Weddings are important in every country, and there are different wedding customs in different countries. In western countries the bride's (新娘的) dress—her wedding dress—is very important. Some brides wear a new dress. Some brides wear the dress their mothers or even their grandmothers wore at their weddings.

       Some people believe the bride should wear something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. She may wear an old ring and will usually have new shoes. She may borrow something to wear from a friend, and the ring on her finger may have a blue jewel in it or some of her clothes may be blue.

       Many married people in western countries wear a ring to show that they are married. They wear the ring on the fourth finger of their left hands.

       At the wedding, as soon as the man and the woman are married, their friends often throw rice or very small pieces of paper over the couple. They believe this will bring them good luck and that they will have many children. The bride often carries flowers, and after the wedding she throws them up in the air. People believe that the woman who catches the flowers is lucky enough. The bride and the groom (新郎), their friends and family then have a party. After that the bride and the groom go on holiday together. This holiday is called "the honeymoon".

    A friend is someone who makes you happy. Here is some advice to help you to become a better friend.

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    When you are making friends, honesty is the most important word. You should always be honest with your friends. When you see your friend does something wrong, you should tell him or her; when your friend does something good, you should praise him or her honestly and openly.

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    Don't always be concerned with what you have given to your friends. Just try your best to help your friends. You should always keep in mind that you give love, so you can receive love.

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    We all need encouragement. Tell your friends that you are always with them. Encourage your friends to achieve their dreams, and wish them good luck.

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    When your friends do something wrong, you should not always remember them. We all make mistakes, and besides, you should also try your best to help them correct their mistakes.

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    If you have bad feelings, don't hide them. You should talk about your feelings with your friends. They can do their best to help you. They are the persons who you can trust. Just believe in them

    Read the passage carefully and answer the questions according what you've read.

    The Book Thief was written by the Australian author Markus Zusak and it has been his most popular work. Published (出版) in 2005, it has become an international bestseller and been translated into several languages. In 2013, it was adapted into a film of the same name.

    Are you wondering who the“book thief”is? It was Liesel Meminger, a 12-year-old girl living in Germany during World War II. While the Nazis were creating horrors (恐怖) all around, Liesel came across something that she couldn't give up: books. She stole books that belonged to the mayor's (市长的) wife, as well as books that the Nazis wanted to destroy.

    A Jewish man named Max inspired Liesel's love for books. Liesel's family hides Max in their house. He developed a close relationship with Liesel and taught her to read in secret. Soon, Liesel realized the power of words. She not only stole books, but also wrote her own stories.

    “It is not the kind of story that has you crying one moment and laughing the next,” as The Guardian reported. Instead, the sadness of Liesel's story interests you. It makes you realize that such kinds of things have happened to many other people. And it makes you think a lot.

    Once upon a time, there was an island where all the feelings and senses, including Love, Happiness, Sadness and Wisdom lived. One day they were told that the island would sink(下沉), so they all got on boats and left except Love.

    Love was the only one that stayed until the last possible moment. Finally, Love decided to ask for help.

    Wealth was passing by Love in a beautiful boat.  Love said, "Wealth, can you take me with you?"

    Wealth answered, "No, I can't. There is a lot of gold and silver in my boat. There is no room for you."

    Love decided to ask Pride, who was also passing by in a beautiful ship. "Pride, please help me!"

    "I can't help you, love. You are all wet and might damage(损坏)my boat," Pride answered.

    Sadness was close by, so Love asked, "Sadness, let me go with you."

    "Oh…Love, I'm so sad. How can I take someone else with me?"

    Happiness passed by Love too.  But she was so happy that she did not even hear when Love called out to her.

    Suddenly, there was a voice, "Come, Love, I'll take you." It was an elder. Love was so excited that he forgot to ask the elder where they were going. When they arrived at the river bank(河岸), the elder went his own way. Love was grateful to the elder, so he asked Wisdom, another elder. "Who helped me?"

    "It was Time," Wisdom answered.

    "Time?" asked Love.

    Wisdom smiled and replied, "Only Time can understand how valuable you are."

    Your schooldays should be some of the best and happiest days of your life. How can you get the most from them, and be sure you do not waste (浪费) this great chance to learn?

    Be active (积极的) at school. Don't say things are difficult or boring. Take an interest in your school life and school subjects. Take part in lots of activities (活 动). Put up your hands quickly in class. Go around the school with a big smile. If you are not working, you are wasting your time at school. Teachers can not make everything enjoyable (令人愉快的).

    Keep fit. If you don't eat a good breakfast, you will be thinking about food in class.

    If you go to bed late and don't have enough sleep, you will be sleepy in class. Play enough sports every day in order to keep your body strong.

    Face the problem. Do not say you will do things tomorrow. If you get behind the class, it is very difficult to get back in front. You cannot finish the race if you rest all the time. Everyone fails (失败) some exams, loses some matches and has a bad day. Don't make small problems very big and important. Don't forget to ask for help if you cannot solve the problems. You are young, and no one thinks you must do everything quite well!

    Spend the weekends. Don't waste time lying in bed on Saturday or Sunday morning. Go and play sports, get together with friends in the park to relax, learn to play the piano, or help someone with problems. If you don't want to go out, there are also a lot of things to do. You may read a book, practice English or help your mum with housework.

    Follow our advice, and have a happy school life!

    My work allows me to live in different countries. Reading books helps me to connect with my friends, family and my home country, the UK. Here are some books that I read a lot.

    Daddy Long Legs

    This book is about the story of a young girl, Judy, who goes to university and gets lots of new experiences. This book always makes me think of my mother because she used to read it to me when I was ill in bed.

    Harry Potter

    I'm sure many of you know Harry Potter books! I have read them many times since primary school. I really get lost in the stories. These days I'm reading them again in Germany.

    The Railway Children

    这是我最喜爱的书之一It was a gift for my 13th birthday from my best friend, so it still strongly makes me think of my childhood. It is about three children and their adventures(冒险经历)next to a railway.