John is not a “good” student. He is not good at any ________ in the school, especially English. ________ he doesn’t make trouble in the classroom, he doesn’t follow his teachers. He ________ sleeps in class. One day, it was very hot. His English teacher was saying something. He felt very ________. So he slept again in the English class.

John’s English teacher, Mary, is an old woman who is always strict ________ her students. She doesn’t allow her students to sleep in her classes. Although she knows that John doesn’t understand any word from ________ at all, she still makes him stay awake. It is a rule in her classes. When Mary saw John sleeping in her class, she was very angry. “John! What are you doing?” Mary said angrily, ________ towards John. Then she touched John’s arm.

“What? What’s wrong?” John was awoken.

“Why do you make a ________? You are in the classroom. Look! Everyone is laughing,” Mary said.

“No, it’s not me. I was not making a face. Actually I was sleeping,” John said.

“Um. Not bad. You can ________ your fault (错误). You are still a good boy. I won’t punish you.” It seemed that Mary was satisfied with John.

Other students ________ John and admired the English teacher’s wisdom (智慧).

Do you put up your hand when you want to speak in class? If so, you have followed a rule. Rules can be as simple as putting up your hand. They can also be as complicated(复杂的) as knowing when you are “out” in a game.

Rules can be made by anyone. Parents make rules to help children grow up healthily. Rules at home might include washing dishes or cleaning rooms.

Teachers make rules to help students learn and stay safe. Putting up your hand before asking a question helps the class pay attention to the lesson. Students make rules in games to make sure that they can play without fighting. Rules can be changed often. If you change your minds, you can change the rules.

Laws are rules too, but they are made differently. Laws are made by elected representatives(被选出的代表). Voters(选民) allow their representatives to make laws that can protect people’s rights, safety and make sure everyone can be treated fairly. Laws cannot be changed often, so representatives consider laws carefully before making new ones.

The biggest difference between rules and laws is the punishment(处罚) for breaking them. If you break a rule, your punishment might be small, like losing a turn in a game. However, if a person breaks an important law, the punishment might be a fine(罚款) or time in prison.

Rules and laws keep everyone safe. People can work and live together in peace by following rules and laws.