Coffee is one of the most popular drinks around the world.{#blank#}1{#/blank#}Expertsclaim that there are more flavors of coffee than there are of wine. Coffee contains caffeine, an element (成分) that raises our awareness, keeps us from falling asleep or simply gives us a kick in the morning or after lunch.

{#blank#}2{#/blank#} For a longtime doctors have told people not to drink too much coffee, because it may leadto heart problems, high blood pressure, insomnia (失眠) andheadaches.

        Scientists have now found out that it isthe quality of coffee and the way it is brewed (冲泡) that holds the key to our health.  {#blank#}3{#/blank#} Among other things, this is linked to the consumption of a strong brew of coffee. Experts also point out that different roasts and types of coffee beans have different effects on our health.

        A new study by a Harvard research groupsays that there is no link between coffee and health problems.{#blank#}4{#/blank#}Doctors, however, warn against drinking too much coffee, as it can lead to stomach problems.

        Coffee has many advantages, as the newstudy suggests. While alcohol makes people sleepy and slow-moving, coffee givesthem energy.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}

        Although a lot still needs to be uncovered about coffee, it seems to reduce the risk of cancer and diabetes.Reports show that people who drink coffee may develop Parkinson's disease laterin life, or maybe not at all.

A. There are many different types ofcoffee.

B. Scientists ask people not to drinkcoffee at night.

C. Elderly people in Greece live longerthan normal.

D. But experts are still undecided onhow healthy coffee is.

E. Sugar can change the different levelsof caffeine in a cup of coffee.

F. Drinking several cups of coffee a dayis not connected with heart diseases.

G. Getting together for a cup of coffeealso has a positive effect on relationships.

    People Are People

    Globalization has brought different cultures together in a way unimaginable one hundred years ago. Today, Chinese, Indians, Arabs, Africans, Anglos, and Hispanics may all work in the same offices, attend the same schools or live in the same neighborhoods{#blank#}1{#/blank#} And our society has lately emphasized（强调）the importance of diversity.

    {#blank#}2{#/blank#}Take the following old proverbs for example.  

    “Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.” Thomas Jefferson, American President

    “One falsehood spoils a thousand truths.” African proverb

    “Be honest to those who are honest, and be also to those who are not honest.” Lao Tzu, Chinese philosopher

    “A sacrifice is written off by a lie and the merit of devotion by an act of cheat.” Hindu saying

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#} These seems to be a sort of cultural unity.

    We don't wish to imply all cultures are the same. Cultural diversity is real, and people from different cultures view many situations in different ways. However, historically, different cultures seem to share many common values. They are justice, courage, patience, generosity, equality, mercy and kindness, respect for the elders, and many more. Lying and stealing appear to be wrong no matter where you go. Perhaps some cultures make room for extenuating（情有可原）circumstances more than others; perhaps cultures apply these virtues in different ways; and when values disagree, different cultures may place different levels of importance on them{#blank#}4{#/blank#} But both cultures may still value both.

    To us, it seems as if there is some sort of code of right and wrong that everyone everywhere seems to understand, regardless of culture. It is almost as if, behind all of the diversity, one finds a common understanding – a human culture, if you will – that goes beyond racial, social, and political boundaries.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}

A. All people seem to agree that we should tell the truth.

B. As cultures meet with each other, many differences stand out.

C. Each value supports many more sayings from different cultures.

D. We want to show, however, that there is more to these cultures than diversity.

E. These sayings from four separate cultures all support the same value – honesty.

F. It is almost as if, despite all our differences, we are all still the same – we are just people.

G. In other words, one culture may lean more toward justice and another culture more toward mercy.

                                                                                  Money Matters

    Parents should help their children understand money. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} So you may start talking about money when your child shows an interest in buying things, candy or toys, for example.

    ⒈The basic function of money

    Being explaining the basic function of money by showing how people trade money for goods or services. It is important to show your child how money is traded for the thing he wants to have. If he wants to have a toy, give him the money and let him hand the money to the cashier（收银员）. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} When your child grows a bit older and understands the basic function of money, you can start explaining more complex ways of using money.

    ⒉Money lessons

    Approach money lessons with openness and honesty. {#blank#}3{#/blank#} If you must say no to a child's request to spend money, explain, ”You have enough toy trucks for now.” Or, if the request is for many different things, say. “You have to make a choice between this toy and that toy.”

    ⒊{#blank#}4{#/blank#}

    Begin at the grocery store. Pick out two similar brands of a product—a name brand butter and a generic(无商标产品), for example. You can show your child how to make choices between different brands of a product so that you can save money. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} If he chooses the cheaper brand, allow him to make another purchase with the money saved. Later, you may explain how the more expensive choice leaves less money for other purchases.

A. Wise decisions.

B. The value of money.

C. Permit the child to choose between them.

D. Tell your child why he can or cannot have certain things.

E. Ask yourself what things that cost money are most important to you.

F. Talk about how the money bought the thing after you leave the toy store.

G. The best time to teach a child anything about money is when he shows an interest.

    Futurologists (未来学家) predict that life will probably be very different in 2050.

    TV channels will have disappeared. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} Today, we can use the World Wide Web to read newspaper stories and see pictures on a computer thousands of kilometers away. By 2050, music, films, programs, newspapers and books will come to us by computer.

    {#blank#}2{#/blank#} Cars will have computers to control the speed and there won't be any accidents. Today, many cars have computers that tell drivers exactly where they are. By 2050, the computer will control the car and drive it to your destination.

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#} Many factories already use robots. Big companies prefer robots—they don't ask for pay rises or go on strike, and they work 24 hours a day. By 2050, we will see robots everywhere—in factories, schools, offices, hospitals, shops and homes.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#} Today, there are devices (设备) that connect directly to the brain to help people hear. By 2050, we will be able to help blind and deaf people to see and hear again with the help of new technology.

    Scientists will have discovered how to control genes. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} By 2050, scientists will be able to produce clones of people, and decide how they look, how they behave and how clever they are. Scientists will be able to do these things, but should they?

    There are some children who love to fly and then there are the kids who are afraid of the unknown. The following tips may help you if you want to travel with your children by plane.

    ●{#blank#}1{#/blank#} If you tell the child he will soon be flying on an airplane and leave it at that, his imagination can turn to fear. Instead, tell him how wonderful it is to fly.

    ●Don't tell children about the dangers of flying. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} And you can promise him that the plane will not crash.

    ●Read a book to your children. {#blank#}3{#/blank#} Reading may also make your children fall asleep.

    ●Bring a comfort thing that your child enjoys. {#blank#}4{#/blank#} Be sure to bring that blanket along as it will provide a safety net for the child. Having this blanket along may also help him fall asleep. Bring a safe electronic device that shows movies or supports video games, and offers children puzzles.

    ●Bring snacks. Children are picky eaters and may not like the food being offered. Three to five hours can be a long time on an airplane without food. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} When they are upset, it is easier to let fear of the unknown take control.

    So, You Want to Be a Writer?

    What are some tips on becoming a writer?

    ⒈Read everything you can. Most writers are good readers. They read because they love to lose themselves in books. They like the sounds of language and the way that reading a good description can feel as satisfying as winning a race or eating really good food. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}. Do you like stories that are fast-paced and full of unexpected twists? Do you prefer to read books with characters who seem like someone you might know? Do you like to feel scared or do you like a story that makes you laugh until you cry? Think about the types of writing you like best, and try to identify the qualities that attract you.

    ⒉{#blank#}2{#/blank#} It's easy to forget a good idea if you do not record it immediately. If you get in the habit of carrying a notebook or journal with you everywhere you go, you can write down anything you want to remember. When you are talking to friends in the cafeteria or waiting for the bus, something might give you an idea for a character or a scene in a story. You might have a dream you don't want to forget, or you might just write down the lyrics of a song you love. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}

    ⒊Do your homework. If you decide that you would like to submit your work for publication, make sure you do your research. If you are sending your writing to a magazine, look through old issues. {#blank#}4{#/blank#} If you are submitting to a book publisher, explore their website to make sure your material is similar to (but not exactly the same as) other books they publish.

    ⒋Stay positive. A writer's life can be frustrating. Sometimes it's hard to sit down and write. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} This is why perseverance is an important quality for a writer to have.

A. Talk to friends.

B. Keep a notebook.

C. As you read, pay attention to what speaks to you.

D. You may get many refusals before you receive a single acceptance.

E. Does it seem like your writing fits in with other stories or articles?

F. These everyday thoughts and observations can be material for your writing one day.

G. Writing is a good way to clear your mind and make room for more of the "good stuff".