People from different generations often live and work together. Sometimes they’re happy being together, other times they’re not. One of the reasons for their unhappiness maybe a generation gap. A generation gap is the difference between two or more generations—not the differences between their years but the differences between the generations’ ideas, attitudes, and interests. Of course, people can have differences and still be happy together, but according to the experts, communication between the generations helps everyone get along.

Good communication between the generations starts in the family. These days many families are changing their communication style. They are moving from a “one-way” style to a “two-way” style of communication. To show this change, let’s compare two families:

The Smith family uses the “one-way” style of communication. Mr. and Mrs. Smith show interest in their children, but they don’t discuss problems of feelings. The parents make all the rules and decisions. They don’t ask for their children’s opinions. They explain their decisions to their children, but they don’t discuss them. The explanation is clear and the children understand. The communication goes one way: from the parents to the children.

The Jones family uses the “two-way” style of communication. Mr. and Mrs. Jones show interest in their children and ask for their opinions. They discuss problems and express their feelings. The family makes rules and decisions together after a discussion. The communication goes two ways: from parents to children and from children to parents.

Better communication between generations at home means better communication between generations at work and in the community. When people from different generations understand each other better, they learn from each other more. This helps them form stronger bonds, work together more easily. As a result, people of all ages can team up effectively and come up with new ideas in different parts of life.

If Jack’ parents discuss with him where to spend their summer vacation, they use the “one-way” style of communication.

3 . At some point, everyone wants to improve or change things in their lives.     1    Whether you want to take on new challenges, enhance your work performance or change unhealthy habits, creating a personal development plan is a great way to ensure success.

Decide what you want to change. Take down notes on the areas of your life that aren’t working well for you. Some experts believe it is better to focus on one goal at a time to stay focused.     2     Pinpoint specific areas in your life that have burdened you for months, or years. For example, if you intend to stop relying on mobile phone, now might be the time to make that goal to quit!

Have faith in yourself and in the process.    3    If you don’t believe you can absolutely transform your life and get what you want, then you might as well forget about goal setting and do something else. If you are in doubt, look around at your world. Everything started with a single thought!

Imagine the outcome. Some experts believe that taking a few minutes every day to visualize specific goals may have a significant impact on the degree of success you experience. In some cases research has revealed that mental practices are almost as effective as true physical practice.     4    

    5     Let’s be honest, if you don’t think about your goals, you won’t make them happen. At a set time, perhaps Monday mornings, review your progress for the last week and set new action steps for the upcoming week that push you towards your ultimate goal. Reading your goals weekly helps remind you of their importance and keeps you clear on what you truly want in your life.

7 . Coral reefs are the rainforests of the ocean. They exist on vast scales and are equally important havens of biodiversity. Reefs occupy 0.1% of the oceans.     1    

Corals are useful to people. Without the protection which reefs afford from crashing waves, low-lying islands such as the Maldives would have flooded long ago, and a billion people would lose food or income. However, reefs are under threat from rising sea temperatures. Heat causes the algae (海藻) with which corals are living together to generate toxins (毒素) that force those coral to leave.     2    

Research groups around the world are coming up with plans of action to see if that will help, such as identifying naturally heat-resistant corals and cross-breeding such corals to create a new type.     3     Without carbon reduction and decline in local, coral-killing pollution, even resistant corals will not survive the century.

Doubters doubt humanity will get its act together in time to make much difference.

    4     Carbon targets are being set and ocean pollution is being dealt with. Countries that share responsibilities for reefs are starting to act together. Scientific workarounds can also be found. Natural currents can be applied to facilitate mass breeding. Sites of the greatest ecological and economical importance can be identified to maximize bang for buck.

    5     It could serve as a blueprint for other ecosystems. Hard-core greens — those who think that all habitats should be kept unspoiled — may not approve. But when entire ecosystems are facing destruction, the cost of doing nothing is too great to bear.

The term “moonlight clan” refers to low-income earners in China who spend all of their income meeting their basic needs. According to CCTV in 2021, 40 percent of singles in China’s first-tier cities belong to the “moonlight clan.” On the other hand, the Chinese household savings rate remains high. The average savings rate in China is over 45 percent. In other words, nearly half of a household’s income does not flow back into the economy but sits in a bank account (or somewhere else).

Some experts are concerned about this high rate because of limited capital flows and a less active currency. But considering current economic situation in China, the high savings rate is a good thing.

To cope with pressure, the Chinese government has introduced a series of policies to stimulate residents’ consumption, such as encouraging the purchase of vehicles in the countryside and providing consumption vouchers(消费券). High savings rates are undoubtedly an important support for these policies because without actual money in the bank, no matter how encouraging the policies are, the public just won’t shop.

Despite a still very active market, China needs more effective measures to persuade more people to start spending again and stimulate the economy. And once more people feel like spending freely again, China’s domestic market will surely grow stronger, promising sound economic growth in the long term.

When Helen was young she lost her sight and hearing. With these     1     restrictions to her communication, Helen’s     2     was often unbearable and sometimes she was troublesome, stubborn and angry with a tendency to break things when she was not understood. Anne Sullivan was a     3     teacher. Anne’s technique was simple and straightforward. She put an object into Helen’s hand and     4     out the word on her other hand. The precious knowledge she taught Helen gave her hope and joy. From “doll” and “water”, Helen’s knowledge and vocabulary     5     and this changed her thinking process.