3 . The Best Medicine

As I approach the hospital wearing my white coat, I look just like any other doctor. That is until I put on my curly rainbow wig, big red nose, and add my name badge “Doctor Larry Laugh-Out-Loud”. I walk through the doors into the waiting area, where there’s a familiar atmosphere of boredom and tension. People sit uncomfortably on plastic chairs, looking through old magazines, all of which have been read hundreds of times previously. Anxious parents do what they can to comfort nervous and crying children.

In the middle of this particular scene I spot a small girl whose ankle is twice its normal size. I speak with the on-duty nurse, who tells me that Lara’s parents rushed her to the hospital after she fell off her bicycle.    1    .Although it’s the doctors and nurses who will treat her injury, it’s my job to make her feel better.

Scientific studies show that laughter produces chemicals to make people feel better, which means clown doctors can be helpful. We are specially trained clowns who work as part of a programme known as “hospital clowning”.    2    . Although the doctors and nurses did a great job, hospitals weren’t really designed for children. I spent much of the time when I was there feeling frightened and more than little bored! Being a clown doctor means I can help people by entertaining them.

Visiting hospitals and other health care facilities, we clown doctors work together with medical professionals. On a typical day, we spend our time cheering up patients, their families, and more often than not, the hospital staff, too! We do this by doing magic tricks, singing songs, telling stories and, of course, telling silly jokes. Some children, though, don’t feel like laughing, especially if they’re in pain. We have to be very sensitive and work closely with the doctors and nurses, who keep us updated on each patient.

    3    . While the doctor concentrates on examining Lara’s ankle, I get her attention by doing a magic trick. Although she is clearly still in some pain, her scared and anxious look has been replaced—first by a small smile, and then by loud laughter as I “magically” produce her sock from out of my pocket. Seeing their daughter so much happier has in turn made Lara’s parents more relaxed.

And as for me? Well, when I take off my wig and my red nose, I’m still wearing a big smile, as I remember all the fun and laughter of the day. While there might be more hospital visits ahead for Lara and others, I hope that clown doctors help make it a friendlier place to visit.     4    .

4 . How to make friends at a new school

Starting with a new school can be difficult. Everything seems to be different, and you don’t even know where to go for your own class.     1    if you use these skills, you can quickly turn some of those strangers into friends.

Be yourself.

    2    If some people don’t accept you, they’re not the kind of friends you need. People often stay together because they have similar interests. For example, someone who does a lot of sports may make friends with those who also run or swim a lot.

    3    

Remember to be nice to the people you meet at your new school. If you think that you will say something that may make them feel sad, do not say anything and just nod your head if they talk to you. Also, remember to be as helpful as possible.

Believe in yourself.

A smile goes a long way. When you walk in the halls, don’t keep your eyes on the floor. Raise your head and make eye contact (目光接触) with other people If you see someone you know, smile or say “Hi” Introduce yourself,     4    

Remember people’s names.

You like it when people use your name, and so do other people. People may become angry if you just begin by saying “Hey” each time. Besides, ask them in a kind way if they have a nick name. You’d be surprised how often this might come in handy.

7 . New York, London, Paris, Tokyo and other big cities are exciting places 10 live in. There are many interesting things to see and to do. You can go to different kinds of museums, plays and films.    1    

But there are serious problems in big cities too. The cost of living is high, and there are too many people in some of big cities. Every year many people move to the cities because there are some chances to find jobs, to study at good schools, and to receive good medical care.    2    Also, too many people in a small space make it hard to keep the cities safe and clean.

Some people enjoy living in big cities.    3     Before people move to big cities, they should think about the problems of living there.

9 . Every time you’re online, you are bombarded (轰炸) by pictures, articles, links and videos trying to tell their stories. Unfortunately, not all these stories are true. There is a range of fake news. Read these tips, and don’t get fooled!

Check the source.     1    . Fake news websites often use addresses that sound like real newspaper, but don’t have many real stories about other topics. If you aren’t sure, click on the “About” page and look for a clear description of the organization.

Watch out for fake photos. Many fake news stories use images that are Photoshopped or taken from an unrelated site. Sometimes, if you just look closely at an image, you can see if it has been changed.     2    . It will show you if the same image has been used in other contexts.

Check the story in other places. Look to see if the story is on other news sites(网站) that you know and trust.     3     then it probably isn’t fake (although there are some exceptions), as many big news organizations try to check their sources before they publish a story.

If you find a news story that you know is fake, the most important advice is: don’t share it!