The Science of Risk-Seeking

    Sometimes We decide that a little unnecessary danger is worth it because when we weigh the risk and the reward, the risk seems worth tasking. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}Some of us enjoy activities that would surprise and scare the rest of us. Why? Experts say it may have to do with how our brains work.

    The reason why any of us take any risks at all might have to do with early humans. Risk-takers were better at hunting, fighting, or exploring. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}As the quality of Risk-taking was passed from on ration to the next, humans ended up with a sense of adventure and a tolerance for risk.

    So why aren't we all jumping out of airplanes then? Well, even 200,000 years ago, too much risk-taking could get one killed. A few daring survived, though, along with a few stay-in-the-cave types. As a result, humans developed a range of character types that still exists today. So maybe you love car racing, or maybe you hate it. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}

    No matter where you are on the risk-seeking range, scientists say that your willingness to take risks increases during your teenage years. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}To help you do that, your brain increases your hunger for new experiences. New experiences often mean taking some risks, so your brain raises your tolerance for risk as well.

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#},for the risk-seekers a part of the brain related to pleasure becomes active, while for the rest of us, a part of the brain related to fear becomes active.

    As experts continue to study the science of risk-seeking, we'll continue to hit the mountains, the waves or the shallow end of the pool.

    Arguments happen in every healthy relationship—we know it sounds contradictory, but it's true—but they can still have a negative impact if they aren't handled properly. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}

    Take a breath. We know that it can be hard to think clearly when you are angry, so we would first like to encourage you to try to take a second to collect your thoughts before engaging in a dialogue with your partner. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} If you are not careful you could potentially say what might damage your relationship.

    Take the situation as it is. Even though you are angry and it can be hard to be objective, try to see the situation for what it is. Do not escalate (不断恶化) the argument. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}Try to understand the purpose behind the action—if something happened accidentally, you should not treat as if it were done intentionally.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#} If you have done something wrong, the best possible option for you is to admit it. Denying something only makes it more hurtful and often your partner will be able to forgive you much more quickly if you are honest.

    Set ground rules. After a fight you and your partner can have a heart-to-heart talk of what happened. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} At this point you can set some ground rules for future fights, like not cursing each other or calling each other's names, which might help reduce the intensity of your fights.

    Fighting with someone is never easy. And it's especially difficult when you are arguing with someone that you care about. Thinking carefully and controlling yourself during an argument can help you avoid saying something that could permanently hurt your relationship.

A. Take positive action.

B. Avoid making excuses.

C. Anger can be poisonous.

D. Here is how to maintain good relationship.

E. You can discuss what hurts each of you and how you can move forward.

F. The trick to prevent an argument from destroying your relationship is learning how to fight fair.

G. Ask yourself if this situation is worth arguing about.

    Four Ways to Be a Great Roommate

    Having a roommate can be one of the best experiences in college or, easily, one of the worst.

    {#blank#}1{#/blank#} Follow these tips to avoid the common mistakes that turn good roommate relationships sour.

    Talk things out.

    Communication is key. If something happens, sit down with your roommate and have a face-to-face conversation. I've seen roommate relationships fall apart because something happens and, instead of talking to each other, the two start complaining about their roommates behind their backs. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}

    Don't expect to be best friends.

    Some roommates become the best of friends, and some don't. Don't put pressure on yourself or your roommate, especially when you first meet. {#blank#}3{#/blank#} And if your roommate doesn't end up being your best friend, don't worry.

    Ask before you take.

    This applies to food, clothes and anything else. If you want to keep a relationship going, show your roommate that you have respect for what is his or hers by asking first. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}     ◇Clean up after yourself.

    This should do without saying. Don't be lazy. Or, at least, don't bury your roommate in your clothes and garbage. Most people I've come across in college are messy. {#blank#}5{#/blank#} But being considerate with where you put your stuff will help you avoid conflict.

A. So you need to think twice before you help your roommates out.

B. This creates nothing but awkward situations and unhappiness.

C. Even if you both agree to share everything, you should still ask.

D. You don't have all the time to clean your room and keep it organized.

E. It all starts with you to have a good relationship with your roommate.

F. Sometime you get stuck with someone who has tons of negative energy.

G. Remember, you're trying to make a new friend, not to scare your roommate away.

    Even accomplished public speakers worry about whether or not their presentation is effective. Fortunately, improving your effectiveness as a public speaker is very simple! Here are some ways.

    {#blank#}1{#/blank#}. This includes the expected size of the audience, as well as their age and educational background. It's also important to know their level of knowledge about the topic you're presenting. Finally, consider how the audience view you and what they will likely expect to gain from your presentation.

    Determine the appropriate tone(语调) for your speech. You can think about the tone of your speech as the feeling of the speech. It will be determined by the audience, place, topic and purpose of your speech. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}， as you'll want to use a tone that's natural for you.

    Conduct research if necessary. If you're already an expert on your topic, then you may be able to write your speech from memory or from your own notes. However, it's important to do research if there are any gaps(空白) in your knowledge. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}. Also, audience members may appreciate statistics and facts that support your points.

    Outline your speech if desired. Many people find that outlining helps them organize their thoughts and create a good speech. First, write your purpose at the top of the page. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}. Finally, write the conclusion that you want the audience to draw.

    Add anecdotes or jokes. Although the audience want to hear your speech, people lose attention quickly. Stories, particularly personal ones, and jokes help hold their attention and make your speech more enjoyable. {#blank#}5{#/blank#}. Just be sure not to say anything inappropriate.

A. Know your audience

B. Make friends with your audience

C. Otherwise, there might be some weaknesses

D. You'll also want to consider your character

E. Then, write out your main supporting points

F. Additionally, they help people be related to you

G. The audience may notice those gaps and ask questions

    Thanks to world-famous Colombian writer Garcia Marquez, many people think of Latin America as a land of magic. In his books, impossible things happen.

    {#blank#}1{#/blank#} It may come from the mix of different cultures and ethnicities (种族) in Latin America. Although some of these differences have caused conflicts, they have also been a source of beauty, as well as encouraged people in Latin America to be more open-minded.

    Latin America includes more than 30 countries and areas located south of the United States in the American continent. From north to south, it starts from Mexico in North America, goes through the Caribbean and ends at the southernmost tip of South America.

    Latin America's environment is quite diverse. People can enjoy sunshine in the Caribbean islands, ride horses on the green grasslands of the Pampas, and explore volcanoes and snow-capped mountains in the Andes. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} Many of the world's most unique plants and animals live there.

    There is also a diverse mix of people in Latin America. {#blank#}3{#/blank#} In countries like Mexico and Colombia, over half of the population is of mixed ethnicity. However, most of them speak the same languages — Spanish or Portuguese.

    {#blank#}4{#/blank#} Latin American people have created the samba, rumba, cha cha and tango. These dance styles require dancers to hold each other closely and move passionately. {#blank#}5{#/blank#}

    Latin America is an open and romantic place. Its impressive natural environment, historical contributions and cultural traditions have made it unique and influential.

A. It has natives, Africans and Europeans.

B. Where does the magic in his books come from?

C. They are cheerful and can bring strangers together.

D. It even has the world's biggest rainforest — the Amazon.

E. Many people in Latin America have open and romantic hearts.

F. The music and dance of Latin America are quite well-known.

G. To most people, Latin America is a land of happiness and passion.

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.