【推荐1】Check out this handy list of tips and tricks to help you better plan your studies.

    1    

Start by calculating the number of free hours you have each day. Then, divide your available free time into blank study blocks. Don’t forget about free blocks of time in between classes, too.     2     Studies show that studying in short bursts is the most effective way to learn.

Assign specific tasks to each study block.

Use due date and deadlines to prioritize different tasks at certain times.     3     Instead, check your plan to see what’s coming up in the next few weeks, and then assign tasks accordingly. Use key words like “read” “write” “review” “outline” and “memorize” so you know exactly what you need to do.

Break big assignments into smaller chunks.

Spread chunks out over several days so you don’t stress out. If you need to write an essay that will take you about 4 hours to complete, don’t devote a 4-hour block of time to it on a single day. You’ll just end up overwhelming yourself and the rest of your schedule will get thrown off track, too.     4    

Space out subjects on alternate days.

    5     You’ll retain more information and experience less burnout if you space things out. For example, assign blocks of time for studying calculus and science on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Then, schedule blocks for literature and history on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

A．Get work done during free periods.

B．You might want to devote more time to key subjects.

C．You can divide your study time into 30-to 50-minute blocks.

D．Avoid assigning yourself vague tasks like “Study literature”.

E．You don’t need to study the same subject two days in a row.

F．You’ll need to assign longer study blocks to some particular subjects.

G．Instead, break the work into several 30- to 50-minute chunks over the course of a week or so.

【推荐3】If you’re new to a school or you are shy or tend to not get out of your comfort zone, making new friends at school might seem like a challenge. Luckily, you can overcome that challenge by looking for people with the same interests as you and by being friendly when you meet new people. Also, participate in after-school clubs and events whenever you get the chance, since that will help you meet people outside of class!

Look for people who have the same hobbies as you.

You’re more likely to be friends with someone if you have something in common with them. Try to find clubs or groups based on your favorite hobbies, then join them to meet like-minded people. Also, pay attention to people who spend their free time doing the same things you love to do.

If you’re a passionate reader, join a book club, go to public readings, or start a conversation with someone who carries novels around with their textbooks.

Spend time around people who show kindness.

Finding someone who will treat you well and support you is more important than popularity. Avoid spending time with people who talk bad about others or put them down. Instead, look for people who invite others to sit with them at lunch, who encourage others when they speak up in class, or who are always willing to help when someone needs a hand.

Introduce yourself to new people whenever possible.

When you’re around someone you don’t know, it is not unusual to just sit there quietly, especially if you’re shy. However, you and the other person will both be more comfortable after a simple introduction. Make eye contact with the person, smile, and try to seem warm and relaxed instead of nervous or anxious. Then, break the ice by talking about whatever is going on around you.

Keep the conversation going with open-ended questions.

When you start talking to someone, try asking them questions about what they like to see what you have in common with them. However, avoid simply asking yes or no questions, since one-word answers don’t necessarily keep a conversation alive. You can ask questions about whatever you’re already talking about, or you can change the subject if you feel that ran its course.

1. Who is the passage intended for?

A．Teachers.

B．Students.

C．Parents.

D．Adults.

2. If you are fond of reading, you can ________.

A．join a club to make friends

B．approach people with lots of hobbies

C．spend your free time meeting different people

D．talk to people with the same interests

3. According to Paragraph 4, who is more likely to be a good friend?

A．One who enjoys the popularity.

B．One who talks bad about others.

C．One who wants to help you.

D．One who always put others down.

4. According to Paragraph 5, what should you do first when you meet someone you don’t know well?

A．Start with a warm handshake.

B．Make eye contact with the person.

C．Start with a brief introduction of yourself.

D．Start by talking about a serious topic.

5. You should avoid asking yes or no questions to ________.

A．keep the conversation going	B．end the conversation
C．show kindness	D．respect others

【推荐1】Read the passage and answer the questions.

Of all the workings of the human body, there is one organ that produces the most intrigue amongst scientists. The brain is the centre of the nervous system and controls most of the body’s activities. Interestingly, it is the back part of the brain that is involved with our vision. The sides of the brain are involved in memory, speech and rhythm. Although the brain amounts to only about 2% of total body weight, it uses up to 20% of the body’s energy—more than any other organ. Scientists have been conducting research in order to seek greater understanding of the brain, especially since the 1950s. Nevertheless, there is still a long way to go before we can completely understand the workings of this complex organ.

1. What functions of the brain are mentioned in the passage?
______________________________________________________________________________
2. What is the current research situation concerning the brain?
______________________________________________________________________________
3. Do you know any other interesting facts about the brain? Share them with the class.
______________________________________________________________________________

【推荐3】Have you ever noticed little specks (斑点) in the iris (the colored part) of your eyes? The specks, which occur in about 60% of the population, are clusters (组,族) of abnormal melanocytes (黑素细胞).Experts suspect that, like skin freckles, they may develop in response to sun exposure."We think that the pathway involved in iris freckles formation could be quite similar." Christoph Schwab, MD, wrote in an email to Health.

To investigate this theory, Dr.Schwab teamed up with other ophthalmologists (眼科医生) and dermatologists (皮肤病专家) to examine the skin and eyes of more than 600 people.Seventy-six percent of the participants possessed at least one eye freckle.They tended to be older than folks who had no eye freckles.And they were also more likely to report a high number                    of sunburns during their lifetime, and have sun-damaged skin and age spots.The researchers also noted that the participants were recruited（招募） from public swimming pools.They may have led outdoorsy lifestyles, with greater exposure to UV light than the average person.

While eye freckles themselves are usually not dangerous to health, they may serve as a warning sign for sun-related health problems, the researchers concluded."The presence of iris freckles also indicates sun damage to the skin, a risk factor for several different kinds of skin cancer.Within this context, there is certainly a need for further studies investigating the association between skin cancer and iris freckles, they wrote.

"The investigation of iris freckles in several eye diseases could lead to new knowledge regarding their pathogenesis (病原)," says Dr.Schwab.

For now, Dr.Schwab urges caution: If someone exhibits iris freckles, especially at a young age, I would reconsider current sun protection strategies."To keep your skin safe and your eyes freckle-free, remember to apply plenty of SPF even when it's cloudy, and wear shades or a hat to protect your eyes from the sun.

1. What is to blame for eye freckles?

A．Skin freckles.

B．Sun exposure.

C．Personal lifestyles.

D．Abnormal melanocytes.

2. More research on eye freckles might _______.

A．prove more population owns them	B．find out the reasons for them
C．prevent people from skin cancer	D．find the link between skin and eyes

3. What should you do to keep your eyes freckle-free?

A．Take more exercises.	B．Apply plenty of SPF.
C．Work in public swimming pool.	D．Wear shades or a hat outdoors.

4. Which section of a magazine does this text probably come from?

A．Health.

B．Society.

C．Education.

D．Technology

【推荐1】Hit the Sauna (桑拿) Instead of the Gym

A Coventry University study reports that sitting in a sauna for at least 30 minutes three times a week is as beneficial as hiking or riding a bike. It raises your body temperature, increases your heart rate, and helps keep your blood sugar at normal levels. Over time, this may lower your risk of type 2 diabetes, dementia, and heart disease.

Lower Stress with the Help of a Friend

According to a University of Illinois study, women are likely to turn to a caring female friend to talk about a problem, which successfully lowers their stress. And this strategy can help man as well. So the next time you feel stressed, call a friend. It might help you feel better, short-term and long.

Tai Chi reduces belly fat

A Hong Kong study found that Tai Chi (太极) reduces belly fat as effectively as conventional exercise. Since excess belly fat is linked to heart disease and type 2 diabetes, doing Tai chi can have some important health benefits.

Exercise builds bones and protects against cancer

A British study has found that people who suffer from osteoporosis — a condition that causes bones to become delicate and break easily could benefit from exercising more. Exercising accelerates (加快) the formation of new bone cell tissue and removal of old. Many hospitals recommend exercise for up to 150 minutes a week, as it increases energy and strength while reducing pain and anxiety.

1. What’s the benefit of turning to a friend?

A．Lowering the risk of diabetes.	B．Reducing heart attack.
C．Keeping blood pressure.	D．Relieving anxious emotions.

2. How does exercise help build bones?

A．By growing new bone cell tissue.

B．By increasing energy and reducing anxiety.

C．By breaking down the old and fragile bones.

D．By speeding up the turnover of old and new cells.

3. What are the four mini paragraphs about?

A．New treatment options for certain diseases.	B．Major breakthroughs in medicine.
C．New findings in how to keep healthy.	D．Advice on the frequency of exercise.

【推荐3】People often complain that winter feels like the longest season, and for many, it’s the fact they feel trapped indoors. So, what can you do to boost your physical and mental health this winter, making sure you keep a positive attitude all season long?    1    

Increase your social activities

A great way to improve your mood and ensure you don’t feel blue during the winter is to increase your social activities.    2    .You can also meet up at a favorite restaurant to do an activity together.

Roller skating indoors —the perfect winter activity

Winter is a great excuse to check out many exciting indoor sports.There are the typical and traditional sports. If they don’t appeal to you or you want to step outside your comfort zone, you may want to give roller skating a try.     3    . It also contributes to build your endurance and improve flexibility and balance.

    4    .

While it may be cold and noisy outdoors, the fact remains that fresh air is important to your mental and physical well-being. Even if you just go for a 15-minute walk, it’s still important.

Getting enough sleep is extremely important

The amount of sleep you get will have a huge impact on your well-being, so it also needs to be a priority. Make sure you get at least seven hours of sleep each night.    5     .

A．Make sure you walk outdoors every day.

B．It can help to build and tone your muscles.

C．You can go for a walk.

D．Make sure you still get outdoor time.

E．It means you’ll wake up feeling refreshed, energized and ready to take on the day.

F．There are a few tips you can use.

G．You can invite friends and family to your house.