11．　　As we all know, the environment around us is getting worse and worse. In some places we can't see fish (1)       in the rivers or trees on the hills. Some people even have no clean water to drink.
　　Recently, a new lifestyle called low carbon life (低碳生活) is (2)       every corner of our country. The meanings of low carbon are (3)       energy and no waste. It is such an important project that I can't wait (4)       my ideas on how to promote (促进, 提升) it.
　　First, we should (5)       a nocar day every week in our school, because cars not only cause serious air pollution but also waste energy. (6)       the nocar day, neither students (7)      teachers are allowed to drive to school. At the same time, just walk or run. Use our (8)       and enjoy the fun.
　　Second, we had better not use plastic bags (9)      . No one can stand the "white pollution", (10)       it is wise to use cloth bags which can (11)       again and again.
　　(12)      , one thing (13)       we should keep in mind is that every big thing comes from the small details. So, as students, we should turn (14)       the lights the moment we leave, use (15)       sides of the paper, and reuse our textbooks and so on.
　　All in all, it weighs greatly for all of us to put the low carbon lifestyle into practice. Just set our mind to these:nocar days, no plastic bags, and no waste. Let's do it now.

13．　　A poor farmer had a friend who was famous for the wonderful apples he grew.
　　One day, his friend gave the farmer a young apple tree and told him to take it home and plant it. The farmer was pleased with the gift, but when he got home, he did not know where to plant it.
　　He was afraid that if he planted the tree near the road, strangers would steal the fruit. If he planted the tree in one of his fields, his neighbors would come at night and steal some of the apples. If he planted the tree near his house, his children would take the fruit.
　　Finally he planted the tree in his woods (树林) where no one could see it. But without sunlight and good soil, the tree soon died.
　　Later the friend asked the farmer why he had planted the tree in such a poor place. "What's the difference?" the farmer said angrily. "If I had planted the tree near the road, strangers would have stolen the fruit. If I had planted the tree in one of my fields, my neighbors would have come at night and stolen some of the apples. If I had planted it near my house, my own children would have taken the fruit."
　　"Yes," said the friend, "but at least someone could have enjoyed the fruit. Now you not only have robbed (抢夺) everyone of the fruit, but also you have destroyed (摧毁) a good apple tree!"

14．　　Who is the greatest teacher in Chinese history?Many people would think of Confucius, whose birthday was September 28. Although he lived over 2, 000 years ago, people still remember and respect him for his contribution to the education today.
　　Confucius lived in the Kingdom of Lu, which lies in Shandong Province. He lived during the Spring and Autumn Period. He had a hard childhood. His father died when he was only 3. His mother brought him up. As a child, he had to work to help his mother, but young Confucius didn't give up studying. He visited many famous teachers and learned music, history, poetry and sports.
　　Later, he became a teacher and started the first public school in Chinese history. At that time only children from noble families could go to school, but Confucius believed everyone should go to school if they wanted to learn. He had about 3,000 students in his lifetime.
　　Today, people still follow Confucius' lessons. He told us that we all have something worthy to be learned. "When I am with three people, one of them must be better than me in some areas. I choose their good qualities and follow them."
　　He also taught us that thinking is very important in study. "All study but no thinking makes people puzzled (困惑的). All thinking but no study makes people lazy."
　　Confucius is not only a great teacher, but also a famous thinker with wise thoughts about the world and society. His most important teachings are about kindness and good manners. "A person should be strict with himself, but be kind to others." he said.

15．　　Some people think only school children do not agree with their parents, however, it is not true. (1)      . If it's hard for you to communicate with your parents, don't worry about it. Here is some advice for you to bridge the generation gap (消除代沟).
　　Don't argue with your parents. (2)      . Your parents probably won't consider your idea. If you are shouting at them, and you can't express yourself well if you are angry. Go some place to cool off. Make sure you understand why you are unhappy. Then think about what you want to say to your parents, if you don't think you can speak to them at the moment, try writing a letter.
　　Try to reach a compromise (和解). (3)      . You can keep your disagree and try your best to accept each other. Michael's mother didn't agree with him about buying a motorcycle. They argued over it. But they finally came to a compromise. Michael bought the motorcycle, but only drove it on certain days. Of course, your parents might refuse to compromise on something. In these situations, it is especially important to show love and respect to them. (4)      .
　　Talk about your values. The values of your parents are probably different from those of your own. Tell your parents what you care about and why. (5)      .
　　A good relationship with your parents can make you a better and happier person. It is worth having a try!

16．　　Each different part of China has its own special forms of traditional art. These usually try to show the things (1)       are important in life, such as love, beauty and family. The most common things, from paper to clay to bamboo, are turned into objects of beauty.
　　According to Chinese history, sky lanterns were first used by Zhuge Kongming. He sent them out (2)      (ask) for help when in trouble. Today, sky lanterns are used at festivals and other celebrations. They (3)      (make) of bamboo and covered with paper. When the lanterns are lit, they slowly rise into the air like small hot-air balloons for all to see. They are seen as bright symbols of (4)      (happy) and good wishes.
　　Paper cutting (5)      (be) around for over 1500 years. Paper cutting sounds very easy (6)      it can be difficult to do. The paper, usually red, is folded before it is cut with scissors. The most common pictures are flowers, animals, and things about Chinese history. During the Spring Festival, they are put on windows, doors and walls (7)       symbols of wishes for good luck and a happy new year.
　　Chinese clay art is famous because the clay pieces are so small but they look very real. The pieces are usually cute children or lively characters from a Chinese fairy tale or historical story. The pieces are (8)      (careful)shaped by hand from a very special kind of clay and then allowed to air-dry. After (9)      (dry) they are fired at a very high heat. They are then polished and painted. It takes several weeks (10)      (complete )everything. These small pieces of clay art show the love that all Chinese people have for life and beauty.

24．三年的初中生活让你收获满满．校英语报邀请你写一篇短文, 给即将升入九年级的学弟学妹们提一些建议, 请你结合自己的学习经历, 根据以下提示, 写一篇短文．
要点提示:
1. 制定学习计划
2. 掌握(master)学习技巧
3. 饮食规律(regularly)
4. 多做体育锻炼
写作要求:
1. 根据提示要点, 可以适当发挥;
2. 文中不得出现真实的人名和校名;
3. 词数90词左右(开头已给出, 不计入总词数)．
　　How time flies! Now you are the students of Grade 9. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________