Which musical instrument shall I learn?

Many people would like to learn how to play a musical instrument, but they are put off by one big problem：What to play? Here are a few questions to help you decide.

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    Many instruments are of different use，but some are more fit for certain types of music. Some instruments may lead themselves better than others to the music you like, so consider this before you start.    Do you want to play with other people?

Think about your long-term future as a musician. If you want to play with other people, what sort of instrument would be most practical? Your first thought of playing the violin, for example, might disappear when too many people are competing with you！

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Many people live in flats and practicing the drums, for example, will drive your neighbors crazy. Think about where and when you are going to practice, as well as the feelings oI the people you live with or near.

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This is quite a big factor. Many instruments can be bought at different prices. But this doesn't change the fact that many, such as the piano, are always pretty expensive. If you can't afford your chosen instrument，will you be able to borrow someone else's or hire one?

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Talk to people you know who already play instruments. They might even let you try theirs. It's also a good idea to find an experienced music teacher, preferably one who plays a few different instruments, who can give you some advice and push you in the right direction.

AStill not sure?

BWhere are you going to practice?

CHow much money can you spend?

DAre you weak or strong?

EWhat king of music do you like?A

{#blank#}5{#/blank#}  Do you like music? Why or why not?（不少于5个单词）

Jambo's Story

    In 1986, a video of a frightening event involving a gorilla (大猩猩) and a boy was watched by millions of people around the world. The video is still popular on the Internet today, changed people's opinions of gorillas forever.

    On 31 August, 1986 a couple took their two young sons to Jersey Zoo. When the family arrived, they went to see the gorillas straight away. The father noticed that the children were too small to see the animals, so he picked up his five-year-old son, Levan, and put him on the top of the wall. Then he turned round to pick up his other son.

    When the father turned back, Levan had disappeared. The boy had fallen off the wall, into the gorilla area. The parents looked down and saw that their son was lying on the ground, about four metres below them. He wasn't moving.

    Levan's father tried to climb down into the wall to save the boy, but he was stopped by the other zoo visitors. Slowly, the gorillas came closer to Levan. A large crowd of people had come to see what was happening. Everyone was shouting. They were scared that gorillas might seriously hurt the boy.

    Jambo, a 200kg male gorilla, got to Levan first. He moved carefully around Levan. He softly touched his back. Then he sat down between Levan and the other gorillas. When he saw that a young gorilla had come too close, Jambo stood up and did not let him pass. His message to the other gorillas was clear,”Don't touch him!” He pulled lightly of Levan's clothes and after a while Levan opened his eyes and started to cry.

    Jambo ran away and his gorilla family followed him. Some time later, zookeepers saved Levan. He had broken several bones in the fall, and had seriously hurt his head, but he was alive. A man had filmed everything and millions of people around the world watched the video on the news.

    Jambo! People had always thought that gorillas were dangerous animals, but the video changed their minds. Soon letters, cards and even boxes of bananas arrived for him at the zoo. Jambo died in 1992, but people built a statue (雕像，塑像) at the zoo to remind the world of this wonderful animal.

If you receive an e-mail that looks something like this:

    ARE YOU GOING TO CLASS TODAY? How does reading this message make you feel? Why did the sender use all capital letters(大写字母)? Was he or she angry, or did that person just forget to turn off the 'Cap Lock' on the computer? The fact is, this e-mail is usually the way that people shout online. Knowing when and when not to use capital letters is just one example of online etiquette(礼仪) —often called 'netiquette'. Virginia Shea's book, Netiquette, lists a basic set of dos and don'ts for communicating suitably with others on the Internet. Following are some of her suggestions.

    First, always remember that you are sending messages to a real person, not just to a computer. Don't type anything that you wouldn't say to someone's face. Also, remember that the person who receives your message cannot hear the tone of your voice, or see the expression on your face, so make sure your meaning is clear.

    Don't do anything online that you wouldn't do in real life. Don't take anything without paying for it, unless it's free. Don't use information that someone else has written, and say it's yours. Don't read other people's e-mail—you wouldn't open your next-door neighbor's mailbox and open their mail, right? Do share your knowledge of the Internet with others. It's a big place with lots of information, and there are many new things to discover.

    Remember that people judge(判断) you by your words as well as your actions, so try to write well. Good writing skills, as well as correct grammar and spelling, matter(有关系). Send polite, well-written e-mail messages to others. If you're uncertain about how to spell a word or which phrases to use, look it up. There are lots of helpful books and websites.

    It's okay to show your ideas online in forums(论坛) like chat room or message boards, but don't start arguments with people. 'Flame wars' in online discussions can be interesting to read, but are often unfair to other members of the group. Express your opinions, but remember that fighting online or offline is just not suitable.

    When you're online, just as in 'real' life, try to respect(尊重) other people's space, privacy and feelings. Remember, you are not the only one travelling on this highway!

A. A fire engine will arrive quickly. The firemen know what to do. They have long ladders to reach high windows.

B. If you want to be a fireman，you must be strong and healthy. A fireman has to be able to carry heavy things. He has to be able to climb ladders and to work in high places. So he also has to be brave.

C. They try their best to rescue the people who can't get out. If some people are hurt，they are taken to hospital in ambulances（救护车）.

D. When a fire begins，we must tell the fireman. Do you know how to do this？

E. After all the people have been rescued，the firemen put out the fire. Sometimes this is very difficult because some people keep things in passages and on stairs. Then the firemen can't get past to fight the fire.

F. Go to the nearest telephone and dial the number 119. When someone speaks，tell him about the fire. Speak slowly and clearly.

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    Once upon a time, in the forest there lived a baby elephant, who had no friends. ________________ of the animals wanted to be his friend because he was too large.

    One day, a wild fire happened in the forest. The animals ran to safer places. The dry trees caught fire and the fire was sure to go all around the forest. The baby elephant ran to the nearest river, collected much water in his trunk (象鼻) and rushed to the burning trees. He sprayed (喷) the water on the fire. Finally, he put out the fire.

    Later, while he was resting after the hard job, all the animals and birds came to him and expressed their thanks for his kind help in time. They were now ready to have him as their good friend and their hero. They said, "A friend in need is a friend indeed."

    The baby elephant was happy to get so many friends and played games with them. He walked through the forest, carrying several small animals and birds on his back.

    Every year, thousands of students choose to study overseas, that is to say, to study in a foreign country. Studying overseas can be an exciting experience for many people.

    Why Do It？

    Firstly, you can learn a second language easily. Secondly, you can know more about another culture. Thirdly, you will see the world in a new way, and learn more about yourself. What's more, it's easy to get a job in the future, since many companies like those who speak a second language, or have experienced living or working in another country.

    Making the Right Choice Once you decide to study overseas, you have to make some choices. To choose the right country or school, ask yourself：Where do I want to go and why？How much do I want to pay？How long do I want to study overseas？Do I want to live with a host family, with roommates, or alone？

    Getting Ready to Go Get your passport and visa(签证)early！Before you go, learn some of the language, and read about some common customs in your host country. Learn about the money. Bring some of it, and a credit card(信用卡)with you.

    Once You Are There After the first few weeks overseas, many students will feel a little homesick. They may miss their family, friends, and familiar(熟悉的)ways of doing things. Remember that it takes time to get used to a new place, school, and culture. When you feel sad or homesick, try to talk to others, or write about your feelings in a notebook.