Table manners are very different in every country. For example, when you are in England you must not lift your soup plate to your mouth. This is very impolite. But when you are in Japan this is completely normal. Lifting your plate to your mouth in Japan is a traditional way of drinking your soup. And also in Japan you don't have to worry about making a noise when you drink it. It just shows that you really like the food! But it is not the same in Britain, so you shouldn't make a noise when eating there.   

    In Britain, people don't put their hands or arms on the table during the meal. But in Mexico, guests keep their hands on the table all the time. In fact, you should watch what your hands do very carefully. In Arab countries, it is impolite when you eat with your left hand, so don't do it!

    In all the cultures it is impolite to speak when you are eating.

    In Ukraine you should not start eating first; you should wait for all the others to start eating with you. You also have to say "please" and "thank you" every time you ask for and get something. If you don't like some food, don't make faces and don't say: "Yuk! I hate that!"

    The best way to avoid making mistakes in other countries is to watch the host and try to do as he does.

    Nowadays in school life，a lot of students develop a fear of tests. It's not because tests are something to be afraid of. Most students are afraid of tests mainly because they don't have enough self-confidence and they don't always think they are well prepared. If you follow the tips below, it's not difficult to overcome(克服)your fear of tests.

    People who know that they are not well-prepared are usually those who fear test most. However, most students don't know when they are truly prepared for a test. As long as(只要)you know that you have studied well and long enough, you have a reason to believe that you are well-prepared.

    Be confident about yourself. Confidence before a test can bring about two things: either you fail the test and feel as if your confidence was unfounded(毫无根据)or you could actually do well in the test because of your confidence. Some students find that they experience the first result. However, this is only because those students might not have followed the first tip mentioned above. As long as you have studied well, you will be more confident of your chance to succeed in a test. If you feel as if you have not studied hard enough, then you will not be as confident as you should be.

    Ask your teacher about the main points that may be covered in the test while getting ready for the test. In this way, you will know what you should prepare for and you can get confidence in the test. But you have to be brave enough to ask. Most students do not ask if their teacher doesn't give the information first, so make sure that you ask.

    You should know that tests just check your knowledge and don't lose heart because of one test failure. As long as you think that there is another tomorrow, you can overcome your fear of a test. However, make sure that you are going to prepare well for the other tests.

    Fear can be a problem in the process of achieving success. However, with the right attitude(态度)and preparations, you can overcome your fear of tests by using these tips.

    Title: {#blank#}1{#/blank#} to overcome your fear of tests

{#blank#}1{#/blank#}Betty has a six-year-old daughter. She wants her to be a musician when she grows up, so she is looking for a famous music school for her.

{#blank#}2{#/blank#}Sara's son is 10 years old. He is interested in water sports. He said that he hoped to be a sailor in the future.

{#blank#}3{#/blank#}Alice learned to dance when she was young. Now she is a successful dancer. She wants her little daughter to follow her steps.

{#blank#}4{#/blank#}Mary is always worried about her daughter, who is poor at math and English at school, so she is looking for a training centre to help her daughter.

{#blank#}5{#/blank#}Gina has a son who is a football fan. He knows about almost all the well-known football players. He wishes to be a football star.

    {#blank#}1{#/blank#}

    Develop an "ear" for that language. This means that you should always listen to what others are saying and then repeat it.

    {#blank#}2{#/blank#}

    For everything that you have in your house, label（贴标签）its name in this language. You can place these labels in your living room, kitchen, and even the bathroom. You would be surprised by how quickly you've picked up so many new words by using this method.

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#}

    Find some books to read. You will find it easier to read if you choose the ones that you're interested in. You should remember the useful phrases and beautiful sentences while reading.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#}

    One of the best ways to learn a new language is to find a partner. So try to make more friends and find a partner to help you. You will find you can talk with others in that language more and more fluently（流利地）.

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#}

    If all these methods can't help you, take some training classes. It may cost you a little bit of money, but they can really take your language learning to a new level.

Peter: I found an ID card. My phone number is 512-8843.

Jim: I lost a computer game. If you find it, call me at 680-7432

Paul: I lost an English dictionary. Who found it? Please call me at 555-0287

Sam: I found a notebook with the name "Kevin Clark". My phone number is 476—3539.

Improving Listening Sills in the Classroom

    Listening is a skill that needs to be learned and used well to be able to succeed in any environment. In the classroom, great listening skills mean the difference between a successful student and one who struggles (挣扎) in school.

    Come to class rested.

    {#blank#}1{#/blank#} When your body is well taken care of, your mental (精神的) focus will be much better. If you come to class sleepy or tired, it may be impossible for you to keep your eyes open and concentrate (集中) on what the teacher is saying.

    {#blank#}2{#/blank#}

    Have everything you need at the start of the class. If you have homework, make sure you are ready to hand it in. Bring out your notebook and pen so you can start taking down notes Also, try to read your textbooks before coming into class. It will help you understand more easily what your teacher is talking about.

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#}

    When you're in the front of the class, you'll have an easier time hearing what the teacher has to say you won't have a daydream when the teacher is near you.

    Take down notes.

    Write down what you hear in class. {#blank#}4{#/blank#} It will also make you concentrate more on what is being said So you can properly take notes. Try to concentrate when you are in class so that you are able to get the key points during a lecture. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} Once you learn techniques to help you with this skill, you should see an improvement in your listening.