Today, I was sitting on a bench(长椅) at a subway station, eating candies. A woman came and sat next to me. She looked very_________I said hello to her and_________her some of my candies. She_________politely because she had just eaten something and she was_________. But the ice was broken and we_________for about half an hour. She told me some_________things in her life. I understood her. But I tried to_________her to notice the good sides. And then she promised that she would often smile and feel hopeful about_________When we said goodbye, she was a_________person---Her tiredness seemed to be gone. She left with a____________, thanking me for talking with her.

A few minutes later, I saw a blind man coming. He walked____________with a stick in his right hand. I went to him and asked if I could help him and he agreed.____________I walked on his left side so that he could catch my arm. We walked into the train and talked all the way to his____________.He gave me his name card before getting off the train, and I promised to____________him. I will and maybe we will meet and walk in the park one day.

Today I brought smiles and an enjoyable____________to two people and for sure they also made my day brighter.

Once a policeman who was new at his job caught a thief（小偷）in a bank in Paris. On their way to the police station, they came to a bread shop. “We have no food, and we’ll be hungry after a while,” the thief said. “Let me go into the shop and buy some bread. Wait here for me.”

The policeman agreed. He waited and waited, but the thief didn’t come out. So the policeman ran into the shop, but he found that the thief ran away. The policeman was very angry and had to go back to the police station alone.

Luckily, the policeman caught the thief at the same place the next day. When they were walking down the same street and going by the same shop, the policeman said to the thief, “Last time, you ran away from the shop. This time, I’ll go into the shop and buy some bread, and you wait for me here.”

Most musicians agree that the best violins were made in Cremona, Italy, about 200 years ago. These violins sound better than any others. They even sound better than the violins made today. Violin makers and scientists try to make instruments like the Italian violins. But they aren’t the same. Musicians still prefer the old ones.

Some people think it is the age of the violins. But not all old violins sound wonderful. Only the old violins from Cremona are special. So age cannot be the correct answer.

Other people think the secret to those violins is wood. The wood must be from certain kinds of trees. But the kind of wood may not be so important. It may be more important to cut the wood in a special way. Wood for a violin must be cut very carefully. It has to be the right size and shape. The smallest difference will change the sound of the violin. Musicians sometimes think that it was the secret of the Italians. Possibly they understood more than us about how to cut the wood.

Size and shape may not be the answer, either. Scientists can make new ones which are exactly the same size and shape. But the new violins still do not sound as good as the old ones. Some scientists think the secret may be the varnish（清漆）. Varnish is what covers the wood of the violin. It makes the wood look shiny. It also helps the sound of the instrument. But no one knows what the Italian violin makers used in their varnish.

When you’re going to a new school or going to a party, meeting people and making friends can be challenging. However, it doesn’t have to be so hard. Try a few of these simple suggestions, and you’ll be on your way quickly.

1. Listen and Ask Questions

Other people like to know they’re heard and that their ideas are valued. By being a good listener, you let others know that you value what they have to say and who they are.

You can let others know you’re paying attention by looking at their eyes from time to time while they’re speaking, then asking a question or two about what they’re saying. If the conversation goes well, ask the person for his or her phone number or email, then make plans to hang out.

2. Give a Compliment

If you notice something you like about someone, give a compliment. Sharing it with him or her is a great way to start a conversation.

When giving a compliment, be honest and true. Even if you compliment something very small—like the color of the person’s shoes, he or she will be very glad to hear it. You might even receive a compliment in return.

3. Keep Yourself from Technology

You may not notice who’s interested in you if you keep checking your email and text messages. Put away your phone from time to time and take a look around. Who seems funny or interesting? Which people in the room have you never talked to? Who pays attention to your ideas? Remember these people and spend a little time getting to know these people face-to-face.

4. Join a Club or Team

Having an interest in common with another person gives both of you something to talk about. Clubs, teams and other groups also work towards common goals, which teaches you how to solve problems and helps you make friends with others.

It was a cold afternoon. Mom asked me to go to buy some milk. I asked Dad if I     56     use his car. I just got my driver’s license. I thought it was a good chance for me to practice by     57    . Dad loved his car and     58     allowed me to drive his car before. But after practicing for three months, I     59     wanted to have a try. Dad looked at me and finally agreed to let me use his car. I got into the car happily and started it. However, I was a little scared about     60     the car on my own and started it too quickly. The car hit my     61     car! My family heard the loud     62     and everyone ran outside. I got out of the car and looked at Dad. I was really worried. I knew he loved his car very much. I     63     quietly. Just when I expected him to shout     64     me, he said quietly, “It’s OK, Jenny. As you can see, I love the     65    , but I love   you much more.” On that day, I learned how much Dad loved me.