You may use banknotes every day. But did you know that there is a lot of science behind the money? {#blank#}1{#/blank#}

    Australia was the first country to use polymer(聚合物）banknotes in 1988. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}

They can stop water from making them wet. They are also cleaner because bacteria don't grow easily on them.

Now, the Australians have improved their banknotes again by creating a new 5-dollar note. The new one has a clear window in the middle in which there are pictures of an Australian bird and a building. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}

    Tilt (倾斜）the note a little and you will see the bird flapping its wings as if trying to fly away. Turn the note from side to side and you will notice the building come to life and spin. While these features are impressive and entertaining, that was not the reason why the Australian Government spent ten years perfecting them. Their primary purpose was to make it impossible to fake a banknote.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#} The new $ 5 bill now has a raised bump alongside the two long edges, enabling the blind or those with limited vision, to quickly determine its value.

The Australian government will give the new 10-dollar note the same features in a year's time. {#blank#}5{#/blank#}

A. Note makers still have a long way to go.

B. Other notes will have them in the future.

C. The magic of the new features lies in them.

D. They have many advantages over paper notes.

E. The new Australian 5-dollar note is a good example.

F. The new note is also the first touchable Australian banknote.

G. Their material and pattern set them apart from ordinary banknotes.

                                                                                    How Can I Fight Laziness?

    Lazy people will never gain anything in life. However, laziness can be defeated once a few changes have been made in your mind.

    {#blank#}1{#/blank#}Many people lack sleep constantly, since they stay up too late and get up too early to prepare for work. These people have little motivation once they arrive home. Laziness works hand in hand with a lack of motivation and a tendency to put off things. By adjusting your sleep schedule to provide a few more hours of meaningful rest, you can fight laziness throughout the day.

    Another way to fight laziness is to change your mind from passive to active. Some people treat their lives as if they were pushed from task to task. Others take a more positive approach, viewing each task as a challenge they must overcome alone.{#blank#}2{#/blank#}

    Some people fight laziness by removing the temptations(诱惑) that surround them. A television in the living room may provide entertainment, but watching too much TV often contributes to laziness.{#blank#}3{#/blank#}Complete a few tasks and reward yourself with a good dinner.

    Laziness can also be a lasting problem at home. Couples and children may all have different energy levels, but laziness can be spread if not dealt with immediately.{#blank#}4{#/blank#} Be the first to collect and wash dishes after a meal. Others in the home may eventually follow your example and perform their own task. It is difficult to practice laziness when you are surrounded by motivated people.

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#} Enough exercise and a balanced diet can help you to develop a healthy lifestyle, thus enabling you to have more energy and help lift your spirits.

A. To fight family laziness, set an example.

B. Knowing how to fight laziness is important.

C. One way to fight laziness is to get enough sleep.

D. Finally, taking exercise regularly can help you fight laziness.

E. With strong determination, you will be able to achieve your goal.

F. Laziness appears when you no longer feel in charge of your own mind.

G. Create a reward system for yourself, just as parents do for a child.

    When you got sick, did your parents and doctors make you drink a "terrible soup"?{#blank#}1{#/blank#}, but it can really make you feel better in several days. The "soup" is actually a kind of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

    In recent years, TCM has become more popular around the world.{#blank#}2{#/blank#}. China has 10 TCM centers abroad, such as in France and the United States. Doctors give TCM treatment to local people there. They also teach TCM knowledge to local people. Now, there are over 100,000 TCM clinics, with about 300,000 TCM workers around the world.

    TCM came from China thousands of years ago. It is based on the Chinese philosophy (哲学) of yin and yang.

    Humans should follow the natural rules to stay healthy. Old Greece and Egypt created western medicine.{#blank#}3{#/blank#}. Western doctors check people's height, weight, blood pressure and body temperature.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#}. "Bringing together western medicine and TCM can use collective knowledge, rather than create competition between them. It can develop the great effects of both of them," said Bernhard Schwartlander, a World Health Organization representative in China.

    On Dec 6, a government document reported that 86 countries and regions are now developing TCM together with China. In 2015, Chinese scientist Tu Youyou won the Nobel Prize.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}. Today, with more and people paying attention to TCM, it will definitely have a bright future.

A. Let's see some facts and figures

B. It might be a bad drinking experience

C. It is difficult to compare which one is better

D. Then the idea took shape in Europe in the 19th century

E. There are many women of great achievements in history

F. Many people believe western medicine is more effective than TCM

G. It's because she made an important drug using traditional Chinese medicine

    The “best years of your life”? Maybe not, but you can learn to make the most of your high school days.

    Learn to appreciate small things. Whether it's having a computer, having friends, having a good supply of food, a bed to sleep on, family that loves you, having a good education or simply being born in this world.{#blank#}1{#/blank#} Be happy, and life will reward you. Remember that these are the last few years you will be able to enjoy yourself without having to worry about the responsibility of an adult, but make sure you prepare yourself for when you do become one.

    {#blank#}2{#/blank#} Unlike what many articles state, you don't have to be popular and have many friends to be happy. {#blank#}3{#/blank#} Try to have friends that like you who you are, not just because you are wearing a certain brand of shoes or something like that. These are people who shop at the same store as you; not someone who will sympathize with you when your dog dies.

    Be sociable.{#blank#}4{#/blank#} While you only need 4 or 5 close friends, that doesn't mean you shouldn't try to meet new people. Participating gives you something to do instead of sitting bored at home.

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#} Video games, for example, are good if you're the type who can get into that kind of thing. You should also find a hobby that is meaningful or practical. Use your “hobby time” to either volunteer (to gain practical skills for college apps, job resumes, and scholarships) or learn an instrument, or get into something else in the creative field like painting or dance.

A. You can pursue interests you enjoy.

B. A friend in need is a friend indeed.

C. Choose your friends wisely.

D. Participating in clubs, activities, and sports increases your chances of meeting new friends.

E. In fact, many of the “friends” you have when you are popular are not true friends.

F. Being confident in your appearance makes you more confident in other areas.

G. Remember that the point of life is for you to enjoy it.

    Interruptions(打扰) are one of the worst things to deal with while you're trying to get work done. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}, there are several ways to handle things. Let's take a look at them now.

    {#blank#}2{#/blank#}. Tell the person you're sorry and explain that you have a million things to do and then ask if the two of you can talk at a different time.

    When people try to interrupt you, have set hours planned and let them know to come back during that time or that you'll find them then. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}. It can help to eliminate(消除) future interruptions.

    When you need to talk to someone, don't do it in your own office. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}, it's much easier to excuse yourself to get back to your work than if you try to get someone out of your space even after explaining how busy you are.

    If you have a door to your office, make good use of it. {#blank#}5{#/blank#}. If someone knocks and it's not an important matter, excuse yourself and let the person know you're busy so they can get the hint(暗示) than when the door is closed, you're not to be disturbed.

A. If you're busy, don't feel bad about saying no

B. When you want to avoid interruptions at work

C. Set boundaries (界限) for yourself as your time goes

D. If you're in the other person's office or in a public area

E. It's important that you let them know when you'll be available

F. It might seem unkind to cut people short when they interrupt you

G. Leave it open when you're available to talk and close it when you're not

How to Get Rid of a Cold Naturally Fast

    Although a cold usually goes away on its own within 4-7 days, you can ease your symptoms to feel better faster. You can get rid of a cold both naturally and fast by clearing your nasal passages with non-medical options. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}. However, if you experience symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing or fever or your symptoms don't improve, see your doctor immediately.

    ①Clear Your Nasal Passages

    Blow your nose correctly. While it's important to blow your nose while you have a cold, don't blow too explosively. The pressure from blowing hard can impact your ears, giving you an earache on top of your cold. Be sure to blow gently, and only as often as necessary. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}.

    ②Help Your Body Feel Better Faster

    Drinking plenty of warm fluids makes you feel better faster and relieves cold symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, sneezing, and sore throat.

    Consume vitamin C, which can help strengthen your immune system. Citrus fruits, red and green peppers, kiwifruit, spinach, and other raw fruits and vegetables are good sources of vitamin C.

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#}. Try to take plenty of naps during the day, since having a cold can make you feel run—down and you need to keep up your strength.

    ③{#blank#}4{#/blank#}

    See your doctor immediately if you have shortness of breath or wheezing. Any time you're having trouble breathing, it's an emergency situation.

    Visit your doctor for a fever above 101.3℉ (38.5℃) or lasting 5 days. {#blank#}5{#/blank#}. Babies under the age of 12 weeks need medical care for a fever of 100.4℉ (38.0℃) or greater.

    If your symptoms don't seem to be going away in 7 days, then your infection could be worsening. It's best to see your doctor to make sure you're getting the proper treatment.