The Internet is generally(通常) considered to be the world that belongs to young people. But some old people in Shanghai don't think so. Recently, more than 8,000 people over 50 took part in a web page designing contest in Shanghai.

    The contest lasted for two months and attracted a lot of old people. Among them, the oldest is a 79-year-old retired (退休的) lady. She had learned web page designing for 4 months before attending the contest. She finally got an honorary ( 荣誉的) title of “The Most Senior Participant(参与者)”. About 30 other old people got different prizes such as “The Best Creative Work” and “The Best Fine Arts Work”. Their works' themes included science, technology, Olympics, personal life and so on.

    The organizers of the contest hoped to encourage more and more elderly people to learn more about the Internet world. And many of the participants felt they really got a lot from the contest. “Designing web page enriches my life and makes me feel much closer to the young people,” one participant said.

    The designing of web page is not an easy job. But that doesn't mean it is the patent(专利) of young people. In fact, as the saying goes: “It's never too old to learn.” As for the teenagers, perhaps they should know“It's never late to learn”, whether it is English, piano or others.

If you receive an e-mail that looks something like this:

    ARE YOU GOING TO CLASS TODAY? How does reading this message make you feel? Why did the sender use all capital letters(大写字母)? Was he or she angry, or did that person just forget to turn off the 'Cap Lock' on the computer? The fact is, this e-mail is usually the way that people shout online. Knowing when and when not to use capital letters is just one example of online etiquette(礼仪) —often called 'netiquette'. Virginia Shea's book, Netiquette, lists a basic set of dos and don'ts for communicating suitably with others on the Internet. Following are some of her suggestions.

    First, always remember that you are sending messages to a real person, not just to a computer. Don't type anything that you wouldn't say to someone's face. Also, remember that the person who receives your message cannot hear the tone of your voice, or see the expression on your face, so make sure your meaning is clear.

    Don't do anything online that you wouldn't do in real life. Don't take anything without paying for it, unless it's free. Don't use information that someone else has written, and say it's yours. Don't read other people's e-mail—you wouldn't open your next-door neighbor's mailbox and open their mail, right? Do share your knowledge of the Internet with others. It's a big place with lots of information, and there are many new things to discover.

    Remember that people judge(判断) you by your words as well as your actions, so try to write well. Good writing skills, as well as correct grammar and spelling, matter(有关系). Send polite, well-written e-mail messages to others. If you're uncertain about how to spell a word or which phrases to use, look it up. There are lots of helpful books and websites.

    It's okay to show your ideas online in forums(论坛) like chat room or message boards, but don't start arguments with people. 'Flame wars' in online discussions can be interesting to read, but are often unfair to other members of the group. Express your opinions, but remember that fighting online or offline is just not suitable.

    When you're online, just as in 'real' life, try to respect(尊重) other people's space, privacy and feelings. Remember, you are not the only one travelling on this highway!

    Bullying(欺凌)has become a big problem in schools, which has caused serious attention of society. To know what causes bullying will help to stop it. There are many① factors that involve(陷入) a child in bullying：②Parents are busy with their work, leaving their children_ alone or with the grandparents. They don't get love or warmth from their parents. Children who are bullied are easier to bully others. Some children bully others to get respect(尊重)from other kids. Teenage girls bully to win attention or love from someone. Movies and video games also play a role in a child's bullying action.

    Parents, teachers, schools and society should work jointly to stop bullying. As students. ③you should respect others and not make fun of their weakness. If you are bullied, you have the right to tell your parents or teachers about it first and ask them for help.

    [1] In today's world, the most successful companies are the ones who understand how important it is to make contacts（联系）around the world. However, doing business in different countries isn't simple. It is important to know the local customs and traditions of the people you are dealing with, which is the best way to impress(使…印象深刻)your hosts.

    [2] One example that comes to mind is of a German company that has recently tried to gain (获得)a new contract in South Korea. The German visitors arrived at the Korean company's office early in the morning and spent the whole day in long meetings. By the evening, the Germans were so tired that they politely turned down the Korean's invitation to go out for dinner and drinks, since they wanted to return to their hotel and get some rest. The Germans did not understand that in South Korea business talks often continue into the evening. The Germans only came to realize that they offended(冒犯)their hosts after they had lost the contract.

    [3] In Europe or the USA, business is seldom discussed into the evening. However, it is important to be on time for a meeting. If you are ①__________, your hosts may think you do not care. In fact, it is better to arrive at least ten minutes before the meeting starts. This way, you can show how keen(强烈的) you are to do business with them. You will also have time to talk with your hosts before you sit down to discuss business.

    [4] However, in many countries meetings may not start on time. There are many ②_____________for this, such as transport difficulties, unusual weather and the breakdown of cars.

    Sometimes the time of day is also important. In South America and many countries in southern Europe, people have a short sleep after lunch. Therefore, if you try to arrange(安排) a meeting for the early afternoon, you may find that not many people will③__________, or that your hosts will be unhappy.

    We live in the age of the computer. People like scientists, teachers, writers and students use computers to do all kinds of work. But more than 30 years ago, computers couldn't do much. They were very big and expensive. Very few people were interested in them and knew how to use them. Today computers are smaller and cheaper. Since they can do a lot of work, many people like to use them. Many people have them at home.

    Computers become very important because they can work faster than men and make fewer mistakes. Computers can help people do a lot of work. Writers now use computers to write. Teachers use them to teach. Students use them to study and children use them to play games. Computers can also remember what you put into them. Computers are very useful and helpful. They are our good friends. Do you want a computer?

    When all the housewives went to the new supermarket, they had one great hope in mind: to be the lucky customer. Then they did not have to pay for their shopping, for this was what the notice just inside the entrance promised. It said, "Remember, once a week, one of our customers gets free goods. This may be YOUR lucky day!"

    For several weeks, Mrs Read hoped to become a lucky customer, like many of her friends did, and she never gave up hope. Her dear husband tried to advise her not to do so, but he failed. She always dreamed of the day when the manager of the super-market would come up to her and say, "Madam, this is your lucky day. Everything in your basket is free. ”

    One Friday morning, after she had finished her shopping and had taken it to her car, she found that she had forgotten to buy some tea. She dashed（猛冲）back to the supermarket, got the tea, and went towards the cash desk(付款处). As she did so, she saw the manager of the supermarket come up to her, "Madam." he said and held out his hand, "I want to congratulate you! You are the lucky customer and everything you have in your basket is free!"