Using Computers and the Internet in Schools
Nowadays, computers and the Internet are very important in schools. They help students learn in new and exciting ways. Here is a closer look at how schools are using technology to help students.
In many classrooms, every student has a computer or a tablet. They use these devices to look up information quickly and to learn about new topics. For example, if they are studying about the rainforest, they can watch videos, read articles, and even take virtual tours of rainforests around the world. This makes learning more fun and interesting.
Teachers are now using special programs on their computers to make learning more fun. They can create quizzes that students take on their tablets. These quizzes give instant feedback, so students know right away what they got right and what they need to study more. Teachers can also find games and activities online that match what they are teaching in class. This way, students can practice math, spelling, and other subjects in a way that feels like playing.
Homework and projects are also changing because of technology. Students can now work on group projects without having to be in the same room. They use online tools to share documents, create presentations, and talk about their ideas. This helps them learn how to work with others, even when they are not together. Teachers can check on their progress easily and give advice or help when needed.
A. Learning with Videos and ArticlesB. Working Together While Apart
C. Learning While Having Fun
D. Having Fun in Playing Online
How to Improve English Speaking Skills
With the development of society, the world has become a global village. It is necessary to improve your English speaking skills to communicate with people around the world. Then how can you improve your English speaking skills? Here are some suggestions for you.
Talk with native speakers.
Talking with native speakers is the best way to improve your English speaking skills. Practice with native speakers and you will make progress.
If you want to be understood, slow down. When you slow down, you will speak clearly. The more clearly you speak, the better your listeners can understand you.
You can talk to yourself in English. You’d better speak English at home as often as possible. You can also describe what you’re doing. While you’re washing the dishes, say what you’re doing, thinking or feeling. It keeps your brain thinking in English.
Take part in English activities.
It is good for you to take part in different English speaking activities. For example, you can go to the English corner. You can also take English speech training classes and so on.
Recording yourself is a good way to improve your English speaking skills. Though you hear yourself all the time, you don’t quite know what you sound like. So record yourself. What are the weak and strong points you hear in your speech? You might find them if you listen to your recording.
A. Slow down.B. Record yourself.
C. Speak English at home.
D. Listen to English songs.
Social media is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world today. A study carried out by the PewResearch Center showed that 92% of teenagers go online daily. The wide use of social media has changed nearly all parts of teenagers’ lives.
High school student Elly Cooper from Illinois said social media often reduces face-to-face communication. “It makes in-person relationships harder because people give attention to their phones instead of persons,” Cooper said. Yet, some people believe social media has made it easier to start relationships with anyone from anywhere.
The rise of social media has changed the way teenagers see themselves. The 19-year-old Essena O’Neill announced on the social networking service Instagram that she had stopped using social media. She thought she had gotten lost in appearing perfect online. Negative comments can also do damage to a teenager’s self-esteem (自尊). Teenagers who get negative comments can’t help but feel hurt. In particular, some social media apps such as Yik Yak may provide opportunities for cyber bullying (网络欺凌).
However, Armin Korsos, a student from Illinois, takes advantage of the comments he receives over social media to improve his videos on the social networking site YouTube. “Social media can help people show themselves and their talents to the world in a way that was never possible before,” Korsos said.
But Korsos realizes that social media has become a distraction (让人分心的事). “Social media is not all necessary, though it helps people connect with their friends and know each other well anytime.”
A. Wanting to be “liked”B. Developing good habits
C. Changing relationships
D. Opening new doors
We require healthy water and air, and so do we require healthy soil. It makes water clean and serves as a growing medium, It provides a living space for billions of organisms. And it also provides us with food. Therefore, we should do something to protect the soil.
One of the easiest ways we can support the soil is by wasting less food. All the food that ends up in our shopping bags requires land, water and energy to produce. By throwing away less, we will prevent materials in soil from being wasted.
By eating different types of foods, we can help create demands for different farming products, which is better for soil. Food diversity can improve soil quality. In general, eating a diverse (多样的) diet is better for our health too.
Read the instructions on garden products.
When we walk through any garden store, there are many products for our gardens. No matter which product we end up selecting, the most important step before using it is to read the instructions, Misuse can cause problems.
If we are looking to fertilize (施肥) our garden，we need to know what materials are already in the soil before adding more. Or, we might just need to add one specific material, and not others. Local university laboratories can help provide information on testing soil. It’s usually a matter of digging up soil from a few areas of the yard and sending it in to the lab!
A. Buy less food.
B. Eat a diverse diet.
C. Perform soil tests.
D. Reduce food waste.
Ways of Staying Safe in College
If you plan on attending a university in a large city, please follow these tips.
Whether you live in the countryside or live near the school, you will want to know the weather so you can be ready for the day.
Carry a little extra cash
Chances are if you go to school in the city, you will be taking public transportation almost every day. The last thing you want is to lose your bus or train pass. Carrying some extra cash is great for feeling secure. It also allows you to buy lunch if you need to or get last-minute supplies while you’re out.
Unfortunately, crime is more likely to happen in the city. Be aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye out for any strange behavior. Plus, you should be paying attention to walking traffic. Don’t embarrass yourself by running into others. Keep your head up! Keep this in mind when you are on public transportation as well.
Oftentimes people will decide to walk across the street even though the crosswalk sign says not to. However, not all of these people have the best judgement. A car may be moving much quicker than it looks or there may be a car you just don’t see. Don’t be in such a hurry. It’s not worth getting hurt!
A. Check the weather.
B. Don’t ignore crosswalks.
C. Get around now and then.
D. Don’t bury your face in your phone.
6 . If you want to become open to different ideas, beliefs, and backgrounds, you’re in luck! There are plenty of fun, simple ways to exercise an open mind.
Listen to new music. New music can help you emotionally connect with new people, places, and things. Read more novels and short stories. A good story can put you in the shoes of someone from a different place and time. Learn a new language can also help. A new language can allow you to communicate with new people and help you appreciate new cultures.
Work on listening more than you talk. You can meet all the people in the world, but you’ll never learn anything about them if you do all the talking. Start conversation with new people whenever you can. Seize opportunities to visit new places. You don’t need to go far to get the benefits of travel. Just look for a place where the way of life is different than your own.
Ask yourself how you formed a belief. Take a look at the beliefs you hold and ask yourself, “How did I come to believe this?” Try to notice whenever you make an assumption (假设). Assumptions are a natural part of thinking but, left unchecked, they can lead to close-mindedness. When you meet new people or find yourself in new situations, pay attention to your expectations. Ask yourself if your preconceived (预想) notions shape the way you act.
| A．Meeting New People |
| B．Listening to New Music |
| C．Trying New Things |
| D．Challenging Your Beliefs |
