Being a sensitive girl, Helen     1     (不能忍受在陌生环境中的孤独). Heavy study pressures further fueled her dilemma. Not knowing how to release her emotions,     2     (她正经历着一段痛苦的时光) and she was seized by extreme sorrow.     3     (她渴望摆脱这种令人窒息的境况). Luckily, the monitor’s care and support sustained her through the difficult period. Gradually, Helen restored her confidence,     4     (下定决心不向任何困难屈服). Her inner loneliness finally melted away, a happy smile brightening her face.

    1     (我写信感谢你的及时救援), without which my life couldn’t return to normal.

A few days ago,     2     (一场极其可怕的地震袭击了我的家乡), leaving many houses in ruins.     3     (shock) to find everything buried under the fallen houses, I burst into tears.     4     (世界似乎到了尽头). Thankfully, although you were strangers, you     5     (不遗余力) provide enough food and water for us to survive on. With strong support from the government and your generous aid, a new town was built upon the earthquake     6     (ruin).

I can’t express my gratitude too much.

Yours sincerely,

Li Hua

Are you a “glass-half-empty” or a “glass-half-full” type of person? A study showed that optimists (乐观主义者) are more likely to live longer than those who have a(n)     1     (愁眉苦脸) in life. The theory goes that optimists may find it easier to control their emotions. Here are some people’s opinions about how to stay positive.

Vicki Siska has been through some stressful times but has managed to remain optimistic. “Music    2     (使我高兴起来), a sense of humour keeps me seeing the bright side of things, and I have good friends who love and care for me,” she said.

Humour also helped Pippa Kennedy stay positive. She watched a TV show named Dad’s Army to help her get through a bad     3     (心情). “I also think being grateful for what you have and lots of chocolate help,” she added.

Sue Oakley Dunn says she remains positive and healthy because she does “what makes my soul sing”. She has plenty of hobbies to do for     4     (娱乐). “It works for me,” says Sue.

As well as the benefits of friendship and laughter, Robyn Black, who does yoga and has better access to    5     (医疗保健), recommends that staying fit and healthy is quite     6     (必不可少的).