Social media and the mobile web have given rise to a strange phenomenon called the selfie(自拍). It refers to a picture of yourself, usually shared on any social networking website.

    {#blank#}1{#/blank#}Some selfies are extreme close-ups(特写镜头), and others show part of an arm held straight outward. A few of them even feature the subject standing in front of a bathroom mirror.

    Everyone takes selfies, but the younger crowd seems to be especially involved in the trend. Young people are relatively heavier digital users. They are interested in staying connected to their friends.{#blank#}2{#/blank#}

    There are also kinds of psychological factors driving people to take a selfie and upload it to a social networking site.{#blank#}3{#/blank#} A quick and easy way to attract other's attention is to get "likes" and comments from friends. Secondly, it's human nature to show off your own great achievements. When you feel good about yourself or look good, it's far too easy to take out your phone and document it all through one or several selfies.{#blank#}4{#/blank#}That's right. Sometimes people are bored at work, bored at school, bored at home and even bored on the toilet. Last but not least, social media is about being social! If that means uploading as many selfies as possible, then so be it. It's fun, and it's a cool way to sort of document your own life.

    Finally, there are things to be mindful of when you're posting. It's easy to think you're sharing a photo with a few people.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}So don't post anything online, selfie especially.

A. There are lots of selfie styles.

B. The rise of selfies has become universal.

C. Social media, to some extent, is the driving force of their selfie activity.

D. The desire to take, post and get "likes" on selfies goes back to a biological behavior.

E. But the whole world of social media is public and every individual can get access to it.

F. There are also people who will take selfies because they have nothing else better to do.

G. The leading factor is that people want to get attention from as many people as possible.

    Experts have recently found that making conversation plays an essential part in connecting with people and building closer relationships. Although most people can hold a conversation, only a few are smooth when they talk. If you have dreamed about being a good talker, or you just want to make some change, then listen up!

    Talk slowly

    Generally, good talkers don't rush into a conversation. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} They act as if they have all the time in the world. This makes them come off as centered and collected. Model this way of talking and you will create the same effect.

    Hold more eye contact

    Most people keep eye contact about 2/3 of the time or less when they talk. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} This will convey confidence and interest in interacting with them.

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#}

    People with good conversation skills are more likely to notice the kind of things that the average person doesn't notice, and to bring such details into the conversation. They may notice and point out an interesting ring on the other person's hand, a certain foreign accent, or a certain voice tone they use when saying a name. All these details help to leave a deep impression.

    Express Your emotions

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#} Express your feelings about those facts. Keep in mind that it is at the emotional (情感) level that people connect best.

    Use the best words

    The ability to talk smoothly has a lot to do with choosing the precise (精确的) words to convey your precise feelings or thoughts. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} It will help you develop a way with words and allow you to express yourself more easily.

    Conversational skills don't improve just like that. It takes time, practice and the ability to learn at a rapid rate from your own experiences.

A. Notice the details.

B. Offer interesting news.

C. Improve conversational skills.

D. Don't just present the facts—you're not a newspaper.

E. It's a very good idea to hold eye contact just a bit more than that.

F. Develop your vocabulary and practice communicating as accurately as possible.

G. They take their time when they think over something and when they say it out loud.

    The Center for Humane Technology is made up of people who created many popular apps(软件)for big tech companies like Google, Facebook and Twitter. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}

    The center has started a movement called the Truth About Tech. Its purpose is to teach students, parents and teachers about the dangers of spending too much time on smart phones and computers.

    According to studies on kids and technology, more than 95 per cent of primary school children spend time every day using a computer, or smart phone. About 78 per cent of teenagers check their phones every hour. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} They are afraid that they may miss an important call or message during night.

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#} For example, spending too much time online can cause people to put on weight and also influence how they feel. Many people become worried or nervous because they feel they aren't having as much fun as their friends are. {#blank#}4{#/blank#} They may also find it harder to make friends in real life.

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#} They say that when big tech companies are designing tech tools for kids, they should think about what they would want for their own children.

A. These people are worth our respect.

B. Now they are telling kids to put their phones away.

C. Most students are forbidden to use a phone in class.

D. And more than half of them sleep with their phones.

E. Students may have a harder time paying attention in school.

F. Using phones or computers too much can cause some health problems.

G. The center also wants governments and tech companies to take steps to protect children.

    The most successful people all have certain habits in their daily routines. These habits help contribute to their success. Forming a new good habit can be a struggle, but it is well worth the effort. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}

    Set your goal. Before you can begin to work on your new habit, figure out exactly what you hope to accomplish. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} Make sure that your goal is specific, measurable and realistic to increase your chances of success.

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#} Choosing the habits that are most likely to help you achieve your goal is important. After you have set your goal and worked out all the specifics of achieving that goal, identify a habit that is part of achieving that goal. Consider what good habit would help you accomplish that goal.

    Consider your motivation. Once you have identified your goal and the new habit you need to accomplish this goal, take some time to consider your motivation. {#blank#}4{#/blank#} Good motivation can be the difference between success and failure in terms of forming a new habit. So take your time to consider your motivation.

    Give yourself time. Forming a new habit can take a long time. Some people can form a new habit in as little as a few weeks, while other people will take several months. As you work to form your new habit, just keep in mind that it may be a while before it comes true. {#blank#}5{#/blank#}

A. Identify ways to achieve goals.

B. Find the habit you want to form.

C. Good habits are sure to make you a success.

D. Here are the four steps you can follow to form good habits.

E. It is worthwhile to consider your goal.

F. Try to be patient with yourself as you form your new habit.

G. Your motivation is the reason you want to form this new habit.

    With the College Entrance Examination drawing near as a senior year student, you may have so many pressure coming from so many directions that you can't figure out what to do first.

    Balancing goals in life

    When you have many things to do and a lot of demands on your time, you can lose sight of what's important. One of the best ways to see the big picture—{#blank#}1{#/blank#} —is to lay out your goals.

    Pressure Points and How to Deal with Them

    Confused or overwhelmed- talk to someone you trust. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}. They may help you find solutions to your problems and worries

    Being too hard on yourself - ease up, take a break and do something you enjoy. Daydream, read a book, go out with friends—anything that helps you relax.

    Problems, problems, problems—recognize your limits. It's too stressful to try to deal with all your problems at once. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#}.

    It's important to remember that goals belong to you—not to your parents, your teachers, or your friends. After you're set your goals, identify the skills you have to achieve those goals. If you're not sure what skills you'll need, do some research. Try the library, your guidance adviser and teachers, and other people who could help you.

    Goals exist to serve you. If your goal is something you no longer want, change it. Identify the barriers to getting your goals. {#blank#}5{#/blank#}. Don't get depressed by a big, long-term goal—see what steps you can take to achieve it and set those steps down as short-term, “do-able” goals.

A. Goal-Setting Tips

B. Consider ways to overcome them

C. what you want out of life

D. Choose what's most urgent and set aside the rest until later

E. Discuss your concerns with a friend, parent or teacher

F. As long as you know what skill is important and what isn't

G. Too much to do

    Credit card debts, loans and overdrawn (透支) accounts — these are costly mistakes you don't want your children to make when they grow up. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} According to Mylene Lopa, a chief marketing officer of Sun Life Financial, you should teach your kids about money as early as possible. Start simple and expose them to the following basic concepts.

    Spending

    Giving your children some pocket money is a good way to teach them how to be responsible. "The money should just be enough to buy them a treat, like a juice or a biscuit. It's for practice more than anything," Mylene says. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} Tell your kid he will get a reward if he saves some of that money.

    Saving

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#} They are always cute and colorful, making saving a fun and positive activity for kids. Encourage your children further by bringing them to the bank and showing them how to manage their savings themselves. It makes them feel more grown-up and they love it," says Mylene.

    Earning

    For children, earning usually comes in the form of gifts they receive for good grades or behavior. {#blank#}4{#/blank#} "Material rewards should be saved for even greater achievements," Mylene advises, "like if they top the class or they really go beyond the call of duty to help." This may let your children know making money is not so easy.

    Along with these basic concepts, another way to teach kids about money is being a good example. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} It's hard to teach kids about saving if they see you splurging (挥霍) and borrowing all the time.

A. Be careful when giving them.

B. Buy your children moneyboxes.

C. Make it clear what items the money is for.

D. Set up a fund for your children when they get older.

E. Tell your children to pay a visit to the bank frequently.

F. Teaching your children about money will help them form good habits in life.

G. Avoid borrowing money from other people and use your credit card responsibly.