I was 16 {#blank#}1{#/blank#} I began work in June 1902 at the whaling station. I heard of the killers that every year helped whalers catch huge whales. I thought, at the time, that this was just a story till then I witnessed it {#blank#}2{#/blank#} my own eyes many times.

    At the{#blank#}3{#/blank#}(one)afternoon I arrived at the station, I was experiencing one  hunting {#blank#}4{#/blank#}(excited).I heard a loud noise come from the bay. We ran down to the shore. Without {#blank#}5{#/blank#} (pause)we jumped into the boat. Using {#blank#}6{#/blank#}telescope we could see that something was happening.The sea was so rough that day that it was difficult{#blank#}7{#/blank#} (handle) the boat. Suddenly ,James fell into the sea. From his face, I could see he was {#blank#}8{#/blank#} (terrify). Then I saw a shark,{#blank#}9{#/blank#}swam towards James . Thank godness! James {#blank#}10{#/blank#} (hold) up by Old Tom back to the boat at last.

    Why do different people like different colors? The answer depends largely {#blank#}1{#/blank#} cultural values. To the Egyptians, green is a color {#blank#}2{#/blank#} stands for the hope and joy of spring, while for Muslims, it means heaven. Red is a symbol of good luck in many cultures. During the Spring Festival in China, children {#blank#}3{#/blank#}(give) money in a red envelope to bring good fortune in the New Year. For many nations, blue is a symbol of protection and religious beliefs. Greek people often wear a blue necklace hoping to protect {#blank#}4{#/blank#} (they) against evils.

    People's {#blank#}5{#/blank#}(choose) of colors is also influenced by their bodies' reactions toward them. Green is said to be the most restful color. It has the ability to reduce pain and relax people both mentally {#blank#}6{#/blank#} physically. When{#blank#}7{#/blank#}(work) in green environment, people have fewer stomach aches. Red can make a person's blood pressure{#blank#}8{#/blank#} (rise) and increase people's appetite. Many decorators will include different shades of red in the restaurant. And many commercial websites will have a red “Buy Now” button because red is a color that {#blank#}9{#/blank#}(easy) catches a person's eye. Unlike red, blue is believed to cause people to lose appetite. Therefore,{#blank#}10{#/blank#} you want to eat less, eating from blue plates can help.

    In much of Asia, especially the so-called "rice bowl" cultures of China, Japan, Korea, {#blank#}1{#/blank#} Vietnam, food is usually eaten with chopsticks.

    Chopsticks are usually two long, thin pieces of wood or bamboo. They can also be made of plastic, animal bone or metal. Sometimes chopsticks are quite artistic. Truly elegant chopsticks might {#blank#}2{#/blank#} (make) of gold and silver with Chinese characters. Skilled workers also combine various hardwoods and metal {#blank#}3{#/blank#} (create) special designs.

    The Chinese have used chopsticks for five thousand years. People probably cooked their food in large pots, {#blank#}4{#/blank#} (use) twigs(树枝)to remove it. Over time, {#blank#}5{#/blank#} the population grew, people began cutting food into small pieces so it would cook more quickly.

    Food in small pieces could be eaten easily with twigs which {#blank#}6{#/blank#}(gradual) turned into chopsticks.

    Some people think that the great Chinese scholar Confucius, {#blank#}7{#/blank#} lived from roughly 551 to 479 B.C., influenced the {#blank#}8{#/blank#} (develop) of chopsticks. Confucius believed knives would remind people of killings and {#blank#}9{#/blank#} (be) too violent for use at the table.

    Chopsticks are not used everywhere in Asia. In India, for example, most people traditionally eat {#blank#}10{#/blank#} their hands.

    Today I went to a conference, {#blank#}1{#/blank#} two students had a debate about the strengths and weaknesses of the Internet.

    The first speaker talked about the positive{#blank#}2{#/blank#}(affect) of the Internet on our lives. The first is its value for people who {#blank#}3{#/blank#}(look) for information now. For example, with the touch of a button or the click of a mouse, a student will find enough information at his or her command. The second is our ability {#blank#}4{#/blank#} (relate) to others through the Internet and it is especially important for disabled people {#blank#}5{#/blank#} can't leave their homes. The {#blank#}6{#/blank#} (two) speaker talked about the negative effects of the Internet {#blank#}7{#/blank#}our lives. For example, some experts think that the outcome of spending too much time on the Internet is difficulty in {#blank#}8{#/blank#}(form) social bonds. They were also quite explicit(明确的) about how heavy Internet users spend {#blank#}9{#/blank#}(much) time with their Internet friends than their real-life friends from school and work.

    Both sides presented lots of statistics to support their arguments. My own judgment is that though the Internet is beneficial, we should use our {#blank#}10{#/blank#}(intelligent) and not be a slave to it!

    Dario and his mother loved their new apartment {#blank#}1{#/blank#} living room was large enough for their piano. That night, the two of them sat side by side at the piano. They played jazz music {#blank#}2{#/blank#} (celebrate) their new home. The loud music filled the room and made them feel very happy. The next morning, {#blank#}3{#/blank#}, their happiness disappeared. Someone had left a note under their door during the night. One of their neighbors {#blank#}4{#/blank#} (write) to complain (抱怨) about the sound of the piano. Dario's mother asked the doorkeeper {#blank#}5{#/blank#} he knew anything about it. But he said 'no'. Later that morning, Dario suggested that they should hold a party at home and apologize {#blank#}6{#/blank#} their playing.

    They {#blank#}7{#/blank#} loved the idea. Over the next few days, they sent out {#blank#}8{#/blank#} (invite) and decorated the apartment with party lights. {#blank#}9{#/blank#} (final), the day of the party arrived. The guests brought different presents. One woman even presented Dario with a book of piano music, which gave them a feeling of warmth. Dario apologized and was already looking forward to {#blank#}10{#/blank#} (practice) the new music.