【推荐1】You either have it, or you don’t — a sense of direction. But why is it that some people could find their way across the Sahara without a map while others can lose themselves in the next street?

Scientists say we’re all born with a sense of direction, but it is not properly understood how it works. One theory is that people with a good sense of direction have simply worked harder at developing it. Research being carried out at Liverpool University supports this idea and suggests that if we don’t use it, we lose it.

“Children as young as seven have the ability to find their way around.” says Jim Martland, research director of the project. “However, if they are not allowed out alone or are taken everywhere by car, they never develop the skills.”

Jim Martland also emphasizes that young people should be taught certain skills to improve their sense of direction. He makes the following suggestions:

·If you are using a map, turn it so that it relates to (与……有联系) the way you are facing.

·If you leave your bike in a strange place, put it near something like a big stone or a tree — something easy to recognize. Note landmarks on the route as you go away from your bike. When you return, go back along the same route.

·Simplify (简化) the way of finding your direction by using lines such as streets in a town, streams, or wells in the countryside to guide you. Count your steps so that you know how far you have gone and note any landmarks such as tower blocks or hills which can help to find out where you are.

Now you will never get lost again.

Suppose you’re in London and trying to find the bus to take you to Hyde Park. This should be easy. But if you can’t speak the language, it can be a problem. What will you do?     1    

◆Know the place you want to go.

You can always tell others the name of the place where you want to go.     2     Whatever it is, if you do a little homework to remember its name, you can ask the way much more easily.

◆    3    

If you’re not sure about your pronunciation when asking the way, you’d better take a map or a picture of the place where you want to go. As the old saying goes, “A picture can say a thousand words.”

◆Use body language.

Body language can be helpful in making others understand where you want to go. For example, you can draw the shape of the Eiffel Tower in the air.    4    

Most important of all, be polite when asking the way. Finally, you’ll find your way.

【推荐1】Many kids help their parents with chores, such as doing the dishes, cleaning the living room and making their beds. And some kids get money or other rewards (奖赏) such as more computer time by doing chores.

But some people do not think that kids should get rewards by doing chores. Susie Walton, an expert, believes that by rewarding kids, parents are sending a message that work isn’t important unless you can get something. “Running any kind of family is team work.” Walton says, “A home is a living place for everyone in the family. It’s important for kids to see that we all have responsibilities (责任) in the house.”

Other people believe that getting money or other rewards makes kids do chores happily and it also teaches them real world lessons about what we need to do to make money. There are also some apps now. With the Chore-Monster app, kids can get points and online gifts by doing chores. Kids can change them into real life rewards either online or in the real world. “We hope kids can do more chores so they can get more rewards,” one man says.

What do you think of it? Should kids get rewards for doing chores? Or should kids help do chores without getting anything?

Write a 200-word reply and send it to us. The last day for reply is April 10th. If you want to read more ideas about this topic, you can click https://chinaso.com.

【推荐2】Do you know what my friend Jesse and I do on Saturday? We go hunting for treasure（寻宝）. Are we on a ship to the Caribbean Sea? Not at all.

Jesse and I go around our neighbourhood, looking at the things in yard sales. You won't believe the great things we find and the great fun we have!

The yard sale here is quite big. It starts with only a few families, but now all families join in. When there are more and more environmental（环境的）problems, it becomes popular. People from the city even come here, too.

Each family puts out things such as books, clothes, furniture and even cookware. ▲ , but they hope other people can find another use for them.

The day is hot. We get up early and start our trip. We stop at Ms. Toss house first. Her son is leaving for a new job this year. There are a lot of things he doesn't need. He has a lot of video games and books. We go through his things and guess what? I find one of my favourite books. All I have to pay is a 1 dollar. What a surprise!

We move on to other houses. There are lots of people in the street. Everyone is happy. Think about it. It's really good for the environment and for people too. Many people find other uses for things people sell.

The next time you feel like a treasure hunting, think about a yard sale. It's fun, and it's a great way to save money.

【推荐3】It’s November 6th today. Ben and Lisa want to buy a birthday present. It’s their mother’s birthday. “What does she need?” Ben asks Lisa. “I don’t know,” Lisa says. “We bought (买) her some chocolates last time.” “Yes,” Ben says, “and we ate (吃) them! We mustn’t do that again.” “Let’s buy her a book. She likes reading,” Lisa says. “What kind of books would she like?” Ben asks. “I don’t know,” Lisa says. “Let’s go to ask her.” The children go into the living room. Mrs. Wilson is watching TV. “We want to buy a book for you, Mom,” Lisa says. “What book do you want?” “How much money do you have?” their mother asks them. “We have twenty-five yuan,” Ben says. “Good. That's enough (足够的) for the book I want. It is Quick and Easy Cooking.” The children buy their mother the book for her birthday. They don't eat her present this time, but they often eat the food she cooks from it. They are very happy.

【推荐1】My name is Cindy. I’m thirteen years old this year. I’m a middle school student. I’m in Class Three, Grade Seven. I have some new subjects this year. They are science and history. My favorite day is Thursday because I have science that day.             

I have a twin sister. Her name is Sonia. She is also a middle school student. She is in Class Six, Grade Seven. She likes English. Her favorite day is Monday because she has English that day.          

   My father is Mr. White. He is a math teacher. His favorite day is Sunday because he can go to the baseball club. He likes playing baseball.          

My mother is Mrs. White. She is a clerk at Tiange Clothes Store. Her favorite day is Saturday because that day she doesn’t go to work. And, she can play tennis with her friends. Oh, my mother likes playing tennis.

【推荐3】Without classes and exams, the summer vacation is an ideal time for Australian kids. For me, Nancy, it means much more than not going to school. It is also a golden chance (机会) to spend time with my family because I have little time with them during the school year.

Last summer vacation I travelled with my family to the Hawkesbury River in Western Sydney. It was one of the most unforgettable summer vacations in my life.

Staying by the river helps us escape (逃脱) from the hot weather and noise of the city. Every day, my family and I got up early to go swimming in the cool water. In the morning, we all took part in a big game. We enjoyed water-skiing, wakeboarding (尾波滑水) and other activities. These activities made our family feel closer.

In the warm afternoon, we peacefully (平静地) read books on hammocks hung among trees by the river. The days always ended with a campfire. We sat around the fire, talking and laughing.

The river is a perfect place for people to forget about all the stresses of life and simply enjoy the moment. To me, it is the perfect place to spend time together with my family. I can’t help thinking about those days again and again even though so many months has passed.