A kiln (窑) is a type of oven or furnace used to cure (加工处理), harden, or burn certain materials. Depending on which materials are heated in it, a kiln may be square, tunnel shaped, or beehive shaped, and usually made of brick or stone.{#blank#}1{#/blank#} It may be set as low as sixty-five degrees to cure grain or as high as 3,200 degrees to transform limestone to quicklime (熟石灰).

    {#blank#}2{#/blank#} They have a variety of purposes. The cement (水泥) industry uses revolving kilns to heat and separate raw materials. Bricks, pottery, and china made from clay must be fired, or hardened, in kilns. Certain kinds of coal and wood must be kiln-dried （在窑里烘干的）before they can be used. Hobbyists use small kilns to fire a variety of ceramic (陶瓷) objects.

    There are two main types of kilns. A periodic kiln, used to fire certain kinds of delicate china, is raised to a high temperature and then completely cooled before its contents are removed. A continuous, or tunnel kiln contains several chambers, or zones, which heat, bake, and cool a product. Stacks of clay bricks move through a tunnel kiln on tracks{#blank#}3{#/blank#}

    Gas, oil, and coal are all used to heat modern kilns{#blank#}4{#/blank#} But for special jobs, where cleanliness and careful heat（绝热）are important, kilns must be heated by electricity oven though it is more expensive. Small kilns used in the home or in craft shops are also heated electrically because electricity is clean and convenient.

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#} When ancient people discovered that heat hardened some materials, they were able to make durable household objects such as jugs and bowls. Today our museums display many kinds of ancient statues and art objects that have lasted because they had been kiln-dried. They come from lands as far apart as China and Greece.

A. Its temperature may vary.

B. Then they come out, hardened, and cooled.

C. Kilns are used in industry and in craft-making.

D. Kilns have been in use for thousands of years.

E. An electric kiln is a heating chamber used to transform materials.

F. Most manufacturers use whichever material is cheapest in their area.

G. Clay, when heated properly, becomes hard enough to form bowls and plates.

    Change is hard for many people to accept. However, it's worth keeping in mind that one part of growing as a person requires you to accept that life is constantly changing{#blank#}1{#/blank#} You need to be able to deal with these changes in a positive way.

    First of all, you should understand that change is an unavoidable part of life. Before the time comes for you to accept change, learn that it is necessary for old things to go and new things to come{#blank#}2{#/blank#}The entire history of the world and the history of human progress are decided by change and development.

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#} Even though change can have a negative effect on your life, in most cases, there is always something positive to look at. Use this as an opportunity to turn a loss or negative change into an opportunity.

    Last of all, try to understand why change upsets you so much. It's hard to change and accept it if you're unclear why it makes you so uncomfortable or unsettled{#blank#}4{#/blank#}This, as a result, might help stop some of your anxiety about change. Consider the following{#blank#}5{#/blank#} Does the change make you feel like everything you know about the world is falling apart? Does breaking up with a significant other make you feel as if you're too emotionally fragile and lacking a support system?

A. Does that bad situation appeal to you?

B. You must learn to look on the bright side as well.

C. Think about it and you might understand it finally.

D. You should turn to others for help if it is necessary.

E. Does social change give you a feeling of uncertainty?

F. You might lose our jobs, lose our loved ones, or experience other life changing things

G. Most of the time, the transition from the old to the new will bring you energy

    Everyone wants to perform well at school. Add these tips to your life and you should be on your way to being a top student!

    {#blank#}1{#/blank#}I cannot stress how important it is to pay attention to what your teacher is teaching you. Take part in class discussions if you have something worth adding. Pay attention during class, especially during lectures.

    Taking notes is important. You don't need to write down every single word your teacher says but write down what he or she writes on the board or any special fact you think you might need for a test. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} In this way it will help you learn more effectively (有效地) by actually thinking about what you are writing.

    Don't skip school. You will be missing out on stuff. {#blank#}3{#/blank#} However, you will have more work and you have missed lectures. Also, try not to be late for class. It's most likely that your teacher won't appreciate it and you will get yourself behind.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#} If you have an “I don't care about school or this class” attitude, then teachers will be less willing to help you with problems. The same goes for lazy attitude. Have a respectful attitude to the teacher and other students. Try not to laugh when other students make mistakes.

    Always ask questions. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} If you don't understand, ask someone. Read your textbook and notes, and then if that fails, seek help. Ask a teacher, friend, classmate, parent, etc. Get a tutor if you need one.

A. It is true that you could make up the work.

B. Keep a good attitude towards things.

C. Pay attention to everything the teacher says.

D. There is no shame in needing some help.

E. Staying organized will be helpful.

F. Write in your own words.

G. Be prepared.

    Caregivers care for someone with an illness, injury or disability. Caregiving can be rewarding, but it can also be challenging. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} Women especially are at risk for the harmful health effects of caregiver stress. These health problems may include stress and anxiety. There are ways to manage caregiver stress.

    The first thing to do is learn ways to better help your loved one. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} To find these classes, ask your doctor or call your local Area Agency on Aging.

    Take time out to meditate（冥想）or reflect. Spending 10 to 20 minutes twice a day to "clear your head" can work wonders when you're feeling overburdened. Some caregivers learn meditation techniques from classes or books on the subject, while others simply take time out to quietly reflect. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}

    Exercising is another good way to help mind and body recover. It's one of the best-known techniques for reducing stress and keeping healthy. A quick walk several times each week gives you significant health benefits. {#blank#}4{#/blank#} Your library may offer exercise DVDs. Invite a friend over to join you. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} Nursing a garden, watching a favorite TV show, or reading an article that interests you. Your favorite hobby can help "center" you and remind you that you still have a life outside of caregiving. You must make some time－even for 10－to take care of yourself.

A. Stress from caregiving is common.

B. Try to do something you enjoy every day.

C. You'd better keep a journal of your thoughts and feelings.

D. Find caregiving resources in your community to help you.

E. Whichever way you choose, it's important that you focus on clearing your mind.

F. There are many good indoor choices, too, from walking in place to yoga or tai chi.

G. Some hospitals offer classes that can teach you how to care for someone with an injury or illness.

Life Lessons

    Life is not easy when you are pursuing something worthwhile and ready to learn from the best experiences. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} Here are some life lessons which people will learn the hard way in majority of cases.

    It takes consistent time and effort to be successful in any area. However, People usually get discouraged when it takes more time than they thought it would. At this time, people refer only to people who have already achieved what you want to be, which most people fail to do. Look at any successful person and you'll notice one thing common in all of them. They took time to learn and mastered their skills like no one else. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}

    Be brave to take the road less travelled. In our whole life, we always want to follow the same path that everyone suggests, do the same things everyone does, take the same career path everyone takes, wear the same clothes everyone wears, and hang out with the same people we work with. {#blank#}3{#/blank#} But when you get bored of life, you will realize that you are not meant to do what everyone does and that your destiny is different from anyone else's out there in the world. But the price you pay to realize this is high because it takes a great amount of courage to follow your own path.

    You don't have to live your life in a way society wants you to. {#blank#}4{#/blank#} Parents sometimes force their children to select a career they don't want because other children have selected that career. Worst of all people follow them without even asking. There is no harm in old rituals(惯例) and beliefs but when you pursue them before your interest, sooner or later you'll realize that you should first do what you think is right.

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#} However, if you are smart enough to learn early and wish not to waste your precious time learning them the hard way, learn them now and apply it to your life as soon as possible.

A. You have to break the rules sometimes.

B. After all, life lessons are always learned the hard way.

C. There is no elevator to success; you have to take the stairs.

D. The reason why we follow others is that we are scared to fail.

E. It always takes tests and then fails us to learn anything worthwhile.

F. The general rule goes that the harder you try, the greater results you get.

G. Many old beliefs are being performed these days and are followed blindly.

Tips for Foreign Students in China

China is a very popular destination for foreign students today. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} At this point, the most popular choices for study are management and technical courses, though the interest in other disciplines is growing every minute. Here is a short list of some great tips for you if you want to study in China.

Learn the culture

China has a history of over 5,000 years. Depending on where you come from, you might find it hard to fit in. This is the rule that applies to any transfer you make in the world. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}The more you learn, the sooner you'll make friends.

Learn the language

Even when travelling for a short time, it's always wise to learn the basic phrases of the language people speak in your target country. {#blank#}3{#/blank#} This will help you connect better with the people and show that you've made an effort.

Know your budget

Wherever you go, you need to set your budget before you depart. This is extremely important if you plan to live on a budget for a certain period of time. Before you leave for China to study, check the costs in your selected city or area and plan your budget accordingly. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}

Don't limit yourself

Moving across the world to study in a place you don't know with people you have never seen can seem daunting. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} Don't limit yourself. Go all in.

A. Get a Chinese phrasebook and learn the must-knows.

B. Then, make sure to keep track of it and follow your plan.

C. Once you choose the program, arrange the rest of the details.

D. If you're moving to a place with a different culture, learn a bit before you go.

E. The colleges and universities are known for their excellence and high standards.

F. Studying abroad is a big step, but also one of the best experiences students get to live today.

G. However, students who have gone to China to study always regret not spending more time there.