According to some food experts, there are some     1     of culture that people will lose right away, but with food, there are more opportunities to connect to    2    , family and place.     3     is hardest to give up the food that you grow up     4    . Of course, each person’s comfort food largely depends on where they come from---for a Chinese it might be a plate of dumplings with a saucer of vinegar, and for a native of the UK it might be the classic fish and chips, served hot, salty and sour. One mouthful of comfort food takes us back to our cultural roots,     5     us the “taste of home” that we cry out for and relieving feelings of homesickness.

When you think of a fearsome hunter, images of lions and sharks may spring to     1     . Recent research by environmental scientists, however, shows that in fact, humans are the most fearsome hunters     2     have the greatest impact     3     animal populations. Human activities have brought many animals close to     4    . In the last 500 years, over 300 species of animals have gone extinct. Some activities, such as hunting and fishing, directly harm animals, while other activities, such as development in towns and cities, impact     5     on animal populations.

I can’t wait to describe to you what senior high school life is like. The path before you     1     to a world full of challenges: a new environment, new knowledge and new ways of     2    . However, for those of you with a     3     mind, opportunity     4     in each challenge. When you rise to the challenges, you will have the opportunity to     5     great knowledge and enjoy     6     growth. Most     7    , your time and effort at senior high school will open the door to your     8    .

Of equal importance     9     good study habits, useful skills and a positive attitude.    10     plan your study, set clear goals and     11     your schoolwork with other activities. As a senior high school student, you must make    12     to improve your communication and     13     skills. Last but not least, always look on the bright side and never lose hope, even in difficult     14    . In time you will find yourself     15     into a well-rounded individual.

When you think of a fearsome hunter, images of lions and sharks may spring to mind. Recent research by     1     scientists, however, shows that in fact, humans are the most fearsome hunters who have the greatest impact on animal populations. Human activities have brought many animals close to     2    . In the last 500 years, over 300 species of animals have gone extinct. Some activities, such as hunting and fishing, directly harm animals,     3     other activities, such as development in towns and cities, impact indirectly on animal populations.

Hunting and fishing have directly influenced the world’s animal populations. Some people hunt animals for food: whale meat is     4     in some parts of the world. Some people hunt animals for fashion: animal skin is used to make coats and bags. Still others hunt animals just for fun: deer are     5     and shot by people who enjoy the     6     of the sport.

Human activities that have indirect effects on animals can be just as     7    . When we build farms or factories, we destroy animal habitats and leave many animals with    8     to live, or no food to eat. We can also put animals in danger without ever entering their habitats. Air, water, noise and light pollution can all have a deep and     9     influence quite far from their source. Partly due to pollution caused by ship traffic and other human activities, the dolphin population has     10     greatly. As the human population continues to grow, so does the effect we have on animals.

The first fruit of friendship is the     1     that comes from sharing with friends our joy, sadness, success and     2    . Here, friendship has a     3     advantage—happiness takes on a greater meaning and a trouble shared becomes a trouble halved! Naturally, this kind of openness results from a close friendship. With true friends, we feel free to share our joy and sadness in full     4    . We know that our friends will both respect our feelings and     5     these moments of closeness.     6    , the human heart depends on such opportunities for comfort and protection.

“What is potential?” you may ask. Put simply, potential is your natural ability that can be developed when you try hard enough. Who knows what beautiful works of art you will     1    , what medical advances you will make or what     2     technologies you will develop! The possibilities are endless, and I have     3     in your ability to make a difference to your family, to your community and to our country. Over the next three years, you will     4     your potential while you develop as a student and as a person.