In July, China introduced the “double reduction” policy (双减政策). It hopes to reduce students’ learning burden (负担) by reducing homework and after-school classes. Three months have p    1     since the new term began. How do students feel about this new policy?

“Our homework is clearly l    2     than before,” said 13-year-old Shen Yu from Beijing. “We are not encouraged to buy workbooks anymore. The exercises are m    3     from the textbook.”

According to Shen, teachers now teach at a much slower pace (节奏). Students have enough time to process new knowledge. “Our teachers are also giving us more c    4     to do experiments (实验) and learn from real life,” said Shen. “For example, we went to research earthworms (蚯蚓) in a field during a biology class. This is a much b    5     way to learn things than just hitting the books.”

For 13-year-old Zhang Ming from Tianjin, the best thing about “double reduction” is the increased time in after-school activities. “We can now spend more time t    6     part in clubs and activities, such as dancing, volleyball and drama.” said Zhang.

Both Shen and Zhang find there are fewer exams now. But they think it’s probably not a good thing. “Each exam shows my progress as well as my weak points. Exams push me to study h    7    ,” Zhang said.

She also pointed out that when burden is lightened (减轻), self-discipline (自律) is of great i    8    . “Some students now spend more time having fun when homework is f    9     early. But if you use all the free time to r    10    , you might fall behind your peers (同龄人),” he said.

【推荐2】Chinese astronauts gave a science lesson to students in the Tiangong space station     1    （最近）. Zhai Zhigang,Wang Yaping and Ye Guangfu greeted students, teachers and others when the lesson     2    （开始）at 3:40 pm. They showed people how they live and work inside the space station.

The taikonauts did some interesting experiments,such as “disappearing buoyancy” and a “water ball”. Ye,who is on his first spaceflight,showed how he moved his body in the weightless     3    （环境）. The taikonauts also answered questions from students during the lesson.

    4    （百万）of primary and middle school students across China watched the lesson. About 1,420 were invited from different cities,     5    （包括）Beijing, Nanning, Wenchuan, Hong Kong and Macao. It was the first lesson of the Tiangong Class. The taikonauts will     6    （给）more lessons in the future.

Shi Yi,a physics teacher at the Beijing No.101 Middle School,said the lesson was an eye-opening experience that would     7    （传播）knowledge about science. Wang Yihan, a fifth-grade student said: “I was really     8    （惊讶的）at the astronauts’ experiments. I have great interest in spaceflight and want to take part in our country’s space program in the future.”

Wong Wai-shing,a college teacher,said that the lesson provided Hong Kong students a     9    （机会）to communicate with the taikonauts. “We all take pride in China as we saw the     10    （迅速的）development of our country’s space technology,” he said.