Speaking exams can be stressful! What if you don't understand the examiner (考官)? What if you don't get the exact word you need? Don't panic (惊慌)! Remember that everyone gets nervous in exams, especially oral exams. So, don't worry and our tips will help you feel more confident in a speaking exam.

★ Listening to as much English as possible will help to improve your speaking. Listening to songs, and watching films, TV series or video clips will help you feel more confident about speaking.

★{#blank#}1{#/blank#} If you speak English regularly in class, you will find it easier to speak in an exam.

★{#blank#}2{#/blank#} It's not a race. Before you speak, think carefully about what to say and speak a little slower than normal.

★{#blank#}3{#/blank#} Use words and expressions you have used before. If you don't know a word, think of another way to say it.

★{#blank#}4{#/blank#} If you find this difficult, practice with a friend at home. Stand at opposite ends of a room and speak to each other in English. Or speak to each other in English on your computers.

★{#blank#}5{#/blank#} So, take some deep breaths before the exam and try to relax.

    Last Friday, there was a talent show in our school. A lot of students took part in the show. Tom introduced every student on the stage. At the end of the show, the head teacher, Mr. Smith was asked to present the awards. He said, “Dear teachers and students, I'm happy to be here and present the award for today' talent show. You all did a good job.”

    “There are 3 awards—the Best musical Performance Award, the Most Interesting Show Award and the Beast Performer Award. It was very difficult to choose the winners. You are wonderful! You are great!”

    “The Best Musical Performance Award goes to Mary. She is very good at playing the drum. The Most Interesting Show Award goes to Mike, the Best Performer Award goes to Daniel. Congratulations to them!”

Maker Moment

    Last year, Izzy Goldstein, 12, learned in science class that we can reduce air pollution by using natural energy sources, such as wind and solar power, instead of gasoline. This made her wonder what she and her schoolmates could do to help the environment. "Maybe if my school got  a bike rack（架子）, more kids would bike to school instead of depending on cars," Izzy told TIME for Kids. Rather than ask their school to buy a rack, Izzy and her friends decided to make a bike rack by themselves.

    They came up with a design. They calculated how much wood they might need. They measured how long the boards should be. They used power tools to cut them and put them together safely. And they did all this in their school's makerspace.

    Makerspaces are workspaces where kids can learn to create objects using technology, engineering, art and design. These spaces often feature a mix of high-tech machines, such as 3D printers and robotic Kits(工具箱), and simple materials like clay and cardboard.

    Izzy goes to the Harley School in New York. It is one of a growing number of schools across the United States with makerspaces. Makerspaces are largely inspired by Maker Faires(创客盛会), which are events that give people a chance to share their creative projects. Each year, about 250,000 people attend the Maker Faires in San Mateo, California, and Queens, New York. Maker Faires have also spread to countries around the world, including Egypt, France and Thailand.

    Schools are introducing makerspaces to the curriculum(课程)because makerspaces give kids a way to have ideas and build something from those ideas. Kima Enerson is a makerspace teacher at the Harley School. But she says kids can become extraordinary makers in an ordinary classroom, too.

    In Harley's Lower School (pre-kindergarten to Grade 4), students learn about the basics of computer software. By third grade, they study coding and how electricity works. In sixth grade, they learn to safely use tools such as drills and saws. When students get to high school, Enerson shows them how to apply their skills to solve global problems. "Throughout the process of designing, students are learning to create something to better the world," she says

    It's getting hotter and hotter outside. Summer is already here! Summer means high temperature, more outdoor activities and all kinds of fruit and vegetables. How can we stay fit in this exciting season? Here are some good ideas:

    Eat and drink properly

    What is healthy to eat in summer? Fresh and light food. Fish can be a good choice. It can keep your body energetic and help fight against the burning sun. Colourful fruit and vegetables is another good choice. They not only please your eyes, but are full of healthy chemicals(化学物质). Tomatoes can help protect your skin against sunburn. Blueberries are good for your brain and eyes. The more colour, the better!

    With all those summertime activities you will be thirsty. What to drink? Water. Water has zero calories(卡路里) and is the perfect drink to stop your thirst. Try not to drink too many energy drinks, sports drinks and soda drinks which have lots of sugar and caffeine(咖啡因) in them.

    Stay active and cool

    Summer is a great season to enjoy outdoor activities and play. It's also a good time to lose weight. If you are lucky enough to be near a body of water, try water sports like swimming, surfing, water skiing and so on. These sports keep you cool and active at the same time. You'll have no problem beating the heat and keeping fit as well. .

    Be careful of the        

    Summer allows us more chances to get outside ，but it also means more possibilities to get burnt by the sunshine. If you are going outside, keep away from the sun when it's the strongest- usually between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. If you have to stay in the sun for a long time, sunscreen(防晒霜),a big hat and a long-sleeve jacket will be necessary,

    Hello, boys and girls. My name is Li Jing. I am thirteen years old. I think as students, we should work hard at school on weekdays. So I always study hard when I am at school, but on my day off(放假) I often do something else to relax myself.

    I had a very relaxing day off. In the morning, I got up at seven o'clock. Then I went to run with my father. I think we need to exercise every day. After running, I took a shower and had breakfast. At nine o'clock, I went to the zoo with my friends. We saw some pandas and lions there. Pandas are cute and lions are scary. In the shop, we bought many gifts. We had great fun there.

    In the afternoon, my parents took me to see my grandparents. They live in the beautiful countryside. They were very happy to see me. I talked with my grandfather for long and he told me many interesting things about him. My grandmother cooked lots of delicious food for us.

    In the evening, I watched TV with my cousins. We watched an exciting basketball match. We were glad when we saw our favorite team in the match.

    What a happy day off I had! I hope all of you can have an interesting day off!