It is said that farmers or peasants, especially those in developing countries, are often criticized for cutting down forests. But a new study suggests that many farmers recognize the value of keeping trees.

    Researchers using satellite images found at least ten percent trees cover on more than one billion hectares of farmland.{#blank#}1{#/blank#} Earlier estimates were much lower but incomplete. The authors of the new study say it may still underestimate the true extent worldwide.

    The study found the most trees cover in South America.{#blank#}2{#/blank#} North Africa and West Asia have the least.

    The study found that climate conditions alone could not explain the amount of trees cover in different areas.{#blank#}3{#/blank#}There are areas with few trees but also few people, and areas with many trees and many people. The findings suggest that things like land rights, markets or government policies can influence tree planting and protection.

    Dennis Garrity heads the World Agroforestry Center.{#blank#}4{#/blank#}The problem, he says, is that policy makers and planners have been slow to recognize this and to support such efforts.

    The satellite images may not show what the farmers are using the trees for, but trees provide nuts, fruit, wood and other products.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}Even under drought (干旱) conditions, trees can often provide food and a way to earn money until the next growing season.

    Some trees act as natural fertilizers. They take nitrogen (氮气) out of the air and put it in the soil. Scientists at the Center say the use of fertilizer trees can reduce the need for chemical nitrogen by up to three-fourths. Trees also capture carbon dioxide, a gas linked to climate change.

A. Nor could the size of nearby populations, meaning people and trees can live together.

B. He says farmers are acting on their own to protect and plant trees.

C. Almost all of it is covered by trees.

D. They also help prevent soil loss and protect water supplies.

E. He devotes most of his time to making people realize its importance.

F. That is nearly half of the farmland in the world.

G. Next comes Africa south of the Sahara, followed by Southeast Asia.

                   How to make friends at a new school

    Starting with a new school can be difficult. Everything seems to be different, and you don't even know where to go for your own classes.{#blank#}1{#/blank#}However, if you use these skills, you can quickly turn some of those strangers into friends.

Be yourself.

    {#blank#}2{#/blank#}If some people don't accept you, they're not the kind of friends you need. People often stay together because they have similar interests. For example, someone who does a lot of sport may make friends with those who also run or swim a lot. 

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#}

    Remember to be nice to the people you meet at your new school. If you think that you will say something that may make them feel sad, do not say anything and just nod your head if they talk to you. Also, remember to be as helpful as possible!

Believe in yourself.

    A smile goes a long way. When you walk in the halls, don't keep your eyes on the floor. Raise your head and make eye contact (目光接触) with other people.{#blank#}4{#/blank#}Introduce yourself. Tell them your name and where you're from.

Remember people's names.

    You like it when people use your name, and so do other people.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}Besides, ask them in a kind way if they have a nickname (昵称). You'd be surprised how often this might come in handy.

A. Be friendly to others.

B. Making new friends can be hard, too.

C. Join after-school activities you like.

D. Never change who you are to try and fit in.

E. If you see someone you know, smile or say “Hi”.

F. People may become angry if you just begin by saying “Hey” each time.

G. Don't sit at the back of the classroom where other people don't notice you!

    It is important that you teach your baby to read as young as possible. Why? Because there is simply no better time in a child's life for learning than when they are between 3 months old and their 5th birthday.{#blank#}1{#/blank#}

    As a result, they are sponges(海绵)for knowledge. Moreover, being able to read is the basis for any successful education, so the earlier they start, the better. All too often, parents leave educating their children up to schools, which probably explains why the United States is currently ranked 18th in its rate of reading and writing.

    Teaching your baby to read provides brain exercise during the very time when his or her brain is developing. It has also been shown to increase the baby's IQ. The sooner they begin to read, the sooner they can begin to learn other subjects. This way, by the time your children begin school, they will already know what's being taught, and will be put on the fast track. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}

    One of the cases that really began to bring the fact that babies can learn to read to the public's attention was 17-month-old Elizabeth Barrett. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}

    She was given a series of words and even sentences that she could read quite well. Her parents had been reading to her since she was born and had provided her with a very early education.

    Reading is the most important thing to teach babies at a young age. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}Learning can be fun at such an early age, and it can be accomplished so easily that they won't have to struggle in order to learn. In fact, when you use the proper materials, they will look forward to learning.

    If you're interested in teaching your baby to read, the best way to start is by spending just a few minutes a day. {#blank#}5{#/blank#}

    Simply show your baby matching pictures on the opposite side. There are also videos that help to teach babies to read.

    There is no better time to teach your baby to read than the present. Begin by looking for learning materials that your baby might enjoy.

A. Flash cards are an effective tool.

B. She appeared on the Today show.

C. Maybe they will even skip a grade down the road.

D. During this time, their brains are developing rapidly.

E. What's more, your child will be able to read so successfully.

F. It doesn't have to be stressful or difficult for your child though.

G. Parents talk about the pride that their children can read at an early age.

    Secure your home with these expert-advised home safety tips that turn burglars into losers.

    Store valuables carefully

    Thieves already know you're storing valuables, so upgrade your secret hiding places to ones that are harder to detect. {#blank#}1{#/blank#}. Thieves often search drawers in the master bedroom but tend to leave kids' rooms untouched. Just make sure it's a place your child can't easily access, like on a high closet shelf.

    Install your security system in the right spot

    {#blank#}2{#/blank#}, but they also make it easy for burglars to see inside your home. Install your security keypad in a spot that is not visible from the doorstep so no one can see if your alarm is set.

    {#blank#}3{#/blank#}.

    Knowing your house is completely unattended can make your vacation unnecessarily stressful. Whether you're going away for two weeks or just a long weekend, ask a neighbor to check daily for flyers stuck in your front door. Foxy criminals have been known to leave pizza ads in doors to see how long it takes for residents to remove them. Stopping newspapers and mail delivery for the duration of your trip is a sure way to prevent mail from piling up at your doorstep.

    Pay attention to bathroom windows

    Burglars are often people you've seen before, like a serviceman working on your house. If a yard worker or unknown visitor uses the bathroom, he may open the window so he can gain entry later.{#blank#}4{#/blank#}.

    Join in a community-wide crime prevention program

    Cops are getting creative when it comes to catching criminals, and there are lots of opportunities for you to do your part to keep your community safe. Operation Identification is a nationwide project that encourages people to mark their property to fight against burglary and theft.{#blank#}5{#/blank#}. Also look into groups like Neighborhood Watch to see how you can get involved.

A. Let your neighbors be your eyes

B. Lower the volume of your telephone finger

C. Be sure to double-check that lock after this seemingly innocent person leaves

D.A simple solution is keeping important documents and objects in your child's room

E. Decorative glass or large windows may be important for your front entrance feng shui

F. If you suspect that someone is trying to break into your home, press the “Panic” button

G. In some cities, burglary rates for the system are much lower than those of non-Participants

Top Healthy Homework Habits

    Your homework habits might be affecting your grades. Are you feeling tired, painful, or bored when it comes to homework time? {#blank#}1{#/blank#} You can change the way you feel by taking better care of your mind and your body.

    ◆{#blank#}2{#/blank#}

    Studies show that teens natural sleep patterns are different from those of adults. This often causes sleep loss among teens, since they tend to have trouble going to sleep at night, and have trouble waking in the mornings. You can avoid some of the problems that come with sleep deprivation by changing some of your nighttime habits.

    ◆Improve your eating habit

    Do you feel tired or dizzy a lot of the time? If you sometimes avoid working on a project because you just don't have the energy, you can increase your energy level by changing your diet. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}

    ◆Improve your memory

    A great way to improve your homework habits is to improve your memory with brain exercise. {#blank#}4{#/blank#} But there is one mnemonic (记忆的) method that has been around since ancient times. Ancient accounts show that early Greek and Roman orators used the "loci" (轨迹) method of remembering long speeches and lists. You may be able to use this method to enhance your memory at test time.

    ◆Fight the urge to procrastinate (拖延)

    {#blank#}5{#/blank#} Don't fall for it! Procrastination is like a little white lie we tell ourselves. We often think we'll feel better about studying later if we do something fun now, like playing with a pet, watching a TV show, or even cleaning our room. It's not true.

    Do you have the experience of digging out your suitcase, deciding what to bring and being afraid that you've forgotten something? {#blank#}1{#/blank#}. Hope they can transform the way you pack.

    Keep a Basket Handy

    Do you wait until the last minute to pack? Keep a basket in your bedroom, living room, or bath room that you can use to throw in items you'll need to pack as you come across them. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}. Besides, you can just put the contents of the basket into your suitcase if you are in a hurry to leave for the airport.

    Buy Wrinkle-free Clothing

    You won't need to worry about carefully packing your items of clothing if they're made from wrinkle-free materials. {#blank#}3{#/blank#}. You'll still look fresh and bright when you are in them at your destination.

Keep Old Packing Lists

    Chances are that you end up taking trips that require you to pack similar items. Keep old packing lists from former vacations to the beach, ski resort, and city—that way, you'll always have a list of at least the basics. {#blank#}4{#/blank#}. So you don't need to waste your effort to remember where you left your hand-written packing lists.

    Schedule a Packing Time

Time can slip away from you before a trip—you may be caught up at work, at home, or be occupied with other responsibilities of daily life. {#blank#}5{#/blank#}. That way, you will not need to do your packing crazily from the last minute to 1 o'clock on the day you leave.

A. This makes you less likely to forget the stuff.

B. The best way to do this is to save them on your computer.

C. Buy necessary stuff when you arrive.

D. Determine a night well in advance of departure to pack.

E. That's why I've distilled (提炼) the art of packing down to some essential tips.

F. Just ball them up or put them at the bottom of the suitcase.

G. Rolling your clothes is the best way to save space for the suitcase.