading.

B. Can you remember the first piece of writing that transported you to another world?

C. There is something magical about sharing books with friends or a book club.

D. Try writing every day for a month, and you will never read the same again.

E. Reading out loud is one of the best ways to improve your reading ability.

F. Here are 4 ways to become a better reader.

G. In no time, you'll be appreciating novels like fine wine.

    The increasing environmental problems and need for eco-friendly products and services are creating a new job section of green-collar jobs.{#blank#}1{#/blank#}It is expected that by 2025 about 25% of the jobs in developed countries will be of green-collar jobs. Doesn't the data look promising for the future?

    {#blank#}2{#/blank#}And jobs will pop up at every income level, from environmental manager to gardener. For example, many countries including the United States have understood that fossil fuels have negative effect on the environment which can later become a serious danger to mankind.{#blank#}3{#/blank#}The increasing demand of newer resources has created the need for experts and researchers who can find better ways to deal with the ongoing needs. In addition, in order to meet the increasing demand of environment-friendly equipment, both green product designer and trained workers are needed. Management of environmental organizations also demands a large number of environmental managers.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#} Internet is undoubtedly the best way to find information on almost any matter. Nowadays, different kinds of jobs are being posted online. Search through a couple of job websites to look for a bright future in energy conversion and recycling of waste management. Check regularly and find the right work for yourself.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}

A. People who read newspapers can also find different kinds of green-collar jobs.

B. People who take green careers will be well paid.

C. Where can you find green-collar jobs?

D. Green-collar jobs have become a bright career chance for all.

E. Many countries have realized the importance and need for energy-saving products and services.

F. Therefore, possibilities are being explored to find alternatives to meet demands in a better way.

G. Forget the blue–collar and white–collar categories.

    What should you think about in trying to find your career(职业)? You are probably better at some school subjects than others. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} A boy who is good at mathematics can use that in an engineering career. A girl who spells well and likes English may be good at office work. So it is important to do well at school. On the other hand, you may not have any specially strong or weak subjects but your records show a general good result. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} Knowledge of history is not required for most jobs but if history is one of your good subjects you will have learned to remember facts and details. This is an ability that can be useful in many jobs.

    Your school may have taught you skills, such as typing or technical drawing, which you can use in your work. You may be good at metal work or cooking and look for a job where you can improve these skills.

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#} You may have learned how to get to work on time and get on with older workers. You may have learned to give correct change in a shop, for example. Just as important, you may become interested in a certain industry or career you see from the inside in a part-time job.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#} You may be all thumbs when you deal with tools; perhaps you are a poor speller or cannot add up a column of figures. It is better to face any weaknesses than to pretend they do not exist. Your school record, for instance, may not be too good, yet it is an important part of your background. You should not feel sorry for it.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}

A. This does not have direct value for future job hunting.

B. These may show strengths that you can use in your work.

C. Facing your weak points is also part of knowing yourself.

D. Having a part-time job is a good way to find out your weak points.

E. Instead, you should recognize that you will have a chance of a fresh start at work.

F. Although not all subjects can be used directly(直接地) in a job, they may have indirect value.

G. If you have had a part-time job on Saturdays or in the summer, think what you gained from it.

    Chinese culture values family bonds very much. Family members don't just gather during the holidays. In fact they often live under one roof all year round. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} Families in the East and West are very different from each other.

    In most East Asian cultures, extended families are common. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} According to the Atlantic, 90 percent of children in Shanghai and 70 percent of children in Beijing were cared for by their grandparents. Chinese people believe that "a grandparent is a treasure to their family".

    In many Western countries, most families are nuclear families (小家庭). These are solely made up of children and their parents.

    Additionally, the duties parents have toward their children can also differ.{#blank#}3{#/blank#}

    It's normal for parents to pay for their children's college, help them find a job, or buy them an apartment. Chinese adults also follow their parents' opinions when making major life decisions, more often than not.

    In most Western countries, however, kids usually move out of the house after they turn 18.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#} Also, if they choose to keep living with their parents after becoming an adult, it can be seen by some as a failure on their part.

    While the East cares more about close family bonds, the West values privacy and independence. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} Families will always be a source of love, warmth, and care for people around the world.

A. These families have three or even four generations living together

B. Nuclear families are the most common type in China.

C. In China, many parents look after their children all the way into adulthood.

D. Different cultures have different family values.

E. But in the end, home is best 一 east or west.

F. Many young people going to college often need to take out loans and work part-time jobs in order to pay for tuition and rent.

G. Both Easterners and Westerners value quality family time.

    Multitasking-doing several things at a time-was once applauded as the best way to work. But does it actually help you get things done, or does it make you less effective?

    {#blank#}1{#/blank#}If you can actually do two or more things at one time, that clearly saves time.{#blank#}2{#/blank#}And it can fill time that would otherwise he spent poorly.

    However, a growing body of research shows that multitasking is not as productive as it appears. It turns out that when most people multitask, they don't actually focus on more than one thing at a time.{#blank#}3{#/blank#}But changing your focus constantly uses mental energy that could he spent working. It also causes you to take longer and make more mistakes. In addition, it creates stress. People who try to multitask often end up feeling more anxious and less peaceful than people who don't.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#}A very small group of people-about two percent of the population-excel at multitasking. These people, called supertaskers, are able to work on several things at once without their performance suffering. But experts caution: supertaskers are very rare. The majority of people who think multitasking makes them more productive are fooling themselves.

    If you do want to multitask, productivity experts recommend doing it carefully.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}

A. There are some exceptions to the no-multitasking vile.

B. Instead they switch back and forth between concentrating on two or more tasks.

C. Doing things one at a time usually helps people produce better work.

D. To some people, the advantages of multitasking seem obvious.

E. Multitasking actually works against the goal of getting things done.

F. It might also make you feel productive, which can in turn make you happy.

G. Pair a mentally challenging task with a physical task you don't have to think about.

Is Fresh Air Really Good for You?

We all grew up hearing people tell us to "go out and get some fresh air". {#blank#}1{#/blank#}According to recent studies, the answer is a big YES, if the air quality in your camping area is good. 

{#blank#}2{#/blank#}If the air you're breathing is clean—which it would be if you're away from the smog of cities—then the air is filled with life-giving, energising oxygen. If you exercise out of doors, your body will learn to breathe more deeply, allowing even more oxygen to get to your muscles (肌肉) and your brain. 

Recently, people have begun studying the connection between the natural world and healing (治愈). {#blank#}3{#/blank#}In these places, patients can go to be near nature during their recovery. It turns out that just looking at green, growing things can reduce stress, lower blood pressure and put people into a better mood (情绪). Greenery is good for us. Hospital patients who see tree branches out their window are likely to recover at a faster rate than patients who see buildings or sky instead. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}It gives us a great feeling of peace. 

{#blank#}5{#/blank#}While the sun's rays can age and harm our skin, they also help us make up beneficial vitamin D. To make sure you get enough vitamin D—but still protect your skin—put on sunscreen right as you head outside. It takes sunscreen about fifteen minutes to start working, and that's plenty of time for your skin to absorb a day's worth of vitamin D.