1 . Writing a poem is about observing the world within or around you.     1    , from love to loss to the gate at the old farm. Writing poetry seems difficult. However, with the right approach, you can write a poem that you can be proud to share with others.

Pick a specific theme or idea. This can make it easier for you to narrow down what images and descriptions you are going to use in your poem. For example, you may decide to write a poem around the theme of love and friendship.     2    .

Avoid cliché(陈词滥调). Your poetry will be much stronger if you avoid cliches, which are phrases that have become so familiar that they have lost their meaning.     3    . By doing so, your reader is surprised and attracted by your writing. If you feel a certain phrase or image is too familiar to your reader, replace it with a more unique one.

    4    . Poetry is made to be read out loud. So you should write your poem with a focus on how it sounds on the page. Pay attention to the structure of your poem and your word choice. Notice how each line of your poem flows into one another and how placing one word next to another creates a certain sound.

Get feedback(反馈) from others. You can also share your poem with other poets to get feedback from them and improve your poem.     5    , where you discuss your poems with other poets and work on your poetry together. Or you may take a poetry writing class, where you work with an instructor and other poets to improve your writing.

2 . How to Write a Free Verse Poem

Let’s say you are working on homework or an assignment about writing a free verse poem and you’re all set to start.     1     Fortunately, the following steps can solve your problem.

Choose a subject. Maybe you can write a poem about a person or your favorite pet.    2     If you have trouble choosing a subject, try closing your eyes and visualizing what is meaningful to you. Then select one that you have an emotional connection to.

Think about how to approach the subject.    3     Are you focusing on the specific scene or are you going to write more generally about a certain theme? Are you considering how you can choose certain words to describe the subject? It can be helpful to decide ahead of time what you want to say about the topic.

    4     Not being too worried about rhyming, you can feel free to explore your topic. Write down as many details as you can think of. For example, if you are describing your last birthday party, you may start by describing who was at the party, the gifts you received, and how you felt during the party.

Create a draft and improve it. Use the list of keywords to help you draft a poem.    5     These will help you to create a stronger free verse poem. Then, read your draft loudly and take note of any lines or sections that have a certain rhythm, as well as any lines where a word or phrase sounds off or flat.

3 . Smiling’s A Stress Reliever

A University of Kansas study found that participants who were asked to smile during stressful tasks had lower heart rates during stress recovery. So it seems even forcing yourself to look happy helps manage tricky situations.

    1     The fact smiling reduces your heart rate when you’re stressed is also likely to have a knock-on effect on blood pressure. Other research has shown blood pressure doesn’t rise when people are exposed to humour.

Beaming(笑容满面) boosts immunity. A smile releases certain hormones in the brain, including serotonin(血清素), which is associated with an improvement in immune function.     2     Depression, on the other hand, can weaken your immune system.

A smile can relieve your pain. Being amused also prompts the release of endorphins(内啡肽) in the brain.    3     In one study, participants who smiled while being injected reported 40% less pain than those holding a neutral expression.

Looking happy encourages positivity.     4     A 2022 study of 3,878 participants in 19 countries found people’s happiness rating was higher when they smiled.

Smiling makes you welcome to others and helps you connect with them. Fortunately, with enough practice, smiling can become an automatic behavior. You can use certain situations as cues to smile. You might remind yourself to smile when you hear someone laugh or while you’re in the process of making tea. You could set a note on your phone to help remember to smile.    5    

4 . Fungi (真菌) play an important role in ecosystems, are a source of food, and make key contributions to the world of medicine.     1    

An estimated two million fungal species — more than 90% of all fungi — have yet to be described by science, according to a science reporter.     2     Scientists are trying to find out more about this largely unexplored world, but it is challenging. Dr Martyn Ainsworth, a senior researcher from Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in London, says, “We can grow a certain number in the lab.     3     This has held back a lot of research.”

    4     “A lot of people are afraid of poisonous mushrooms,” says Dr Jassy Drakulic, a plant pathologist, “but only a very small proportion of the thousands of species of fungi in the world can cause disease.” Most are harmless and often beneficial, called by some “the hidden helpers of our environment”. Some fungi provide food and shelter for wildlife, help plants absorb water and nutrients and recycle waste and dead matter. Other types of fungi grow on the roots of trees and plants, forming a huge underground network that helps nourish trees.     5    

So, next time you add mushrooms to your dinner, take a painkiller for a headache, or go for a walk through the woods, remember to thank the living things that made it all possible — fungi.

5 . Thailand has somtam, India has bhel puri and South Africa has a snack of bunny chow. They are some of the most famous street foods in these countries. Around 2.5 billion people eat street food around the world. The significance of street food culture is obvious in the following areas.

●Cultural identity

Street food identifies community and tradition, keeping alive one of the most important aspects of local culture — the eating habits of the people.     1     Street food makes a community lively. It catches the attention of local people, no matter what social class they come from.     2     Food stalls (摊位) are often owned and run by a family. This makes current generations able to learn about where they have come from.

●Employment and business opportunities

    3     In Tanzania, for example, the industry provides jobs for more than 1 million people. Since street food stalls are micro-businesses, it is possible for poor people to own their own stalls with only a small amount of money.     4     It prevents these vulnerable (脆弱的) social groups from falling further into poverty.

●Food accessibility

The significance of street food culture also includes improved access to food across countries, including their poor communities. Since the cooks have low operation costs, street foods are low in price.     5    

In a word, support for street food businesses could help to preserve culturally significant recipes, provide employment opportunities and supply low-cost food options.

6 . What is sustainable travel? Traveling sustainably means being aware of the impact of tourism on the environment and following good practices to reduce the negative effects. Planet Earth has limited resources and mass tourism puts their existence at risk.     1     Nature, culture and history should be preserved, not commercialized to attract tourists.

Let’s find out a few easy ways to travel in an eco-friendly way.

Stay in eco-friendly accommodations.

From renewable energy production to bio-architecture, eco-friendly accommodations focus on preserving the environment and have positive environmental effects.     2     Staying in eco-friendly accommodations also supports the local economy. In fact, most environmentally friendly accommodations offer zero-kilometer, organic food.

Take public transportation.

    3     By using public transport, the number of cars on the roads decreases and less carbon dioxide (二氧化碳) is released into the atmosphere. Also, fewer vehicle s reduce traffic congestion(阻塞) on the roads.

    4    

Interaction with locals is one of the most rewarding things about sustainable travel and preserves traditions passed down from generation to generation. It is essential to respect traditions as they form the identity of the local community and create a sense of unity among people.

Say NO to single-use plastics.

Saying NO to single-use plastics reduces pollution. The production of plastics uses fossil fuels(化石燃料) and therefore releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.     5     As tourists, we should be mindful of how we travel and our impact when we arrive at a destination.

7 . In today’s digital world, chances are that your online activities and digital consumption take up a large part of your day and perhaps your life. It’s true that there’re many benefits to the digital world.     1     For example, it can be challenging for your mood and boost feelings of anxiety, fear and depression. Although a person might be consuming positive digital content, they could be overdoing the amount of screen time. The amount of screen time you have can affect the quality of your sleep. It can even affect your brain, eyes, mental health and general health, according to Ohio State Health &Discovery.     2    

For example, it’s a good idea to establish a boundary with your digital devices and online platforms. Social media and other online entertainment platforms can be very entertaining.     3     To avoid this, you can set times and download apps that help you track your digital use and prevent you spending more time on your devices than you want.

You can also create a digital curfew (宵禁) for yourself.     4     Experiencing device-free meal time can be extremely rewarding and healthy for the entire family.

    5     This is true in the real world as well as in the digital world. Choose to spend your online time in places that make you feel good, like Goodnet, and carry out mindful consumption strategies. Prioritizing your physical and mental health is important, and you deserve to lead an enjoyable quality life.

8 . Beginning your journey abroad, you’ll witness excitement fill the air. Each step brings new experiences and adventures from busy streets to beautiful landscapes. Pack your bags and welcome the thrill of discovery that awaits. Here are a few things for you to get started with before you set foot.

Conduct complete research about the country or region you plan to visit before your trip.     1    . Understanding the cultural differences and societal norms will help you travel between unfamiliar situations with respect and sensitivity. Additionally, research practical information such as transportation options, local currency, and communication networks to facilitate a smooth travel experience.

When packing for your trip abroad, prioritize essentials and pack light to avoid unnecessary weight.     2    . Remember to bring important documents such as your passport, visa if required, travel insurance information, and any necessary medication. Organize your belongings efficiently to minimize stress and maximize convenience while traveling.

    3    .

Be alarmed and aware of your surroundings at all times. Avoid risky areas, especially at night, and keep your belongings secure. Familiarize yourself with local emergency contact numbers, the location of your country’s embassy (大使馆), and any specific safety precautions recommended for travelers in your destination.

    4    . Welcome the adventure of exploring unfamiliar places, trying local foods, and interacting with people from different backgrounds. Keep an open mind and be willing to step outside your comfort zone to fully appreciate the richness and diversity of the world.

As your journey abroad comes to a close, memories of adventure and discovery will remain in your heart. Cherish (珍惜) the moments shared, the sights seen, and the lessons learned.     5    .

9 . In today’s constantly connected world, finding solitude (独处) has become a lost art.     1     But alone time can actually be quite healthy. In fact, there are many benefits about it.

    2     You could try new things, research topics that attract you, acquire knowledge and even practice new methods of self-expression. You can do these things with no need to worry about being bothered.

Alone time can promote creativity.     3     Many creative people find they are at their best when they take a break from their social life. Solitude can also improve the quality of your relationships. For example, by spending time with yourself, you gain a better understanding of who you are and what you desire in life.     4    

Knowing these benefits, you may wonder how to find alone time in a world that seems to never sleep. One practical way is to mark off time in your calendar for spending alone with yourself. It doesn’t have to be long. Any time that you can spend alone with yourself to focus, relax, create, or think deeply is better than no time.     5     Turn off your cell phone. Don’t use the Internet. Turn off your TV. You’ll be amazed at how much more you can get done when you’re not distracted.

10 . Brief and pleasant small talk can promote learning, expand your horizons, and contribute to a sense of belonging.     1     We asked experts to share their favorite strategies for getting better at small talk.

Take advantage of “free information”.

Find help from your surroundings, says Debra Fine, an expert on communication skills. If you’re standing next to someone at a baby shower, for example, the fact that you’re both there is what she calls “free information” — so ask the person how they know the mum-to-be.     2    

Skip sensitive questions.

Get rid of controversial topics and potentially sensitive matters (such as religion, relationship status, kids and work).     3     You might ask a high school senior to fill you in on their college search, for example, rather than inquiring if they will get into a famous college.

Respond generously.

Think of conversation as a game-and aim to be an active player, which requires investing energy in it. If someone asks how you are and you’ simply respond “Good”, you’re being a “lazy conversationalist”.     4     That gives the person you’re talking to plenty to work with if they’d like to continue to chat.

Exit the chat gracefully.

    5     Consider introducing the person to someone else, suggests Diane Windingland, and leaving time for them to know each other. Besides, Windingland recommends concluding like this: “Please excuse me, I have to talk to so-and-so.”