【推荐1】Do People Need Small Talk to Be Happy?

Psychologists have long said that connecting with others is an important part of happiness, but just how much conversation we require is under examination. In one study, researchers found that small talk made up only 10% of the conversation related to happiness.     1     Scientists believe that small talk can promote bonding. Late last year, Princeton researchers reported that small talk kept closeness with loved ones, and wasn't merely the stuff of awkward exchanges with strangers.

Still, chatting with strangers can brighten our morning. In a series of experiments, psychologists gave Chicago passengers different directions about whether to talk with fellow passengers-something they typically avoided.     2     None of the chatters reported being rejected.

    3     People who smiled at, made eye contact with, and briefly spoke with their Starbucks baristas reported a greater sense of belonging than those who rushed through the transaction.     4     One report found that when volunteers broke the silence to chat with gallery goers, the visitors felt happier and more connected to the exhibit than those who were not approached.

Of course, some people are better than others at turning small talk into something bigger. In one study, people who were rated “less curious” by research had trouble getting a conversation roiling on their own, and had greater luck building closeness with others when they were supplied with questions that encouraged personal disclosure. But people who were considered "curious” needed no help when transforming conversations about ordinary things into personal exchanges.     5    

A．A good way to approach small talk is to focus on a few broad topics.

B．A “curious mindset”, the author concluded, could lead to “positive social interactions”.

C．But don't play down small talk.

D．When done well, small talk is fun rather than dull, and relaxing rather than requiring effort.

E．Those told to chat with others reported a more pleasant journey.

F．Small talk can also help us feel connected to our surroundings.

G．The same is true of gallery goers.

【推荐2】Encouraging Positive RelationshipsChoosing one’s friends is an important part of growing up. And although you can’t choose your children’s friends, you can have a positive influence on the relationships they make throughout their formative years. Use the following strategies to help your children to build positive relationships with their friends.● Encourage diversity.    1    In addition to exposing your kids to more diversity, it will also help them learn more about themselves.● Avoid criticism. Avoid criticizing friendships, but be honest with your kids when you’re concerned.    2    This may make them defensive and less receptive to what you have to say. Do be open and willing to listen to what they have to say, and talk about what makes you nervous.●    3    If you feel that one of your child’s friends is having a negative influence on him, invite that friend to spend time with you and your child together so that you can have a positive influence on the relationship.● Engage in community service. Engage your family in service and volunteering (or join a social group) through a local church, school, or other nonprofit organization.    4    ●    5    When talking about a friend who has a negative influence on your child, focus your comments on that friend’s behaviors, not on her personality. For example, instead of calling your child’s friend irresponsible for smoking, you could point out that the behavior has a negative effect on her health and recommend ways for your child to help her quit.

A．Offer advice.

B．Get involved.

C．Don’t condemn your child’s friends.

D．Help your kids find the group that they fit with.

E．These events can be great places to meet new friends.

F．It’s important to develop positive relationships with family members as well.

G．Challenge your children to get to know kids from many different backgrounds.

【推荐2】There are thousands of websites out there designed specifically for learning new skills, and to help students with exams.

Goconqr

What makes this website unique is the mind map. When you create a map, it allows you to see how things are connected. This helps with both memorization and understanding. The website also has a lot of other helpful features like flashcards, a note-taking platform, study planner, and a way to track how much you’re learning.

Evernote

Studying can cover several different platforms, but with Evernote, all of your notes, information and research can be together in one place. This website can sync (同步) your information across computers and phones, share with other users, and create all from one central platform. Evernote can be used in a lot of ways like keeping your information in order and organizing notes.

Studyblue

Studyblue connects students through similar learning goals and subjects, allowing them to share flashcards, study guides and more. Studyblue can even connect students in specific classes, letting them message each other. The website also has a library, class-based study guides and a real-time self-assessing score that tracks your progress on a subject. With free mobile apps, Studyblue can be taken on the go.

Khan Academy

Khan Academy is another amazing option for those who want to learn more outside the classroom. This free resource presents you with class options. You can find information on basic geometry, electrical engineering, organic chemistry, microeconomics, personal finance and more.

1. Which website can help students remember things?

A．Khan Academy.

B．Studyblue.

C．Goconqr.

D．Evernote.

2. ________ can sync the students’ information across computers and phones.

A．Khan Academy.

B．Studyblue.

C．Goconqr.

D．Evernote.

3. What feature does Studyblue have?

A．It can create a mind map.	B．It can be taken everywhere.
C．It can make information organized.	D．It can offer different courses.

4. What can students use Khan Academy to do?

A．Focus on what they have learned.	B．Share information with others.
C．Keep in touch with each other.	D．Learn about personal finance.

【推荐3】France has the most beautiful castles throughout Europe. Here are some of the best French castles to visit. You’ll surely want to visit one of them during your travels in France. Have a look and enjoy!

Chateau de Versailles

The Chateau de Versailles is about 20kms southwest of Paris. When the castle was built, Versailles was a small village. Today, however, it is a famous area in Paris. The castle was built as a small hunting lodge (乡间小屋) for Louis XIII in the 1620s. Years later, he made it bigger. Later, louis XIV also made it larger, making it one of the largest palaces of the world.

Chateau de Chambord

The Chateau de Chambord is one of the largest castles around the world. It sits in the Loire Valley. Being at the heart of Europe’s largest enclosed wooded park, Chambord, it was built for King Francis I to serve as a hunting lodge. It is one of the world’s most well-known castles in the world because of its French Renaissance (文艺复兴) building.

Chateau de Chenonceau

As one of the most famous castles in the Loire Valley, the castle was built during the 11th century on the River Cher. It was passed through many bands. The castle was not destroyed during the French Revolution because it was the only bridge across the river for many miles.

Chateau de Chantilly

This historic castle sits in the town of Chantilly, France. This beautiful castle is made up of two buildings: the Petit Chateau built around 1560 for Anne de Montmorency, and the Grand Chateau which was destroyed during the French Revolution and rebuilt in the 1870s. There are many interesting pieces of 17th century history about the castle. Every two years a fireworks competition is held in the castle gardens.

1. What makes the Chateau de Chambord special?

A．Its long history.	B．Its wealthy owner.
C．Its building style.	D．Its fireworks competition.

2. Why did the Chateau de Chenonceau manage to get through the French Revolution?

A．It was far from Paris.	B．It played a very important role.
C．It hid in the Loire Valley.	D．It was built by a famous French king.

3. Which castle has a fireworks show every two years?

A．The Chateau de Chantilly.	B．The Chateau de Chenonceau.
C．The Chateau de Chambord.	D．The Chateau de Versailles.