Both men and women are living longer thesedays in industrialized countries. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} In general, they can expect to live six or sevenyears more than men. One reason for this is biological.

        One important biological factorthat helps women live longer is the difference in hormones between men and women.{#blank#}2{#/blank#} Between the ages of about 12 and 50, women producehormones that are involved in fertility(生育能力). These hormones also have a positive effect on the heart andblood flow. In fact, women are less likely to have high blood pressure or to diefrom heart attacks.

{#blank#}3{#/blank#}  Theyhelp the body defend itselfagainst some kinds of infections. This means that women generally get sick lessoften and less seriously than men. The common cold is a good example: women, onaverage, get fewer colds than men.

{#blank#}4{#/blank#}Scientists are still not exactly sure howinfluence aging, but they believe that they do. Some think that a woman's body cellshave a tendency(向) to age more slowlythan a man's. Others think that a man's body cells have a tendency to age more quickly.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}

A. However, women, on average, live longer.

B.The biological factor plays an important part.

C.Women are also helped by their female genes.

D.The female hormones also protect the body in another way.

E.Recent research seems to support both of these possibilities.

F.Therefore, women are more healthy than men and can live a better life.

G.Hormones are chemicals which are produced by the body to control carious body functions.

    “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”, so when you want to do business in France, you have to get to know French culture, to make marketing plans, and to run your business by local laws.

    {#blank#}1{#/blank#} The French take great pride in their language, so anyone who does not speak it may run the risk of being disrespected by his French colleagues or business partners. Also, another reason why learning French is important is that it is a great way to show every possible French business partner that you care and respect their country's culture and language.

    There are obvious ways of greeting people in French. When you meet someone new, it's usual to shake his hand firmly and always look at the person in the eye. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}

        Dress well. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}Your business clothing is a reflection of your success and social status. Always try to be stylish. Women are advised to dress simply but elegantly. Wearing make-up is practiced widely by business women.

    The French are passionate about food, so lunches are common in doing business in France, which usually consist of an appetizer, main meal with wine, cheese, dessert and coffee, and normally take up to two hours. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}

    Do not begin eating until the host says, “Bon appetite”. Pass dishes to the left, keep wrists above the table and try to eat everything on the plate. {#blank#}5{#/blank#}This may suggest that you find the food tasteless. If eating in a restaurant, the person who invites always pays.

A. The French draw information about people based on their appearance.

B. This is a time for relationship building.

C. Maybe you have heard the expression.

D. Language should be the focus of anyone planning to do business in France.

E. Be careful with adding salt, pepper or sauces to your food.

F. When you meet a friend, kissing is common.

G. English and French are both spoken in formal occasions.

    While some lucky people are born with the gift of artistic power, others have to study to become fluent in the language of art.{#blank#}1{#/blank#} If the artistic path is calling you, begin the journey with tiny steps and follow it. Here are some ways to show you how to become a true artist.

    Try a generous choice of differing forms of art. If you have never spent much time creating art, it may feel challenging to try to become an artist.{#blank#}2{#/blank#}They just need to express their creative ideas in a great way. If there is a specific type of art you would like to learn more about, go for it, but don't be afraid to branch out and try other forms as well. Some of the most basic forms of art include drawing, painting, sculpting, and photographing.

    Do your research and learn the basics.{#blank#}3{#/blank#} Learn as much as you can about the medium-read books and articles, watch educational videos, and research various methods and other artists. One of the best ways to learn is by studying the work of others who have come before you. If you put effort, it is completely possible to teach yourself how to be a great artist. Need help?{#blank#}4{#/blank#} I'll work for sure.

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#}Many artists devote their lives to creating art. While you do not have to spend every single second of your day working on a painting, do try to dedicate some time each day (or every other day) to working on your project, whatever it might be.

A. Make creating art your favorite.

B. Make time for your art every day.

C. The truth is that all people are artists.

D. Pick up some books on your chosen form(s).

E. You can always further your research with an art class.

F. A key part of being an artist is observing the world around you.

G. Whichever path you are on, be clear that everyone is an artist.

Four Ways to Give Truly Meaningful Gifts

    Buying someone you love a gift that expresses your truest feelings isn't always easy. But when you get it right, the joy they show is worth it. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}

    Listen up.

    While you may think it's a great idea to surprise someone by giving them something you think is meaningful, it's best to get them exactly what they have told you. For example, you heard friends say they wanted the newest bike but you bought them a gym membership instead. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} So get them what they've specially asked for.

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#}

    In the spirit of showing love, we might go big. However, we may not be thinking of what really makes the person happy. You might think buying your father the latest TV is perfect, but then when you get it home, it lights up the living room like a stadium and is totally wrong for the space. So think smart.

    Keep it open.

    Many of us may consider giving cash impersonal（没人情味的）. But this may save you some concern. The receiver can be allowed to choose whatever they want. In a recent survey of over 7,000 Black Friday shoppers, 39 percent said the receiver they were shopping for was “picky（挑剔）”. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}

    Create an experience.

    Visit websites where you can get the latest tickets for a play, buy a surf lesson, or even something unexpected like a flight lesson. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} For example, if your kids are into NASCAR, just imagine the look on their faces when you score them a ride at a race car driving school. So give them a time that they will remember to heart.

How to Stay Out of Trouble

    Sometimes it may seem like you're always getting into trouble with your teachers or your parents. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} The best thing to do is to stop trouble before it starts. It's always possible to turn over a new leaf.

    ⒈{#blank#}2{#/blank#} Joining a sports team is a great way to stay out of trouble. Whether you're playing soccer or baseball, team sports are a great way to find something to do rather than get into trouble.

    ⒉Join a club. If sports aren't your thing, you can always join a club. You can join an art club, chess club, French club, cooking club and so on. {#blank#}3{#/blank#} Therefore, you won't have time to annoy your teachers or parents.

    ⒊Go volunteering. {#blank#}4{#/blank#} If you're too young to do it on your own, go with a parent to a volunteering event. You can help people learn to read, clean up a local park, or work in a soup kitchen. Find something that is meaningful to you and commit to it at least once a week.

    ⒋Read as much as you can. Reading can help you improve your vocabulary and comprehension skills. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} Getting truly interested in stories can help you forget the hours passing by. Reading for just 20 minutes before bedtime every night can help you develop an addicting lifelong habit.

A. Join a sports team.

B. Play soccer or baseball.

C. Then you can have a good time with your friends.

D. Volunteering is another great way to stay out of trouble.

E. These clubs can help you focus on something you care about.

F. What's more, if you're reading, then you're not getting into trouble.

G. And no matter what you do, you just can't seem to get things right.

The benefits of Keeping a journal

    If you want to grow, one important thing you should do is keeping a journal. It may seem simple, but it can make a big difference in your life. I have been keeping journals for years. Writing all the lessons I learn and all the ideas I get has become a habit for me. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} Here are some benefits you will get by keeping a journal.

    It prevents you from losing an idea. Have you ever gotten an idea only to lose it later because you didn't write it down?{#blank#}2{#/blank#}But then I developed the habit of writing down every idea that came into my mind as soon as possible. If I'm away from my computer, I usually write it down on a piece of paper that I bring wherever I go. I will then transfer the idea to the journal in my computer.

    It helps you review all the lessons you've learned. By reviewing your journal, you can quickly see the lessons you've learned and the ideas you've gotten.{#blank#}3{#/blank#}You can use the ideas to propel (鞭策) yourself forward.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#}After keeping a journal for years, you can look back at it and see how far you've gone. Things that were big problems in the past might seem small today. The raw ideas you had in the past might have been realized today.

    It helps you expand your ideas. When you try to come up with a sentence to express an idea, you are thinking actively about it.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}In the end, you will expand your ideas.

A. I often experienced that myself.

B. It trains you to express your thoughts.

C. It allows you to see your progress over time.

D. Just use whatever tool you feel comfortable with.

E. Thinking actively helps you connect your idea to another idea.

F. And to be honest, I can't imagine what my life would be like without it.

G. Then you can do whatever necessary to avoid repeating the same mistakes.