Most people drink tea in the world. But tea does not mean the same thing to different people. In different countries, people have different ideas about drinking tea.

    In China, for example, tea is often served when people get together. Chinese people drink it at home or in tea houses at any time of the day. They often use hot water to boil tea leaves.

    Tea is also important in other Asian countries. People in these countries have a special way of serving tea. They hold a tea ceremony in their houses when important guests come. It is very old and full of meaning. Everything must be done in a special way in the ceremony. There is even a special room for it in their houses.

    In the United States, people usually drink tea at breakfast or they drink it after meals. Americans usually use tea bags to make tea. This way is faster and easier than the way of making tea in teapots. In summer, most Americans drink iced tea. They like to put some ice in their tea.

    Different gestures (手势)mean different things in different countries. Sometimes a gesture that is polite in one country is not polite in another and should not be used. Different meanings of gestures can also cause problems in understanding what another person is trying to say. A gesture that many people do not understand is one that uses the thumb. Most westerners will sometimes show that they like something by holding out a closed hand with the thumb lifting in the air. This is called give someone or something "the thumbs up". Often, only one thumb is used, so it should be "the thumb up".

    The usual explanation (解释)for the origin of this gesture is not really correct. It says that in ancient Roman times, when people were pleased with the way a gladiator (角斗士) had fought, they showed their thumbs up. When they were not pleased, they gave the thumbs down. When a gladiator was given the thumbs up, the emperor allowed him to live. When a gladiator was given the thumbs down, the emperor ordered him to be killed.

    The truth is, however, it was translated into a wrong meaning by mistake. If people wanted to save the gladiator, they put out their hands and hid their thumbs in their hands. If they wanted the gladiator to die, they pointed their thumbs straight at him.

①The Christmas party is over. The gifts are opened. Now, it's time for the Christmas tree to" retire" . Every year, people buy lots of trees for Christmas. In 2022, people in the US get about 28,000,000 trees! But where do the trees go after the festival.

②Many cities and countries recycle(回收) the Christmas trees. In Berlin, people take off the lights and toys from the trees and put the trees on the streets. Then the trees go to power stations(发电站). Every year, Berlin recycles about 350,000 trees. They can make electricity(电) for 500 families to use for a year.

③In New York, people always put their trees in parks. There, the trees are cut into small pieces(碎片). The wood pieces can keep the plants warm and health y in gardens.

④Many of the trees go to zoos. Once a year, elephants in Austria get their favorite snack(点心). The trees taste sweet. Some other animals also like them.

⑤Some people like to have fun with the old trees. In Germany, people like a Christmas game. They try to throw(扔) the trees very far. It is an interesting tree- throwing game.

⑥As you can see, the lives of Christmas trees are short, but they bring people so much fun.

Everyone knows water is important to all living things. But do you know these interesting1 about water? 

Without water, the Earth would look 2 the Moon. People can live for a long time without food, but only 3 days without water. Scientists say about 70% of the human body is made up of water. Water4 up about 83% of our blood, 75%of our brain, and 80% of our lungs (肺). About 95% of a tomato is water, and about 80% of an apple is water. So 5 can we do to help with water problems? 

Keep a shower to 10 minutes or 6 time. It helps save much water. Use a broom to sweep the floor, the stair, the garage( 车 库 ) , or the sidewalk instead of water.

7 throw your used water away. Instead, you can use some to water plants or run the toilets. Use a bucket( 桶 )of water to 8 your bike or the family car instead of water pipes. 

Use water only 9 you need it. Don't leave water running. Be sure to tum the tap10 when you are not using it. 

 Dear Alice,

 In your letter, you say you don't know the daily life of Chinese students. Now I'm writing to tell you more about myself and my school life.

I am a1 girl. I live in a town in Gaozhou. It's not very far from the city center. There is a small forest near my house.2 forest is very beautiful with many trees and flowers. In the evening, I often take my dog Happy there for a walk.

 Our school is just one street across my house. Sometimes 3 I'm having breakfast, I can see my friends going to school. Then my mother often 4 , "Hurry up, or you will be late for school."

 Our school starts at eight o' clock 5 Monday to Friday. My favourite subjects 6 English, science and biology. Some scientific experiments(实验) are really 7 . To be honest, however, I'm not good 8 maths, but I will keep working on it.

 After class, we often talk with each other about today's classes or play in the playground.

 In the evening, I often have dinner with my parents. Sometimes they help me9 my homework.10 happy my family is!

 This is my daily life. What about yours?

Yours,

Anna