2 . The quality of the family relationship is more important than the family configuration (结构). A healthy family relationship is the base of a happy family.     1     Although family relationships are different, there are certain features that healthy family relationships share. 

Families with healthy relationships have positive and meaningful communication. Family members listen to and genuinely care about what the others are saying. In these families, communication is on a deep enough level.     2     When some feedback and constructive criticism are given, love and affection are made clear by the use of positive words.  

A family with a healthy relationship requires every single family member’s commitment (奉献). Family members regard their family as a top priority (优先考虑的事) and consider the impact on relatives before making important decisions. Family members are dependable and always there for each other in times of crisis.     3    

A feature of healthy family relationships is that family members spend time doing enjoyable activities together.     4     Often, these activities become family traditions, such as sharing meals together, having family outings every weekend or playing sports together. 

    5     Family members accept that they each have their own personalities, qualities and interests. Everyone plays an important role in the family. When there is conflict between family members, it is solved in a positive and healthy manner. Family members also respect each other’s achievements and show appreciation for other members.

4 . My teenage son Karl became withdrawn (内向的) after his father died. As a single parent, I tried to do my best to talk to him. But the more I tried, the more he pulled away. When his report card arrived during his junior year, it said that he had been absent 95 times from classes and had six falling grades for the year. At this rate he would never graduate. I sent him to the school adviser, and I even begged him. Nothing worked.

One night I felt so powerless that I got down on my knees and begged for help. “Please God, I can’t do anything more for my son. I’m at the end of my rope. I’m giving the whole thing up to you.”

I was at work when I got a phone call. A man introduced himself as the headmaster. “I want to talk to you about Karl’s absences.” Before he could say another word, I cried and all my disappointment and sadness over Karl came pouring out into the ears of this stranger. “I love my son but I just don’t know what to do. I’ve tried everything to get Karl to go back to school but nothing has worked. It’s out of my hands.” For a moment there was silence on the other end of the line. The headmaster seriously said, “Thank you for your time,” and hung up.

Karl’s next report card showed a marked improvement in his grades. Finally, he even made the honor roll. In his fourth year, I attended a parent-teacher meeting with Karl. I noticed that his teachers were astonished at the way he had turned himself around. On our way home, he said, “Mum, remember that call from the headmaster last year?” I nodded. “That was me. I thought I’d play a joke but when I heard what you said, it really hit me how much I was hurting you. That’s when I knew I had to make you proud.”

Mama always sat at the kitchen table and divided the money that Papa brought home into various     1     (pile). Each pile had     2       different aim. For example, the big silver pieces were for the landlord. In their     3     (day) life, Mama tried her best not to draw money out     4     her Bank Account, however hard the life was. When Nels wanted to go on to high school, all the family did     5     best to earn or save money instead of     6     (go) to the Bank. To get enough money, Nels     7       (volunteer) to work in Dillon’s store after school, Papa decided     8     (give) up smoking and Katrin planned to look after the Elvington children every Friday night. However, when Katrin asked Mama to put the check of her first story in the Bank Account last year, Mama had to     9     (admit) that there was no account in the bank at all.       10       (actual), Mama’s Bank Account just made the children feel proud and secure.

In the family, heated arguments and cold silences     1     (be) very common between     2     (teenager) and parents. Such family tensions are often caused by teenagers’     3     (pain) physical changes, such as     4     (change) voice and weight problems. Besides, it can be    5     big headache to balance teenagers’ developing mental needs. However, teenagers can take action     6     (improve) the situation, for example, they can communicate with their parents    7     (regular) and honestly. Through such healthy communication, teenagers can learn     8     to back down and when to ask parents to relax their control. In fact,     9     is quite normal to struggle with the stress that parent­child tensions create. The stormy period will not last long and everything     10     (turn) out all right in the end.

9 . My daughter is a middle school student who still plays with her American Girl dolls. Dolls have been a huge part of her life ever since she was a baby. When she got her first doll at the age of 5 she spent hours brushing its hair and changing its clothes. Some people think my daughter should stop doing that as a teenager. But I think quite differently.

Considering the less attractive activities that are out there and what else she could be doing, I find playing with dolls seems like a nice choice. It’s better than playing computer games or something alike. I’ve also noticed it doesn’t make any difference to her social life. She has her friends and spends time with them.

Playing with dolls is helpful for my daughter. “When I play with them,” my daughter told me, “it makes me feel that I can express problems going on in my life and that I’m not the only one who has those problems. They’re in their lives, too, and they have to live with them.” I’m glad she finds a safe place to stay when she faces school tests, changeable social groups, and a changing body in middle school.

Moreover, the girl dolls can be hortatory. Most come with an amazing back story. For instance, Luciana becomes interested in science and technology and wants to become an astronaut because of them. How cool it is to set an example for kids!