A: What's that? It looks strange.

B: It's an old machine.

A: What  it used?

B: It   for getting water from a river or a lake.

A: How did it work?

B: Usually two people stood on it. They pushed the pedals(踏板)down hard with their feet. Thencould brought up.

A: What  it made ?

B: I think it  wood. It canhardly seen in China now.

— I like ____.

When people talk to each other, write letters or make phone calls, words of the spoken form or the written form can send any messages they want to pass on.

But besides words, do you know any other ways you can use to communicate with people? Rich expressions on your face can be one of them. A smile on your face shows that you are happy. Tears in your eyes tell others that you are sad or excited. Body languages can do the same job. When you put your hand up in class, the teacher knows that you want to say something or you may have some questions to ask. You shake your head from side to side and people know you are saying "no" or disagree to others' requirements. When you nod, people will understand that you are saying "yes" or agree to others' opinions or suggestions.

Other forms can also carry different messages. For example, a sign at the bus stop gives passengers instructions on which bus to take. Sound from the school bell tells the students and the teachers when to begin or end a class. Music and films also convey the feelings and ideas of the musicians and the directors. So next time when you see a piece of art or listen to some music, take it as communication with its creator and try to get the meaning behind it.

Eye contact

Eye contact means looking into another person's eyes. This is a very important part of body language. It can be the key to communication. Eye contact can show feelings such as friendliness, interest and understanding.

In Western countries, using eye contact in conversations is very important. If you do not use eye contact, Westerners may think that you are not listening. And if you look away, they may also think that you are lying.

However, in many Asian countries, looking down when talking with an older person, like a teacher or a parent, is polite. These differences can cause problems. For example, an Asian person might look down while listening to a Western speaker. The Western speaker might think this person is not interested in what he or she is saying.

Not using eye contact can cause problems, but using too much is not polite either. In many countries, watching other people, especially strangers, for a long time is impolite. This may make them feel nervous.