In winter the weather in England is often very cold. In spring and autumn there are sometimes cold days, but there are also warm days. The weather is sometimes hot in summer, but it is not often very hot. There are often cool days in summer.

When the temperature is over 27℃, English people say it is hot. When the temperature is about 21℃, they say it is warm.

In the north of Europe it is very cold in winter. In the south of Europe the summer is often very hot. In the south of Spain and in North Africa the summer is always hot.

Water freezes at 0℃.When water freezes, it changes from liquid into ice. Water boils at 100℃.When water boils, it changes from liquid into steam.

Around the world, summer vacation means long days, sunshine, swimming, sleeping in and, most importantly, no school.

Hundreds of years ago, students took the summer off to help their parents in the fields. Today, though, summers are full of fun—no work. A summer vacation means so many opportunities for kids: extra classes, sports, hobbies or catching up on studies.

If you’re lucky, during the weeks away from school, you can volunteer, travel or go to a camp. It’s time to do a part-time job to learn a new skill. You may hang out with friends all day. Some kids just kick off their shoes and jump into rivers and swimming pools.

If you’re not so lucky, summer vacation may mean summer school—a long, hot summer inside the classroom.

Whatever your plans, make this summer a good one. Take on a project. Learn something! Help someone! Make this summer one to remember.

Mother’s Day is a holiday for mothers. It is celebrated in the United States, England, India and some other countries. In a short time, it becomes widely celebrated. Mother’s Day falls on the second Sunday in May. On that day, many people send gifts(礼物) of love to their mothers. Those whose mothers are still living often wear a pink(粉红色) or red rose(玫瑰) or carnation(康乃馨花), while those whose mothers are dead wear a white one.

The idea of a day for mothers was first given by Miss Anna Jarvis of Philadelphia. As a result of her hard work, the celebration of the first American Mother’s Day was held in Philadelphia on May 10, 1908. Soon the holiday became popular all over the country and around the world.

In China, people do the same on the day for mothers. And, in some cities, people sometimes ask a song to be broadcast(广播) for his or her mother only. This might cost a little money for some of them, but, as it is said, “Love is invaluable.”

The Garage Sale

A garage sale is also known as a yard sale. It’s the sale of used and unwanted things.

The best time to have a garage sale is on the weekend.     104    . Many families enjoy going to garage sales on Sunday.

The sale should start in the morning. Most people will be ready to go very early.     105    . It often starts at 8 or 9 in the morning and finishes around 11 or 12.

Almost anything will sell at a garage sale. It may include old books, tapes, and toys.     106    . Some things that usually sell well are tools, musical records, CDs and tapes, movie videotapes and books. Clothing is also a big seller.     107    . The better it is, the higher price you will get.

Children often have their exams in July. The school year will end soon. Boys and girls will have about two months to relax. The summer vacation is the best part of the year for most children. The weather is usually fine. They can swim, go to summer camp or visit other places with their parents.

Of course, the beaches are good places for relaxing. Some children are lucky to live near the sea. They can enjoy the sea anytime. For the children far from the sea, they can only go to the beaches for one or two weeks with their parents.

Why do children like spending their summer vacation on the beaches? It is because they like the sand, the sun, the cool wind and the sea water. There are lots of new things to see, nice things to eat, and exciting things to do.