Yesterday was a strange day. In the morning I could not find my English book, and I felt so (11) that I did not want to eat breakfast. My mother, who was already late for work, helped me look for it, (12) we could not find it under the bed or in my school bag. In class, my teacher gave back our math tests from last week. (13) It was much higher than last time! In the evening, my father came home with a new basketball, and I played with it until dark. (14), I ate a hamburger for dinner and went to bed with a smile, because even a bad morning can have a happy end.
Many teenagers feel nervous when they have to speak in front of the class. Their hands shake, their faces turn red, and they forget words they knew well at home. This feeling is common, and teachers say the best way to fight it is to prepare well. (15), you can write a list of things you want to say and practice them in front of a mirror for a long time. Little by little, your (16) will get smaller. On the day of the speech, look at the friends (17) are smiling at you, and speak slowly so that everyone can follow. After the speech, most students feel pleased with themselves, even if they made a few mistakes. (18)
Amy: Are you coming to the Lantern Festival show tonight? It starts at 7:00 in the park near the old temple.
Ben: Yes! I feel so excited, but I have to finish my homework first, or my parents will not let me go. Can we meet at 6:30?
Amy: Sure. Let's eat at Grandma Wu's stand before the show, because her food is cheap and yummy, and here is her price list.
| Grandma Wu's Stand | |
|---|---|
| Dumplings (ten) | $60 |
| Sweet rice balls | $40 |
| Egg cake | $30 |
| Hot tea | $20 |
| Open 5:00 p.m. to midnight. Cash only. | |
Ben: I will get dumplings and hot tea. Do you want anything?
Amy: Just sweet rice balls for me. My mother gave me some money today, so dinner is on me tonight!
Colors can change the way people feel, even when they do not notice it. Many people say that blue is a quiet color which helps them feel calm, but too much blue may also make them feel down.
Red is a strong color that can make people excited, and sometimes it can even make them angry. That is why many fast food restaurants use red walls: people who sit there eat fast and leave soon. In many parts of Asia, red means good luck, so people wear it at weddings and on holidays.
Bright yellow, on the other hand, is like the sun. Doctors say that it can make a dark room feel warm and happy. So the next time you paint your room, think about your emotions before you choose a color.
Dear Kevin,
I am writing to say sorry. Last Friday I was mad at you in the classroom, and I said something bad about the picture that you had worked on for a whole week. I was not really angry with you. That morning I got a low grade on my math test, which I had studied hard for, and I felt down all day. I let my anger come out at the wrong person.
When I saw your sad face, I was shocked at myself, because you are my best friend and I do not want to lose you.
Can we eat hamburgers at our usual place after school tomorrow? I will pay this time. If you are still mad at me, I will understand, but please write back any time.
Ted
Stress Less Week
Do you often feel nervous before tests, or do you stay up until midnight and then feel sleepy in class? You are not alone. Last term, twelve out of every twenty students in our school said that they had too much stress.
Next week, our school will hold Stress Less Week. Every day at lunch time, students can come to the library and try a new hobby, such as drawing, playing chess, or making paper flowers. On Friday, a teacher from an international school, who has helped many students with this problem, will talk about ways to sleep better.
Here are some tips: Go to bed before eleven, and take a walk after dinner. When you feel afraid or sad, talk to people you trust. Do not keep your feelings inside!