I recently gave up driving. I passed my test last year, but I stopped voluntarily when I turned 90, I thought that it was finally the right time. Needless to say, my family was relieved--they didn't have to have "that talk" with me. My doctor was relieved too. Compared to a serious illness, taking away a senior driving license is one of the hardest things to do. Since my wife passed away years ago, I made this decision alone, although I'm sure my wife would have supported me. I knew I couldn't move as well as I used to, and my eyesight was getting worse. It hurt to turn my head when backing up the car, and, after long shopping trips, I was always tired.

    As I handed over the keys of the car to my son, I thought of all the cars my wife and I had owned over the years. A car is freedom, independence, and an extension of your personality. Without one, you feel like less of a person.

    I have a son who lives close by and we shop together at least once a week. My neighbors also offer me rides, but the idea of being dependent on other people after a lifetime of independent is hard to get used to.

    I have learned to adapt and change. With my own car, I could go anywhere at a moment's notice. But now, my life is different and I must plan ahead for everything. No more going out for mill or bread or last minute afternoon drives. However, I found a solution to some of those problems. Last month, I decided to buy a nice new four-wheel electric motorbike. At the top speed of 12km/h, it takes 20 minutes to get from my house to the store. But now, my ride is free from traffic and noise, with trees and greenery replacing cars and street signs.

    Giving up driving is hard, and some of us never accept the loss. For me, however, it was just the end result of a long and lucky life. Life in the slow lane turned out to be so much fun-and so much cheaper.

    I have a cold. I feel very tired. My throat is sore, I have a cough and my head hurts. Last night, {#blank#}1{#/blank#}. The fever made my body feel hot. I really don't like being sick, because I can't go to school. And my friends can't visit me, either. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}.

    There is no cure（治疗）for the common cold. Below are three ways to help stop a cold spreading and to feel better again.

    First, wash your hands. Washing your hands is the most important way to stop the spread of colds. Cold germs(细菌）are spread by touch. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}. So if we wash hands carefully using soap and hot water. We won't get the cold easily.

{#blank#}4{#/blank#} There is a saying that "coughs and sneezes spread illness". Always use a handkerchief(手帕) or napkin to cover your mouth when coughing and your nose when sneezing. That way, the germs won't get onto your hands and spread to things you touch such as doors, cups or plates.

    Finally, clean your house and take care of yourself. We can use a robot cleaner to clean our house on time. Be sure to use only your own toothbrush and cup……

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#}, but if you get worse, you should see a doctor at once. Eat healthy simple foods such as soup or rice. Get enough rest and sleep. Stay in bed, read a book, do your schoolwork or practice your English!

    Remember that a common cold only lasts a few days. You'll feel better soon.

A. Next, cover your nose and mouth

B. The germs(细菌) get on to your hands and from there into your eyes, nose and mouth

C. We should stay away from all kinds of colds

D. I also had a fever so I didn't sleep very well

E. Because if one of you gets a cold, often all of you get it

F. Some cold medicines can help stop fever and aches

G. I hope all of you'll get better soon

Information Card

    Everyone in my family loves music. My older sister, Lennon, and I hardly ever watch TV or play computer games.{#blank#}1{#/blank#} Now we can play the piano, the guitar and the drums. Sometimes, just for fun, we'd choose a song, and then Lennon and I would make it our own.{#blank#}2{#/blank#} One night, they let us upload(上传) a video of us singing to an online video site. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}We felt so lucky.

    Lennon and I are good sisters and friends{#blank#}4{#/blank#}. We like to do something together, such as singing or acting. And acting is really fun for us because the character I play is more like Lennon and the character she plays is more like me.

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#}But I get a little nervous(紧张的) when I act. Lennon says,

    "You have to really believe in yourself." And I always try my best.

A. And we don't fight.

B. We'd sing it for our parents

C. Our parents always ask us to play music

D Lennon and I never get nervous when we sing

E. Two days later, we flew to New York sing on TV show!

F. Lennon is good at singing and dancing