In common with other countries, Britain has serious environmental problems. In 1952, more than 4,000 people died in London because of the smog. The government introduced new laws to stop smog from coal fires and factories and the situation improved a lot.

      Today, London is much cleaner but there is a new problem: smog from cars. In December 1991, there was very little wind in London and pollution increased a lot. As a result, about 160 people died from pollution in just four days.

      One of the problem is the new "out of town" shopping centres. In the past, people often walked to shops near their homes or went by bus. Now, many people drive to the new shopping centres. Because the small shops have disappeared in the downtown, more people have to travel to do their shopping.

      Critics say that Britain needs better and cheaper public transport. Transport in Britain is very expensive. An early morning train trip from Glasgow to London (about 600km) can cost about £100, for example. A short 15-minute bus trip can cost over £1.00.

      Many people are trying to reduce the use of cars in Britain. Some cities now have special bicycle paths and many people cycle to work. Some people also travel to work together in one car to reduce the pollution and the cost.

    Most elephants are grey. Only a few are white. It's difficult to see a white elephant. When people find a white elephant, they feel excited.

    Long ago, a white elephant was taken to the king. Only the king could have a white elephant. And the white elephant must be a very good one. People wanted to take a look at the animal. On its way to the king, the white elephant attracted(吸引) many people. They ran into the street and shouted, “A white elephant is coming!”

    All the people liked the cute elephant. Some gave it water to drink. Others sang songs to the elephant. A boy put a red hat on the elephant's head.

    Then the elephant came to the king. At last the king saw the white elephant. The king gave it a name himself. The elephant ate from gold dishes and it began a new life.

    How much do you know about "Taobao"? Do you often buy goods(商品)online? During every big festival hundreds of millions of dollars is spent online. "Who needs a shopping mall if you have Taobao? I am a Taobaoer，" says Wang Fang, 28, a writer in Beijing. Taobao, China's largest online shopping site(场所)，has become an important part of Wang Fang's life. Half of her salary(薪水)is usually spent on Taobao.

    A growing number of Chinese Internet users like Wang have found the pleasure of online shopping. Most online shoppers are students and young workers. People can find almost everything they need online, from clothes to books, from candy to DVD players. And clothing and household(家用的)products are the most popular goods bought online.

    The biggest attraction for buyers is the low prices of online goods. Buyers can also check the information easily. They can compare the prices of the same kind of goods from different sellers, and choose the cheapest one. When someone asks her about the safety of online shopping, Wang Fang said ,"It's very safe and easy. If you can't receive the goods from the sellers or are not satisfied with them, the shop owners will not get the money. You can also get your money back if you give the goods back. "

    Once upon a time, in the forest there lived a baby elephant, who had no friends. ________________ of the animals wanted to be his friend because he was too large.

    One day, a wild fire happened in the forest. The animals ran to safer places. The dry trees caught fire and the fire was sure to go all around the forest. The baby elephant ran to the nearest river, collected much water in his trunk (象鼻) and rushed to the burning trees. He sprayed (喷) the water on the fire. Finally, he put out the fire.

    Later, while he was resting after the hard job, all the animals and birds came to him and expressed their thanks for his kind help in time. They were now ready to have him as their good friend and their hero. They said, "A friend in need is a friend indeed."

    The baby elephant was happy to get so many friends and played games with them. He walked through the forest, carrying several small animals and birds on his back.

    The four seasons in Beijing are different. It is dry, windy and sandy in spring and hot and rainy in summer. Autumn is the best season in a year when the sky is blue; the air is fresh, mild(温和的) and humid(潮湿的). However, winter is cold and dry with a little snow. The average temperature throughout a year is 11.7℃. The average temperatures of the hottest month July and the coldest month January change from 27℃ to -4.6℃. (A)Spring and autumn are better seasons for tourists to visit Beijing when it is sunny and warm.

    If you come to Beijing In spring, you could wear a thin sweater, a pair of pants, and a coat. (B)       In summer the temperature could reach as high as 30℃. (C)       Autumn is the most beautiful season, but after October the weather changes, so it is better to bring some heavy clothes with you.(D)       In winter, you need a heavy woolen sweater, and a long wind coat or a down jacket. Generally there will be two or three heavy snowfalls each winter, so it is always wise for you to have anti-skidding shoes with you when you come. Lastly, don't wear light-colour clothes in winter.