Everyone can benefit from good communication（交流）.【小题1】. Of course，we know that isn’t true，but this shouldn’t stop you improving your communication skills. Here are a few tips to help you become a better communicator.

【小题2】

Verbal（口头的）language is only one part of the communication—body language is another. If you once wanted to know how to tell if someone is lying，body language is the answer. Your body language tells other people what you aren’t verbally saying，such as if you are anxious，confident，confused，angry or in any other type of emotion or state of mind. If you become great at reading body language，it will help you become a better communicator.

Listen to others

Before you begin to speak，take a minute to see if anyone else has something to say.【小题3】 .Listening to others has many benefits，such as allowing you to learn new things or get the information that you may later need.

Think before you speak

Your parents probably have told you this since you were a child，but many people still do not take a moment to think about the words they are about to say.【小题4】. There is a time and place for all words and tones of voice.

【小题5】. You will have to practice your communication skills before you can become an excellent communicator.

Change Your Life

Everybody wants to look good, especially young people. 【小题1】

1. Get into shape.

Exercising regularly not only keeps you looking your best, but also improves your health, reduces your possibility of getting certain diseases and gives you more energy.

Healthy adults need 150 minutes of moderate (适度的) aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous (强有力的) aerobic activity each week. Moderate activities include walking and swimming, while vigorous activities include jogging, boxing, and playing basketball. You should do some kind of strength training at least two days per week.

Also, consider joining a gym or local sports team. 【小题2】

2. Keep a balanced diet.

【小题3】 Whether you want to lose weight or simply improve your overall health, what you eat matters.

Your diet should consist of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Read food labels and stay away from foods that contain too much fat and sugar. If you suffer from anxiety or depression, then cut down on alcohol and caffeine, as these drinks will make matters worse.

3. Change your clothes.

【小题4】 Make an effort to look your best on a daily basis. This doesn’t necessarily mean dressing fancifully (花哨地) or formally; rather, find clothes that are fashionable, affordable, and proper.

4. 【小题5】

Get a haircut or dye your hair a different color. Women with long hair should consider getting layers, bangs, or a short bob.

Habits to Be a Highly Effective Student

Some students are able to get straight A’s and at the same time serve as the president of three clubs. However, some students struggle to keep their GPA (Grade-Point Average) above a 3.0. 【小题1】Although it’s true that everyone’s IQ is different, good study habits are very important. Here  are several habits you should adopt to get good grades.

【小题2】 If you haven’t had a planner (规划薄), get one. Many people use their computers and smartphones to make a schedule. The problem with that approach is that they are major distractions. Instead, get an old-fashioned paper and pen planner.

Create a weekly schedule. 【小题3】 Include time that will be spent eating, sleeping and doing anything not related to school work. That way you know exactly how much you can accomplish each day.

Take frequent, short breaks. Taking a break from studying for 15 minutes every hour will help keep you refreshed. 【小题4】 If you don’t take a break, you may find yourself daydreaming or even falling asleep. Take some time for some water, a snack or a quick chat with a friend.

Take care of yourself. During final exam week, it is common for students to fall behind on sleep and meals. Make sure you get a good night’s sleep and have regular meals. Studying while hungry or sleepy is ineffective and will slow you down in the long run. Also try to make time for friends and family. 【小题5】

   Researchers are placing robotic dogs in the homes of lonely old people to determine whether they can improve the quality of life for humans. Alan Beck, an expert in the human-animal relationship, and Nancy Edwards, a professor of nursing, are leading the animal-assisted study concerning the influence of robotic dogs on old people’s depression, physical activity, and life satisfaction. “No one will argue that an older person is better off being more active, challenged, or stimulated (刺激), ”Edwards points out. “The problem is how we promote that, especially for those without friends or help. A robotic dog could be a solution.”

In the study, the robotic dogs, called AIBO, are placed for six weeks in the houses of some old people who live alone. Before placing AIBO in the home, researchers will collect data for six weeks. These old people will keep a diary to note their feelings and activities before and after AIBO being placed. Then, the researchers will study the data to determine if it has inspired any changes in the life of its owner.

“I talk to it all the time, and it responds (回应) to my voice,” says a seventy-year-old lady. “When I’m watching TV, it’ll stay in my arms until it wants to go down. It has a mind of its own.”

The AIBOs respond to certain orders. The researchers say they have some advantages over live dogs, especially for old people. Often the elderly are disabled and cannot care for an animal by walking it or playing with it. A robotic dog removes exercise and feeding concerns.

“At the beginning, it was believed that no one would relate to the robotic dog because it is metal and not furry,” Beck says. “But it’s amazing how quickly we have given up that belief.”

“Hopefully, down the road, these robotic pets could become a more valuable health helper. They will record their masters’ blood pressure, oxygen levels, or heart rhythms. AIBOs may even one day have games that can help stimulate older people’s minds.”