Once, in a small village, lived a family with eight children. Two of the children loved 1 very much, but the family was so poor that it was impossible to send 2 of them to study at the art college at the same time. After many discussions, the two boys finally 3 a plan. They would toss(抛) a coin. The loser would go 4into the mines (煤矿) and, with his earnings(赚得的钱), 5 his brother studying at the college. Then, when the brother who won the toss finished his studies, after four years, he would support the other brother studying at the 6.

    James won the toss and Jack went down into the mines. James worked with all his heart and his paintings were much 7 than those of most of his teachers, and by the time he 8, he was beginning to make a lot of money for his paintings.

    9 James returned, the family held a big dinner for his great success. Soon after the meal began, James 10 up from his seat to drink a toast (举杯祝酒) to his dear 11 He said, "Jack, now you can go to the art college and your 12 will come true. I will take care of you. "

    But Jack said 13, "Brother, the four years in the mines has done too much to my hands, so it's too 14 Now I can' t even hold a glass. "

    To show his great love and respect, James drew his brother' s hands with 15 towards the sky.

    He called his drawing "The Praying Hands", which became very famous years later.

    What do you do at weekends? Some people like to 1 at home, but others like to go for a walk 2 have a picnic. My friend Jack works hard in a factory during the 3. At weekends he always4the same thing. On Saturday he 5 his car and on 6 he takes his family to a nearby village. His uncle and aunt have a farm there. It isn't a 7 one, but there's always 8 to do. The children help with the animals and give them their 9, Jack and his wife help in the fields. At the end of the day, they are all 10 and Jack's aunt gives them a big meal.

    What do you do at weekends? Some people like to 1 at home, but others like to go for a walk 2 have a picnic. My friend Jack works hard in a factory during the 3. At weekends he always4the same thing. On Saturday he 5 his car and on 6 he takes his family to a nearby village. His uncle and aunt have a farm there. It isn't a 7 one, but there's always 8 to do. The children help with the animals and give them their 9, Jack and his wife help in the fields. At the end of the day, they are all 10 and Jack's aunt gives them a big meal.

    Expert(专家)say that students usually need eight to ten hours' sleep at night, but most Chinese students do not get enough sleep. Some Chinese parents are usually glad to see their children studying late. They will think their children work very hard, but not all parents are happy about this. Once a mother told us that every morning her 10-year-old boy put up one finger(手指)with his eyes still closed, begging(请求)for one more minute to sleep. Like thousands of students "early birds" in China, he has to get up before six every morning.

    A report shows that without a good night's sleep, students seem to be weaker(虚弱)than they should be. Many students have fallen asleep(睡觉) during class at one time or another. Too much homework is not the only reason why students stay up late. Some watch TV or play the computer games late into the night.

    Experts have ever said that the students should develop good study habits. So some clever students never study late, they are able to work well in class.