[Hot Snake]

... This morning, however, a fireman accidentally discovered the cause. He noticed the remains of a snake which     1     of a 16,000-volt power line. In this way, he     2    . A bird had snatched up the snake... When it did so, it sent sparks down to the ground and     3    .

[Running and Fitness]

As people often say, any exercise is better than none, but long-distance running     1    .

... Besides, anybody who is feeling down can go for a run to cheer themselves up. Even a thirty-minute run will     2     that you may be suffering due to stress.

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.

Nowadays, we can move around the world and still stay in     1     with (保持联络) the people that we want to remain friends with. Social media tools let us see what our friends are up to and maintain friendships. The     2     (数码的) age also enables us to find people who share our interests or have     3     (独一无二的，独特的) talents. Whatever our hobbies, the Internet can connect us with others who also enjoy doing them, even if they live on the other side of the world.

But when you “friend” people online, does this mean that they really are your friends? It depends. If people always     4     (交流信息，想法等) true personal information online, then yes, these friendships can be real and meaningful. But we need to     5     in mind (记住) that what we see on social media is often not the whole     6     (真相，实情) about a person. On social media sites, people tend to post only positive     7     (最新消息) that make them appear happy and friendly. But smiling photos can hide real problems. This doesn’t mean that we should throw the baby out with the bathwater. Although technology has changed the way we acquire friends, the meaning of friendship remains the same.

Here are some qualities that a true friend possesses. He accepts who you are and trust you with his authentic self. He stands by you and offer words of     8     (安慰，慰藉) when you feel upset. He wants what’s really good for you and is willing to share     9     (资源). If you want to find such a friend, be one yourself. Your friend is a     10     (反映，映射) of your own personality.

It was the final part of the 2016 World Triathlon     1     (系列赛) in Mexico. With just 700 meters to go, Alistair Brownlee was in third place and his younger brother, Jonny, was in the     2     (领先). Alistair was     3     (接近) the finish line in the burning heat, but as he came round the corner, he saw his brother about to fall onto the     4     (跑道). Alistair had to choose — brotherly love, or a chance to win the race? For Alistair, the choice was clear. His brother was in trouble. He had to help. The rescue put Jonny in second place and Alistair himself in third. It was an     5     (出乎意料的) end to the race.

The Brownlee brothers have been doing triathlons since they were children. “    6     (显然), when your older brother is doing it, you think it’s a cool thing to do,” says Jonny. Despite     7     (争论) over “stupid things” now and then, Alistair agrees that having a brother is an advantage.

Watched by millions, the ending to the race has divided opinions: should the brothers have been     8     (取消……的资格) or highly praised? But for Alistair, at that     9     (具体的，特定的) moment of the race, he was no longer an     10     (运动员) aiming for a medal — he was just a brother.

Put simply,     1     is your natural ability that can be developed when you try hard enough. Who knows what beautiful works of art you will create, what medical     2     you will make or what     3     technologies you will develop! The possibilities are endless, and I have confidence     4     your ability to make a     5     to your family, to your community and to your country. Over the next three years, you will discover your potential while you develop as a student and as a person.