The Science of Risk-Seeking

    Sometimes We decide that a little unnecessary danger is worth it because when we weigh the risk and the reward, the risk seems worth tasking. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}Some of us enjoy activities that would surprise and scare the rest of us. Why? Experts say it may have to do with how our brains work.

    The reason why any of us take any risks at all might have to do with early humans. Risk-takers were better at hunting, fighting, or exploring. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}As the quality of Risk-taking was passed from on ration to the next, humans ended up with a sense of adventure and a tolerance for risk.

    So why aren't we all jumping out of airplanes then? Well, even 200,000 years ago, too much risk-taking could get one killed. A few daring survived, though, along with a few stay-in-the-cave types. As a result, humans developed a range of character types that still exists today. So maybe you love car racing, or maybe you hate it. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}

    No matter where you are on the risk-seeking range, scientists say that your willingness to take risks increases during your teenage years. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}To help you do that, your brain increases your hunger for new experiences. New experiences often mean taking some risks, so your brain raises your tolerance for risk as well.

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#},for the risk-seekers a part of the brain related to pleasure becomes active, while for the rest of us, a part of the brain related to fear becomes active.

    As experts continue to study the science of risk-seeking, we'll continue to hit the mountains, the waves or the shallow end of the pool.

    As is known to us all, everyone can make mistakes. But don't worry about it. The following is what we should do when we make mistakes.

●Just admit (承认) it. Don't think that our mistakes are caused by others. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} Don't blame other people, and don't cheat ourselves, either.

●{#blank#}2{#/blank#} In order to stop the problem from getting worse, we should act quickly to solve it. If we don't act and deal with the problem quickly, it'll only make us feel more stressed. Also it is necessary to make a plan of action and correct the mistake according to it. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}

●{#blank#}4{#/blank#} Those who have made the most mistakes can get an A, for they are the ones who have learned the most. The more we learn from our mistakes, the cleverer we are.

●Think about what we can learn from our mistakes. What caused us to make the mistake? {#blank#}5{#/blank#}When we act with a method to get a good result, do it that way next time. If we don't, we should stop, think about it, change it and try again.

A. Solve it at once.

B. So be away from stress.

C. Don't be afraid of failure.

D. So decide quickly and act.

E. Realize that making mistakes is the best way to learn.

F. How can we avoid making the same mistake in the future?

G. Be brave and face the fact that we have made the mistakes.

    A student's life is never easy.{#blank#}1{#/blank#}A lot of preparations are needed so you can be sure to go back home with a diploma and a bright future waiting for you. The following are some basic things you need to do before seizing your passport and boarding the plane.

    Knowing the country.

    You shouldn't bother researching the country's hottest tourist spots or historical places. You won't go there as a tourist, but as a student. I'll be helpful to read the most important points in their history and to read up on their culture.{#blank#}2{#/blank#}You surely don't want to face legal problems, especially if you're away from home.

    Studying their language.

    Don't expect that you can graduate abroad without knowing even the basics of the language. Before leaving your home country, take online lessons to at least master some of their words and sentences.{#blank#}3{#/blank#} Doing this will also prepare you in communicating with those who can't speak English.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#}

    Check the conversion(兑换) of your money to their local currency, set up your bank account so you can use it there, get an insurance, and find an apartment. The Internet or your intended school will be very helpful in finding an apartment and helping you understand local currency.

    Remember, you're not only carrying your own reputation but your country's reputation as well. If you act foolishly, people there might think that all of your country men are foolish as well.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}

A. Packing your clothes.

B. And it is even more difficult if you have to complete your study in a foreign land.

C. That would surely be a very bad start for your study abroad program.

D. This will be useful in living and studying there.

E. Most importantly, read about their laws.

F. Going with their trends will keep it from being too obvious that you're a foreigner.

G. Preparing for other needs.

    Some students prefer to learn by themselves. They think they can learn better in this way because they have more freedom, pressure and independence. There is some truth in their way.

    {#blank#}1{#/blank#}It is better to have a teacher, especially when they learn something more difficult. First, a teacher can act as a guide to lead you to success. When you learn, you need help and advice. A teacher will give you a hand when you face difficulties. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}

    What is more, a teacher puts real pressure on you.  If you study by yourself,you must be strong-minded enough to keep on.{#blank#}3{#/blank#} But under the guidance of a teacher, you will feel there is always someone to watch you. The teacher may give you homework to do. You must complete the homework, or you will not pass the course.

    Last but not least, studying with a teacher will help you receive the benefit of the teacher's knowledge {#blank#}4{#/blank#}.They teach students how to learn and how to obtain information. They guide all of you in class to discuss the material and provide extra material to broaden the scope of the topic.

{#blank#}5{#/blank#}I choose to learn in a big family—my school. Without a teacher, I would feel there would be no fun and no pressure. I could not learn well in such dull and depressing circumstances.

A. Besides, teachers are connected with our life.

B. Teachers can help you solve all of your problems.

C. In short, I prefer to go to class studying with a teacher.

D. Without a guide, you would be searching in darkness.

E. And you may become inactive for lack of a strong will.

F. But they fail to see the advantages of learning with a teacher.

G. In class, teachers do more than just going over the material in the text.

    I was ten when I first sat with my grandmother behind the cashier(收银台) in her grocery store. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} I quickly learned the importance of treating customers politely and saying "thank you."

    At first I was paid in candy. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} I worked every day after school, and during the summer and on weekends and holidays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. My father helped me set up a bank account.{#blank#}3{#/blank#}

    By the time I was 12, my grandmother thought I had done such a good job that she promoted me to selling cosmetics(化妆品). I developed the ability to look customers directly in the eye. Even though I was just a kid, women would ask me such things as "What color do you think I should wear?" I took a real interest in their questions and was able to translate what they wanted into makeup(化妆) ideas. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}

    The job taught me a valuable lesson: to be a successful salesperson, you didn't need to be a rocket scientist—you needed to be a great listener. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} Expect they are no longer women buying cosmetics from me; instead, they are kids who tell me which toys they would like to see designed and developed.

A. Later I received 50 cents an hour.

B. Before long, she let me sit there by myself.

C. I ended up selling a record amount of cosmetics.

D. Today I still carry that lesson with me: I listen to customers.

E. My grandma's trust taught me how to handle responsibility（承担责任）.

F. Soon I found myself looking more beautiful than ever before.

G. Watching my money grow was more rewarding/worthy than anything I could have bought.

How to Make a Great First Impression

    You've heard it a million times already, but it really does take but a few seconds to make that all-important first impression(印象). Here are some easy ways for you to impress your classmates or teachers.

    {#blank#}1{#/blank#}

    Before you shake hands with somebody, make sure that your hands are clean. The handshake should not be too strong or weak. Most people use their right hands, unless they have a reason to use the left. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}

    Be on time

    When meeting someone for the first time, arriving on time is as important as breathing. You may have an excuse, but that will leave the person who hardly knows you with a bad impression. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}.It's better to be hanging around the place than be stuck in traffic.

    Introduce yourself and ask for names

    Make sure you properly introduce yourself. Ask for their name in a polite way. {#blank#}4{#/blank#} This will increase the chances of their remembering your name in the future. Always remember to stand up when greeting someone and be sure to introduce them to anyone you're with.

    Make good conversation

    To get the most out of your discussion, try to find something common between the two of you. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} A person will feel more comfortable with someone they can relate to(产生共鸣).

A. Use body language

B. Have a proper handshake

C. Repeat the name and use it later in conversation.

D. As a general rule, plan to arrive about 30 minutes early.

E. It could be a similar taste in clothes or a common hobby.

F. You'll be in serious trouble if you leave them with a bad impression.

G. However, don't have your left hand in your pocket because this appears impolite.