Teenage life—better now, or in the past?

    Does this situation sound familiar（熟悉）?

    You are complaining（抱怨）to your parents about something. Maybe your computer isn't powerful enough to play the latest games.{#blank#}1{#/blank#}.Then you hear…

    “When I was your age, there weren't any computers or video games. And I didn't get a bike until I was sixteen. And it was second-hand.{#blank#}2{#/blank#}”

    So, is it really true that life is better for teenagers now? It is certainly true that many teenagers have got more things nowadays.{#blank#}3{#/blank#}So parents have got more money to spend on each child. And many things are cheaper than they were when our parents were children.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#} Forty years ago, no one could imagine a world with tiny computers and amazing smartphones. And now these things are necessary—we can't imagine living without them!

    However, technology often means we spend more time at home. And often it's just us, with our computer or television. Teenagers don't do enough exercise.{#blank#}5{#/blank#} And, although young people still get on well with their friends, some people think teenagers today don't have so many social activities as they did in the past.

    What do you think? How is teenage life better these days?

A. And it was too big for me.

B. A typical family is smaller now.

C. Or your friends' bikes are better than yours.

D. So they aren't as healthy as they were in the past.

E. Technology is probably the greatest change in our life.

    Hello, boys and girls. My name is Peter Miller. I'm 13 years old. I'm in Yuying Middle School now. I like music very much. I can sing and dance. I go to the singing lessons(课) and dancing lessons every Saturday. My favorite musician is Jay Chou. 3. 他能唱得很好。 And he is also cool. I can sing many of his songs. I can also play the piano. But I can't play it well. I like sports, too. 4. I often play ping-pong and basketball with my classmates after class. I think they can make me relaxed after a busy day. Now I want to learn tennis because many classmates of mine like playing it. My friend, Mike, can play tennis well. I want to learn from him. I think he can help me with it.

⑴⑵根据短文内容，回答问题；⑶⑷翻译文中划线部分；⑸用所给单词的适当形式填空。

    A young lady was driving a family car home with her father when they were caught in a heavy storm. The young lady was a little afraid and asked her father. "What should I do, stop or keep driving?"

    Her father said, "Keep driving."

    After driving a few kilometers, the storm was becoming heavier and heavier. The young lady noticed that some cars and big transport trucks were pulling over（靠边停）to the side of the road. The young lady asked her father again if they should stop. But her father said nothing. So, she had to keep on driving.

    Ten minutes later, the storm started to become small and she could see a little more clearly. After a couple of kilometers, she drove out of the storm. Moreover, the sun came out and the road ahead was dry.

    Her father told her to stop and get out of the car.

    "But why now, Father?" she asked in surprise.

    Her father said, "When you get out, you can look back at all the people in cars and big trucks that gave up and they are still in the storm. Now, your storm is over because you didn't give up.

    Don't give up, even if the stronger do. If you keep going, soon your "personal storms" will be over. The sun will shine on you again and the road ahead will be dry and clear.

    Hello, everyone! I will tell you something about my trip to the U.K.

    When I got to London Heathrow International Airport, I began my visit. First, I went to a senior high school. I was happy on the first night there because I lived with a kind family, the Whites. It was a big family. They were very friendly to me. They helped me do many things. When I wanted to write to my friends, they let me use their computer. When I lost my camera, they helped me look for it.

    After some days, I went to another two schools. I lived in the Smiths' house. There were four people in the family. I was surprised that the parents were from two countries.

    It was a nice trip and I was happy to be with the two families. They would be my friends forever.

    Look at this boy. He is an English boy. His first name is Alan. His last name is Brown. This is his school. His school ID card is three six eight seven two three six eight. His teacher is Miss Black. She is a nice teacher. Look! What's that? It's a bag(包). It's blue. It's Alan's bag. His red jacket is in it. Where is his pen? Oh,

    Alan lost(丢失)it this morning.

    Hello, boys and girls! I'm Mr. Lee, your headmaster(校长). Welcome to our school. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}

    On September 22nd, we have a school trip in the morning. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} You  can bring some drink and food.

    October is a great and busy month. On the 12th and 15th, we have two ball games, soccer and volleyball. School Day is on October 25th. {#blank#}3{#/blank#} You can  show your parents around (带……参观) our school.

    Next month, on November 18th, {#blank#}4{#/blank#} You can buy some useful books.

    On Christmas Day, we have an English party. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} Please come and join in it.

    This is a really busy term. Have a good time!