We may know that there are four basic periods for human beings to pass through when you enter and live in another country. This process(变化过程) helps you deal with culture shock(文化冲击).

    Culture shock begins with the "honeymoon period". This is the time when you first arrive in a place where everything about the new culture is strange and exciting. You see new things, hear new sounds and language, eat new kinds of food. This period can last for quite a long time because you feel very happy.

    Unluckily, the second period can be more difficult. After you have got used to your new life, you can become very tired and begin to miss your motherland, your family, your friends, your pets and so on. All the little problems in life seem to be much bigger and more worrying when you face them in a foreign country. This period can be very difficult and lead to moving backwards quickly.

    The third period is caIIed the "adjustment(调整) period". This is when you begin to realize that things are not so bad in the new country.  Your sense of humor usually becomes stronger and you realize you are becoming stronger by learning to take care of yourself in the new place. Things are still difficult, but you are now a survivor (善于求生者).

    The fourth period can be called "at ease at last". Now you feel quite comfortable in your new place. You can deal with most problems that you have. You may still have problems with language, but you know you are strong enough to deal with them. At this time, you may feel a little uncomfortable if you go back to your motherland.

Life as Chopsticks

    Right now, more and more people are digging into their food with  (二) sticks which are called chopsticks. Even people eating with knives and (餐叉) begin to love them.  What's so special about them? Because they have deep influence in many people's ways of life.

    Simplicity. There's  (几乎不) anything simpler than chopsticks. With new technology developing every day, there is  (仍然) something that has just one use--simply to eat.  Also the chopsticks don't (花费) much. In real life, we don't need to keep improving things all the time.

    Aim. When using chopsticks, you can not pick up everything in one go. Know what you want and just do it. Sometimes, a little bit of focus makes the difference (在……之间) failure and success.

    Practice. Using chopsticks doesn't come naturally. You have to learn to use them and practice it, Most would (同意) that there's no better way than to practice. In real life, you may have many things you want to do, but it will just be a (梦想) if you don't try doing it.

    Slowing down. A healthy way to eat is to eat with chopsticks. It slows you down and it  (允许) your stomach to tell your brain you are full before you overeat. In our life, we sometimes need slow down to have time to think, to realize that we're actually full and don't have to rush full (速度) through life.

    According Chinese history, sky lanterns (be) first used by Zhuge Kongming. He sent them out to ask for help when trouble. Today, sky lanterns (use) at festivals and other celebrations. They are made Bamboo and covered with paper.  the lanterns are lit, they  (slow) rise into the air like small hot-air  (Balloon) for all to see. They are (see) as bright symbols of  (happy) and good wishes.

How to Be the World's Best Guest

    Do you want to be a popular guest who gets invited back? Read our five top tips (建议) for being a good guest.

⑴If you are in a formal(正式) situation, dress smartly: a suit and tie for men, a long skirt and jacket for women.

⑵If you are going to stay in someone's house, don't arrive empty-handed. Bring a small present if you are staying for a short time, a bigger one for longer periods. Expensive chocolate works in most situations.

⑶To shake hands or to kiss? Wait to see what your host does.

⑷Always accept it when offered, whether it looks terrible or delicious. Try to eat all of it and say it tastes good. Most people are proud of their cooking even if they shouldn't be. Don't hurt their feelings.

⑸he most important tip for being a good guest is to know when to say goodbye. The secret is to leave while the host is still enjoying your company and wants you to stay longer.