A good joke can be hardest thing to understand when studying a foreign language. As a recent report in The Guardian newspaper (卫报) noted, “There’s more to understanding a joke in a foreign language than
Being able to understand jokes is hard for a language learner to
In fact, most of the time, jokes are only funny for people who share a cultural background (文化背景) or understand humor in the
In Australia, many foreigners find understanding jokes about
In the other two major English-speaking countries, the sense of humor is also different. British jokes seem to be more subtle (微妙的) and dark, while American jokes are more obvious (明显的) with their meanings, a bit like Americans
In February, the Ministry of Education suggested that mobile phones should be banned(禁止) in primary and secondary schools. Almost all parents clap their hands
Xu Xiaohe, a 13-year-old girl from Zhejiang supports the policy. “In fact, my school has
Li Zihan from Bejjing, however, thinks that the ban is too simplistic for a generation that has grown up with mobile phones. “Students should be
For Ge Ziqi, the problem with banning phones has more to do with life
To solve the problem like Ge’s, some ideas teachers have come up with
Several years ago, when I was working in a school, a thin boy showed up in my office. It was David. His head teacher had referred him to me. “This boy has lost his family,“ he wrote. “He is very sad and r
Sometimes the best thing one can do is to listen openly and patiently.
The first two times we met, David didn't say a word. He sat there, only looking up to look at the children's drawings on the wall behind me. I suggested we play a game of chess. He n
Usually, he arrived earlier than agreed, took the chess b
"Perhaps he simply needs someone to s
"It's your t
After that day, David started talking. He got friends in school and joined a bicycle club. Now he has really started to live his own life.
Maybe I gave David something. But I also learned that one, w
A circus clown can do almost anything. He can juggle and ride unicycles. He can also balance things on his nose. He can even do tricks with wild animals
Make-up and
Clowns use lots of make-up. It looks like a mask. When he looks happy, sad, surprised or scared, the make-up can show it better. Each clown creates his own special face
Clowns wear funny clothes. Often, the clothes look fine, but they do not fit right. The jacket, hat or shoes are too big or too small, and this makes the audience
Clown tricks
Clowns often hit each other or fall down to make people laugh. This is called “slapstick comedy”(打逗喜剧). Early slapstick comedy used a stick that was actually
Clown schools
People who want to be clowns often go to clown schools! At clown school, they learn many tricks and meet many clowns. They choose a name at first, and then decide what character their clown will have and
Dear Sir or Madam,
I’m writing to apply to be a volunteer for the Chinese Painting Exhibition which will be held in your art gallery.
I think I am qualified for this job, because I have learned Chinese painting since childhood. Besides,
Yours,
Li Hua
Hi Chris,
I am happy to learn that you are considering coming to China for college education. I encourage you to come to China for further education for the following reasons.
First,
Yours,
WangJin
A Cross-Country Running Race
Last Sunday witnessed an extraordinary cross-country running race,
The students selected from every class took part in the competition. The route measured five kilometers, from our school gate to the foot of Nanshan Mountain. Every runner tried their best to finish the task, with their classmates along the way giving them necessarily help as well as encouragement. At last, all the runners managed to arrive the finish line, receiving cheers from all the directions.
The activity was highly spoken of, because
Dear Chris,
I am so glad to hear from you. The coming-of-age ceremony was held in our school on June 8th this month.
During the coming-of-age ceremony,
Through the activity, what I felt is that I am able to shoulder the responsibility and make us stronger and more determined.
Best wishes!
Yours,
Li Jin
Dear Miss Veans,
I was wondering if you could help me revise a short play
The plot of the tragic story is about Lady Mengjiang and her husband, who lived more than 2000 years ago in ancient China. At their wedding, her husband was taken away forcefully to build the Great wall.
Could you kindly give me guidance on two aspects? First of all, could you check the language for us? Secondly, if you could please give us some direction on our acting and use of tone? If possible, could I meet you in your office at 10 a.m.?
We are looking forward to your early reply.
Yours,
Li Hua
I visited the zoo yesterday, but I was very unhappy and angry about the things that I saw. The large animals were in small c