Experts believe that the best time to teach kids language skills is when they are babies. Most times the task is easily accomplished with parents reading or talking to their babies. However，in some cases that is not possible due to parents' busy work schedules or when kids are born deaf. Now，a blue-eyed robot，a human image，and some high-tech neuroscience may be able to assist parents with this important developmental task.

The Robot AVatar thermal-Enhanced system，or RAVE，is the brainchild of a team of researchers led by Laura-Ann Petitto，an educational neuroscientist. The learning process begins when the robot's camera，which is focused on the baby's face，notices tiny changes in his/her body temperature. This，combined with the baby's facial expression，causes the robot to turn its head and guide the baby's attention to a computer screen，on which a human image starts to communicate with the baby. For example，if the baby points towards the screen，the image might respond，“Are you pointing to me？”and follow that up with a nursery rhyme or fairy tale，all in American Sign Language（ASL）. The“conversation”continues until the kid loses interest.

The researchers found that babies as young as 6 to 8 months old began to move their hands in a rhythm similar to ASL after communicating with RAVE for just a few minutes. Petitto says natural language，whether communicated through speech or sign，activates（激活）the same parts of the brain and believes the rhythmic motion proves the babies are learning the essential elements of communication.

What sets this technique apart from other methods，such as showing educational videos or television shows，is its interactive（互动的）nature and real-time response to the baby's actions. The researchers say that while it is too early to determine the system's long-term influence on baby communication, the initial response has been very encouraging. Next, they plan to introduce a robot that can both sign and speak to babies.

Beijing was once a city of bikes，known as the Bicycle Kingdom，【小题1】cars were reserved for official business and the politically powerful. However，decades of economic 【小题2】（grow）led to a huge flowing of cars in the city. Owning one became not just a marker of reaching the middle class but also a requirement for marriage. As the economy developed，autos pushed bikes off the roads，【小题3】（create）heavy pollution and miserable traffic.

【小题4】（fortunate），now Beijing may be returning to its roots. Thanks to about 20 technology companies，brightly colored shared bikes 【小题5】（flood）into Beijing in the last two years. Many local residents welcome the shared bikes 【小题6】the flexibility and freedom they offer. They pick up the bikes and then ride and drop 【小题7】off anywhere they like，locking the back wheel，with no need 【小题8】（find）a fixed place.

Analyses in China say it is three factors that contribute to bikes' increasing rapidly: a lot of cash looking for a home, a good idea and government support. "As the city's population grew, traffic jams got 【小题9】 (bad). "Cai, the ofo spokeswoman, said, "Shared bikes could solve the' last mile' problem in 【小题10】environmentally friendly way."

   A hobby is an investment of time. It also can be an investment of money and commitment. Many people choose to develop more than one type of hobby. It can be necessary to select the hobby that is right for you. 【小题1】

Hobbies are usually an activity of some sort that brings out a certain skill that you have. When you have a talent like painting or woodworking，it can be easy to determine which hobby suits your skill. 【小题2】 Skills can be developed and challenged as you go along. It is not a necessary requirement. A hobby is fitting because you love it，not because you're a professional at it.

Some people particularly enjoy taking part in hobbies that they can do in a group with others. It can be a lot more fun to become a member of a hobby group than to sit alone in your basement. 【小题3】 It's important to share interests and networks with other hobby enthusiasts that do what you do.

Hobbies are generally an activity that you undertake（着手做）because of the joy it brings you. Of course many people have discovered the joy that also comes with a hobby that earns you a living. 【小题4】 Just make sure you make the choice that fits your lifestyle and personal preference.

【小题5】 But most of the skilled hobbies like art，building or writing have a series of lessons or tutorials that you can take to further your skills. In some cases it's really a good idea to take lessons，especially if you are clueless as to where or how to begin. Step by step books for most hobbies can often be found in bookstores as well.

I'm more than happy to hear you. You told me you were having trouble learn Chinese and wanted some advices from me.

Firstly，why not to learn to sing Chinese songs？It's a good way to learn Chinese and can make you feel relaxing. Secondly，you can make some Chinese friends. Unless you get along well with them，they will help you to learn Chinese. Beside，it will be helpful if you watched some Chinese TV programmes and read some Chinese novels. Finally，joining a club is also the good way to learn Chinese. In this way，you will get more chances to practice Chinese.

I hope the suggestions will be use.

Yours sincerely，

Li Ming