Helping others егэ

Speaker A

You may have heard all kinds of negative stuff — again! — about this summer’s job market. It’s true that jobs for teens can be tough to find. But they are out there. So go for it. The more jobs you apply for, the better you’ll get at interviewing. Learning how to come across well in an interview is a skill you’ll use forever. It helps with everything from getting into college to landing a full-time job when the time comes. You might discover a new skill or interest you never knew you had.

Speaker B

Volunteering is an opportunity to change lives, including your own. If you’re feeling frustrated or overwhelmed by the news of a disaster, volunteering to help can be a great way to cope. If you’d like to support a cause but can’t afford to donate money, you can donate your time instead. Helping others in need is such an important part of the modern way of life that many high schools require their students to spend a certain number of hours volunteering in order to graduate.

Speaker C

Once you’ve found something that inspires you, decide how much time you want to spend. Local organizations (like hospitals or shelters) often like volunteers to give them a set amount of time every week or two. But what if school, sports, or other commitments prevent you from devoting time every week? Many large organizations (especially those related to the environment or finding cures for diseases) have day-long activities. These include walkathons, bike rides, cleanup days, or building homes for those in need.

Speaker D

Unlike school, with volunteering you get to pick what really interests you and who (or what) is most deserving of your time. Need some ideas to get you started? Become a Big Brother or Big Sister, camp counselor, or volunteer for an after-school sports program. Special Olympics games and events are great ways to get to know special-needs kids. Serve Thanksgiving dinner to the homeless, volunteer at your local food bank, or distribute toys to kids. Your church, temple, mosque, or other place of worship also may be able to use your help.

Speaker E

Donating your time is a great way to feel like you have the power to change things for the better. You can feel proud of the goals that you’ve achieved for an organization. Volunteering is also a great way to get a perspective on your own life. Sometimes it’s easy to get consumed by worries about your grades or the fight you had with your friend or parent. Finally, volunteering can help save you from being bored — it gives you a place to be where you can have a good time and keep busy.

Speaker F

Volunteering is a great way to learn new skills — from working as part of a team to setting and reaching goals. It gives you a chance to discover what kinds of things you’re best at and enjoy the most. A volunteer job that you love can even help shape your ideas about your career goals. And it can help you develop a new understanding of people who are different from you — people with disabilities, people in financial distress, sick kids, or the elderly.

Speaker A

When you settle down to do homework or to study, where do you do it? Parked in front of the TV? In the kitchen, with the sound of dishes being cleared and your brothers and sisters fighting? The kitchen table was OK when you were younger and homework didn’t require as much concentration. But now you’ll do best if you can find a place to get away from noise and distractions, like a bedroom or study. At the same time, you should avoid studying on your bed.

Speaker B

It’s tempting to start with the easy stuff to get it out of the way. But you have the most energy and focus when you begin. Use this mental power on the subjects that are most challenging. Later, when you’re more tired, you can focus on the simpler things. If you get stuck, try to figure out the problem as best you can — but don’t spend too much time on it because this can mess up your homework schedule for the rest of the night.

Speaker C

Even when you pay attention in class, study for tests, and do your homework, some subjects seem too hard. You may hope that things will get easier, but most of the time that doesn’t happen. What does happen for many people is that they work harder and harder as they fall further and further behind. There’s nothing embarrassing about asking for help. No one understands everything. Some teachers will work with students before or after school to explain things more clearly.

Speaker D

Sometimes it can be useful to go over things with people who are studying for the same purposes, for example, for the test. You can make sure that your notes are correct and that you understand the subject. Study groups are also helpful because you can work together to come up with ways to remember concepts and then test one another. For some people who are easily distracted, though, study groups spell disaster because they get off the topic.

Speaker E

When trying to memorize dates, names, or other factual information, I usually keep in mind that it usually takes a number of tries to remember something correctly. That’s one reason why it’s a good idea to start studying well in advance of a test. I always use special memory triggers that the teacher may have suggested or ones that I invent myself.. In the case of math or science problems or equations, I do some practice problems. It is necessary to pay attention to anything the teacher seemed to stress in class.

Speaker F

Note-taking is a skill that helps me do well on all my schoolwork — everything from taking tests to researching a paper. If I have a teacher who writes notes on the board, that’s a bonus. I can copy them down. If not, I usually write down the most important points from class. Does your history teacher mention the date of a key Civil War battle? Does your English teacher give examples of Shakespeare’s use of dramatic irony? Does your math teacher go over a particular formula? So I write down them all!

Speaker A

Whatever sport you choose, don’t rely on a friend for instruction. You wouldn’t let an amateur perform brain surgery on you; why let one teach you to ski or skate? That’s what instructors are for — to help newcomers start out right. Instructors can give you advice about equipment, techniques, safety, and dealing with injuries if they do happen to you. It’s tempting for an eager athlete to advance too quickly through learning the ropes. Resist the temptation. If you want to progress, invest your time in learning the basics thoroughly.

Speaker B

Winter is a great time to experiment with new sports. The trick is to find one that matches your interests and natural abilities. Alpine or downhill skiing isn’t as hard as it used to be — shorter, lightweight, curved skis make any beginner feel like an Olympian. Consider testing the latest high-tech skis or snowboards. Check with your local sports shop or the rental places at ski mountains about demo programs. You could also try sledding. Or, if you prefer ice to snow, think hockey or figure skating.

Speaker C

Play safely by figuring out what special equipment and safety gear you’ll need. Planning an afternoon of snowshoeing or cross-country skiing? Pack water, snacks, fruit, and extra socks. If you’re going out for a long time, keep your water bottle insulated from the cold so it doesn’t freeze. Regardless of how you get down a snow-covered slope, always watch for obstacles such as rocks, tree branches, and other people. Don’t head out onto the slopes or into remote country areas alone.

Speaker D

Snowboarding was invented in the 1960s and started out as snurfing. A fellow named Sherman Poppen, an engineer living in Muskegon, Michigan, strapped two skis together and added some rope for steering. His wife called it a snurfer, or snow surfing.1 Until the early 1980s, snowboarding was banned at resorts. Traditionally, snowboarding was considered to be dangerous and a teenage fad. In 1983, the Mountain Resort in Vermont opened its slopes up to snowboarding. Far from being a fringe sport now, snowboarding was officially accepted into the Olympic Winter Games in 1998.

Speaker E

Chilly, snowy days are calling all of us outdoors. Is there fluffy snow? Check. Are you wearing a snow suit? Check. That’s all the gear kids of any age need to lie down and create a snow angel just like they would do a jumping jack. Make this simple activity extra fun by using materials to decorate your angel, such as food coloring to draw on a face, and old clothes and accessories to dress it up. It is really a fun winter activity for children of all ages.

Speaker F

It is so wonderful to have a ball battling with your friends in a snowball fight. By joining in the fun, teenagers can help little ones while also supervising to make sure it doesn’t turn into bullying. It is necessary to avoid injuries by making sure the snow isn’t too icy. Snow on super-cold days will be too light and airy to form a ball. Lie down on the snow for a few minutes to heat some up and then try to pack that warmer snow into a ball.

Speaker A

Maisie spilled soda on her friend’s borrowed dress. Aiden tweeted a photo when Jane tripped over his bag and landed in her lap. Susan dropped her mom’s favorite plate — then responded by yelling at her mom because she was so upset at her mistake. We all mess up. We’re human, and it’s not always easy to get along with everyone all the time. Sometimes we hurt people’s feelings without intending to. Sometimes, we’re deliberately mean and we feel bad afterward. So we apologize.

Speaker B

Apologies are one of the tools we use to build good friendships and relationships. When you say “I’m sorry” (and really mean it), it’s because you probably feel bad that something you did or said hurt another person. Saying you’re sorry is more than just words. You’re also saying that you respect the other person and you care about his or her feelings. Apologizing shows you have empathy. After apologizing, you might feel a little better. The other person probably will, too.

Speaker C

If someone is upset because of something you did, you’ll want to set things right. Here are some times when an apology can make the difference: If you hurt someone, even if you didn’t mean it. If you lose or break something that belonged to someone else. If you did something you knew was wrong — like telling a lie or breaking a rule on purpose. If you didn’t do something you were supposed to do — like keeping a promise. Everyone needs to apologize when they do something wrong.

Speaker D

The British are famous for how frequently they say ‘sorry’ — even when they’re not at fault. It is probably the most over-used word in the United Kingdom. A recent survey of more than 1,000 British people found that that the average person says ‘sorry’ around eight times per day — and that one in eight people apologize up to 20 times a day. British society values that its members show respect without imposing on someone else’s personal space, and without drawing attention to oneself.

Speaker E

Apologizing is the most effective way to restore trust and balance in a relationship. Why do some people still refuse to apologize? First, apologies take courage. When you admit that you were wrong, it puts you in a vulnerable position, which can open you up to attack or blame. Some people struggle to show this courage. Or, people may be following the advice “never apologize, never explain”. It’s up to them if they want to be arrogant, but, if they do, they should not expect to be seen as wise people.

Speaker F

We all make mistakes. We can’t avoid it, and sometimes these mistakes hurt the others. Then comes the time to apologize. A correct apology can repair the damage and strengthen the emotional bond between two people. When we apologize we say to the other that we feel deeply what we have done and want to repair the damage and make him feel better. The best way to apologize is to do it with few words, without offering explanations that might call into question the sincerity.

Speaker A

Exercising causes the body to make chemicals that can help a person to feel good. Exercise can help people sleep better. It can also help some people who have mild depression and low self-esteem. Plus, exercise can give people a real sense of accomplishment and pride at having achieved a certain goal — like beating an old time in the 100-meter dash. In fact, exercise can help keep your body at a healthy weight. Exercising regularly decreases a person’s risk of developing certain diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Speaker B

Like other muscles, the heart enjoys a good workout. Aerobic exercise is any type of exercise that gets the heart pumping and gets you breathing harder. When you give your heart and lungs this kind of workout regularly, they get stronger and are better at getting oxygen to all parts of your body. If you play team sports, you’re probably getting at least 60 minutes or more of moderate to vigorous activity on practice days. Some team sports that give you a great aerobic workout are basketball, hockey, and rowing.

Speaker C

The heart isn’t the only muscle to benefit from regular exercise. The other muscles in your body enjoy exercise too. When you use your muscles, they become stronger. Strong muscles are also a plus because they support your joints and help prevent injuries. Muscle also use more energy than fat does, so building your muscles will help you burn more calories and maintain a healthy weight. You don’t have to lift weights to make your muscles and bones stronger. Different types of exercise strengthen different muscle groups.

Speaker D

Exercise can help the body stay flexible, meaning that your muscles and joints stretch and bend easily. Being flexible may also help improve a person’s sports performance. Some activities, like dance or martial arts, require great flexibility. But increased flexibility also can help people perform better at other sports. Sports and activities that encourage flexibility are easy to find. Martial arts like karate, ballet, gymnastics, and yoga are good choices. Stretching after your workout will also help you improve your flexibility.

Speaker E

One of the biggest reasons people drop an exercise program is lack of interest. If what you’re doing isn’t fun, it’s hard to keep it up. The good news is there are different sports and activities to try to see which one inspires you. When picking the right type of exercise, it can help to consider your workout personality. School sports, intramural leagues, club teams, and pick-up games are great ways to stay active with others. You’ll also want to think about how much time you can set aside for your sport.

Speaker F

Obviously, you can draw on your coach’s expertise to improve how you play, how you psych yourself up before a game, or how you deal with a big loss or setback. Not only have coaches dealt with lots of players and seen which techniques work and which don’t, but many of them have played the sport themselves and can share their personal experiences. Your coach also can help you play your best and push your limits without injury. Besides, many coaches have completed courses in athletic health care.

Speaker A

You don’t have to wear special clothing to enjoy the sport of biking. But the right clothing can increase your comfort and fun not to mention your cool factor. It can also improve your performance if you really get into spending time with road or off -road biking. It is better to wear brightcolored clothes which help people to see you — even in the daytime. Avoid wearing dark colors like black or brown bike riding, especially if it is getting dark outside. Besides, you should wear lightweight clothes to avoid becoming overheated.

Speaker B

It is necessary to wear shoes that grip the pedals. Cleats, shoes with heels, or fl ip-flops can easily slip off the pedals. And it goes without saying, don’t ride barefoot — ouch! Really serious cyclists can buy biking shoes that are specifically made to hook into certain pedals. But if you’re not into all the gear, good sneakers work just fine. Tuck away laces that could catch while you are riding.

Speaker C

If you value your life you cannot ride a bike without a helmet. That’s why in many countries, wearing a helmet is the law. Many bike accidents involve an injury to the head, and a crash could mean permanent brain damage or death for a person who doesn’t wear one while riding. Today’s helmets are very lightweight and comfortable. Look for a helmet that is well ventilated and fits snugly on your head without moving around. Even the best, most expensive helmet won’t protect you if it doesn’t fit.

Speaker D

Riding on the road? Never change direction or change lanes without first looking behind you and using the correct hand signals. That way everyone knows where you’re going. Use your left arm for all hand signals. To indicate you’re making a left turn, hold your arm straight out to the left; to indicate a right turn, bend your elbow, holding your arm up in an “L” shape; and before you stop, bend your elbow, pointing your arm downward in an upside down “L” shape.

Speaker E

If you can, keep your bike indoors, especially on rainy days. This will help to keep your chain rust free. You’ll also want to check your tire air pressure (the correct pressure is on the sidewall of the tire), the brakes, and the chain (for grease and tightness) on a regular basis. Biking is a fun way to get exercise and a great way to get around. Observing these simple precautions will keep your ride smooth and your trails happy.

Speaker F

Take this dream for a spin: The sun is shining, there’s not a cloud in the sky, and your crush just called to ask if you want to go on a bike ride. You dust off your brother’s old bike and picture yourself on a hillside adrenaline rush. OK, hit “pause” for a second and get practical. Want to enjoy the ride without making your crush call 911 because of some heavy bloodshed? So follow safety tips to really enjoy your ride.

Speaker A

Bike riding is a lot of fun, but accidents often happen. The safest way to use your bike is for transportation, not play. Every year, about 300,000 kids go to the emergency department because of bike injuries, and at least 10,000 kids have injuries that require a few days in the hospital. A head injury can mean brain injury. That’s why it’s so important to wear your bike helmet. Wearing one doesn’t mean you can be reckless, but a helmet will provide some protection for your face, head, and brain in case you fall down.

Speaker B

Maybe you love them and want to pet every one you see. Or maybe you’re afraid of them and want to move to a dog-free neighborhood. Either way, dogs are a part of life. They come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities — a lot like kids! Like many kinds of pets dogs need to be respected as animals that, under certain conditions, could hurt you. You can respect a dog by giving it space and following certain rules. These rules not only keep the dog happier, they can protect you from getting bitten.

Speaker C

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is at a professional display. Some people light sparklers at home or even set off their own fireworks, but this is dangerous. Some of the people hurt each year aren’t the ones setting off the fireworks, but people who are nearby. It’s best to stay away from areas where nonprofessionals are setting off fireworks. Fireworks can cause serious eye injuries, including blindness, if the eye tissue gets damaged or torn. Other common injuries from fireworks include burns to the hands and face, which can leave scars.

Speaker D

Some rules don’t have anything to do with scoring points or penalties. Some rules are just about protecting other people and being courteous. For instance, in baseball or softball, the batter can’t fling the bat after hitting the ball and heading for first base. He or she must drop it so that it doesn’t hit anyone. Listening to your coach during a game also can help keep you safe. It’s also good to just be courteous, like telling someone his or her shoe is untied. Check your shoes, too!

Speaker E

Some people get a sunburn faster than others because of their coloring. If you have blond or red hair, light-colored skin, and light-colored eyes, you’ll tend to get a sunburn more quickly than someone with dark eyes and skin. Even if you have dark hair, dark eyes, or darker-toned skin, you can still get a sunburn. It will just take a little bit longer. Sunburns look bad and feel worse. They can cause blisters on your skin. They can keep you inside feeling sore. They increase your chance of getting wrinkly when you get older.

Speaker F

If you’re out in the hot sun or you’re exercising on a hot day, it’s easy to get heat exhaustion. A person may just collapse when playing soccer or tennis, for example. It can leave someone feeling really tired after it happens. Heat stroke is a more serious heat-related illness and can cause someone to stop sweating; to have red, hot skin; and to have a high temperature. The person might become uncoordinated, confused, or even lose consciousness. It requires emergency medical attention.

Speaker A

Facebook, Twitter, blogs, chat and so forth are part of my everyday online sources of interaction. And every day I try to communicate with my friends online but sometimes they hear a different message from the one I’m putting across. It’s easy to make mistakes of communication in the online environment where our connection is down wires rather than faceto- face. It’s important to maintain the kind regards you have towards your real-life friends online by making sure that you’re actually saying what you mean to say, effectively.

Speaker B

Writing updates, posts and statuses can sometimes cause disagreement between the communicants. Unless I have a huge fanbase and I’m trying to sell something I limit my updates to one a day or even less. Someone who updates multiple times a day gives the image of being bored, lonely, depressed or selfish. A well thought out status every once in a while gives the image of a wise, insightful person who has a fulfilling life offline.

Speaker C

Usually everything I say is asking for a response as well as everything my friends say is looking for a response, verbal and non-verbal. When you read someone’s status ask yourself: What is this person asking of me? Of course, it isn’t always clear what the person wants. One way to figure it out is to put yourself in their shoes, figure out what you know of their situation, and decide what you’d like in the same situation. Another way is to send a private message or show your interest.

Speaker D

If I went on a fabulous vacation, my first instinct may be to share every glorious detail, which can be interesting to some people. Sometimes if I really want to make my friends less envious and express my positive attitude, I tag them in specific photos and tell them I thought about them when I was there. So, if you did something adventurous, go crazy and show as many photos as you want — just add captions. I think, people love living dangerously through you in the comfort of being behind their computer screen.

Speaker E

If there is a particular person that makes my blood boil whenever I read his or her posts, I have three choices: block them, ignore them or ask myself what they might be needing by writing this post. Although you might want to avoid commenting on their posts, your attitude may change. If you’re not descriptive enough to express your tone with choice of vocabulary alone, you can use emoticons. Don’t overdo it. For some people, too many emoticons is a sign of immaturity. Less is more.

Speaker F

I think life gets busy on both sides. One thing that really helps is not looking at it as e-mailing, Facebooking, Skyping, or calling when you have some free time. Schedule the person in, no matter how you are going to communicate, as if you were going out with that person for dinner, catching up for coffee, or going to their house. You have to treat them as you would if you were getting together in person. That time is their time and you can really give yourself to them.

Speaker A

Camping is made up of many spontaneous adventures. Activities available vary from campground to campground. More common activities include swimming in a pool or a lake, playing sports or games, sitting around the campfire, hiking, walks, bike rides, fishing, reading, relaxing, etc. When you go camping you have a ton of freedom, there isn’t much that you can’t do when you go camping. It is like a vacation, you can do whatever you want, when you want to do it. It is a great stress reliever and a great way to bond with your family.

Speaker B

The cost can be various because of the style of camping, its location and the period of time you are planning to spend. Campsites can be very cheap or extremely costly depending on their location, popularity and facilities available. The other major expense will be food and drink — cooking your own food every night will be considerably cheaper than dining out. Camp sites range in price from free to usually something less than $30 per night.

Speaker C

Camping can require varied gear depending on where you are camping and for how long. Things that you need in a camping trip: A sleeping bag, tent, bug spray, towels, money (maybe), coat, a book, pillow, sunscreen, flashlight, antiperspirant, batteries, sunglasses and so on. As for suitable clothes, it is better to wear long socks or tall hiking boots, hiking shoes or boots when walking through brush or grassy areas. A long sleeve shirt and a hat will be also suitable.

Speaker D

Making dinner while camping is absolutely nothing like cooking dinner in your home kitchen. At home, you may have the pleasures of a full oven, a blender and a stand up mixer. While camping sometimes all you have is a campfire. Sometimes you can’t have any flames at all! Find out before you go, the fire laws in the area you will be camping. I’ve camped in areas where there is a major drought happening, only to be told last minute we can’t have campfires or open flames of any kind.

Speaker E

Camping is a great way to take a break from your regular life, and go see the outdoors. When you go camping you will have the chance to see all types of wildlife, and do fun activities, like fishing or stargazing. It is also a good way to learn more and be aware about the environment. Besides, people go camping for the relaxation. Summer camp can be a wonderful experience if you are ready for it. You will meet new people, learn new skills and talents, and challenge yourself.

Speaker F

Camping is a fun activity but one that needs manual skills. You can’t just go out there and decide to camp. There are many things to do and know before you set out on this adventure. In fact, it is a good idea to go camping the first time with someone who is an experienced camper. Even then, there are a few basic skills that you need to master before planning that camping trip, for example, setting up a tent, finding a campsite, starting a campfire, crossing rivers and so on.

Speaker A

It is important to wash your hands when handling different foods in the same session. Keeping a clean cutting board, utensils, etc. will cut the risk of food poisoning. A sink of hot soapy water is a must in any kitchen. It is also crucial when using raw chicken or other poultry products to wash hands before and after handling the chicken to prevent cross-contamination. Separating chopping boards and utensils should also be used for raw and cooked foods.

Speaker B

Whenever raccoons eat near a water source, apparently raccoons wash food by dunking it in water and rolling it around in their paws. In fact, their scientific name literally means “washing bear.” Yet food-washing isn’t a natural habit among animals, which led researchers at the London Zoo in 1961 to look into whether these raccoons really are as sanitary as they act. The truth is that raccoons in the wild do not really wash their food in any way that we as humans think of washing.

Speaker C

Hand washing is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of infections. You can spread certain “germs” casually by touching another person. You can also catch germs when you touch contaminated objects or surfaces and then you touch your face (mouth, eyes, and nose). “Good” hand washing techniques include using an adequate amount of soap, rubbing the hands together to create friction, and rinsing under running water. Wearing gloves is not a substitute for hand washing.

Speaker D

The skin helps you warm up when you’re cold and can cool you off when you’re hot. It lets you feel things by touch. It protects you. And what does your skin ask for in return for all the wonderful things it does? Just a little care and consideration. Like the heart, stomach, and brain, the skin is an organ. In fact, it’s the largest organ in your body, but it’s still easy to take skin for granted. Unless there’s a problem, you may not think about your skin very much.

Speaker E

There is one product that everyone needs: sunscreen. Even if your skin is naturally dark, you still need to use a sunscreen. Protecting your skin from the sun prevents sunburn, which hurts and is a kind of skin damage. Sunscreen also can help prevent wrinkles when you get older and can decrease the risk of skin cancer, which is caused by exposure to the sun’s harmful rays. If you need more protection from the sun, wear long sleeves and pants. Also, avoid the sun between 10 a. m. and 4 p. m.

Speaker F

When it’s hot outside and you’ve been sweating, you get thirsty. Why? Thirst can be a sign that your body doesn’t have enough water in it to keep it working right. A person gets water by drinking and eating. Our bodies need water to work properly. Usually, you can make up for the water you lose — like when you come in from outside and have a long, cool drink of water. If you don’t replace the water your body has lost, you might start feeling sick.

Speaker A

There are a number of benefits associated with swimming. Your cardiovascular fitness gets a real boost when in the pool because swimming works the entire body. Major muscle groups also go through an exhaustive workout, depending on how much you swim. Your posture and flexibility improve over time since swimming utilizes the whole body through movements that can only be done in the water. The natural resistance from the water protects areas such as the knees and elbows from any jarring.

Speaker B

Running burns a lot of calories, which is the simplest way to lose weight. The endurance of your heart benefits from a running program. Running can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attack. In addition to improving your fitness level, running also helps tone your muscles, particularly your leg muscles, and decreases bone and muscle loss, thereby slowing the aging process. Trail running improves your coordination and balance because of the unevenness of trails and various obstacles you must get around.

Speaker C

Just 40 minutes of bike riding can burn up to 500 calories, according to the Adult Bicycling website. Indoor cycling classes at fitness studios are specifically designed to burn a high amount of calories to help people achieve their weight loss goals. Biking helps tone leg and back muscles, while shaving off those love handles. Regular bike riding also cuts down the chance for heart disease. Like swimming, biking is easy on bones, since it is a low-impact sport. This makes biking ideal if you have knee problems.

Speaker D

Working out in a gym can get boring and repetitive and soon the motivation to stay fit can start fading away. But working out does not have to be monotonous always. Football is one of the most common sports all over the world. The game is a mixture of various activities like running, sprinting, jumping, kicking and sometimes even falling thus ensuring that your body gets a strenuous workout, helping you burn up to 500 calories while scoring a few goals.

Speaker E

Playing sports enables you to create friendships you otherwise might not have formed. Sports bring teens together from different schools, backgrounds, and communities. Many times, the friendships you create on the field remain intact even when you are not playing sports. The fans on the sidelines are one of the most important parts of the game. The constant support of your parents helps you to feel good about yourself and strengthens your connection to them. As a teen, it is not always easy to find time to spend time with your parents.

Speaker F

It’s a common misconception that being both a student and an athlete is hard, if not impossible. Participating in sports can actually have a positive impact on school. Sports force you to organize your time so that you can both go to practice and finish your homework. The key is finding a balance. If you can learn to organize your time, then you can succeed in both. Sports teams give you an opportunity to surround yourself with competitive people and role models, and learn from them both.

Speaker 1

What does it mean to be green? “Green” is more than just a color. It also means taking special steps to protect the environment — the water, the land, and the air we breathe. Why green? Plants are green, and without them the Earth wouldn’t be such a lovely home for us human beings. Every day, people make choices that affect the amount of trash and pollution that gets produced in our world. You can reduce the amount of stuff you use and throw away or recycle cans, bottles and paper.

Speaker 2

When you use less of something, you do a good thing for the Earth. For instance, a shorter shower means you used less water and less fuel since your house uses fuel to run the water heater that warmed up the water. You can also turn off lights you’re not using. Besides you should turn off the water when you’re brushing your teeth. When you can, walk or ride your bike instead of riding in a car. You’ll use less gas — and get some exercise!

Speaker 3

It’s true that trash and pollution are problems, but the Earth remains a huge and glorious place that’s ready for you to explore. You can start locally by visiting the naturally beautiful spots in your city and state. Go for a hike, visit local nature centers and gardens, climb up mountains, and explore lazy creeks. Experience the outdoors in all sorts of weather — from a sunny day at the beach or lake to a wintry adventure when it snows. And if you’re planning a family vacation, suggest a trip to a national treasure.

Speaker 4

Sometimes people call ours a “throwaway society.” That means that we’re a little too willing to throw away old stuff and buy new stuff. Many times, even if you no longer need something, someone else just might. You can choose reusable travel cups instead of disposable paper or plastic cups. You can also take your own bags — preferably reusable ones — when you go to the grocery store. It is better to take paper from your computer printouts and use the other side for more computer printing.

Speaker 5

We all have something to offer and needs to fill. The more we can provide for each other locally, the closer we are to sustainability. Organize a swap among your friends. The swaps are fun, social events and often include potluck food, music and crafting. What can you swap? Books, toys, even clothes. It’s a way for everyone to get something new without spending any money and without throwing a bunch of stuff away. Set aside some items for your swap when you’re cleaning your room!

Speaker 6

Recycling has never been easier. Many communities will pick it up right in front of your house and some towns even require it. You can organize the recyclable items in bins, remember to put them on the curb on recycling day, and help remind others which items can be rinsed and recycled. By separating plastic bottles, cans, bottles, and more, you’re reducing the amount of trash that goes to the landfill. Recycled goods go instead to a recycling center, where they can be turned into new cans, bottles, and paper.

Speaker A

I think neighbours really make our life brighter. I’ve got fantastic neighbours — in fact, they’re a part of the family, not just neighbours. We often go out together, to visit a café or a restaurant or even go hiking. When I have to leave my house for a few days I feel quite safe as I know my place will be watched and my pets will be well taken care of.

Speaker B

Well, I get along well with all my neighbours except one. The woman who lives next door has 15 cats! Can you imagine, 15? These awful creatures are everywhere: in her flat, on the roof, on all the windowsills, near all the doors, everywhere. I hate their smell, their fur, their cries. I tried to talk to the woman many times but … in vain. I’m really thinking of changing my flat now.

Speaker C

To tell the truth, I don’t know what to say… In fact, I don’t have neighbours at all. I live in a large mansion far away from hustle and bustle of the city life. The nearest village is 2 km away. And I really adore it. I don’t feel lonely at all. If I need a company I just drive my car to the nearest town to meet with my friends. Or simply use the Internet for a little chat with the people I like.

Speaker D

You know, my problem is not my neighbours but er… lack of space. There’re, like, not enough places to park. So, people park their cars just anywhere. If I work long hours I have to leave my car very far from my house. As I usually have to carry my laptop, food and other staff, the idea of walking quite a long way depresses me. It would be much better if our street was not as narrow as it is.

Speaker E

As for our neighbours, most of them are OK. However, one of them has a strange hobby: he plays drums! Surely there’s nothing bad with playing drums. But why should one do it at home when there are some 30 people living nearby?! Just yesterday, he came home at midnight and …None of us could sleep any longer. We had to call the police. They came only 2 hours later when the neighbor fell asleep and everything was quite peaceful. We looked silly!

Speaker F

I live in a new block of flats in the suburbs of the city. The house is new so nobody knows each other. It’s really awful if you ask me. Every day I meet different people who never greet each other or have any kind of social talk. Two days ago while cooking I realized that I had run out of salt. It was bitterly cold outside so I decided to ask neighbours for help. I tried 4 flats! In vain. They just didn’t open!

Speaker A

For me it’s important that I know what my short-term and long-term goals are — this will enable me to differentiate between what’s important and what’s not. It’s only when I know where I want to go and what I want to achieve that I can figure out exactly what needs to be done, and in what order. Once I am clear about my goals, I can plan and prepare a sequence of action steps to achieve them.

Speaker B

I start my day by spending five to ten minutes planning my activities for the day — or, better still, prepare my list for the evening, too. I write out my tasks either on paper or on my computer. I break down large or complex tasks into smaller pieces — I chunk them down into do-able, manageable units that don’t feel too big or daunting, and focus on one at a time. As I complete my tasks, I cross them off — it’s a very satisfying feeling!

Speaker C

There’s a good chance I won’t get everything on my to-do list done, but I make sure I get the most important things done. That means I have to prioritise the tasks on my list and figure out what is actually most important, as well as most urgent (not necessarily the same thing). It’s helpful to number my tasks or assign them ABC status by giving the most important tasks an ‘A’, the next most important ones a ‘B’, and so on.

Speaker D

Using my to-do list and prioritisation as a base, I make a schedule for the day and for the week, including time for breaks and contingencies. The schedule needs to be realistic, with padding for interruptions and unscheduled events. How much contingency time I need to build in will depend on the nature of my work. Having a schedule means I won’t have to waste time and energy thinking about what I have to do next — I just follow my schedule.

Speaker E

For many, emails and phone calls constitute the single biggest obstacle to effective time management. Unless I need to be constantly available and accessible, I avoid continuous email notification and let my phone go to voice mail — these things can suck up untold minutes and hours, and make me repeatedly lose focus. I need to give myself solid chunks of time to concentrate on my work.

Speaker F

I guess breaks will keep my mind fresh and I will be able to return to my work with better focus. If I work straight through, I will put in more hours but work less productively. I prefer to stick to allotted break times. I might want to try the specific technique to see if it increases my productivity. In this time management technique, I work in 25-minute segments with 5-minute breaks between each period.

Speaker A

The first step I make to save money is figuring out how much I spend. I keep track of all my expenses — that means every coffee, newspaper and snack I buy. Ideally, I can account for every penny. Once I have my data, I organize the numbers by categories, such as gas, groceries and mortgage, and total each amount. I consider using my credit card or bank statements to help me with this.

Speaker B

Once I have an idea of what I spend in a month, I can begin to organize my recorded expenses into a workable budget. My budget should outline how my outgoings measure up to my income. I want to be sure to factor in the sums to be paid that occur regularly but not every month, such as car maintenance. Creating a budget with a template can help me feel more in control of my finances and let me save money for my goals.

Speaker C

Now that I’ve made a budget, I create a savings category within it. I try to put away 10–15 percent of my income as savings. If my expenses are so high that I can’t save that much, it might be time to cut back. To do so, I identify non-essentials that I can spend less on, such as entertainment and dining out. Considering savings a regular expense, similar to groceries, is a great way to reinforce good savings habits.

Speaker D

One of the best ways for me to save money is to set a goal. I start by thinking of what I might want to save for — anything from a down payment for a house to a vacation — then I figure out how long it might take me to save for it. Here are some examples of short-term goals: emergency fund, vacation, down payment for a car. And these are the examples of long-term goals: retirement, the child’s education, down payment on a home or a remodeling project.

Speaker E

After my expenses and income, my goals are likely to have the biggest impact on how I save money. I try to be sure to remember longterm goals — it’s important that planning for retirement doesn’t take a back seat to shorter-term needs. Setting goals can give me a clear idea of where to start saving. For example, if I know I’m going to need to replace my car in the near future, I could start putting money away for one.

Speaker F

Almost all banks offer automated transfers between your checking and savings accounts. I can choose when, how much and where to transfer money to, or even split my direct deposit between my checking and savings accounts. Automated transfers are a great way to save money since I don’t have to think about it and it generally reduces the temptation to spend the money instead. I check my progress every month.

Speaker A

For me, a lack of sleep is a significant cause of stress. Unfortunately, stress also interrupts my sleep as thoughts keep whirling through my head, stopping me from relaxing enough to fall asleep. Rather than relying on medication, I maximise my relaxation before going to sleep. I prefer to make sure that my bedroom is a tranquil oasis with no reminders of the things that cause me stress. I always avoid caffeine during the evening.

Speaker B

Each day, I try to relax with a stress reduction technique. There are many tried and tested ways to reduce stress. One very simple technique for me is to focus on a word that has a positive meaning to me. Words such as «calm», «love» and «peace» work well. I didn’t worry when I found it difficult to relax at first. I understood that relaxation is a skill that needs to be learned and will improve with practice.

Speaker C

I think that just talking to someone about how I feel can be helpful. Talking can work by either distracting me from my stressful thoughts or releasing some of the built-up tension by discussing it. My stress can cloud my judgment and prevent me from seeing things clearly. Talking things through with a friend, a work colleague, or even a trained professional with good references, can help me find solutions to my stress and put my problems into perspective.

Speaker D

I’ve understood that keeping a stress diary for a few weeks is an effective stress management tool as it helps me become more aware of the situations which cause me to become stressed. I note down the date, time and place of each stressful episode, and note what I was doing, who I was with, and how I felt both physically and emotionally. I give each stressful episode a stress rating and use the diary to understand how effective I am in stressful situations.

Speaker E

As for me, stress can be triggered by a problem that may on the surface seem impossible to solve. One problem-solving technique, which I use, involves writing down the problem and coming up with as many possible solutions as I can. I decide on the good and bad points of each one and select the best solution. I write down each step that I need to take as part of the solution.

Speaker F

At times, I feel overburdened by my ‘To Do’ list and this is a common cause of stress for me. I need to accept that I cannot do everything at once and start to prioritise my tasks. I’ve decided to make a list of all the things that I need to do and list them in order of genuine priority. I note what tasks I need to do personally and what can be delegated to others.

Speaker A

If I find myself asking “Where does all the time go?”, there is a great way to find it out. For one week, I write down everything I do while using the Internet. What websites I visit, how much time I spend on each, how often I refresh or update pages, etc. Often our worst Internet time-wasting habits are things we do without thinking. I include the time I spend using the network on my smart phone or other device.

Speaker B

It’s amazing how much space I can free up in my brains just by having a workspace free of visual distractions. If there’s a pile of papers asking to be organized, or dirty dishes scattered around, it’s going to be more difficult for me to focus on the task at hand. I prefer to try to keep my desk free of everything but current projects and whatever items I use every day.

Speaker C

Is there a song I’ve been meaning to listen to? Do I need to read some restaurant reviews to decide where to bring my mom for her birthday? Do I need to look through the prices for a home-improvement project? This is something I should be doing throughout the day, every day, as things get into my head. Keeping an Internet to-do list before I open my browser will give me a clearer sense of purpose, and remind me of my long-term timemanagement goals.

Speaker D

Some people are most active in the morning, others don’t reach their peak until the middle of the night. If I have some flexibility in my daily schedule, I try to plan my Internet time for when I am most likely to be awake, energized, and thinking clearly. I try to minimize my screen time. In other words, simply aiming to spend less time on the Internet in general is a good start.

Speaker E

While it might seem like it’s more productive to do two or three things at once, it can actually slow us down in the long run. As for me, I am not able to give my full attention to any one thing. It might be tempting to switch back and forth between Internet tasks in order to keep things interesting, but I try to stick to my Internet to-do list, finishing each thing before I move on to the next.

Speaker F

I prefer to check my email just three times daily: once in the morning, once around lunch time, and once in the evening. My email, while necessary, can be as bad for time-management as social networking sites if I am constantly refreshing or checking it. I make sure to delete, save, or respond to every new email in each sitting. This will not only save my time in the long run, but will give me a sense of accomplishment as I stay on top of my mail.

Speaker A

As I am following my choice studies don’t seem like a burden to me. I will gradually expand my knowledge and understanding about the subject and this will help me choose a career from the same field. I must not get influenced by others and take up courses everyone else is opting for but follow my passion and listen to my heart because at the end of the day it’s my life and my choices.

Speaker B

I am sure that I don’t meet people by accident, each one of them has a role to play in my life. College is the best place to make new friends. I’ve just been pulled out of my school life and placed into a completely new environment. Having a group of my own will help me enjoy college days to the fullest. I will not only learn new things from each individual but there’s no doubt that I will make bonds for life.

Speaker C

For me college is the right place to unleash the fire within me. One way to make the most out of my college is by joining a society. Colleges have a lot to offer and I must learn to make use of it. Extracurricular Activities will not only boost my CV but they will also help me chase my dreams. I always remember that every other great personality started off from a small stage.

Speaker D

Contesting for college elections will help me discover the leader within myself. It will give me a confidence boost, sense of responsibility and will enhance my leadership skills. This is the best way to bring about the change I have always longed for. Also it is a way of realizing my own potential and being a source of admiration to my fellow students. Whether I win or not, having the guts to stand up for myself and facing the crowd is all that matters.

Speaker E

As I am a creative writer and I wish to be a famous person someday, I need to start from the basics. Writing is a difficult task and perseverance is more important than having writing skills so in order to make writing a habit I try blogging about my own life. Usually I write about daily stories from my college life with a creative touch to it. This will contribute to my growth as a writer and I may even get some fan following.

Speaker F

Now that I am in college I can finally say goodbye to the old school uniform. I don’t have to always catch up with the latest trends, I can set my own style and also inspire others to do the same. I prefer to have a sense of fashion but also wear clothes of my choice and not merely what everyone else is buying. I remember that it’s not about the expensive brands or the latest trends, it depends entirely on my ability to carry out an outfit with grace.

Speaker A.

Yes, an apple a day keeps the doctor away—but of course, nowadays people have at their disposal various types of snacks. Whip up a smoothie in your dorm room instead. Buy a mini-blender that you can pop a lid on, like this one, throw some fruits and greens inside, add milk, and you’ll be good to go. Bonus points for adding seeds and protein powder—your smoothie will be super tasty and able to support you through your whole day.

Speaker B.

Two-hour lectures are pretty much synonymous with feeling ready-tokeel- over hungry. And the truth is, your brain works better when there’s food in your body, and having something on hand to eat is sometimes the key to soaking up knowledge. Between loud chewing and grease all over your fingers, chips in the class are just no. But we totally get that the convenience factor of a bag can’t be beat, so if you want something savoury to snack on, you’d better try yoghurt with fruit or corn.

Speaker C.

So you love celery and carrots and all the crunchy raw vegetables? Great. But maybe pick something a little quieter for class snacking, like cucumber slices paired with a stick of string cheese. That way, you’ll be getting your healthy fats, fiber, and important nutrients without interrupting anyone’s listening flow.

Speaker D.

Nothing is more offensive than the smell of tuna wafting through the auditorium aisles, so pick a more innocuous protein to put in your sandwich. Low-sodium turkey and a slice of any cheese should do the trick; and on behalf of your classmates, it will be good to go easy on the mustard, if at all possible try hummus instead. Throw on some spinach for good leafy green measure!

Speaker E.

We get it: sometimes you just need something sugary to take the edge off. But instead of hard candy, consume something simple. Not only is it lower in sugar than other sweets, it’s also easier on your teeth. Just remember to floss later, because under absolutely no circumstances should you do that in class. We’ve seen this happen ourselves and it is the grossest. The point is to build bonds with your fellow students, not drive them away. Happy snacking!

Speaker F.

That big green apple in your bag though? Sometimes it makes a lot of noise. With all the crunching, chewing, and saliva-sprinkling you’re doing, your snack is likely annoying everyone around you. So how’s a girl going to get her sustenance on in a lecture hall? It’s useful to check out snacking tips, which’ll give you energy without alienating any potential study buddies.

Speaker A.

It used to be that men ran the show at universities—thankfully, times have changed. The leadership thing, though? Not so much. Male administrators and faculty still dominate at most colleges, but at single-sex schools women hold more of the top jobs, which translates to more female role models and mentors. Ninety percent of women’s college presidents, and 55% of faculty, are women; and of course, when only girls make up the student body, they have way more access to all of the government, club, and activity positions.

Speaker B.

Guys are great and all, but when it comes to college, do you really need them in your classroom? Living and learning solely among smart, ambitious women is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and might even come with greater returns. When women occupy every role, comfort levels increase, which can lead to increased self-confidence boost. That makes it easier for girls to take initiative and spread their wings into new territory. Women studying at single-sex schools are 1.5 times more likely to major in math, science, or medicine than those at common colleges.

Speaker C.

Smaller, guy-free classrooms create a climate where women feel free to speak up without being judged or distracted. Without that worry, the focus turns to critical thinking and gaining smarts, instead of looks or snagging a date. Potential, ambition, and who you want to be take precedence over how you might be perceived by a guy.

Speaker D.

High academic standards aren’t the only thing that make women’s schools stand out: long-held customs and ceremonies are a nod to previous generations and foster school spirit as well as lifelong friendship. On Mount Holyoke’s Mountain Day, students take a day off and climb the college’s namesake mountain after the school bell tolls in the fall; Meredith College’s week-long Cornhuskin’ competition pits classes against each other in activities like apple-bobbing, corn-husking, skits, and songs.

Speaker E.

Women’s colleges create a culture of achievement—so it’s no surprise that alumnus are better prepared for their first gig than the average grad. Single-sex schools also get an «A» over public universities for readying students to get ahead or make a career change. Not to mention, women’s school grades are more likely than any other students to earn a graduate degree and more than twice as likely to get a doctorate.

Speaker F.

Women’s colleges encourage us to be competitive and ambitious, to take risks and become leaders. For proof, look no further than some of the ladies who’ve earned degrees from all girls institutions: Secretaries of State Hillary Clinton and Madeleine Albright, journalist and women’s rights activist Gloria Steinem, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks to mention but a few. There’s a lot to be said for getting schooled in a place that’s definitely not a man’s world, so when you’re searching for the right school fit, don’t skip over women-only institutions! Good morning, Mr. Black.