Recently, there appears     1     university course which is about the study of selfies     2     (take) by cellphones. The aim is to analyze its     3     (culture) meaning and self-expression in the modern world. The course began in this term at the University of Southern California, attracting people greatly.

Mark Marino, a professor who teaches the course,     4     (defend) the importance of understanding the phenomenon that grows with the     5     (appear) of smartphones. “My students are learning that we live in a period     6     selfies have become a part of life.” Marino told our reporter, “Many people express their feeling by taking photos of     7     (they). It is a healthy way to relieve stress.”

Students take their selfies to the class because they are also a part of the research objects. They analyze the background, the clothes, the gestures and any objects in the image. Throughout the course, they     8     (ask) to compare their selfies with others. Those pictures are from classmates or some famous people     9     Beyonce, a singer who often posts selfies on social media. They draw a conclusion that most people who like selfies can express their ideas clearly, confidently and     10     (effect).

Students looking forward to     1     (study) magic and the occult (神秘学) could soon pursue an academic program. According to     2     Guardian, the University of Exeter in the UK will offer a Master’s Degree in Magic and Occult Science.

The program will begin holding courses in September 2024. As the UK’s first postgraduate program in magic,     3     will combine the study of the history of magic with a wide range of other subjects such as history, philosophy and drama     4     (show) the role of magic in both the West and the East.

Emily Selove, the leader of the program, said that as yet there     5     (be) a lot of interest in the course, with the university receiving more than 100     6     (inquiry).

The goal of the program is to help students develop skills such as creative and     7     (analysis) thinking, curiosity, and a commitment     8     lifelong learning.

“This course will allow people to re-examine the     9     (assume) that the West is the place of rationalism and science     10     the rest of the world is a place of magic and superstition,” Selove told the BBC.

I     1     (graduate) from junior middle school soon, and my goal is to go to the key senior high school. Although I am facing many     2     (challenge), I am full of     3     (confident) and I am sure I can rise     4     any difficulties. I must have positive thinking and attitudes. I believe the human potential is     5     (end). I will take advantage of all kinds of opportunities to review my lessons, and make the most of various hearing facilities and resources. In a word, I must make efforts     6     (improve) my ability to take the examinations.     7     I attend senior high school in the future, I will become both     8     (depend) and responsible. I will be equal to my high school studies, develop my individual character and acquire well-rounded and balanced development in my school life. Believe it or not, my advance in studies will be     9     (amaze). The path ahead is full of twists and turns. However, there are both challenges and opportunities for me. I’m looking forward to this day. Last but not least, success lies in effort as long as I work hard, and I believe I can make     10     difference.