【推荐3】Nowadays there seems to be an app(手机软件) for everything. And mobile apps have been a part of our life. The following apps are part of the most popular apps.

	Ctrip can be the best helper when you feel it hard to buy the train or airline tickets. You can buy tickets anywhere at anytime.
	Ximalaya Reading has millions of books including poems, short stories, novels and even fairy tales for children. What’s special about it is that you can use it to download(下载) book recording that can be listened to. It has more than 1 million valuable resources.
	Baby Bus is a very good friend for children under three years old. Kids can learn to speak, understand numbers and draw pictures with the help of this app.
	World Hero may help learn more English words while you’re playing games, so if you have problems remembering the new words when you learn English, use it!
	World of Tanks Blitz(坦克世界), a free-to-play online games with over 40 million downloads, bring quick-fire tank fights. “A lot of tanks, a lot of people and a lot of fun.” It will be the best choice to kill your time.

My first day at senior high

Monday 4 September

After I had pictured it over and over again in my mind, the big day finally arrived: my first day at senior high! I woke up early and rushed out of the door in my eagerness to get to know my new school.

The campus was still quiet when I arrived, so I decided to explore a bit. I was looking at the photos on the noticeboard when I heard a voice behind me. “New here?” Turing around, I saw a white-haired man. “Yes,” I replied. “I’m wondering what life is going to be like here.” “Don’t worry,” he gave me a smile. “You’ll soon find out.”

How true these words were! When my English teacher stepped into the classroom, I was surprised to see the same man I had met earlier.

“Good morning, everyone. Before we start, please come to the front one by one and introduce yourself to the class. I’ll go first…”

“What?!” I tried to turn on my brain but the engine just wouldn’t start. “I should say my name, of course. But what else? What could I say to make a good first impression? Something about my insect collection, perhaps.” I was organizing my words in my head when the girl next to me gave me a nudge. “It’s your turn!”

With butterflies in my stomach, I breathed deeply. “Hi, I’m Meng Hao.” Everyone started laughing. I looked at them in panic. “Nice to know we share the same name,” said my new teacher. I had been too nervous to pay attention when he introduced himself! Although I was embarrassed, his words made me a lot more relaxed!

When we had all introduced ourselves, Mr Meng said, “Well done, everyone! I know this isn’t easy for many of you. But this is just the kind of thing you are going to face at senior high. Challenges like this might sometimes put you under pressure. But it all depends on what you do. Keep calm and be prepared. That way, you’ll make the most of your time at senior high.”

People say, “Well begun, half done.” I guess this was a good beginning to my new school life.

【推荐3】Laptop computers are popular all over the world. People use them on trains and airplanes, in airports and hotels. These laptops connect people to their workplace. In the United States today, laptops also connect students to their classrooms.

Westlake College in Virginia will start a laptop computer program that allows students to do schoolwork anywhere they want. Within five years, each of the 1, 500 students at the college will receive a laptop. The laptops are part of a $10 million computer program at Westlake, a 110-­year-­old college. The students with laptops will also have access to the Internet. In addition, they will be able to use e­mail to “speak” with their teachers, their classmates, and their families. However, the most important part of the laptop program is that students will be able to use computers without going to computer labs. They can work with it at home, in a fast­food restaurant or under the trees — anywhere at all!

Because of the many changes in computer technology, laptop use in higher education, such as colleges and universities, is workable. As laptops become more powerful, they become more similar to desktop computers. In addition, the portable computers can connect students to not only the Internet, but also libraries and other resources. State higher­education officials are studying how laptops can help students. State officials are also testing laptop programs at other universities, too.

At Westlake College, more than 60 percent of the staff use computers. The laptops will allow all teachers to use computers in their lessons. As one Westlake teacher said, “Here we are in the middle of Virginia and we’re giving students a window on the world. They can see everything and do everything.”

【推荐2】We all know that Paris is a popular travel destination, which has much more to offer than just seeing the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower that are well-known. Experience this amazing city through some of its secret places.

River Boats

Tour the heart of Paris by boat along the Seine River! Boats offer 8 must-see tourist stops along their boat tour route. The cost is 13 Euros for a whole day of river boating with stops for tourists to walk through the Parisian sites. There is a 15-minute interval between two boats. Boating along the Seine is a good way to drink in the unique atmosphere of Paris!

Children’s Science Museum

If you are travelling to Paris with kids, the Children’s Science Museum is the perfect place to visit. The Children’s Science Museum has many exhibits for children. Some exhibits exercise a child’s cognitive skills. The cost is low by European standards at only 8 Euros per adult and 4.50 Euros per child.

Medieval Tavern(中世纪酒馆)

In Paris , tourists can enjoy the night at Medieval Tavern every Thursday night from 8PM--2AM. This tavern opens its doors to the people of Paris and invites them to experience a life from long ago. The menu includes foods that were enjoyed in old days. The entire experience can be enjoyed for only 15 Euros per person!

Luxembourg Garden

The garden is the second largest public park in Paris. Whether you are interested in a walk through the flowers or a pleasant ride on the old carousel(旋转木马), this park is a good choice. Children like playing in the theater while adults enjoy free musical performances.

Welcome to Paris and enjoy these attractions.

【推荐3】The magic of Christmas will always exist for all who believe. Scores of holiday trains around the country accept that message.

Grand Canyon Railway

It runs a 90-minute Polar Express train out of Williams, Arizona, complete with hot cocoa and cookies served by waitresses in toques (无边女帽), just like in the beloved children’s book The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg. Let your kids wear their pajamas (睡衣) for their meeting with Santa at the “North Pole”.

Dates: From November 9, 2018 to January 5, 2019

Tickets: $43/adult, $33/child

Branson Scenic Railway

This Polar Express train travels from the historic Branson Depot to the “North Pole” and back, all in 90 minutes. It operates its Christmas train every weekend, from Thursday to Sunday in November and nearly every day in the first three weeks of December. There’s an onboard reading accompanied with hot cocoa and cookies. When you arrive at the “North Pole”, Santa boards the train to give every child a small gift.

Dates: From November 2 to December 23, 2018

Tickets: $44/adult, $34/child

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

The Polar Express ride operated by the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad takes about an hour and 15 minutes. On the train to the “North Pole”, families can enjoy a warm cookie and hot cocoa while listening to a reading of the beloved story. Santa presents each child with a silver bell, just like in the book. Children under age two ride for free. Need more holiday cheer? These are their 20 best Christmas movies.

Dates: From November 9 to December 31, 2018

Tickets: $65/adult, $45/child

1880 Train Holiday Express

It’s a historic train that travels through the Black Hills of South Dakota. During the one-hour round-trip journey, passengers enjoy hot cocoa, a sugar cookie and a special story on the way to the “North Pole”, and Santa hands out a special gift to each child on the return trip to Hill City. Kids aged 2 and under ride free.

Dates: From November 23 to December 23, 2018

Tickets: $35/adult, $ l6/child