You have probably heard it before, most likely from your English teacher. If you want to become a good writer, read good writing. Unluckily, you may not have understood what did good to you and even what you were supposed to get from that experience.

As you start reading a book, poem, or story, do so with no thought at all and the experience will improve your writing. Just read for pleasure to begin with, or to learn. As you progress through the work, think about whether it is “easy” reading or not. Do you become so interested in the subject and flow of the writing that you completely forget the person who wrote it, or does the composition sometimes call too much attention to itself through words and phrases that seem out of place or unexpected? The second situation is a chance to learn from the writer’s mistakes. In fact, the reader should not have to worry about how a writer does “his thing” ... he should be able to just enjoy and learn. Every time a word strikes you as poorly chosen, stop to consider why it has this effect. Also, do not spend a lot of time analyzing (分析) the passage but put more efforts in enjoying it from the whole.

Another thing I do, particularly with nonfiction (非小说) books, is to select a part to read as if it is a completely separate work. Once again, read as a common reader rather than a critic (批评家). For learning how words and phrases work together on the most basic level, however, nothing is more suitable than devoting yourself to reading poems. A poet is often trying to put a book’s worth of meaning and feelings into lines, and every side of the work shows a very close attention to craft (工艺).

As you can see, there is no simple way of reading to improve your writing. The key is not to make it boring. Select writers you admire or like most, and enjoy their works as anyone else would. As long as you are reading, you are improving yourself as a writer.

What do you think of stress? Is it a good thing or a bad thing?
Most of the students think stress can do harm       them in some ways. There’s a story about a teenager in a middle school. He even       his study because of the stress from school and family. We also usually        that someone turns to psychological (心理的)doctors because of heavy working stress. There is no doubt that some people think stress is a dangerous wolf.
On the other hand, other people argue that stress is not a bad thing. They       stress can produce momentum(动力）in the end. For them, right attitude and action can reduce stress and make it        . When I was a child, my mom always pushed me to study hard. She wished I could go to an ideal        for further education. I experienced stress for the first time. Born to a poor family, I deeply knew        was not easy for us, and everything my mom did to me was just to hope I could live a better life in the future.        the saying goes, “no pains, no gains.” So I did what my mom expected because I didn’t want to let her down. At last, I did measure up(达到标准） to my mom’s expectation and go to college       . Thanks to my mom’s push! Thanks to the stress! In this way, I don’t think stress is a bad thing.
Overall, stress is not a bad thing in       . The key is how we deal with it.

句型转换

1.The old man is so angry. He can't say a word.（连成一句）

     The old man is ______ ______ ______say a word.

2.I bought the bike ten years ago. (同义句)

     I ______ ______the bike ______ ten years ago.

3.The key is used for locking the front door.（就划线部分提问）

     ______ the key _______ for?

4.You should hang the curtains across the stage.（改为被动语态）

     The curtains _______ ______ ______across the stage.

5.Our school has changed greatly in the past several years.（同义句）

     There ______ ______ great changes in the past several years.

In today’s fast paced，high stress world people are working longer hours than ever, and often exhaust themselves at day’s end in front of the television to relax enough to begin again in the morning. However, television watching, for most people, does not really lower stress. Studies show that TV viewing more than an hour or so actually creates stress and, especially in women, may lead to the blues. Most individuals are unaware that doing some exercise after work makes them more energetic since it increases energy levels.

??? Wise use of free time does not mean getting an advanced degree, although the mental encouragement gained through education is unbeatable in keeping your mind active. Learning new things nearly always adds a spark to your daily life, especially if it is a favorite topic, such as sport, fashion, or art. Also, look through your bookstore or library to find books on your interests. Try to replace a half hour TV watching with reading.[来源:学_科_网Z_X

??? It is reported that in the United States recently, many individuals have as few as two good friends. Long work hours and car commute act to separate people from each other. This separation is deadly. Find ways to meet people at the end of the day and on weekends. Often this call be best done by combining activities, such as by joining a walking group to get both exercise and companionship. Taking a class will lift your spirits and allow you to meet others with similar interests. Hobbies are great for reducing stress and provide another opportunity for social interaction.

Using your free time to aid your health may include these elements and many more, such as going to concerts and spending time with family. Overall, the key is to spend less free time being passive. The best ways to use free time are to be mentally and physically active, spend some time outdoors, and interact with other people on a regular basis.

1.What can we learn from the passage?

A. Watching television may cause women to feel depressed.

B. Finding interests and hobbies in common means taking a class.

C. Going to concerts is the best way to make you mentally active.

D. Getting an advanced degree in education always lights up your life.

2.What does the underlined word “commute” in Paragraph 3 probably mean?

A. The arrangement to work every day.

B. The journey to work every day.

C. The communication between people.

D. The separation between people.

3.Which would be the best title for the passage?

A. Live a Happy and Healthy Life.

B. Relax Yourself in Various Ways.

C. Spend Your Free Time Wisely.

D. Interact With Others Outdoors.

What do you think of stress? Is it a good thing or a bad thing?
Most of the students think stress can do harm (伤害)   46  them in some ways. There’s a story about a teenager in a middle school. He even   47  his study because of the stress from school and family. We also usually   48  that someone turns to psychological doctors because of heavy working stress. There is no doubt (疑问) that some people think stress is a dangerous wolf.
On the other hand, other people argue that stress is not a bad thing. They   49  stress can produce momentum (动力）in the end. For them, right attitude and action can reduce (减少) stress and make it   50 . When I was a child, my mom always pushed me to study hard. She wished I could go to an ideal   51  for further education. I experienced stress for the first time. To a poor family, I deeply knew   52   was not easy for us, and everything my mom did to me was just to hope I could live a better life in the future.   53  the saying goes, “No pains, no gains.” So I did what my mom expected because I didn’t want to let her down. At last, I did measure up (达到标准）to my mom’s expectation and go to college   54 . Thanks to my mom’s push! Thanks to the stress! In this way, I don’t think stress is a bad thing.
Overall, stress is not a bad thing in   55 . The key is how we deal with it.