【推荐2】We have two main aims for your academic life at high school: that you achieve the best possible academic results you can, and that you really enjoy your learning, acquiring an intellectual (智力的) curiosity that will last you all your life. Teachers will help you with both areas of your development.     1    

A classroom is a formal setting and you should behave accordingly. Don’t shout your ideas out. Your teacher can only hear one person speak at a time. Do co-operate, so that everyone can learn in the most effective way. Do take risks by having a go, even if you are not certain you know the answer.     2     Getting things wrong is an important part of how you learn and no one is expected to be perfect. You will enjoy your lessons much more if you get fully involved and have a go. However, it is extremely important that you listen carefully to instructions and to the ideas of others.

Even if the teacher has not told you to make notes, it is a good idea to do so in order to have a record of what happened in that lesson.     3     This will be important as you reflect each day on what you have learnt.

    4     This is the advice you need to get better. It is sometimes a good idea to turn the teachers’ comment into your own words and set yourself a target for the next piece of work.

Every week, read through your notes, highlighting key facts and information, and making up shorter revision notes.     5    

【推荐2】Their man-servant had been sent one morning to Exeter on business, and when he waited at table, he began to chat with his mistress.

“I suppose you know, ma’am, that Mr. Ferrars is married.”

Marianne gave a violent start, fixed her eyes upon Elinor, saw her turning pale, fell back in her chair and lost control of her emotions. Mrs. Dashwood was shocked to realize by Elinor’s expression how much she really suffered.

Mrs. Dashwood immediately took all that trouble on herself;, and Elinor had the benefit of the information without the effort of seeking it.

“Who told you that Mr. Ferrars was married, Thomas?”

“I see Mr. Ferrars myself, ma’am, this morning in Exeter, and his lady too, Miss Steele as was. They were stopping in a chaise at the door of the New London Inn, and she knew me and called to me, and inquired after you, maam, and the young ladies, especially Miss Marianne.”

“But did she tell you she was married, Thomas?”

“Yes, ma’am.” She smiled, and said how she had changed her name since she was in these parts.

“Was Mr. Ferrars in the carriage with her?”

“Yes, ma’am, I just see him leaning (倚靠) back in it, but he did not look up -he never was a gentleman much for talking.”

Elinor’s heart could easily account for his not putting himself forward; and M, Dashwood probably found the same explanation.

“Was there no one else in the carriage?” “No, ma’am, only they two.”

“Do you know where they came from?”

“They come straight from town, as Miss Lucy-Mrs. Ferrars told me.” “And are they going farther westward?”

“Yes, ma’am, but not to bide long. They will soon be back again, and then they’d be sure and call here.”

Thomas’s intelligence seemed over. Elinor looked as if she wished to hear more, Mrs. Dashwood could think of no other question, and Thomas and the tablecloth, were soon afterwards dismissed. Mrs. Dashwood’s and Elinor’s appetites were completely lost. They remained long together in a similarity of thoughtfulness and silence.

【推荐3】Will your happiness differ if you are doing a kind action without any expectation of rewards or with an expectation of rewards? A study by University of Sussex, headed by Dr. Daniel Campbell­Meikeljohn, tried to answer that question. He and his partners analyzed over 1, 000 brain scans from other studies related to reactions to making a decision based on kindness. They split the studies based on who was making a decision for altruistic (无私的) reasons and who was making a decision due to the expectation of an obvious reward. The results were interesting.

In both instances, the reward center of the brain lit up on the MRI scans (磁共振成像扫描). Yet, for those who made their decision without any rewards, other areas of the brain lit up as well. Specifically, it lit up the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (前扣带皮层区域), which scientists believe plays a role in emotional regulation. Also, it might aid in maintaining excitement related to an event that creates a positive emotional state.

In one study about the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex, it is believed that this brain region could be related to depression if it isn’t developed properly or is dysfunctional. The fact that this part of the brain lights up during acts of generosity and caring without expectation of rewards shows that the altruistic individuals are getting more sustainable pleasure than those motivated by rewards. It also could aid in explaining how it helps depressive individuals feel happier after doing a kind deed.

We live in a society, and no man is a lonely island. We all need each other. For those who genuinely desire to help others regardless of repayment, maintaining a balance of helping others and yourself is very important. It is healthy and necessary to be kind to yourself, as well as to others.