【推荐2】Massive flooding in America’s Yellowstone National Park caused widespread damage and resulted in many changes. The recent floodwaters changed the path of a river popular for fishing. It also devastated homes, bridges and roadways.

Yellowstone became America’s first national park in 1872. It is known for its natural beauty that includes mountains, rivers and lakes. The forces of fire and ice have shaped the park for thousands of years. It is a place where visitors can get close to different kinds of wildlife.

Flooding caused by heavy rains and melting mountain snow did cause a lot of damage. It drove more than 10,000 visitors out of the park. The rain also damaged hundreds of homes in nearby communities. Luckily, no one was reported hurt. However, the park could remain closed for up to one week. Some entrances might not open all summer. The water also washed away camp structures, flooded small towns and cut power to parts of southern Montana and northern Wyoming. The event happened as the park was beginning its busy summer season and received millions of summer visitors.

The Yellowstone River was running at a historically high level of 4.9 meters as it flowed past Billings, Montana’s largest city. The city got its water from the river and was forced to close its treatment plant (工厂) because it couldn’t operate effectively with water levels that high. Billings officials said the city only had a 24-hour supply of water. They were asking people to protect water until the river could drop and the plant could restart operations. “None of us planned a 500-year flood event on the Yellowstone when we designed the equipment,” said Debi Meling, the city’s director of public works.

Yellowstone officials said, “The northern half of the park is likely to remain closed over the summer. This will greatly affect local economies that depend on summer tourists. But we have faith in the park repairs and economic recovery.”

【推荐3】How do oceans affect you? If you live far from the coast, you might think they don’t. But life on this planet depends on the ocean. It covers almost three-quarters of the planet and holds 97 percent of Earth’s water. The phytoplankton (浮游植物)that live on the oceans’ surface produce half of the oxygen in the atmosphere. Oceans are a vital source of food and other resources and an economic engine for many communities.

For all the ocean provides us, we haven’t always been so responsible in our administration. “The ocean was thought of as a dumping (倾倒的) ground for so long,” says Caitlyn Toropova of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). “There was a sense that there was no way we could harm it because it is so vast.”

But human activities are having a negative impact on many of the world’s oceans, jeopardizing marine life, habitats, and ecosystems. These threats include overfishing or destructive fishing, coastal development, pollution and runoff, and the introduction of non-native species. Climate change is also having a big effect by causing warming seas and ocean acidification.

The realization that something needs to be done to prevent the damage has led to the creation of marine protected areas (MPAs), Specifics differ around the globe, but the United States defines a marine protected area as “any area of the marine environment that has been preserved to prov d eating protection for part or all of the natural and cultural resources.”

There are approximately 5,000 designated (命名) MPAs around the word but many more that are not officially recognized, says Toropova, the conservation group’s officer for marine protected areas. That may sound like a lot, but less than one percent of the world’s oceans is protected. Countries around the world have committed to protecting 10 percent, Toropova say, But “even though there’s been an increase in the past 10 years, at the current rate it would take 100 years to reach that goal,” she says.

【推荐1】Whether you want to impress a new teacher, or just chat with a new acquaintance, knowing how to start a conversation can help you feel more comfortable and confident.

    1    . To take an example, when you go into a room full of strangers, most people there are just like you in their hopes and fears. So when you approach someone to start a conversation, you’re helping him, because he wants someone to talk to as much as you do.     2    , you can acknowledge and accept them, which will be to your advantage.

No matter what the situation is, you can find something positive to say. Comment on the weather, the food, or the event itself. Saying something as simple as you hope your conversation partner has a good time also is a good way to get a conversation rolling. People tend to respond better to a positive subject rather than a negative one. Staying positive also helps put others at ease.     3    .

It can be difficult to try to talk to someone when it feels that you have little in common. In these situations, getting the other person to talk about his or her own interests, work, or expertise can be a useful way.     4    , so expressing a genuine interest in the things that other people enjoy can be excellent fuel for a great conversation.

Learning how to start a conversation is an important skill that can help you build social connections. It can be difficult initially, particularly if you struggle with shyness or social anxiety.     5    . The more often you start to interact with others, the stronger your conversational skills will become.

【推荐2】How to Communicate Effectively?

Having good communication skills is important. Effective communication is a skill you can learn no matter what your age, background or experience is.     1    

Choose the right time. As the saying states, there is a time and a place for everything.     2    . Avoid starting discussions about heavy topics late in the evening. Few people will be thrilled to be faced with issues like finances or long range scheduling when they are the most

tired. Instead, deliver messages and conduct discussions about heavy topics in the mornings when people are watchful and more likely to be able to respond clearly.

    3    . This should be done before you attempt to communicate any ideas. If you haven’t already targeted some key points to stick to when communicating, your ideas may become confusing. Key points will act as anchors (锚), bringing focus and clarity to your communication.

Thank your listener(s). Thank the person or group for the time taken to listen and respond.     4    , even if the response to your talk or discussion has been other than you had hoped, end it politely by properly respecting everyone’s input and time.

Communicate eye to eye. Eye contact builds relationship, helps to convince people that you’re trustworthy and displays interest. During a conversation or presentation, it is important to look into the other person’s eyes if possible and maintain contact for a reasonable amount of time.     5    .

【推荐3】Studying abroad is full of adventures—everything is different and exciting. How can you adjust to the new environment soon? Homestay is a great way to get to know the culture from a first-hand aspect. Here are some tips on how to enjoy a successful homestay.

Bring a thoughtful gift.

    1     . Instead, a little souvenir from your home country is a great icebreaker. Besides, it will help your hosts remember what an awesome temporary family member you were.

Respect the schedule.

Even though you paid for your stay, you’re still part of a family that is not yours —respect their schedules. If the meals are at 7 p. m., make sure you are on time.     2     .

Attend the family meals.

Most host programs will give you the choice to include meals in your homestay. It’s highly recommended that you join your family for at least one meal each day.     3     . You can also enjoy the conversations that meals inspire.

Be fair and honest when problems arise.

    4     . Nobody can avoid it. In case there’s a major trouble that bothers you, try to talk to the family first. Be aware that it might take some time to get used to each other—not just for you but also for the host family.

    5     .

When it comes time to leave, you might be feeling some relief about getting back to a more familiar home. Do remember to make an effort to express your thanks to the family for letting you into their home and sharing their lives with you.