Do you know how to pick a good book you'll really like? Here are some tips.

    Start With Your Interest.{#blank#}1{#/blank#}You can pick something that you love to read, not for school. They can be ancient martial (武术) arts, computers, or fashion design. You name it, there are books about it.

    What's Your Type? Do you prefer fiction or nonfiction (or both)? Fiction books, like novels, can transport you to another world or help you imagine something beyond your own experience. Nonfiction books give you the who, what, when, and why of something{#blank#}2{#/blank#} Many of them read like novels from start to finish.

    Read the description. The reviews and quotes on the back and inside covers of many books give you an idea of what the book is about. They can also help you pick future books, too. If you find a book you really like, take a minute to read the quotes and see which authors praised the book.{#blank#}3{#/blank#}

    Find a Family Favorite. Which book did your mother love best when she was at your age?{#blank#}4{#/blank#}Find out and give them a read — then you can share your thoughts about the book.

    Finally, you'll probably enjoy what you're reading a lot more if you find a quiet place and make time for the book.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}You can put on some good music, get yourself some tea and let yourself be carried away by the book. You'll see that time does fly when you're reading something you love!

A. How about your brothers and sisters?

B. They tell stories using facts — but that doesn't mean they're boring.

C. Reading is a good way to improve your English.

D. Most reading is best enjoyed when you can concentrate (全神贯注) on it.

E. Often, they'll have similar styles and you might find books you like by those authors, too.

F. So you should read as much as possible when you are free.

G. Reading on your own isn't like reading for school.

The origins of football

    If I ask whether you want to come out and play Pasuckaukohowog or Aqsaqtuk, will you know what I am talking about? I don't think you will, but they are very old names for a sport which is extremely popular today{#blank#}1{#/blank#} The origins of football can be found in every corner of the world.

    Civilizations throughout history all played ball games and many of these can be considered forerunners of the modern game{#blank#}2{#/blank#} However, there is scientific evidence that suggests that ball games were played even earlier in ancient China with the name of cuju. There is evidence to show that ball games in Egypt were linked to agriculture and religious ceremonies.

    Did you know that the Native American Indians played football?{#blank#}3{#/blank#} It was quite often that players would finish the game with broken bones and other serious injuries. In fact the game was almost a war with up to 500 players on each side!

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#} So they would often disguise themselves with lots of paint to avoid being recognized.

    The game was normally played on a sports field that was often one mile long with goals at either end. The game could last for hours and was often carried on from one day to the next.

    During the Mid-19th century, football was played at the public schools of England with totally different rules. To unite the widely different forms of football, they came up with the rules that were known as the Cambridge Rules.{#blank#}5{#/blank#} They allow goal kicks, throw-ins as well as forward passes and prevent running while you are holding the ball!

    So next time when you're playing football, be thankful that there is one universally accepted rule for playing!

A. Football was considered a male sport.

B. They are really a set of football rules.

C. The players understood the violent nature of the game.

D. Ball games were first played in Egypt as early as 1800 BC.

E. The sport is football.

F. This game was incredibly violent at that time.

G. These records prove that the sport has a long tradition throughout history.

    A white elephant gift exchange is a popular holiday party game in, the United States. Generally, the party needs at least six participants, and' the larger the group: is, the more entertaining the game will be{#blank#}1{#/blank#}But it can result in heated competitions between players trying to get the gifts.

    {#blank#}2{#/blank#}Sometimes, the rule is that the item must be previously owned, which means that you can exchange an unwanted item or trinket(小装饰品) with your friends. But sometimes you can buy a new but inexpensive item just for the party.

    Every participant is expected to bring one wrapped(包装好的) gift. A white elephant gift is usually something useless or inconvenient{#blank#}3{#/blank#} Guests are asked to wrap them nicely and leave no identifying markings on the presents.

    To start the game, a participant must act as the first player to choose a gift; this can be decided randomly or by picking numbers out of a hat{#blank#}4{#/blank#}As for the next player? This person can either “steal” the first person's gift or choose an unwrapped item from the pile. Each gift can be stolen only three times before it is considered "dead".

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#}Any person that has to give up a gift can also pick a new gift or steal one from another person. Each turn is only allowed three swaps between the current player and the previous players. The game won't finish until all the presents are opened.

A. It all depends on how the game is organized.

B. This process is repeated until the game is over.

C. Don't forget that the game's purpose is to have fun.

D. The first player then opens the gift in front of everyone.

E. White elephant gift exchange can be run in different ways.

F. The goal of the party is usually entertainment rather than gain.

G. Trinkets, unidentifiable kitchen items and toys are typical “white elephants” .

How parents can help with cyberbullying（网络欺凌）?

    43% of kids have been bullied online. One in four has had it happen more than once.70% of students reported seeing frequent bullying online. Many studies suggest that cyberbullying has become a serious problem worldwide and makes many kids suffer. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}

    Let teachers know about the situation. Many schools have protocols（协议）for responding to cyberbullying. Before reporting the problem, let your children know what you want to do so that you can make a plan that makes you both feel comfortable.

    Encourage your children not to respond to cyberbullying, because doing so just fuels the fire and makes the situation worse. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} Instead, you should keep the threatening messages, pictures, and texts, which can be used as evidence for the bully's parents, schools, or even the police.

    Limit your kids' access to the Internet. Though hurtful, many kids who are bullied can't resist the temptation（诱惑）to check websites or phones to see if there are new messages. {#blank#}3{#/blank#} Many websites and smartphones include parental control options that allow parents to control kids' online life.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#} Follow your children on social media sites, but do not make comments or post anything on your children's whereabouts online. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} And also tell them why it's a bad idea to share it online.

A. Know your kids' online world.

B. But that doesn't mean you can do nothing.

C. Remind your kids of the seriousness of cyberbullying.

D. Make sure your kids figure out what to do about it.

E. Talk to them about the importance of private information.

F. So if you know how to deal with it, things will get much better.

G. Keep the computer in a public place and set limits on the use of cell phones.

    Humor plays an important role in relationships. In new relationships, humor can be an effective tool not just for attracting the other person but also for overcoming any awkwardness or embarrassment. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}

    Sharing the pleasure of humor creates a sense of connection between two people. When you laugh with one another, you create a positive tie between you. This tie acts as a strong buffer(缓冲) against stress, disagreements, disappointments, and bad patches in a relationship. And laughter really is infectious. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}But don't worry if you're not naturally a lighthearted, humorous person—you can learn to access your playful side and develop your sense of fun.

    Like any tool, humor can be used in negative as well as positive ways. Humor can only help you overcome relationship problems when both partners can understand the joke. {#blank#}3{#/blank#} If your partner or friend isn't likely to appreciate the joke, don't say or do it. Humor in relationships should be equally fun and enjoyable for both people.

    Don't use humor to cover up other emotions. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}That's when it is used as a cover for avoiding, rather than coping with, painful emotions. You can be funny about the truth, but covering up the truth isn't funny. When you use humor and playfulness as a cover for other emotions, you create confusion and mistrust in your relationships.

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#}The important thing is to find enjoyable activities that help you embrace your playful nature with other people. As humor and play become an inseparable part of your life, you'll begin to find daily opportunities for using your new-found skills to help build and maintain your relationships.

A. Humor can help you and your loved one.

B. There are times when humor is not healthy.

C. It's important to be sensitive to the other person.

D. It's never too late to develop your humorous side.

E. The more you joke, play, and laugh—the easier it becomes.

F. Just hearing someone laugh can make you smile and join in on the fun.

G. In longer-term relationships, humor can keep things exciting and fresh.

Power of Self Talk

Life is like a big swing. dangling between the depths of happiness and sadness. To overcome tough times you have to cheer yourself up. When you are feeling low and confused, this can be done effectively by self-talk.

{#blank#}1{#/blank#}It can be effectively used for soul searching. When talking to ourselves, we hardly lie as our conscience controls our speech. Self talk is useful because when we speak out our thoughts, it makes a larger effect on our brain.{#blank#}2{#/blank#}This repetition talks and thoughts pass message to our brain.

Self-talk is a software, which when properly loaded onto our mind directs ourselves for better results and a healthy mind. Actually many times in our life, we find others advising us to do better in studies, sports, life etc. We usually blank our cars out of their suggestions.{#blank#}3{#/blank#}And when something comes from within you, you always try your best to do it.

If you are a shy person and you want to be the outgoing person like your friend next door, all you need to do is talk to yourself.{#blank#}4{#/blank#}" I am a natural born speaker." "I do like people and speaking comes naturally to me." "I just have to be ready to listen and speak". If you are highly confident to do better, there is no better motivator(动机) than self-talk.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}.

A. So guys start talking.

B. Every person loves to be loved.

C. Self-talk can thus improve our status.

D. Self-talk is a way of talking to oneself.

E. It is because it doesn't come from within us.

F. Tell yourself with all the sincerity and emotions that "I can be like him."

G. Our brain then receives the same message from the mind as well as the ears.