Imagine having the     1     to sing together with hundreds of other people while you are at home alone. You can do this in a virtual choir. Virtual choir members record themselves while they perform alone on video. These videos are uploaded onto the Internet, and then they are put     2     into one video that you can see online—a virtual choir. Anyone can take part in a virtual choir from anywhere—all you need is a video camera and an Internet     3    . You do not even need a     4    . A virtual choir helps connect     5     people together. Many people do not have close friends or     6     who have the same interest in music. Many others do not have the chance to join a local choir. A virtual choir     7     them to add their voices to those of other     8     and become part of the global community. It has     9     to be a positive influence on the lives of many people. As one virtual choir member said, “Music helps me to … forget my problems. With music, I become someone     10    .”

I recommend that you talk to your friend about his behavior. It is not unusual for teenagers of your generation to     1     computer games and the online world. But spending too much time online is unhealthy and makes it very difficult to focus on other things in life. Some students even     2     the Internet and cannot     3     school and family life.

[Hot Snake]

... This morning, however, a fireman accidentally discovered the cause. He noticed the remains of a snake which     1     of a 16,000-volt power line. In this way, he     2    . A bird had snatched up the snake... When it did so, it sent sparks down to the ground and     3    .

Today’s festivals have a wide     1     of origins, including the seasons of the year, famous     2    , important events, and religions. The     3     festival is one of the most popular festivals and is celebrated in many cultures. Customs play a     4     role in festivals,   but they can change over time. For example, many Chinese cities no longer allow     5     during the Spring Festival, as they can increase air pollution. These days, festivals are becoming more     6    , with people spending more money on gifts. Festivals    7     people’s wishes, beliefs, faiths, and attitudes towards life. People are     8     to spend time with family, and to relax and enjoy life.

The shopping mall,     1     (很多人喜欢它的环境), was on fire last week because the gas pipes     2     (使用太长时间的) cracked. Those     3     (正在里面购物的) were trapped. It was such a big fire that the world seemed as if it came to an end. Many goods     4     (正在销售的) were destroyed. This was the biggest fire     5     (人们有史以来看到的). Luckily, the firefighters     6     (收到紧急电话的) came at once. They did all     7     (他们能做的) to put out the fire. To our relief , no one was injured or dead.

The shopping mall,     1     (很多人喜欢它的环境), was on fire last week because the gas pipes     2     (使用太长时间的) cracked. Those     3     (正在里面购物的) were trapped. Many goods     4     (正在销售的) were destroyed. This was the biggest fire     5     (人们曾看到的). Luckily, the firefighters     6     (收到紧急电话的) came at once. They did all     7     (他们能做的) to put out the fire. To our relief, no one was injured or dead.