There are several characteristics which distinguish plants from animals.Generally speaking, plants are able to manufacture their own food,by using substances in the environment through the processwhich is known as photosynthesis.They can grow very well if they have enough sunshine, rainfall and fertilizer.In contrast,all animals,including man,get their food either directly from the plantsor indirectly by eating animals which feed on plants or other animals.Animals,therefore, need a wider range of food than plants.Plants are stationary.They do not have the power to move.Animals,on the other hand,can usually move about.Consequently,plants appear to be less sensitive than animalsalthough they respond in some ways to light, heat, physical contact and other stimuli.Plants are usually green.Animals,however,are very diverse in external appearance.They may appear in any color you can think of. 有许多特征可将植物和动物区分开来。一般来说，植物可以自己生成它们的食物。它们可以用环境中的物质来实现这一点，这就是光合作用。它们便能茁壮成长，如果有充足的阳光，雨水和肥料。相比之下，动物，包括人在内，要么直接从植物那里获取植物，要么间接地从一植物或其他动物为生的动物那里获取食物，因此，动物比植物更需要更广泛的食物。植物是静止的，它们没有移动能力，而动物却可以四处移动。而动物却可以四处移动。因此，它们没有动物那么敏感，虽然植物也以某种方式对光，热，接触及其他刺激作出反应。植物一般为绿色。而动物的外表色泽则五花八门。它们可以是你能想象的任何颜色。 第二篇 How Do People Treat Animals?如何对待动物
Many people now keep animals as pets.Some people have cats and dogs in their houses.Other people like fish,caged birds, tortoises and even snakes, monkeys or lions.Millions of dollars and much time are spent every year on pet food,equipment, taming and medical treatment.Of course,there are some people who do not look after their pets properly or are even cruel to them.For this reason a royal society was created in 1824 in Britain to prevent cruel treatment of animals.In contrast to the love of pets is the factthat blood sports still exist in most countries.People hunt foxes, elephants,pandas, ducks rabbits, pheasants pheasants and other animals,not because they need the meat to eat,but just for pleasure.In some countries, blood sports like bull-fighting and cock-fighting are commonand hunting rare animals for commercial purposehas brought about an even more serious problem in the protection of the ecosystem.It is strange that people love certain animals,but enjoy cruelly killing others. 如今,许多人把动物当作宠物来养。一些人在家里养猫养狗。另一些人喜欢养鱼，鸟，乌龟，甚至蛇，猴子还有狮子。每年上百万美元的金钱和大量的时间花在养宠物所需的食物，设施，驯养以及医疗保健上。当然有些人并不善待动物，甚至虐待它们。为此，1824年英国成立了皇家动物保护协会，防止人们虐待动物。与人们对宠物的热爱相反，血腥的运动仍然存在于大多数国家。人们捕猎狐狸，大象，熊猫，野鸭，野兔和其他动物，并不是因为要吃肉，而是为了寻开心。在有些国家，斗牛，斗鸡等血腥运动还非常普遍，而捕猎珍惜动物以获取商业利益更是带来了非常严峻的问题,在生态系统的保护方面。奇怪的是人们喜爱有些动物，却又乐于以残酷的方式残杀另一些动物。 第三篇 Plants植物
Plants are very important living things.Life could not go on if there were no plants.This is because plants can make food from air, water and sunlight.Animals and man cannot make food from air,water and sunlight.Animals get their food by eating plants and other animals.Man gets his food by eating plants and animals,too.Therefore,animals and man need plants in order to live.If you look carefully at the plants around you,you will find that there are many types of plants.Some plants are large while others are small. Most plants are green.Plants,like all living things, need air,water and sunlight.Plants do not grow well when they are close together.They need room to spread their roots to get waterand to spread their leaves to get sunlight.But air,water and sunlight are not enough.Plants need also a certain amount of warmth.Plants will grow almost anywherethere is plenty of air,water, sunlight and warmth. 植物是非常重要的生物。如果没有植物,生命也就无法维持下去了。因为植物可以利用空气水和阳光制造养料，而动物和人却不能利用空气,水和阳光制造食物。动物的食物来源于植物和其他动物。人也是以植物和动物为食的。因此，动物和人需要植物来维持生命。如果仔细观察周围的植物，你就会发现它们种类繁多，有大有小，多数是绿色的。植物，像所有的生物一样，需要空气，水和阳光当它们聚集在一起的时候，就长不好。植物需要空间，使根能够伸展出摄取水分使之也能够伸展开吸收阳光。但是只有空气，水和阳光还不够。植物还需要一定的温度。植物几乎可以在任何地方生长，只要有充足的空气，水，阳光和温度。 第四篇 University Town大学城
When we say that Cambridge is a university townwe do not mean that it is a town with university in it.A university town is one where there is no clear separationbetween the university buildings and the rest of the city.The university is not just one part of the town;it is all over the town.The heart of Cambridge has its shops, restaurants, marketplace and so on,but most of it is university—college,libraries,clubs and other places for university staff and students.The town was there first.Cambridge became a center of learning in the thirteenth century.Many students were too poor to afford lodging.Colleges were opened so that students could live cheaply.This was the beginning of the present-day college system.Today there are nearly thirty colleges.Very few students can now live in collegefor the whole of their four years; the numbers are too great.Many of them live in lodgings at firstand move into college for their final year.But every student is a member of his college from the beginning.He must eat a number of meals in the college hall each week.Students are not allowed to keep cars in Cambridge,so nearly all ride bicycles.Don't try to drive through Cambridge during the five minutes between lectures,as you will find crowds of people on bicycles hurrying in all directions.If you are in Cambridge at five minutes to the hour any morning of the term,you'll know that you are in a university town.Stop in some safe place and wait. 当我们谈到剑桥是座大学城时，这并不是说剑桥是座拥有大学的城市。大学城是指没有一个明显的隔离带在大学的建筑物与其他城市部分之间。大学不只是城市的一个组成部分，而是遍及城市的各个角落。剑桥市中心有商店，饭店，超市等，但是大学占据了城市的大部分地区——学院，图书馆，俱乐部,以及供大学师生生活学习的地方。剑桥起初是座城市。后来在13世纪成为学习中心。当时学生都很贫穷，付不起住宿费。于是便创办了学院，这样可为学生提供便宜的住宿。这就是如今学院体制的开始。现在,剑桥大学内大约有30个学院。只有少数学生能住在学院内在完成整个学业的过程中。许多学生最初住在校外直到学业的最后一年才会搬到学院内。每个学生从一开始就是这个学院的一个成员，每周都必须在学生食堂内吃上好几顿餐饭。在剑桥学生不允许有汽车，因此几乎所有的学生都使用自行车。千万不要驾车驶过剑桥这座城市在课间五分钟里。因为你会看到去自行车的人流朝着不同的方向急速地穿行。如果你每天早晨课前五分钟在剑桥行使的话，你就会发现你是在一所大学城内穿行，等一会儿再走。 第五篇 The Smallest State in America美国最小的州
Rhode Island may be the smallest state in America,but it has an exciting history.A colonist named Roger Williamsstarted the first permanent settlement there in 1636.Like other early Americans,he had come to America to seek religious freedom.But Williams could not practice his religion in Massachusetts,so he left and started a settlement he called ProvidenceWilliams and his fellowsacquired land from the American Indians in the areas,and the colony grew rapidly.The city Williams founded,Providence,is now the capital of Rhode Island and the state's largest city.When Williams lived there,Providence was a farming town.During the 18th century,it was a well-known shipping center.Today the city has a busy port and many different industriesIt is also the home of Brown University, one of the nation's oldest colleges.Rhode Island is a popular vacation area for Americans,particularly New Englanders.One well-known summer resort is Newport.Newport is famous for its beaches and mansions.Many wealthy fami- lies built summer homes in Newport in the 19th century.Visitors today to Newport can tour many of these elegant mansionsand can enjoy the beach and many water activities.Another very popular vacation spot in Rhode Island is Block Island.The Island,about nine miles south of the mainland,is famous for its beautiful scenery and excellent fishing. 罗德岛也许是美国最小的州,但它有一段很有意思的历史。一个叫罗杰.威廉斯的殖民开拓者于1636年在这里建立了第一个永久性殖民地。同其他早期移民一样,他踏上美国是为了寻求宗教自由。然而他无法在马萨诸塞州从事宗教活动,只得离开那里,建立了一个他命名为普罗威登斯的殖民地。威廉斯和他的追随者从当地的美洲印第安人手中获得了土地,致使殖民地迅速发展起来。威廉斯创建的普罗威登斯城如今是罗德岛的首府,也是该州最大的城市。而威廉斯在世时,普罗威登斯还是一座以农业为主的小镇18世纪时,它逐渐发展成为闻名遐迩的航运中心。今天,此城拥有一座繁忙的港口和诸多工业。它还是美国最古老的高等学府之一的布朗大学的所在地。罗德岛还是美国人最爱的度假之地,尤其对新英格兰人来说更是如此。那里的新港是颇负盛名的避暑胜地。以其沙滩和富丽堂皇的别墅而着称。19世纪时,许多人钱人在新港建造了不少夏季别墅。如今去新港度假的人可以参观这些富丽堂皇的别墅，并享受着那里的沙滩和各种各样的水上运动。罗德岛另一个十分着名的度假点是布洛克岛。这座岛屿位于美国大陆以南九公里处，以美丽如画的风景和繁荣的渔业而享誉美国。 第六篇 Valentine's Day情人节
Valentine's Day is named for Saint Valentine,an early Christian churchman who reportedly helped young lovers.Valentine was executed for his Christian beliefson February 14 more than 1700 years ago,but the day that has his name is even earlier than that.More than 2000 years ago,the ancient Romans celebrated a holiday for lovers.As part of the celebration,girls wrote their names on pieces of paper and put them in a large containerBoys reached into the container and pulled one out.The girl whose name was written on the paperbecame his lover of sweetheart for a year.Lovers still put their names on pieces of paperand send each other Valentine's Day cards that tell of their love.Sometimes they send gifts,like flowers or chocolate candy.Americans usually send these gifts and cards through the mail system.But some use another way to send this message.They have it printed in a newspaper.The cost is usually a few dollars.Some of these messages are simple and short:Jane,I love you very much.Peter.Others say more.This one for example:"Dan Roses are red, violets are blue.I hope you love me as much as I love you.Forever,Mary."Most of the news- papers that print such messages are local,but one,USA Today,is sold throughout the United States and 90 other countries as well.This means someone can send a Valentine messages to a loverin far away city or town almost anywhere in the world.These massages cost$80 and more.An employee of the USA Todaysays readers can have a small heart or roseprinted along with their messages nowadays.Will this kind of Valentine's Day message reach the one you love?Well,just make sure he or she reads the newspaper. 瓦伦丁节(情人节)是为纪念圣.瓦伦丁而命名的。瓦伦丁是早期的一位基督教教士,传说曾经帮助过年轻的情侣们。瓦伦丁因信仰基督教被处死，于1700多年前的2月14日。但是情人节在他处死之前就以他的名字命名了。两千多年前,古罗马人为情侣们规定了一个节日。那天有一个活动是，姑娘们把她们的名字写在纸片上,然后放在一个大匣子里。小伙子从匣子里摸出一张纸片，名字写在那张纸上的姑娘，在一年内就是他的情人。情人们至今仍将他们的名字写在纸片上，还相互寄送表达爱情的情人节卡片。有时还寄赠礼物,如鲜花和巧克力糖片。美国人通过邮政系统寄送这些礼物和卡片，但有些人也用另一种方式传达他们的爱意。他们把表达爱意的词句登在报纸上,费用只需几美元。有些词语很简短,如:简,我非常爱你。彼得。有些则说得多些.例如:"丹,玫瑰是红的,紫罗兰是蓝的,但愿你爱我像我爱你一样.永远爱你的玛丽。"登载这些爱情寄语的大多是当地报纸，但是一份叫<今日美国>的报纸在美国各地及其他90个国家发行。这意味着人们可以在情人节将爱情寄语传到情人那里，传到世界上任何一个遥远城镇。而费用需要80美元或更多。今日美国的一个雇员说,现在读者可以把一个小小的红心和玫瑰，印在爱情寄语旁。你所钟爱的人能收到这样的爱情寄语吗?噢，你得肯定他或她是看这份报纸的。第七篇 New Year新年
Every country in the world celebrates the New Yearbut not everyone does it the same way.The countries of the America and Europe welcome the New Year on January first.This practice began with the Romans. Julius Caesar,a Roman ruler,changed the date of the New Yearfrom the first day of March to the first day of January.In the Middle East, the New Year is when spring begins.People in China celebrate it on Spring Festival,which is the first day of their calendar based on the moon.The Spring Festival usually comes between January 21 and February 19.Rosh Hashana,which is the Jewish New Year,comes at the end of summer.The Hindus in India celebrate the first day of each season,so they have four New Years.In all of these cultures, there is a practice of making noise.People made noise in ancient timesto drive away the evil spirits from the home.Many people did it and still do it with fireworks.In Japan,people go from house to house making noise with drums and bamboo sticks.Young people in Denmarkthrow broken pieces of jars or pots against the sides of friends' houses.In the United States many people stay up until midnight on New Year's Eveto watch the clock pass from one year to the next.Friends often gather together at a party on New Year's Eve,and when the New Year comes,all ring bells,blow horns and whistles, sing and kiss each other. 世界上每个国家都欢度新年，但是形式各不相同。欧美国家是在每年的 1月1日喜迎新年，这一习俗始于罗马人.罗马统治者儒略凯撒将新年的日期由原来的3月1日改为 1月1日。在中东地区,新年是在春天到来之际。中国人是在春节欢度新年，即阴历年的第一天。春节通常是在1月21日和2月19日之间来临。岁首节,即犹太人的新年,是在每年夏季末。印度人庆祝每一个季度的第一天，因此他们又四个新年。在这些不同文化背景中都有一个制造声响的习俗。人们在古时发出声响目的是将恶魔赶出家门许多人过去用,现在仍然用放鞭炮的方式来驱赶恶魔。在日本，人们走街串巷,用击鼓即敲竹的方式制造声响丹麦的年轻人，则用朝朋友家投掷瓮坛瓦罐碎片的方式发出各种声响。在美国,许多人熬到午夜，等待新年钟声的到来。朋友们经常在除夕夜聚集在一起，当新年到来时，人们敲钟鸣号，吹口哨，唱歌，接吻拥抱。 第八篇 Partying with Foreigners参加外国人的派对
Partying is fun.But have you ever been invited to a party by a foreigner?What should you wear?Should you bring anything?If so,what?Don't worry.Today we are going to give you some tips about partying with foreigners.First,you should ask if it is a formal or casual party.Then you will know what to wear.It's as simple as that.At a casual party, it is customary to bring a bottle of wine or some other refreshment.It is not considered polite to bring someone along with you unless you first ask your host.At more formal parties like birthdays,a small gift will be sufficient.Giving money would cause some embarrassment.Finally,never overstay your welcome.When it's getting late,it's time to thank you host for a wonderful evening and say good night. 参加派对很有趣。可是，你曾被老外邀请去参加派对吗?你该穿什么样的衣服？你该带什么东西去吗？如果要带的话,带什么？别担心。今天我们要给你一些提示，让你知道参加老外的派对时该怎么做。首先，你得问清楚这是个正式的还是非正式的派对。那么你就知道该穿什么样的服装了。就是那么简单。若是非正式的派对，习惯上是要带瓶酒或其他点心。带某些未经邀请的人参加是不礼貌的，除非事先问过主人。若是比较正式的派对，如生日派对等，送个小礼物就够了，送钱会令人尴尬。最后要注意的是，千万别逗留过久而生厌。时候不早时，你就该向主人致谢并告诉你度过了一个美好的夜晚，然后说声晚安道别。 第九篇 The First Ball Games最早的球类运动
The first interesting thing for sports use was the ball.In ancient Egypt, as in everywhere,throwing stones was a favorite children's game.But a stone could hurt a child.Looking for something less dangerous to throw,the people in Egypt made,perhaps,the first balls.At first,balls were made of grass or leaves held togetherLater they made balls with animals' skin.They put the pieces of animals' skin together with threadand put in some birds' feathers or grass.This kind of ball was soft and not heavy.Everyone liked to play with it.Although the people in Egypt liked fighting and wars,they tried to save time for sports games.Before long they could play a lot of new ball games,each with its own rules.Perhaps they thoughtthe games were useful to help the young men run faster in wars. 球是最早的有意思的体育用具。在古埃及，和其他地方一样，丢石块是孩子们最喜欢的游戏。但是石块会伤到孩子。为了找到可以降低危险的玩具，埃及人做出了第一个球起初，人们把草或树叶塞紧做成了球。后来,他们用动物皮做球，他们用线把动物皮缝起来，再把鸟的羽毛或草塞进去。这种球又软又轻，人人都爱玩。尽管埃及人喜欢打架，征战，但还是找时间参与体育游戏。不久他们能够玩很多新鲜的球类游戏，各个游戏有自己的规则。或许他们认为这些游戏能使他们在战场上跑得更快。 第十篇 Fires Long Ago第一束火