The information I {#blank#}1{#/blank#}(collect) over the last few years leads me to believe that speed reading may be less {#blank#}2{#/blank#}(use) than most people think. The claim that you can read and comprehend over 30,000 words per minute is overstated. One researcher proved this in a study where irrelevant and illogical sentences were added to a text. The “speed readers” {#blank#}3{#/blank#} were tested didn't notice the irrelevant lines — the non-speed readers spotted them immediately.

    I've interviewed people who have attended the introductory sessions {#blank#}4{#/blank#} (offer) by some speed reading courses. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} (them) stories indicate that improper methods are sometimes used to sell the courses. Here's how: First, you're asked to read a passage from a book {#blank#}6{#/blank#} which most persons would be unfamiliar. Your reading speed and comprehension are tested during this exercise. Then, after about half {#blank#}7{#/blank#} hour of instruction, another reading test is given. But this time the reading is one most educated Americans know well — such as Huckleberry Finn. Not {#blank#}8{#/blank#} (surprising), persons attending these introductory sessions find that their “exit” speed and comprehension are better than their “entry”{#blank#}9{#/blank#} (perform).

    I'm one of the fiction readers who appreciate the beauty in good writing. Occasionally I'll read a passage or sentence over and over just {#blank#}10{#/blank#} (let) the beauty of its construction soak(参透) in. Good writing must be read carefully and thoughtfully to be fully appreciated.

    Friendship is one of the most important things in everyone's life. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} is very difficult to find a better definition of friendship. A true friend is the person {#blank#}2{#/blank#} can share all our sorrows and double all our joys. In time of trial(尝试) , he or she is always at our side to give us his or her help and comfort.

    Knowing how {#blank#}3{#/blank#} (value) friendship is, we should be very careful with our choice of a friend. We should choose those people with a good character as our friends, but we must try to avoid {#blank#}4{#/blank#} (make) friends with a bad man. Besides, we should forgive their mistakes and try to help them as much as possible.

    A true friend can {#blank#}5{#/blank#} (trust), loved and respected. If you tell a friend your secrets, he or she won't tell {#blank#}6{#/blank#}. Friends share their happiness and {#blank#}7{#/blank#}(sad). They help each other when they are {#blank#}8{#/blank#} trouble, and cheer each other up when they are sad. {#blank#}9{#/blank#} most important thing is that a friend always understands you. In conclusion, {#blank#}10{#/blank#} you have made a good friend, don't forget him or her.

    Ballet is a formal kind of dance performance with a rich and interesting history. The word "ballet" comes from the French language, and {#blank#}1{#/blank#} (be) based on the Italian word "balletto." "Balletto" means a little dance. Ballet's early roots began in Italy in the late 1400s. But it was in France {#blank#}2{#/blank#} ballet developed into the form we know today.

    The French ruler Louis the Fourteenth had a big influence {#blank#}3{#/blank#} the direction of ballet in its early history. He ruled France for seventy-two years, {#blank#}4{#/blank#} (start) in 1643. He started dancing as a boy and worked hard daily.

    Louis the Fourteenth turned ballet into a form of dance that reflected {#blank#}5{#/blank#} (he) power and influence. Ballet's many rules and {#blank#}6{#/blank#} (extreme) detailed movements expressed a person's power and social relations. The king made sure that ballet became a {#blank#}7{#/blank#} (require) for the people of his court. He also started the Royal Academy of Dance, {#blank#}8{#/blank#} important people could learn this art. The aim of this dance was self-control, order and perfection.

    Ballet slowly changed from a dance at the king's court to one {#blank#}9{#/blank#} (perform) by professional dancers. When Louis the Fourteenth died in 1715, ballet {#blank#}10{#/blank#} (bring) to other parts of Europe and was developing in other ways.