The best-known (最熟知的) vegetable in the world is the potato. It grows in many places and does not need rich soil(土壤) like many other crops. But until four hundred years ago, the Europeans(欧洲人) began to know the potato. But today it's one of the main foods in Europe(欧洲). About half of the world's potatoes are grown in Europe.

    In France the potato was not grown for a long time .Here is story about Louis. In 1778 he saw some potato flowers for the first time .He liked them so much that he picked one and put it in his buttonhole. He was interested in the flowers not the potatoes themselves.

    In today's world of modern science and medicine, a more traditional treatment is once again becoming popular -- animal friendship.

    It is now well-known that people with problems such as heart disease or cancer live longer and get better more quickly if they have pets. Keeping pets lowers blood pressure and makes people less worried. Animals are increasingly important in treating older people who have memory loss(损失) and other brain problems. These people often feel nervous and upset. Activities with animals help them improve their physical condition and also give them joy, entertainment and loving friendship.

    Here is a case that shows the benefits of animals. John was a six-year-old boy. He had no physical problems. He just refused to talk. His older cousin, Ned, had a parrot called Sally, and John used to visit it. When he arrived, Net used to say, “Hi, John!” We all know parrots copy what they hear. After a few visits, Sally began saying “Hi, John!” When John came into the room. Then, one day, John turned to the parrot and replied “Hi, Sally!” Staying with the parrot encouraged John to begin talking.

    Another use of animal helpers is in schools. In some cases, they are used to teach children to get on and share with others, and even to teach them about animals.

    If you want to know more about animal helper programs, you can get in touch with organizations like Riding for the Disabled or do a search about animals on the Internet. You don't have to be an animal trainer or a doctor to join in.

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    There are some easy things you can do to protect(保护) the environment and the earth. Choose ideas from the list or come up with a few of your own.

    ●Plant flowers grass or trees.

●Whenever you visit a park or beach, take away what you bring there—-keep rubbish in a bag until you can put it in a dustbin.

    ●Turn off the lights, TV sets when you leave the room. This saves a lot of electricity.

    ●Turn off the tap when you brush your teeth. You can save some water by not letting it run. Also, use a glass cup instead of a paper cup because this saves paper.

    ●Keep the doors and windows closed in winter to keep warm air in.

    ●Give your old books and magazines to a library instead of throwing them away.

    ●Give your old clothes to poor children you know instead of throwing them away.

    ●Use both sides of paper.

    ●Stop pouring dirty water into the rivers or the lakes nearby.

    ●Encourage all your friends to do the same things you do to help protect the earth.

    You don't have to wait until Earth Day to do these things. Make every day Earth Day.

    If everyone makes a contribution (贡献)to protecting the environment, the world will become much more beautiful.

    Watering plants is an important part of having a garden. But different plants have different needs. Plants like plenty of water, but how do you know what is too much or too little? Here are just a few helpful suggestions you may want to consider.

    3 Do's 3 Don'ts

    Water early.

    Water in the morning before it begins to get hot. It's a perfect time to water your plants. This way they are ready for the hottest parts of the day. Don't water too much.

    Although plants are usually thirsty, too much water can be harmful to their growth. If you notice the leaves are becoming yellow and falling off, it is a clear sign of too much water.

    Drain （排水） properly.

    Be sure to check the surrounding area of your plants regularly. The extra water should be drained well. Don't water late.

    This is especially important. Although not everyone will be able to do their watering in the early morning hours, try not to wait too late in the day. If you water in the afternoon when it is hot, lots of water will evaporate （蒸发）before reaching the roots. If you water in the evening, the roots will be too wet.

    Prevent insects.

    A thin, fine mist （喷雾） will prevent insects from setting on the leaves and flowers. Don't water the leaves.

    The most ideal place to begin is the root. This is where most of the growth and development takes place. In order for your plants to be strong, the roots have to be healthy.

    To really know what works well for your plants, watch them for signs of over watering or signs of not getting enough water. For more great advice on rose watering and growing roses, visit http:// www. my rose guide. com.

 Going clothes shopping can be difficult. Sometimes you go to a store with an idea in mind, but once you get there, you have no idea where to start. Why? {#blank#}1{#/blank#} Of course, you may feel lost when you choose.

 It's easier for you to make choosing good clothes if you have an idea. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} Clothing that fits should be comfortable.

 If you' re planning on losing weight, don't buy clothes that you think you' ll wear in a few months. Maybe it is just a plan or a dream and it never happens.{#blank#}3{#/blank#}

You may want to keep up with new styles, but if it isn't nice on you, don't wear it.{#blank#}4{#/blank#}

 Remember that the most important thing about choosing clothes is finding a look that you like, not someone else. {#blank#}5{#/blank#}

Do you have any online classes? It is possible to take classes at home. All you need is a computer and a headset. 

However, most students don't seem to like online classes. According to a recent survey, only 33 percent of the students would take such classes. Over 1, 500 students from 10 cities took part in the survey. 

Many students said it was hard to focus on studying while taking online classes. This was true for Kate, 15, at the High School of Peking University. "There are no classmates and no real teachers watching me. I can surf the Internet or do other things if I want to. It's harder to always stay focused," she said. 

Kate prepares a lot before taking her classes to make sure she will keep her attention. She also pushes herself to communicate with teachers. Students can come up with or answer questions while taking online classes. 

Joice, 14, at Yucai Middle School, thinks online interaction (互动) isn't enough. "The online teachers don't really get to know me. When I don't hand in homework, all I get is a short message instead of real concern (关心) ," she said. 

However, online classes still have advantages. "It saves time and money compared with taking offline classes. Also, if I don't understand some parts of a lesson, I can watch it over again," Kate said.