How to Create a Mind Map

    Most of us think visually but we write textually. {#blank#}1{#/blank#} It also makes the information we list more difficult to process, remember, and share.

    {#blank#}2{#/blank#} It combines the brain's visual nature with our tendency to write down words. We end up with a diagram that combines logic and order in a less structured manner. This promotes clearer thinking and better comprehension.{#blank#}3{#/blank#} 

    So, how do you create a mind map? The most basic method is to just use a pen and paper, or a marker and whiteboard. It begins with a central topic or idea, then flows outward.{#blank#}4{#/blank#} The next level of topics is represented by branches extending from it.

    There aren't really any rules for creating mind maps. While most flow outwardly from the central topic, some users prefer to build mind maps in one direction.{#blank#}5{#/blank#} This can make groups of ideas easier to identify and remember. It also makes a mind map more enjoyable to create and use.

    Mind maps are extremely effective for taking notes, planning a project, brainstorming an idea, presenting information to others, and many other uses. Take out your pen and have a try.

A. They help to clarify thinking.

B. This goes against how our minds actually work.

C. They help us save time by focusing on key issues.

D. A mind map is the perfect answer to this dilemma.

E. Think of it as a tree, where the central point is the trunk.

F. It's also a lot more enjoyable than simply writing down lists.

G. Others like to add colors, pictures, or symbols in their mind maps.

    Every year, about 600 monkeys are invited to eat fruits and vegetables during an annual feast(盛宴)in Thailand. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}It is said that Rama once rewarded his friend Hanuman, the Monkey King, with some land. Organizers of the annual Monkey Buffet use more than 3,000 kg of fruits and vegetables to prepare for the feast.

    This event is held in England. Though it might sound very gentle, it is actually very dangerous. Running down a very steep hill behind a 7-pound wheel of cheese can be very dangerous. In fact, the police have attempted to ban the event, but participants have refused to carry out the ban. Men and their cheese wheels cannot be separated so easily.{#blank#}2{#/blank#} Simple: the cheese is set rolling down the hill, and the racers run down the hill after the cheese. However, as the cheese can reach speeds of up to 70 miles per hour, it rarely happens that someone catches the cheese. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}

    In this festival, grown men jump over newborns, with their parents' permission. {#blank#}4{#/blank#} This custom has been observed since 1620; any onlookers who seem to be in need of ＂cleaning＂ also get involved in the event.

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#} This Naked (裸的) Festival is held in dozens of places throughout Japan every year, usually in summer or winter. Hidden somewhere in these men is one fully naked man, and touching him is believed to bring good luck.

A. This event is very interesting.

B. Everybody takes an active part in it.

C. So what happens during a cheese roll?

D. The first to reach the bottom wins the cheese.

E. It is held in honor of Rama, the greatest of the Gods.

F. There is a Japanese festival where participants wear little clothing.

G. Wearing scary costumes, the Spanish men attempt to ＂clean＂ babies of evil (邪恶).

    Have you ever had the following experience? You have been given the task of organizing a conference, which includes a must-do list about a mile long. There is the conference site, the guest list, the materials, the technology and even the food and drink to think about and plan. If you are beginning to feel the stress, slow down and take a breath.{#blank#}1{#/blank#}.

    Write down your goals. You will need to clearly define what you hope to accomplish with this conference because this will shape the rest of your decisions.{#blank#}2{#/blank#}.

    Develop your budget. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}. Then break that budget into different parts such as conference site, materials and speakers' fees. Stick to your budget, and make sure your assistants are keeping their monetary limits as well.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#}. When searching for locations, keep in mind the number of participants, the convenience of the location, parking and closeness to public transportation, airports and hotels. Your goal in finding a place to hold the conference should be making it as easy as possible for participants to attend.

    Seek help from the staff of the conference site. If you have chosen a site that is known for holding conferences, you can seek help from the staff there as organizing meeting is what they do every day. {#blank#}5{#/blank#}. They should be able to answer any questions or concern and provide advice when needed.

    Of course, full preparations also include a walk-through. Go to the site and meet with the staff the day before to be certain that everything is in place and to take care of any small details.

A. Decide on a schedule for the meeting

B. Choose your conference site

C. Read the following skills to figure out how to organize a conference

D. Knowing what you want to achieve eases the stress of moving forward

E. Make full use of this important resource

F. You can do nothing without knowing how much money you have to spend

G. Seek help from your colleagues to support every aspect of the meeting

    People often say you never get a second chance to make a first impression, and that's actually quite true.{#blank#}1{#/blank#}After all, making a good first impression is all about making others feel good when spending time with them. The following tips will help you make a positive impression every time.

    Dress appropriately

    {#blank#}2{#/blank#}That means dressing up or putting on nice, clean, situation-appropriate clothes for social situations. It isn't difficult and it doesn't have to cost you much, either.

    Be aware of your body language

    Words express very little of what you say. Body language can tell someone a lot about your mood and confidence level.{#blank#}3{#/blank#} Eye contact is an easy way to make others feel comfortable, important and special. Nervous body language can make others uncomfortable and anxious. Try to be aware of your body language when communicating with others.

    Respect the opinions of others

    Not everyone will have the same opinion with you, and friendly disagreements can be a gateway to a great conversation. Respect other people's right to have their own opinion. Respect the opinions of others even if you disagree with them. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#}

    People love talking about themselves, but generally, you want to be careful of taking over the conversation. By listening carefully to what others are saying, you are not only making them feel important, but you can gather cues you need to keep the conversation going and bridge to new topics.

A. Be a careful listener.

B. Show an interest in every person you meet.

C. Smile especially when first meeting someone.

D. Make sure you look nice whenever you meet someone new.

E. Meeting new people and starting conversations is often challenging.

F. Others will want to be with you and help you make a good impression.

G. Don't force others to believe what you believe or to see things only as you see them.

Let's be friends!

If you feel that making friends as an adult isn't as easy as it used to be, you're right. Though it becomes increasingly difficult, healthy friendships make a difference in our life. They can help us age better, deal with stress and live longer lives. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}

Be optimistic

In a 2022 study, researchers found that people who received an unexpected communication, such as a small gift felt more grateful than the senders thought. Not surprisingly, a positive attitude can help us make friends. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} If we think we're going to be liked, we will become more likable.
   {#blank#}3{#/blank#}

"Write down the names of three to five people you know but would like to be closer to," suggest experts. Then reach out to each of them: Send a text message, a shared photo, or an article that make you think of them. See if a small action might make a deeper connection.

Branch out

{#blank#}4{#/blank#} Nobody gives you all you need. Just a few good mates can make all the difference. A 2020 Study found that those with three to five close friends had higher levels of satisfaction with life.

Practice

After the pandemic （疫情）, many of us forgot how to socialize. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} In a 2022 study, participants were required to talk to strangers every day for a week. And what do you know? In the end, people were less worried and more confident.

A. Make a list

B. Send messages

C. Friendships don't just happen.

D. Don't limit yourself to one close friend.

E. Social skills are like muscles—we can work them.

F. Here are tips for making and deepening friendships.

G. But most of the time we don't realize how much people like us.

How to Appreciate Art

Unlocking the meaning behind a work of art is one of the many joys of viewing and collecting. But how do you appreciate art and actually interpret it?{#blank#}1{#/blank#}.

Look at the art

        {#blank#}2{#/blank#}, but it's more than quickly glancing at the art and drawing a conclusion. Before stepping back and taking the artwork in, take a moment to identify the artwork's basic qualities：

Is it a painting or sculpture?

Is the texture (质感) rough or smooth?

Does it appear chaotic (混乱的) or organized?

All of these are elements the artist chose when designing the artwork, so they need to be considered. 

Identify the art and artist

Knowing when or how the artwork was made reveals more information. Take for example the famous Guernica (1937) by Pablo Picasso, knowing Picasso composed the painting in response to the bombing of the town of Guernica during the Second World War leads to understanding its anti-war ideas. Even if the historical context of an artwork is not apparent, knowing the year of its creation offers an idea as to the broader events taking place at the time.         {#blank#}3{#/blank#}.

   {#blank#}4{#/blank#}.

Use what you observed in the first two steps to think about meanings the artwork could have. Many artists have specific meanings behind their art, but also encourage viewers to come up with their own understandings. In this way, there is no "right"answer that must be reached to unlock the painting's mysteries.

Discover your tastes

Just remember one important fact: You don't have to look at everything. For instance, if you dislike abstract art, skip the abstract. {#blank#}5{#/blank#}, so don't be afraid to stop and observe something outside of your tastes.

The next time you are admiring a work of art, keep these techniques in mind, and its meaning may unfold before your eyes.
 

A. Think about the meaning

B. Maintain your own opinions

C. Viewing the art seems like an obvious first step

D. However, keeping an open mind is always encouraged

E. Applying these techniques to every work of art you come across may seem confusing

F. Looking at and understanding art is all about taking the time to view, identify and think

G. In all cases, learning something about the artist undeniably adds to the appreciation of art