2 . Binge-watching (刷剧) is when a person watches more than one episode of a show in a row. With developments in the speed and connectivity of the Internet, increases in technology and the rise of on-demand entertainment companies, people can now have their favorite shows stream (流播) directly to their television at their convenience.

This behavior is nothing new. In fact, binge-watching has been officially listed in dictionaries since 2015. The entertainment companies recognize this behavior and many take steps to encourage it. Often, instead of releasing each episode on a week-by-week basis, an entire series will become available concurrently. Once the episode finishes, many platforms will display pop-ups with “you might like” suggestions, or will automatically play the next episode.

However, recent research suggests that out of the more than half of British adults who watch more than one episode of a show back-to-back (一集接一集地), almost a third have admitted missing sleep or becoming tired as a result; and 25% have neglected their household chores (家务活). Next we’ll be missing work!

Bingeing has other connections — binge eating, binge drinking and binge smoking. All of them are often associated with a lack of control and a possible route to addiction. Lindsey Fussell, consumer group director, said, “The days of waiting a week for the next episode are largely gone, with people finding it hard to resist (抗拒) watching multiple episodes around the house or on the move.” If people find binge-watching hard to resist, are we witnessing the birth of a new type of addiction?

The countless number of information and entertainment that television and online media can bring us is, many would say, a good thing. However, when the activity begins to bleed into other areas, causing us to stop functioning, then it becomes a problem. So, what’s the answer? Moderation! Neither a tiny amount, nor too much. After all, as the old proverb says, “A little of what you fancy does you good.”

The English word “garden” gives an entirely wrong idea of the Chinese yuan, for “garden” suggests a lawn and a wide     1     (vary) of flowers, altogether too formal and tidy to suit Chinese taste. The Chinese yuan suggests first of all a wild landscape, perhaps better arranged and more artistically     2     (plan) than nature, but still a bit of nature itself, with trees, creeks, and flowers. Dotted in this natural landscape are the human structures like pavilions and long winding corridors, so     3     (perfect) belonging to the scenery as to become a whole with it. The Chinese garden     4     (characterize) by studied disorderliness. There are no even-cut bushes or symmetric (对称的) rows lining avenues.

No Chinese house allows an outsider     5     (look) through the iron gates, for that would be against the principle of concealment (隐蔽). Facing the gate, we see a small courtyard giving no idea of the expansiveness of space inside, and leading one step by step into newer views, in     6     continual series of surprises and astonishments.     7     wooden framework supporting most of the weight of the house, windows, doors and walls are not limited to certain locations. The essential idea of interior (室内的) decoration is the beauty of simplicity. Home designs are not something     8     (impress) we buy from a first-class firm.     9     tells a home from a public building is the personal touch that we give it. It is only when the spirit of leisure and loving care exists     10     living at home can become an art and a pleasure.

Adaptation from My Country and My People by Lin Yutang

Jenny was the only child in her family. She had a quarrel (吵架) with her mother that afternoon and she ran out of the house angrily. She couldn’t help weeping sorrowfully when she thought of the scolding from her mother. Having wandered aimlessly in the street for hours, she felt a little hungry and wished for something to eat. She stood beside a stand (货摊) for a while, watching the middle-aged seller busy doing his business. However, with no money in hand, she gave a sigh and had to leave.

The seller behind the stand noticed the young girl and asked, “Hey, girl, you want to have the noodles?”

“Oh, yes, but I don’t have money on me.” she replied.

“That’s nothing. I’ll treat you today,” said the man, “Come in.”

The seller brought her a bowl of noodles, whose smell was so attractive. As she was eating, Jenny cried silently.

“What is it?” asked the man kindly.

“Nothing. Actually, I was just touched by your kindness!” said Jenny as she wiped her tears. “Even a stranger on the street will give me a bowl of noodles, while my mother drove me out of the house. She showed no care for me. She is so merciless compared to a stranger!”

Hearing the words, the seller smiled, “Girl, do you really think so? I only gave you a bowl of noodles and you thanked me a lot. But it is your mother who has raised you since you were a baby. Can you remember the times she cooked for you? Have you expressed your gratitude to her?”

Jenny sat there, speechless and numb with shock: she remembered her mother’s familiar face and weathered hands. “Why didn’t I think of that? A bowl of noodles from a stranger made me feel grateful. Why haven’t I thanked my mum for what she has done for me?”

On the way home. Jenny made up her mind to make an apology to her mother for her rudeness as soon as she arrived home.

Nearing the doorway, Jenny took a deep breath.

At that time, her mother came back and touched her hair gently, which called her mind back.

In the past three years, my dad had tried his best to give me guidance on my running and encouraged me to do better and better. Running was everything to me, and also to my dad. He was a runner and was amazed by my progress in running. He would attend my every race, even flying home early from business trips to see me run.

I always listened for his voice, which rang above the crowd—telling me to relax my arms and calling out my time. He pushed me, cheered me on and believed in me. We spent countless hours running in the sandy areas of Arizona. Breathing in the dust of the desert and the smell of the farm, we made our way across our city. We pounded miles and miles into our-running shoes, marking our journey towards greatness with every single step. It was a journey that was just ours and a dream passed on from one generation to the next.

Then, we welcomed the arrival of the important race, the state cross-country race of my senior year of high school. During the past three years. my dad and I had been working hard for the race. Finally, it came.

I will never forget that November day. It was extremely hot. As I waited for the gun to fire, my throat felt like a field of cotton cracking (裂开) with the summer heat. I looked out at the crowd; dozens of familiar faces from my community and school shone across my view. They had come for me. They all had confidence in me. I saw my dad setting his watch. Obviously, he was a little worried.

My heart was beating with excitement, and then the race began. For the first two and a half miles, I felt great. I had never been so ready for something. The hot sun beat upon my back, blinding me with its brilliance. Nothing was going to stop me, though. Determination made me focused and guided my steps. In all of my races, I was in the front.

Then without warning, my strength began to weaken.

My lungs fought to take in enough air and my feet felt like bricks.

The medical workers were there in seconds and covered my mouth with an oxygen (氧气) mask.