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Zhang Lanping has been teaching for 33 years now, but makes her special is her pair of crutches (拐杖). The (courage) teacher from Gansu Province (suffer) from poliomyelitis (小儿麻痹症), an infectious disease, since she was only one year old.

Zhang is not able to fully recover and therefore has to use crutches for the rest of her life. This condition, however, has not (weak) Zhang's spirit. As a student, Zhang devoted herself to (acquire) knowledge, she believed would make her a successful teacher.

After (graduate), Zhang applied to be a college teacher but failed because of her physical disability. Zhang did not give up was accepted as a primary school teacher in her hometown in Gansu Province, where there was then a shortage of teachers. For able-bodied people, it takes only six minutes to reach the school from her home, but Zhang has to spend one hour going to her workplace (use) crutches. Zhang's efforts have paid . The academic performance of her students is among the best in the district.

Last semester, our art teacher announced a school exhibition. "Anyone can submit pieces," she said, smiling. My heart4 at the idea, but fear quickly5. I ignored the notice,6 not to care. But that night, I flipped through my sketchbook and stopped at a drawing of my neighborhood. It took me weeks to capture the way sunlight filtered through the oak trees.

"Why are you so afraid to share it?" my mom asked, noticing my7. "What if people laugh at it?" I murmured. She sat beside me and pointed to a dirty point on the paper. "Even this8 tells a story. Art isn't about being perfect — it's about being true."

Her words stayed with me. The next day, I9 gathered my courage and handed in the drawing. For weeks, I avoided thinking about the exhibition, afraid of failure. Then the opening night arrived. I stood in the doorway,10 to enter.

Suddenly, a voice called my name. It was my art teacher, leading a group of students to my drawing. "The details here are11," one student said. Another nodded: "It makes me feel like I'm walking down that street." I felt a warmth spread through my chest.

That night, I realized hiding my art had been12 myself of joy. Now, I keep my sketchbook on my desk, open to anyone who asks. Sharing our passions, I learned, is how we13 connections with others. And sometimes, the very thing we fear most can become our greatest14.

Months later, that drawing still hangs in the school library. When I pass it, I always remember the day I stopped letting fear15 my dreams.

Quit using plastic bags. Instead, take your own reusable shopping bags to the store. People use a trillion (1,000 billion) plastic bags worldwide every year. About 10 percent are used in the United States alone. That's almost one bag per American per day. Meanwhile, a Dane uses four single-use bags per year on average. Today, other countries either make customers pay for plastic bags, or have banned them completely.

Skip the straw (吸管). Today, around 8.3 billion plastic straws pollute the world's beaches. We should do something to turn over the situation. So when you order a drink, you can say no to the straw. In 2018, Seattle became the first major US city to stop using plastic straws, and many other cities are set to follow its example.

Buy bar soap instead of liquid soap in plastic containers. Don't buy fruit or vegetables on plastic packaging. In the United Kingdom, leaders are calling for supermarkets to have plastic-free areas. They also want to tax plastic take-out containers.

Recycle. But it is possible to recycle most plastic bottles and milk or juice boxes. Today, Norway recycles 97 percent of its plastic bottles. How? Machines at most supermarkets take the bottles and give a refund of up to 32 cents per bottle.

A. Avoid plastic packaging.

B. Set up plastic-free areas.

C. We can't recycle all plastic products.

D. We can't stop recycling plastic bottles.

E. You can also bring your own reusable one.

F. In 1993, Denmark was the first country to place a tax on plastic bags.

G. These plastics then break down into smaller pieces that can last for centuries.

Take Beijing's "Jia Fan Xiang" (meaning "aroma of home-cooked meals"). The 30-square-meter canteen draws both seniors and young people. Retiree Liu Min, 57, visits daily: he gets braised pork, chicken with potatoes, and spinach for over 30 yuan ($4.5) with a 12% senior discount. Yet staff member Tang notes high rent and wages; despite government support, it still operates at a loss.

Another Beijing example is Bajiao community canteen, which serves three nearby communities. Since November 2024, it has 6-7 daily dishes, offers home delivery for immobile seniors, and gets 3-yuan government subsidies (补贴) per meal plus 5-yuan allowances for eligible seniors (seniors pay 13 yuan). It plans to add health lectures and volunteer services but faces cash flow issues — needing 150 daily meals to break even, which is hard to sustain. Staff shortages (only 3 people) and poor kitchen equipment add to struggles.

Nationwide, canteens in Beijing, Xi'an, Shenyang, and Hangzhou have closed, some within two months, leaving seniors unable to get prepaid card refunds. High costs, reduced subsidies, and unclear positioning hinder sustainability. A Wuhan University study found Suzhou's senior meal system, though able to serve 120,000 daily, only serves 24,000.

However, governments are acting. Eleven departments released a plan to boost senior meal services; 300 million yuan in central funding supports meal assistance, and the 2025 Government Work Report promised more support. Yu Shaoxiang, a researcher, says canteens need government leadership and non-profit operations, not full marketization or total reliance on subsidies. With social participation, they can become stable. Patrons like Liu Min are optimistic: "As long as quality and price stay, this will win hearts."

And now a large study supports that finding and suggests there are many ways to squeeze in more companionship — and happiness — into our busy lives.

The study found that across more than 80 different types of activities, people reported being happier doing almost anything with other people than doing it alone.

The activities ranged from the simple everyday things — getting gas, doing homework, commuting, grocery shopping — to ones that may not seem like social activities, such as reading, doing car repairs or managing finances.

"What we see is that participants consistently rate every common daily activity as more enjoyable when they' re interacting with somebody else," said Elizabeth Dunn, a psychology professor at the University of British Columbia and senior author of the study, published in August in Social Psychological and Personality Science.

Even researchers who study the positive effects of social interactions did not expect the effects to be so widespread. "I was still surprised by the magnitude and extremity of the effects," said Nicholas Epley, a professor of behavioral science at the University of Chicago who researches how we often underestimate the impact of socializing and was not involved in the study.

"Because so many different activities with others are associated with a happiness boost, the research suggests that we are leaving some happiness on the table by engaging in everyday activities alone," Dunn said.

In Fuling District, Chongqing, despite the 43℃ outdoor temperature, tourists enjoy spicy hotpot in a 26℃ pool. The scenic area also offers "watermelon hotpot" using hollowed (空心的) watermelons as pots. In Wuhan, Hubei, residents turn air raid shelters (防空洞) into natural "air-conditioned rooms". The Sheshan civil defense facility stays at a steady 19℃, where the elderly play chess, young people use free Wi-Fi, and a staff member notes it's more popular than trendy cafes.

In Zhengzhou, Henan, subway stations become midday rest spots for workers. Construction worker Zhang Wei says it's 40℃ outside but only 28℃ inside, saving on AC costs. Local authorities help residents find shelters and cooling spots via mobile searches, with some upgraded to community service hubs. In Suzhou, Jiangsu, people make traditional bean soup look like small garden scenes. They use mint water, candied fruits (to look like small pavilions), and jelly pieces (to look like fish).

Old ways to stay cool also come back. For example, nobles in the Yuan Dynasty used ice blocks to cool fruit, and sellers in the Jin Dynasty sold "ice snow cold water".

Jia Xiaolong, deputy head of the National Climate Center, states China has seen record-breaking temperatures since the flood season, with the average temperature the second-highest on record. Forty-five national weather stations logged all-time high daily temperatures, with Xingping in Shaanxi hitting 43.1℃. China prioritizes climate change adaptation and released a 2024 national plan to build early warning systems for climate-related health risks.

Day 1

Pike Place Market

Start your Seattle tour by exploring one of the city's best-loved spots: Pike Place Market. As one of the oldest farmers markets in the U.S. that has been operating all the time, it offers everything from organic fruits and vegetables to specialty cheeses, jams and bread. You'll also find handmade gifts and shops selling anything from antiques (古董) to magic tricks.

Seattle Waterfront

The Seattle Waterfront is a wonderful place to spend the day. Whether you're looking to enjoy a fresh seafood dinner or just enjoy the views, it can all be found along the Seattle Waterfront. The Seattle Waterfront makes up the west border of the city. Pike Place Market sits just above the waterfront and it can be easily reached by a set of stairs. The best way to see the sights and shops on the waterfront is to walk along it!

Day 2

Madison Park

Drive to Madison Park to explore the Japanese Garden. Kids will love the chance to run along the garden paths, searching for turtles in this 3.5-acre park. Be sure to pick up fish food at the entrance gate.

Woodland Park Zoo

Next, head to one of Seattle's best spots, the Woodland Park Zoo. Along with zoo classics like lions and elephants, kids will love the Family Farm and petting zoo. The outdoor habitat Discovery Loop is always a hit.

Day 3

Gasworks Park

Finish up your Seattle sightseeing with a visit to Gasworks Park. On the site of the former Seattle Gas Light Company. Gasworks is a large public park. It's famous for its kite-flying hill, and the remains of the old company plant. The kids will love the play garage, where they can explore all of the brightly painted old machines.