Are you interested in collecting (收集) pictures or any other things? Maybe you have heard of the scrapbook (剪贴簿), _______ you don’t know what it is. I know. Let me tell you more about it now.

Scrapbooks are useful and _______ things. They have been popular for more than 500 years. People usually use scrapbooks to keep pictures, letters, poems and other things they want to _______.

Today people collect more things with scrapbooks. Some people have _______ collections like the world’s stupid ideas or pictures of the ugly dogs. Some people even collect videos about bad weather.

In fact, it is easy to start making your own scrapbook. First, you should decide (决定) _______ you want to collect. Start with just one idea. Next, you need a _______ with a white background (背景), a pair of scissors and glue. You need the scissors to cut out the _______ or the stories of magazines and newspapers. You also need the glue to stick (粘贴) them on the notebook.

You can be active and collect many things, or be _______ and collect a few things. It’s up to you. It will be interesting to make your scrapbook and you can share it with your friends.

Sara was looking out the window, and watching the strong wind blow the trees. She was upset, thinking about the birthday party she could have if there was no hurricane (飓风). She didn’t understand why her parents had to call off (取消) the party. They didn’t live near the ocean.

“Sweetie, you can’t sit there all day,” her mother said. “We’ll have your party next weekend. I have already called everyone.”

“It’s not the same. My birthday is today, not next weekend.” Sara turned on the TV, but almost every station was talking about the hurricane. “I can’t even watch my favorite shows. This hurricane is ruining (毁坏) everything.”

Her mother sat down next to her. “The hurricane is ruining a lot. Look at that. Those people are trying to save their houses.” Sara looked at the images on TV. The storm did look bad. She knew she’d be really upset if her family lost their home.

“What’s going to happen to all those people? Will they be okay?” Sara asked. “Usually when there’s a big storm like this, people raise money and send food to the families who lost their homes. Some people even volunteer to help rebuild houses.” “What can I do?” Sara asked. Suddenly not having her birthday party didn’t seem so bad. “I want to help.”

“There’s a number to call to find out more about helping them. Would you like to call it with me?”

Sara nodded, “Maybe I can give my birthday money to them.”

Her mother smiled and hugged her. “I’m really proud of you, Sara. Helping others is a great way to come through the storm.”