Teachers' Day is, interestingly, not celebrated on the same day all over the world. In some countries it is marked by a holiday; in others it is a working day.

    International Teachers' Day is celebrated on October 5. Being held ever since 1994, it is in honor of teachers' organizations worldwide. Its aim is to encourage supports for teachers and to meet the needs of students.

China — In 1939, Teachers' Day was set for August 27, Confucius' birthday. In 1951, the celebration was stopped. However, it was founded again in 1985, and the day was changed to September 10.

India — Teachers' Day is celebrated on September 5 in honor of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the second president of India, whose birthday falls on that day.

    Russia — In Russia, Teachers' Day was celebrated on the first Sunday of October between 1965 and 1994. Since 1994, the day is observed on October 5, just the same day as World Teachers' Day.

    The US - In the US, Teachers' Day is non-official holiday. It is celebrated on the Tuesday of the first full week of May. A number of activities are organized in schools to honor teachers. The celebrations can continue for the whole week of May.

Thailand — In Thailand, National Teachers' Day is celebrated every year on January 16. The first Teachers' Day was held in 1957. The day is a holiday in schools.

    I was in a rush as always, but this time it was for an important date I just couldn't be late for! Thinking of my upcoming evening, I hurried into a store to pick up some flowers, for I did not want to be late for this date. When I paid the bill at a checkout counter, I found myself behind an elderly woman who seemed in no hurry when she paid for her groceries. She looked up at me and smiled. It was a nice smile –warm and friendly –and I returned her gift by smiling back.

    “Must be a special lady, no matter who will be getting those beautiful flowers,” she said.

    “Yes, she's special,” I said, and then to my embarrassment, the words kept coming out.

    “It's only our second date, but somehow I am just having the feeling that she's 'the one'. Jokingly, I added,“The only problem is that I can't understand why she'd want to date a guy like me.”

    “Well, I think she's very lucky to have a boyfriend who brings her such lovely flowers and who is obviously in love with her,” the woman said.” “My husband used to bring me flowers every week –even when times were hard and we didn't have much money. Those were wonderful days; he was very romantic and – of course – I miss him after he died.

    I paid for my flowers as she was gathering up her groceries. I walked up to her, touched her on the shoulder and said,“You were right, you know. These flowers are indeed for a very special lady.” I handed her the flowers and thanked her for such a nice conversation.

    It took her a moment to realize that I was giving her the flowers I had just bought.“You have a wonderful evening,” I said. I left her with a big smile and my heart warmed as I saw her smelling the beautiful flowers.

    I remember being slightly late for my date that night and telling my girlfriend the above story. A couple of years later, when I finally worked up the courage to ask her to marry me, she told me that the story I had told her that night helped me win her heart.

Tuesday, 1^st September

    I had mixed feelings today, nervous, worried, happy, excited… My heart went down when Miss Chan, our head teacher, said that Matthew and Beth, two students from England, would spend three months with us! I was worried that I had to speak English so much! But at the end of the school day, I was happier than I thought: the morning with them today was more enjoyable than I expected.

    Today is the most unforgettable first day I have had! Matthew is fantastic! His English is clearer and easier to listen to than I thought. The other English student, Beth, is the most helpful girl I've ever met. There were lots of things to do on the first day. Beth offered to help Miss Chan put up all the notices. Of course, some of the credit (功劳) should also go to ME because I translated some of the notices for her. Miss Chan praised us!

    We finished all the preparations 10 minutes earlier than expected, then Beth and I talked for a while, Matthew sang several English songs and did some stand-up comedy (单人喜剧表演) at the party. We all praised him. When the bell rang to end the first school day, none of us wanted to leave.

    When I went back home, I had a little headache. I have probably spoken more English today than the whole of last year.

    It was really a happy day! I hope our friendship can continue, even after they gone back to England!

Large meals make people full and sleepy. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} We want our children to learn, not falling asleep at their desks, so let's keep those lunches on the lighter side. You can do this if you provide them with a good breakfast.

By working beside your children and discussing what they eat for lunch, you are helping them understand the importance of whole foods and the avoidance of junk foods. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} As they get older, these good habits will stay with them. They will learn that these types of food are beneficial to them. Try to let them see that the food choices they are making will help them feel so much better.

{#blank#}3{#/blank#} I know of one family that actually had the food pyramid on the wall of their kitchen and it helped their children pick out what foods they wanted. Everyone got a chance to decide what to eat, but they had to pick protein, vegetables and fruit. Besides, the mother had a book with recipes for healthy foods. All of the recipes had pictures of what the food looked like. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}.

Unlike today, when we grew up we played outside, rode our bikes, ran around, and the list goes on and on. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} So apart from the above healthy eating choices, you need to plan some activities for your children today other than the television or video games.

A. We didn't have TV or computer games.

B. How are children helped to choose their food?

C. You are helping them make smart informed choices.

D. Think what large meals do to your children at school.

E. What adults eat daily has a great effect on their children.

F. So children knew what healthy foods they should choose.

G. The recipes for children should mainly include healthy foods.

The main reason {#blank#}1{#/blank#} China's ancient civilization has continued all the way through into modern times has been the Chinese writing system. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}(date) back to several thousand years ago, written Chinese was a picture­based language. Symbols {#blank#}3{#/blank#}(carve) on animal bones and shells by ancient Chinese people. Over the years, there was a time when the Chinese people were divided {#blank#}4{#/blank#}(geographic), leading to many {#blank#}5{#/blank#}(variety) of dialects and characters. Emperor Qinshihuang united the seven major states into one unified country, making the Chinese writing system begin {#blank#}6{#/blank#}(develop) in one direction. It was of great {#blank#}7{#/blank#}(important) in uniting the Chinese people and culture. People in modern times can read the classic works {#blank#}8{#/blank#}(write) by Chinese in ancient times. Nowadays, Chinese calligraphy has become an important part of Chinese culture.As China {#blank#}9{#/blank#}(play) a greater role in global affairs, an {#blank#}10{#/blank#}(increase) number of international students are beginning to appreciate China's culture and history through this amazing language.