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Researchers from the University of Edinburgh have known the answer according to their recent study. Nine hundred twins took part in the study and had their happiness levels measured. The result shows that our genes(基因), in fact, control half of the personality traits(特點) that make us happy. And the other half is linked with lifestyles, careers and relationships. That is to say, individual differences in happiness are based on genetic differences between people.

"All human beings naturally desire happiness. We have found that happiness is partly rooted in genes," said Dr Alexander Weiss, the leader of the research. "This study is both a milestone and a new beginning: A milestone because we are now sure that there is a genetic side of happiness and a new beginning because the happy genes have just been found."

However, the researchers warn that genes are not the whole story. The environment can also affect oar happiness levels. In fact, a great deal of our happiness is directly connected with whatever is happening in our lives. Thus finding the right matters affecting us is the correct thing.

To become truly happy, we need to understand our important needs perfectly for if we fail to satisfy our needs, then unhappiness might happen. Besides, doing simple things, such as keeping a journal and writing down three things that we are thankful for every day, can increase our long-term happiness. Will you try it tonight?

【1】What plays the most important role in making us happy?

________________________________________________________

【2】What tip will you give to the people who are easily unhappy?

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【3】Some people think wealth seems to bring all happiness in life. Do you agree with this point of view? Why or why not?

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Have you ever dreamed of enjoying the beautiful countryside and listening to the wind on a cold night? Then you need to go camping. But before you go, you really need to know where to start. Let's see what US middle school students do to prepare for a camping trip.

【1】 They often choose lakes, mountains, the forest or the seaside. Camping grounds are all over the US. When they make their decision, they will tell their parents where they will go.

【2】 If they are going to a remote area, they will take a bag including a pocket knife, flashlight(手電筒), food and water. A good map and compass(指南針)are also necessary to take to

keep them safe.

【3】 Most tents are easy to put up. They come with a groundsheet, which stops water from getting in, as well as a fly screen, so chat bugs don't fly into the tent at night.

【4】 For example, if they want to go hiking, they will take a strong pair of walking boots, some lightweight trousers and a water roof coat.

【5】 Why not spend it camping with your parents or friends?

A.Do you know all the things US students do when they go camping?

B.One of the most important things is a light, brightly-colored tent.

C.They will look for as many friends as they can to go together.

D.First of all, they decide where to camp.

E.Depending on what kind of activities are, they bring different clothes.

F.Safety is the most important thing.

G.Summer vacation is right around the corner.

—Why not have it________?

A.repairB.repairedC.repairingD.to repair

—Sorry! I thought you would follow me.

A.slowlyB.politelyC.seriouslyD.closely

A.preparesB.preparedC.is preparingD.will prepare

Communication is important for harmonious (和諧的) family relationships. However, if you don’t truly listen to others, it can be difficult to communicate. Following the listening skills below may be helpful to your communication.

Listening Actively

Focus on the speaker’s words and not what you’ll say next. When talking to someone, pay attention to the speaker and his thoughts. You can think of how you will reply later.

Make sure the speaker has finished talking before you talk. Instead of starting your reply at once, it’s not a bad thing to keep silent for seconds.

Communicating Effectively (有效的)

Repeat what has been said. Try to make a short summary (總結(jié)) of what you’ve heard when the speaker finishes. It will show you’re listening and make you and your family communicate better.

Reflect on what’s been said. After talking, reflect on the subject. Try to work out not just what’s being said, but also why it is important.

Avoiding Bad Habits

Do not cut in on others. It can break effective conversation. Do not start talking until the other person has finished.

Do not change the subject early. Never change the subject before the speaker has got their words out, even if you are not interested in the subject.

Never offer advice. Unless you are asked do not offer advice. Offering advice can make it seem like you’re not really listening but to hear what you want. Accept you don’t always have to solve someone’s problems.

Title: How to be a good listener to your family

My grandfather took great pride in growing peas, carrots, which he used in home cooking. The entire backyard was devoted to his plants. I would walk in the garden, looking _______________ to the bean stalks (竿) high above my 7-year-old body.

A few years later, my grandfather grew ill. When he died, I was _______________ to see my grandmother pulled up most of the remaining plants. Still only a child, I asked my cousin _________Grandma had dug up Grandpa’s plants. She told me that the garden reminded her of my grandfather.

Years passed, and soon my grandmother was bent-over with age. My father moved her to be closer to our family, which meant taking her away from her home and from the remains of the garden. Shortly after the move, she telephoned my father, and I could hear her _________ shouting in Chinese, asking why he had moved her so far away from her life.

One evening, Grandma told me to _______ her to the backyard. There, in a small patch (塊)of soil beside the garage, was a row of Chinese spinach (菠菜). She was gardening at 92.

I now have a house and family of my own. Last _______________ my tomato plant gave us some grape sized fruits by August’s end. I often think back to my grandfather’s garden. And I think about how my grandmother started gardening over again in a new city, far from her first home in Canada, and even further from _____________ .

We all must start somewhere, and sometimes we must start again. And sometimes, starting again ______________ means allowing new roots to grow.

【1】A.instead ofB.because ofC.according ofD.belong to

【2】A.motherB.fatherC.grandmotherD.grandfather

【3】A.upB.downC.backD.out

【4】A.worriedB.excitedC.surprisedD.tired

【5】A.whatB.howC.whereD.why

【6】A.sadlyB.happilyC.peacefullyD.proudly

【7】A.inviteB.followC.carryD.show

【8】A.springB.summerC.autumnD.winter

【9】A.AmericaB.EnglandC.ChinaD.Japan

【10】A.nearlyB.hardlyC.speciallyD.simply

I’m not sure ________ to each other, but I know they fell in love with each other at first sight.