Why do we play sports? You might say "to get exercise" andyou'd be right. To have fun? That's true, too. But there's more. In fact, thereare at least five more reasons. According to the report, people who play sportsget1 more than just healthy.

   People who play sports do better in school. You might think that playingsports will2 all your study time. But a research shows thatstudents who play sports do better in school than3 whodon't. Exercise improves learning and memory, which can help students becomemore active in class.

   It's4 that people who play sports learn teamwork andgoal setting skills. Sports teach valuable life skills. When you work withcoaches, trainers, and teammates to win games and achieve goals, you'relearning5 tobe successful. Those skills will serve you well at work and in family life.

   Sports are good for people's health. Besides being healthy and keeping ahealthy weight, people who play sports are also less possible to smoke. And6 inlife, people who exercise have fewer chances to have cancer (癌症)or some otherillnesses.

   Playing sports improves confidence. People who play sports feel betterabout themselves. Why? It builds confidence when you know you can practice,improve, and7 your goals. Sports are also a feel-goodactivity8 they help people get in shape, keep a healthyweight, and make new friends.

   Exercise cuts the pressure. Playing sports can make you have less9 andhelp you feel a little happier. A person's mood (心情)improves during exercise. Friends canalso help improve your mood. And being on a team creates close relationship10 friends. It's good to know your teammates willsupport you - both on and off the field!

Dear sister,

I've been happy here in New York. But when holidays are coming near, I really feel "There's no place like home", just like the English proverb says, "East, west, home is the b{#blank#}1{#/blank#}."

You must be doing well in English class. The letter you sent to me was written in good English.

Well, I want to i{#blank#}2{#/blank#} my friend Diana to our home. I dare not tell Mama directly. If Dad and Mum say that will be all right, please write to me as soon as possible.

Diana is a poor girl whose parents died last month in a terrible accident. She has to spend the holidays alone. She wants to see China and try e{#blank#}3{#/blank#} that we Chinese do. She p{#blank#}4{#/blank#} speaking Chinese for two years and can speak a little now. She has great curiosity about our family life and will ask you many questions about it. Isn't it a good chance to u{#blank#}5{#/blank#} each other? I'm sure you'll learn many things from her.

Please give my love to our father and mother!

Your sister,

Mei

Henry. I have a dog! She's yellow and white and her {#blank#}1{#/blank#} is Amy. She is only five months old, but she is cute. She likes playing {#blank#}2{#/blank#} me and she also likes playing with the hall. She is friendly to us and all of my family {#blank#}3{#/blank#} her. Oh! Her favorite {#blank#}4{#/blank#} is apples. I think she's {#blank#}5{#/blank#}. Do you think so?