In England and Australia， it is more common than in the United States for a student to take a gap year(间隔年). What is a gap year？ After high school， it's time for students to go to college. But some students don't go to college directly. ①They will spend one year traveling or doing some other activities before entering college. The year is called a gap year.

On the one hand， students can learn a lot during a gap year.②Before the gap year ， students who take a break from their education will come back to college. When they come back， they will have a clear opinion about what they want to do in their life. ③ may ， learning ， they ， their ， towards ， attitude(态度)， change.

On the other hand， delaying(延期) college for one year can mean increased education costs of 8% or more. Besides higher education costs， the cost of the gap year can be large. That depends on the activities the student chooses.

Taking a gap year has advantages and 　④　. After considering all the things， I might take a gap year. My dream is to be a tour guide. I will spend one year working as a travel agent. That would be a wonderful experience for me.

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    Dick was 7 years old，and his sister，{#blank#}1{#/blank#}．One day their mother took them to their aunt's house to play．

    {#blank#}2{#/blank#}，and then their aunt t ook Dick into the kitchen．She gave him a nice cake and a knife and said to him："{#blank#}3{#/blank#}．Cut this cake in half and give one of the pieces to your sister，but remember to do it like a gentleman (绅士)．"

    "Like a gentleman?" Dick asked．"{#blank#}4{#/blank#}?"

    "They always give the bigger piece to the other person，" answered his aunt．

"Oh，" said Dick． {#blank#}5{#/blank#}．Then he took the cake to his sister and said to her："Cut this cake in half，Catherine．"

    It seems that a family just isn't complete (完整的) without a pet. But if pets aren't suitable to a family's lifestyle or environment, they can quickly lead to problems such as stress or arguments (争执). To save yourself and your family such problems, treat this decision seriously. When choosing a pet, people must consider the family's health. Many people are allergic (过敏的) to cats and dogs. Perhaps a dog or cat with short hair will be fine. And a dog might not be the best choice for a child who is naughty (顽皮的) because the dog might bite him or her. Some people can also have problems with certain pets. It's a good idea to spend a little time with the pet around each member of the family before making your decision. Consider the quality of life of the pet, too. If a pet is used to having space to run around, it can quickly develop psychological (心理的) problems when it is kept in a small flat all day. If pets are allowed to run about in areas with lots of traffic, they can meet an early end. Cats shouldn't be brought into homes that already have large dogs because they won't be able to get along well with each other.

    The decision as to what kind of pet to choose is very important. If you find the right one to suit (适合) everyone in the family and their lifestyle, then it's time to choose one. Remember that your decision is important because it can have effects that last for many years.

    I've always wanted to try rock climbing, but never had the time or money for it. But I've discovered a way to experience the thrill(兴奋，紧张)of climbing rock, without climbing real rock. Indoor climbing is an easy and exciting way to get a taste of rock climbing. And it is also much cheaper and safer！Indoor climbers don't climb on real rock, but on a plastic wall. You can probably find a climbing wall near you. Many gyms, schools and camps have one.

    You can climb indoors at any time of the year, no matter how the weather is. It is usually not expensive. Most gyms provide the equipment you need. The convenience of indoor climbing is one reason why it has become so popular. But the main reason people climb is for the rush(刺激感)they get. When I stand at the foot of the wall and look up. I'm always scared, But once I start climbing, fear changes to determination. With my heart pounding(怦怦地跳), I reach the top and look down. I can't stop grinning(咧嘴笑). I did it!

    Indoor climbing is a great workout. Climbing uses muscles that are hard to exercise, especially those in the shoulders, arms, chest and back. Many people say climbing makes exercise fun. Most gyms have several climbing walls with various degrees of difficulty. The easier ones are like climbing a ladder. The difficult ones bulge out(凸出)in places so that climbers must sometimes climb parallel(平行的)with the floor.

    Although gym climbing is easier and safer than real rock climbing, you should still be careful. Always climb with a partner. As you climb, your partner pulls your climbing rope through something called a belay device(绳索控制器). The belay catches you if you slip. But make sure your partner know how to use this equipment. And if you are a first-time climber, get some instruction before you begin.

    Not many kids are willing to help around the house, but if you start early and then make a list of chores that need to be done and by whom, they'll soon come to accept it as a part of life.

    ①随着孩子们长大，他们或许会为在家里做家务索要钱。Should you pay them? It's up to you.

    Sarah doesn't think you should ever pay children for chores with money or rewards (奖赏) ."This will make them think that the chore is an 'extra (额外的事物)'that they don't have to do if they don't feel like doing it," says Sarah.

    "If children are trying to save for something specific like a computer game, it may be an idea to give them extra chores like washing the kitchen floor, watering plants or washing the car that you will pay for," "Liz says." ②Then at the end of the month they get a little extra pocket money. It teaches them about saving up, and working for the things they want."