3 . Martin is my youngest son. He likes staying alone and be seldom laughs. As the boy’s mother, I was _______ about him. I took him to see the _______ in many hospitals, but it didn’t work well.

Nothing could make him happy except the recycling truck passing by my house. Every afternoon, he raced to the front of the house, waiting for the _______.

When we were late and _______ the truck, Martin would be very disappointed. One day, I stopped the truck and _______ myself.

“Nice to meet you, too. I’m Vince.” The driver greeted me in a happy _______.

“Your coming is the most exciting moment for my son.” I smiled.

After knowing our story, he said, “Could you please give me your _______ number? Maybe I can send you a message _______ I arrive.”

Then began our _______ with Vince.

Recently, I said to him, “It’s my little boy’s birthday tomorrow. Can you do something special for him?”

The next day, as I was standing by the driveway with Martin, we saw the ________ truck running down the street with a loud beep. Like a superman in a movie, Vince stopped and walked towards us with a box in his hand.

“Today is your birthday, Martin, and here’s a gift.”

He handed the box to my son. Inside, there was a green model truck like his. My son, surprised, looked up ________ and thanked him.

After chatting for several ________, he was about to leave for work. I tried to give him some ________ for his help. He kept shaking his head and ________ my money, saying, “Today you, tomorrow me.”

I was deeply moved by these ________ words. And I have been ready to help others whenever I can. You will never know when you’re going to be the one that needs help.

4 . Winter Solstice Celebrations From Around the World

The winter solstice (冬至), the longest night of the year, falls on December 21 or 22 in the Northern Hemisphere and June 20 or 21 in the Southern. Since ancient times, people all over the world have celebrated this important astronomical occurrence in different ways. Here are some solstice traditions both new and old to help light your way to longer days.

Soyal

Soyal is the winter solstice celebration of the Hopi Indians of northern Arizona. Ceremonies and rituals include purification, dancing, and sometimes gift-giving. On the day, Hopi welcome the protective spirits from the mountains.

Saturnalia

The ancient Roman festival of Saturnalia is perhaps the most closely linked with the modern celebration of Christmas. This festival happened around the time of the winter solstice and celebrated the end of the planting season. There were games and feasts and gift-giving for several days.

Midwinter in Antarctica

Even Antarctica gets its share of solstice celebration, thanks to the researchers staying there over the long, dangerously cold season. While those of us in the Northern Hemisphere are enjoying the most daylight hours, in the Southern Hemisphere they are celebrating Midwinter. Festivities include special meals, films, and sometimes even handmade gifts.

Dong Zhi

Dong Zhi, the “arrival of winter”, is an important festival in China. It is a time for family to get together and celebrate the year they have had. The holiday generally falls between the 21st and 23rd of December. It is thought to have started as an end-of-harvest festival. Special foods, such as Tang Yuan and Jiaozi, are enjoyed. Friends and family members occasionally express their blessings and care to each other through gifts.

Japanese researchers have developed computerized chopsticks that enhance (增加)salty tastes,    1     could help those who need to reduce sodium (钠)in their diets.

The chopsticks     2    (develop) by Meiji University professor Homei Miyashita and drink manufacturer Kirin Holdings Company in May.

Wiring connects the chopsticks to a small computer device     3    (attach) to the eater’s hand. A weak electrical current transports sodium ions (离子)from food through the chopsticks     4     the mouth. “As     5     result, the salty taste enhances 1.5 times,” Miyashita said.

The     6    (tradition) diet in Japan is salty. The average Japanese adult eats about 10 grams of salt each day. That is twice the amount suggested by the World Health Organization.

High sodium intake is linked to increased cases of high blood     7    (press), strokes and other conditions.

“To prevent these     8    (disease), we need to reduce the amount of salt we take in,” said Kirin researcher Ai Sato. Sato     9    (add) that if Japanese people try to reduce salt intake in the usual ways, they will need to cut many of their favorite foods from their diet. Otherwise, they would have to eat bland or flavorless food.

Miyashita and Kirin are improving their chopsticks and hope to have them ready     10    (sell) as early as next year.

6 . Universal Beijing Resort is a widely expected theme park destination featuring several all-new attractions. To ensure a safe, secure and pleasant environment, please obey the following regulations.

Food Policy

Universal Beijing Resort offers a variety of fresh and delicious food options at restaurants and stands throughout the resort. However, we respect that guests may need to bring some outside food and drinks for self-consumption. The following food and drinks will not be allowed into the Resort (except for medical, infant, or special dietary needs)

·Alcoholic beverages (e.g. beer, spirits, etc.);

·Foods that need to be heated or processed (e.g. instant noodles, cold food, instant hotpot, etc.);

·Food and drinks in glass containers (e.g. soda in glass bottles, etc.).

Security Inspection Process

·All bags, backpacks or packages are requested to be inspected according to applicable laws before guests enter Universal Beijing Resort.

·Bags/containers more than 56cm×36cm×23cm are prohibited.

·Please follow the instructions from Universal Beijing Resort Security Team.

Ticket Policy

There is no admission ticket required for entry to Universal City Walk Beijing, but Universal Studios Beijing is only accessible to guests with admission tickets. Guests under 16 must be accompanied by a guest aged 16 or older.

If you have any questions or encounter an emergency, please consult an onsite team member, or dial the Guest Services Hotline via 4008-778899.

8 . There are many scholarships rewarding particular talents, so just find the right one that works for you.

■Spirit of Giving Scholarship

Deadline: July 31, 2021

Award Amount: $1,000

Overview: It is available to high school seniors and current college students. You must submit an essay of between 500 and 750 words on one of the following three topics: How have you advanced the spirit of giving? How has the spirit of giving affected you personally? How will your present education allow you to be of service to others?

■Ocean Awareness Contest

Deadline: June 15, 2021

Award Amount: Up to $1,500

Overview: It is open to students between the ages of 11 and 18. Students are invited to learn about the climate crisis and its impact on oceans, discover solutions and create work that explores hope in action.

Submissions are accepted in visual art, film, music, or poetry.

■Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest

Deadline: September 19, 2021

Award Amount: $25,000

Overview: Essay contest on Ayn Rand’s novel, Atlas Shrugged. There are 59 prizes, and first prize is $25,000! To enter, submit an 800 to 1,600word essay on one of the specific topics about the novel, which can be viewed on the scholarship provider’s website.

■Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship

Deadline: October 31, 2021

Award Amount: $20,000

Overview: It is a scholarship awarded to graduating high school seniors, who are recognized for their capacity to lead and serve, as well as their commitment to making a significant impact on their schools and communities. Applicants must be expecting completion of a high school diploma at the time of application and planning to pursue a degree at a postsecondary institution.

Earth Day is an event    1    (annual) celebrated on April 22.     2    (found) by Senator Gaylord Nelson, an American politician and environmentalist, it was originally aimed at helping the public to know the current situation of air and water pollution and    3     (get) people to care about the earth.

In1962, Rachel Carson’s bestselling book “Silent Spring” created an    4    (aware) of the dangerous effects of pesticides (农药) . Then, a fire,     5     broke out in 1969 on Cleveland’s Guyahoga River, shed light on the problem of chemical pollution in water. Senator Gaylord Nelson dreamed of    6    similar large event that would get people to take environmental issues seriously. In 1969, he was inspired by protests against the Vietnam War and came up with the idea for Earth Day.

In the fall of 1969, Nelson announced it and appealed to the entire country to get involved. Consequently, telegrams, letters and telephone calls    7    all over the country poured in. Since 1970, Earth Day celebration have grown. Later, Nelson    8    (award) the Presidential Medal of Freedom in recognition of his work.

Today, Earth Day is celebrated around the world every April 22. Sometimes numerous communities celebrate Earth Week, an entire week of    9    (activity) focused on the Environmental issues. In 2017, the March for Science    10    (occur) on Earth Day(April 22, 2017) and was followed by the People’s Climate Mobilization (April 29, 2017).