2 . How to Make Friends

Friendship is a very important human relationship and everyone needs good friends. Good friendship has many benefits. It offers companionship, improves self-worth and promotes good health. There are times in our lives such as when we have recently moved into a new town, or changed our jobs or schools. Such changes often leave us without a friend.     1     But for many of us the process is difficult and requires courage. Below are some helpful suggestions on how to make and keep friends.

1. Associate with others.

The first step to making friends is associating with other people. You can go to public places to meet new people. Besides, you will need to make yourself known by becoming an active member of such places.

2. Start a conversation.

Starting a conversation is the second most important step in making new friends.     2     You can always start the conversation. Being able to make small talk is a very useful skill in relating with other people.

3.     3    

Choosing friends with common interests is important in building friendship as these interests would always bring you and your friend together. Hanging out will always be a pleasant experience.

4. Let it grow.

It is a good thing to stay in touch. However, try not to press your new friend with calls, messages or visits as this would likely wear him or her out and finally you may lose your friend.     4     The best friendships are the ones that grow naturally.

5. Enjoy your friendship.

The best way to enjoy your friendship is to allow your friends to be themselves.     5     Try not to change them from who they are to what you want them to be. Become the kind of friend you will want your friend to be to you.

3 . Sometimes, you are not good at some of your subjects.     1     You probably think you will never be a top student. This is not necessary so, however. Anyone can become a better student if you want to. Here’s how:

Plan your time carefully. When you plan your work, you should make a list of things that you have to do. After making this list, you should make a schedule of your time. First your time for eating, sleeping, dressing, etc., then decide a good, regular time for studying.     2     A weekly schedule may not solve all your problems, but it will force you to realize what is happening to your time.

Find a good place to study. Look around the house for a good study area. Keep this space, which may be a desk or simply a corner of your room, free of everything but study materials. No games, radios, or television! When you sit down to study, concentrate on the subject.

Make good use of your time in class.     3     Listening carefully in class means less work later. Taking notes will help you remember what the teachers say.

Study regularly. When you get home from school, go over your notes, review the important points that your teacher is going to discuss the next day, read that material.     4     If you do these things regularly, the material will become more meaningful, and you will remember it longer.

Develop a good attitude about tests. The purpose of a test is to show what you have learned about a subject. It helps you remember your new knowledge. The world won’t end if you don’t pass a test, so don’t be over worried.

    5     You will probably discover them after you have tried these.

6 . Revising is an important part of study. It helps you learn, remember, and apply what you know. It is also a good idea to revise before quizzes and exams.     1    Here are some tips on how to revise well.

Find Your Place.

To revise for an exam, you must first find a quiet and relaxing environment.    2    It should be in a place where you will not be disturbed.

Take Your Time.

It’s a good idea to make revising part of your weekly routine.     3    You should take care to make sure that you study for no more than two hours at a time, and that you take regular breaks every half an hour or so. This will keep you fresh and able to take in information,

Stay Organized.

It can be very helpful to set up a system so that you are organized.     4    That way when you have a quiz or exam, you can easily find the right notes to study to help you prepare.

    5    

At the end of every revision, review your notes carefully so that you can be sure that you have understood what you have learned. You may also consider writing out revision cards. You can then use these as a summary of the subjects that you have studied.

7 . Problem solving skills are increasingly valuable in the workplace — and could help you achieve more in your personal life too. Here’s how to enhance your strategy.

• Develop analytical thinking

The key to effective problem-solving is the ability to break down complex issues into smaller, more manageable components.     1    . This involves systematically deconstructing a problem, understanding its differences and identifying the relationships between its various elements. Begin by clearly defining the problem at hand, identifying its key components and recognizing the interconnections between them.

• Promote creativity

    2    . To develop creativity, you must engage in activities that can stimulate your imagination and form new ideas. Additionally, exposing yourself to different fields, experiences and cultures can serve as a source of creative problem-solving.

• Strengthen communication skills

Clear and brief communication is the key to effective problem-solving, acting as the bridge that connects diverse perspectives and adjusts individuals toward a common goal. Good communication begins with the art of expression. This needs choosing the right words and structuring information logically. Active listening, on the other hand, is the skill of receiving information with focus.     3    

• Learn from mistakes

Mistakes are not failures but a good way to success. Each mistake will give you a chance to think and learn.     4    . Use this knowledge to inform your future problem-solving efforts. It not only accelerates the learning process but also encourages collective problem-solving skills.

•     5    

The journey to becoming an expert problem solver is an ongoing process of growth and improvement. Seeking continuous learning opportunities ensures that you stay ahead of changing challenges and acquire the necessary skills. Furthermore, networking with professionals in your field provides a good way of shared learning.

9 . How to Improve Vocabulary Fast

Your vocabulary refers to the words in a language you are familiar with. We should learn some ways to expand it.

Read every day.     1     Choose reading material that is slightly above your level and keep a dictionary with you to look up words you do not know.

    2    If you do not meet with an unfamiliar word in your daily reading, use your dictionary to search for one.

Learn the correct definition and pronunciation for each new word. Pronunciation is as important as definition because in order to add a word to your active vocabulary, you must be able to use it in speech.

Elaborate (详尽阐述) on the meaning of the word. If you have just learned the word “stubborn”, think about the neighbor who will not lend you his car.     3    

Use your new word in speech and in writing. E­mail your sister about how your cat is stubborn about sleeping on your pillow.     4    But the more you use it, the more fluent you will become in its use. Soon it will be a regular part of your active vocabulary.

Tell everyone you are trying to increase your vocabulary. Encourage them to ask you what your latest word is.     5     The more you explain the meaning of a word to someone, the more likely you are to remember it.

10 . How Can I Fight Laziness?

Lazy people will never gain anything in life. However, laziness can be defeated once a few changes have been made in your mind.

    1    Many people lack sleep constantly, since they stay up too late and get up too early to prepare for work. These people have little motivation once they arrive home. Laziness works hand in hand with a lack of motivation and a tendency to put off things. By adjusting your sleep schedule to provide a few more hours of meaningful rest, you can fight laziness throughout the day.

Another way to fight laziness is to change your mind from passive to active. Some people treat their lives as if they were pushed from task to task. Others take a more positive approach, viewing each task as a challenge they must overcome alone.     2    

Some people fight laziness removing the temptations that surround them. A television in the living room may provide entertainment, but watching too much TV often contributes to laziness.     3    Complete a few tasks and reward yourself with what you enjoy, such as a good dinner or a film.

Laziness can also be a lasting problem at home. Couples and children may all have different energy levels, but laziness can be spread if not deal with immediately.     4     Be the first to collect and wash dishes after a meal. Others in the home may eventually follow your example and perform their own task. It is difficult to practice laziness when you are surrounded by motivated people.

    5     Enough exercise and a balanced diet can help you to develop a healthy lifestyle, thus enabling you to have more energy and help lift your spirits.