How to Manage Your Phone's Data Use

    Smart phones give you access to a wealth of information and media, but most networks put a limit on the amount of data you can use each month. A typical phone contract includes a data allowance of between 500MB and 10GB per month. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} You see, your usage can mount up surprisingly quickly – watching a film on the phone is about 700MB in SD, an hour of streaming TV is around 500MB or 60-140MB for the same of radio, chatting on Skype for an hour is around 40MB. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}

    If possible, wait until you can connect to free Wi-Fi before using your phone's data features.

    When you are on the road, use your car's GPS, not your phone, to find the way. {#blank#}3{#/blank#} But maps are preloaded in a GPS, making this free to use.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#} Many of these are funded by ads that pop up on your screen. Every ad has to download through your network, using up your data allowance.

    If you regularly need to use a lot of data on your phone, consider a data-compressing(压缩) app, such as Onavo(www.onavo.com). {#blank#}5{#/blank#} So you use less of your monthly allowance. You may have to subscribe to such compression services, so you'll need to weigh up whether it's worth the cost.

    Four benefits of writing by hand

    Today is National Handwriting Day! Although we don't write like we used to, here are four ways handwriting is still helpful.

    It's better for learning.

    {#blank#}1{#/blank#}That's because putting ink to paper stimulates (刺激) the brain.  One study from 2010 found that the brain areas related to learning “lit up” much more when kids were asked to write words like “spaceship” by hand versus just studying the word closely.

    {#blank#}2{#/blank#}

    Many famous authors prefer writing by hand to the use of a typewriter or computer. Writer Susan Sontag once said that she penned her first drafts (草稿) before typing them up for editing later. She said, “{#blank#}3{#/blank#}” A 2009 study seems to support Sontag's preference for writing by hand: Elementary school students who wrote essays with a pen not only wrote more than their keyboard-tapping friends, but they also wrote faster and in more complete sentences.

    It will prevent you from being distracted (分心).

    The computer in front of you is really a distraction.{#blank#}4{#/blank#}In 2012, scientists even suggested that taking five-minute breaks to browse Tumblr or BuzzFeed could make you a more productive worker. However, when it's time to work on that essay, have only a pen and paper in front of you.

    It keeps your brain sharp as you get older.

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#}According to The Wall Street Journal, some physicians say that the act of writing is good exercise for those who want to keep their minds sharp as they age.

A. It makes you a better writer.

B. Writing is good for your brain.

C. Of course, the Internet isn't all bad.

D. I like the slowness of writing by hand.

E. Try writing by hand at least 20 minutes each day.

F. Many writers have a preference for writing by hand.

G. One of the most effective ways to study is to rewrite your notes by hand.

    What should you think about in trying to find your career(职业)? You are probably better at some school subjects than others. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} A boy who is good at mathematics can use that in an engineering career. A girl who spells well and likes English may be good at office work. So it is important to do well at school. On the other hand, you may not have any specially strong or weak subjects but your records show a general good result. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} Knowledge of history is not required for most jobs but if history is one of your good subjects you will have learned to remember facts and details. This is an ability that can be useful in many jobs.

    Your school may have taught you skills, such as typing or technical drawing, which you can use in your work. You may be good at metal work or cooking and look for a job where you can improve these skills.

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#} You may have learned how to get to work on time and get on with older workers. You may have learned to give correct change in a shop, for example. Just as important, you may become interested in a certain industry or career you see from the inside in a part-time job.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#} You may be all thumbs when you deal with tools; perhaps you are a poor speller or cannot add up a column of figures. It is better to face any weaknesses than to pretend they do not exist. Your school record, for instance, may not be too good, yet it is an important part of your background. You should not feel sorry for it.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}

A. This does not have direct value for future job hunting.

B. These may show strengths that you can use in your work.

C. Facing your weak points is also part of knowing yourself.

D. Having a part-time job is a good way to find out your weak points.

E. Instead, you should recognize that you will have a chance of a fresh start at work.

F. Although not all subjects can be used directly(直接地) in a job, they may have indirect value.

G. If you have had a part-time job on Saturdays or in the summer, think what you gained from it.

                                                          How to pass an important test

    Whether it's a first grade science test or College Entrance Exam, all tests have one thing in common: you have to pass.{#blank#}1{#/blank#} Stuck in a situation where you don't know what to do? This article can help. Tips

    ★⒈Once you get the study guide, make plans right away to study as soon as possible. No excuses! Killing time with friends isn't worth it，since you can always hang out with them any other day.

    ★⒉Get plenty of rest. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} If you walk into the classroom sleepily, you'll most likely not finish the test because you are so tired.

    ★⒊Eat a good meal for breakfast. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}Some healthy breakfast suggestions are oatmeal (燕麦片), high fibre food, and grapefruit with the fresh fruit salad.

    ★⒋Bring all necessary materials. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}Bring pencils, pens, pencil sharpeners, snacks (if allowed)，erasers, the calculator (if allowed) and anything else you'll need for the test.

    ★⒌{#blank#}5{#/blank#} Showing up late cuts back the time you'll have to take for the test if it's already testing hours. You'll probably miss any important information needed in completing the test. In some tests，late comers are not allowed to take the test.

    Are you having trouble concentrating when you're reading a book or listening to a lecture? This list of activities might help to improve your study habits.

    Make a List. We often have trouble paying attention to one thing because our brain wants to think about something else. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} You don't worry about whatever else you should be doing.

    Sleep More. Studies show that people who sleep fewer than eight hours a night for a period of time have slower response systems and more difficulty recalling information. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}

    Eat Healthier Foods. Many people enjoy foods high in fats and sugars. {#blank#}3{#/blank#} They might give you a temporary burst of energy. However, that energy is soon followed by a crash.

Reduce Screen Time. This may be the most unpopular suggestion among young people. Screen time — or time spent looking at cell phones, televisions, computer screens, has a clear effect on the attention span. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#} Concentration improves for students who participate in team sports. It could be that being active is helpful in this way. Participating in a sport trains your brain to concentrate on specific tasks, and shut out other thoughts.

A. Be active.

B. Practice more.

C. These foods can provide enough energy for focusing.

D. But these foods can't be helpful enough when it comes to focusing.

E. That is bad news for teens who stay up studying the night before a test.

F. Researchers advise parents to limit it when their children need to be focused.

G. By writing down all the things you need to do, you'll gain a sense of control.

    For the first time in 10 years, the United States government has changed its guidance on how much exercise people need to stay healthy and when they should start.

    For children and teens

    The new guidance states that the most important time for children to begin exercising is between the ages of 3 and 5. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} That could be light activities, moderate activities, or even vigorous(剧烈的)activities.

    Doctors say it is important to start young. They add that from birth to age 5, a child's brain develops more than at any other time in life. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} Also, children who start exercising at a young age are more likely to establish healthy behaviors they will continue into adulthood.

    But that does not mean putting a small kid on a treadmill(跑步机)or other exercise equipment. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}  After all, it's a kid's nature to play freely and happily.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#} But it shouldn't be less than one hour a day three times a week. Their activities should mostly be aerobic(有氧的)exercise, such as biking, swimming or running, which can strengthen the heart and lungs. Such exercise should also include muscle-and-bone-strengthening activities; such as climbing trees or playground equipment and playing sports.

    For adults

    For adults, the guidelines recommend exercising 150 minutes a week. That could be walking, gardening, dancing, etc.{#blank#}5{#/blank#} Experts say that even short amounts of aerobic exercise can provide health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure, reducing anxiety and improving sleep.

A. Any kind of activity that gets people exercising will do.

B. Aerobic activity works only if it lasts for at least 10 minutes.

C. Simply giving a kid the time and space to play actively is enough.

D. Children above 5 can have a relatively shorter time for daily exercise.

E. Children in this age range require about three hours 'active activities daily.

F. Attaining the health benefits from exercise may be harder than earlier thought.

G. These developments have a 1asting effect on a child's ability to succeed in life.