A strong wind blew by. Two seeds (种子) fell from a flower. After some time, the first seed said that she wanted to get off the ground to see. Whatever happened along the way, she was ready for it. She reached her legs down into the earth and grew. Then her arms grew up toward the sun. She had a colorful life. She may meet with problems now and then, but she was happy about her choice.

As for the other seed, unlike the first seed’s strong wish for the future, she sat there worrying. She was worried about what might happen when she left the ground. She was also worried about having too much sun. Because her head was full of worries, she didn’t go anywhere. She played it safe and waited.

One day, a hen (母鸡) came near the ground where the two seeds fell. Looking at the newly grown-up flower, the hen smiled. She loved it. Then she turned the other way and saw the seed. The hen picked up the seed and ate it.

Some of us might be like the second seed. Playing it safe can sometimes be dangerous. If you want a good future, you need to try and get out there.

The life of O. Henry

1862 O. Henry was born as William Porter.

1887 He began writing for newspaper and magazines.

1896 He was accused of stealing money. He ran away to Central America.

1897 He returned to the US because his wife was dying. Then he was sent to prison.

1901 He left prison. Later he moved to New York City and began a successful writing career.

1910 He died.

Jim: I want to be known as a modern Columbus when I grow up.

Julie: But there are no new places to (A) develop now.

Jim: That’s not really true. Most places in space haven’t been explored (B) ________. Who knows? There may be other planets like the Earth.

Julie: (C) 听起来够疯狂的.

Jim: No, it doesn’t. Perhaps I could go on a trip to space and find these new planets. I would be a real pioneer. And (D) ________ I find other people on these planets, I could set up a relationship with them. I could even open up trade with them and make (E) a lot of money.

Julie: Keep dreaming! (F) I don’t think you will travel into space.

Jim: I’m serious. You’ll see.

For most British people, Sunday is a day to eat a traditional dinner: a Sunday roast(周日烤肉大餐）.

* History: Britons have kept this tradition for a long time. In the old days, people went to church on Sundays. They were (A) ________ after it finished. So families always ate a big meal. ①

* Food: Sunday dinner has roast chicken or beef, potatoes, vegetables and Yorkshire pudding. ②

* Places to go: What if you don’t have time to make the traditional dinner?(B) 不必担心. In Britain, there is a type of restaurant called a carvery. (C) You can eat a Sunday roast there.

* Value: This meal is also great for families. (D) ________ and children can sit down and tell each other about their week at work or school.③

Although many traditions have gone, traditional Sunday dinners are as strong as ever.

The most valuable gift I have ever received was a photo album from my best friend Kevin.

Kevin and I were classmates     60     of primary school. We both liked playing football and listening to music, so we always had     61     things to talk about. It is wonderful to have such a good friend.

However, last summer, Kevin had to move to another city     62     his father’s job. Then he gave me a photo album.

“It has photos of the memorable events we have experienced together. I’ve also written some notes under each photo,” he said. I was deeply moved.

I put the album     63    . I always look at it when I     64     Kevin.

65. 人们在特殊的日子赠送礼物表达心意或祝福，新年和春节将至，你有没有打算送谁礼物呢？China Daily 向中学生征集稿件，假如你是李华，请给专栏编辑 Mr Lee 写一封信，谈谈你的打算。

December and January are months of celebration. Everyone loves giving and getting cute gifts. I will___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Yours,

Li Hua