When you are getting ready for a job interview, don’t forget to prepare questions for your potential boss or hiring manager. Employers often ask at the end of an interview if a   (1)  has questions. You should be prepared with a list. That’s your moment to  (2)  more, and maybe even win the deal.

“Always have questions,” says Bill Caskey, president of Caskey Achievement Strategies, an Indianapolis-based coaching and training firm. “If you say you have no questions that tells the employer that you are not very   (3)  .

Asking the right questions tells the employer that you have   (4)  time in learning about the company or organization.

“The candidate who doesn’t have questions  (5)  as someone who is ill-prepared or just not interested,” says Tim Dugger, career coach and owner of Career Café, LLC in Indianapolis.

So what questions should you ask? Here are a few suggested by Dugger and Caskey.

1Find out about the position. Why is the position open? How long has it been open? “  (6)   you know, if it’s been open for longer than six months, there must be an issue,” Dugger says.

2What skills and experiences are you looking for in your ideal candidate? This will give you an idea of what   (7)   they want and if you missed an opportunity to elaborate on a skill you have, this will be your chance.

3Find out about the company’s work   (8)  . Ask the manager, how he or she contributed toward it, Caskey says. Ask about what they enjoy most about working in that company or organization. This will let you know whether people are satisfied with their jobs and why. If they can’t define it, that’s a definite red flag.

4Find out who’s been the most   (9)  person in that position and why. That would give you an idea of the kind of growth or path you might have in the company.

5Ask about the potential for future earnings. Sometimes we take a job with a pay cut and   (10)   with the hope that there will be room to grow the paycheck. So a question about future potential earnings is relevant. It will also give you an idea of the income track you are in, Caskey says.

6Inquire about the rules tied to innovation and future projects. Do your homework and mention a new product or service the employer is working on and ask how it was developed. The answer will let you know about research opportunities and the process and also give an idea on how open they are for creative and innovative   (11)  .

7Ask if they offer continuing education and professional training. This demonstrates that you are interested in expanding your knowledge and skills, which   (12)  will benefit the employer.

8Ask a hypothetical question: if you were hired, what would they like you to accomplish in a year. “Find out what will get you an outstanding   (13)   if you get the job and that way you can set your goals,” Dugger says.

9Don’t just walk away from the interview. Always find out what’s the next step. How long is the waiting process? What do you need to prepare if there is   (14)   screening?

10Lastly, always ask follow-up questions. “Don’t let the employer   (15)  one-word answers,” Caskey says. “You are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you, and you want to know that your abilities and skills would achieve their full potential.”

Spring is around the corner in Japan! At least for now, the weather is   (1)   and everything is coming back to life.   (2)   is apparently in the air in Japan as well. It is time for Japanese to celebrate their   (3)   Valentineˈs Day.

       Japanˈs Valentineˈs Day   (4)   that of other countries. In Japan, only women give chocolate to men on February 14th—including   (5)   workmates and relatives. There are two types of chocolates: "Giri-choco"(obligation chocolate), and "Honmei-choco". Giri-choco is   (6)   to be for friends, colleagues, bosses, and close male friends. "Giri"   (7)   obligation in Japanese, so this Giri-choco has no   (8)   involved. On the other hand, Honmei-choco is designed to be given to a boyfriend,   (9)  , or husband with true love. Japanese women often   (10)   the Honmei-choco by themselves as many of them think it is not true love   (11)   they just buy the ready-made chocolate at shops. You will start   (12)   large displays of chocolate, often heart-shaped in department stores and grocery stores from mid-January.

       Days before the Valentineˈs Day, stores get   (13)   with a large variety of chocolates, the cooking tools, and women! Now you may think that it seems   (14)   that only the guys receive gifts on Valentineˈs day.   (15)  , the men, in response, give chocolates to women on White Day, which is a month later on March fourteenth. More often the   (16)   of the chocolate is white because of the name of the day. Again, department stores have many advanced   (17)   with gift displays so men will have no   (18)   to forget about this special day which is important for women. To the guys, if you receive chocolate—you will be expected to   (19)   the favor!

       Japanese young people are impressed by American customs of giving Valentineˈs cards to all of their classmates. Now cards, candies, flowers and other gifts are also   (20)   among young people in these special holidays.

The next few decades will see the world experience many most pressing challenges, one of which is how to ease the __（1）__ stress that human activities are placing on the environment. The consequences are just too great to __（2）__. Wildlife habitats are being degraded or disappearing altogether as new developments __（3）__ more land. Plant and animal species are becoming __（4）__ at a greater rate now than at any time in Earth’s history. As many as 30 percent of the world’s fish stocks are over-exploited. And the __（5）__ goes on.

       __（6）__, there is reason to have hope for the future. Advances in computing power and molecular biology are among the tremendous increases in __（7）__ capability that are helping researchers __（8）__ a better understanding of these problems. Recent development in science and technology could provide the __（9）__ for some major and timely actions that would __（10）__ our understanding of how human activities affect the environment.

      Improving hydrological forecasting is one priority for research. It has been __（11）__ that the world’s water use would triple in the next two decades. Already, widespread water __（12）__ have occurred in parts of China, India, and North Africa. The need for water also is taking its toll on fresh water ecosystems in the United States. Only 2 percent of the nations’ __（13）__ are considered in good condition , and __（14）__ to 40 percent of native fish species are rare to extinct.

      To prevent __（15）__ ofinfectiousdiseases in plants, animals and human, more study is needed on how parasites and disease-carrying species—as __（16）__ as humans and other species they __（17）__ ---are affected by changes in the environment. The overuse of antibiotics both in humans and in farm animals has __（18）__ to the growth of antibiotic-resistant micro organism. Researchers can take __（19）__ of new technologies in genetics and computing to better monitor and __（20）__ the effects that environment changes might have on diseases outbreaks.

For years scientists have been worried about the effects of air pollution on the earthˈs natural conditions. Some believe the    (1)   inside many houses may be more dangerous than the air outside. It may be one hundred times    (2)   .

        Indoor air pollution can  (3)   a person to feel tired, to suffer eye pain, headache and other   (4)   . Some pollutants can cause breathing disorders, diseases of blood and    (5)  cancer. Most scientists agree that every modern house has some kind of  (6)    pollution.

        People pay more    (7)    to the problem now. It is that when builders began making    (8)   and offices they did not want to waste energy. To do this they built buildings that limited the flow of air between inside and outside. They also began   (9)   man-made building materials. These   (10)    are now known to let out harmful gases.    (11)   the problem became more serious, scientists began searching for a   (12)   to deal with it. They discovered a natural pollution control system   (13)    building green plants. Scientists donˈt really know  (14)   control air pollution. They believe that a plantˈs leaves absorb or  (15)    pollutants.

When we talk about a bad man, we like to call him a “wolf”. But is it really true that the wolf stands for devil（恶魔）and ugliness? Have you read the book The Wolf Totem by a famous writer Jiang Rong, which tells the story of the relationship between wolves and human beings? Have you ever  (1)  the wolves’ world? If you had, you would  (2)  the wolves.

In the book, wolves are heroes on the large grassland. They know more about  (3)  than humans. They can attack lambs without disturbing their mothers. They also know how to  (4)  full use of the shape of land to  (5)  sheep. I believe that if wolves were humans, they would be  (6)  experts good at fighting. The wolf is a kind of special creature that can deeply understand  (7)  . Each wolf serves its group with its heart and soul. A  (8)  wolf has little power, but a pack of wolves  (9)  nothing. All the wolves obey the rules.  (10)  they are defeated, they run away together. It is their teamwork  (11)  makes wolves powerful.

The wolves also have great self-respect and won’t  (12)  to anyone. The writer, who wrote the book The Wolf Totem,  (13)  stole a one-month-old baby wolf and raised it very carefully. To his  (14)  , he found the little wolf still wanted to go back with the  (15)  wolves. He bit through the iron chain that limited him. The wolf was  (16)  and he never gave in, fighting to his  (17)  . The little wolf died as a glorious fighter.

I was shocked by this kind of  (18)  : wolves are one of the most respected creatures on earth. I want everyone to look at wolves in a  (19)  way. They are our teachers. They show us how to survive and  (20)  in this not simple and dangerous world. Please honor the wolves, please honor all these heroes of nature!

 It is proved that a young scientist named Will Smith has invented a kind of advanced and intelligent robot. The small robot may help children who are _（1）__. from a long-term illness in hospital or at home.

   Whoever has had a long-term illness knows that recovering at home can be   (1)  _, as everyone can't keep them _  (2)  _, especially when their family go out to work. These children may feel   (3)   from their friends and classmates, which can be particularly _  (4)   of children. They may feel _  (5)  _. Now these children may have a high-tech friend to help _  (6)  _ the sense of loneliness. The friend is a robot, which takes their _  (7)  _ at school. Through the robot, the children can _  (8)  _ teachers and classmates. They   (9)  _ participate in class from _  (10)  _ they are recovering. Mr. Smith, the inventor _  (11)  _ how it works. He says the child uses a tablet or phone to start the robot. Then the _  (12)   uses the same device to control the robot's movements at school, the robot becomes the ears and _  (13)  _ of the child, so that he or she can take part in classroom activities—_  (14)   you're at home or from a hospital bed. The robot is _  (15)  _ with microphones that makes _  (16)  _ easy. It will become   (17)  _ to the public, for not only does it look simply cool but people can afford it. _  (18)  _, it will help some children feel _  (19)  _ lonely while they are absent from class.

I took the Harvard Summer School program during my summer vacation. I really   (1)  

the chance to learn there, which   (2)   my horizons greatly. As all   (3)   I took were humanities-related, I   (4)   much time to reading in Harvard’s libraries. I enjoyed myself  (5)   I was there, either doing research for my papers or enjoying special edition books that had been   (6)   over time.

When the library first came into   (7)  , I looked at it with respect and was deeply   (8)   

by its neoclassical design. The design is inspiring. It occurred to me that   (9)   as Greek temples were houses of gods, the library was a temple of   (10)  .

On opening a pair of heavy elegant metal doors, I was    (11)  inwarm light. Fascinated(入迷的)，I wandered around the   (11)   library, finding one treasure after another. One that   (12)   caught my interest is the donor Widener. He was crazy about  (13)   rare old books, and one of his most precious collections immediately got my   (14)  . A 500-year-old book quietly   (15)   its golden letters. This book represents Harvard’s   (16)    (17)  

as a guardian of, and contributor to, the long history of thought.

Harvard’s library is rather    (18)  . One can hear the rustling (沙沙声)of pens on paper as countless students study   (19)   inside it. For me, the library, as well as the courses,   (20)   

Harvard’s place as the home of committed scholars.

    Eventually all suns will   36  their fuel, explode and then become cold and dark. Matter itself will disappear and the universe will become   37  for the rest of time.

     This was the general drift of my thoughts as my wife and I   38  my eldest son as a freshman at college. That moment at the dorm is   39  at the kindergarten door, at the gates of summer camp, at every occasion of parting and   40 . But it comes surprising, taking what you   41  most.

   Our ancestors thought this parting should take place   42 . In many societies adolescents were sent away to live with friends or relatives right after adolescence. This was supposed to   43  the conflicts that come from   44  teenagers and their parents very near.

     Eighteen years is not enough. The days pass uncounted, until they   45 . The adjustment is upsetting. My son is on the   46  side --- observant, thoughtful, a practitioner of companionable silence. I know this is hard on him as well. He will be homesick. Among thegreatest   47  of college students is they won’t have a room at home to return to.

      But with due respect to my son’s feelings, I have the   48  of parting. I know something he doesn’t --- incomprehensible to the young. He is experiencing the   49  that come with beginnings. His life is starting for real. I have begun the long letting go. Put another way: He has a wonderful future in which my part   50  decreases.

     I’m sure my father realized it at a(n)   51  moment. And I certainly didn’t notice or understand. At first, he was a giant who held my hand and   52   my sky. Then a middle-aged man who paid my bills. Now, decades after his passing, a much-loved   53 . But I can remember the last time I hugged him in his home, where I always had a room. I can only hope to leave my son the same.

My son, those days have been the greatest wonder and   54  of my life. And there will always be a   55  for you.

Mobile phones are everywhere in big cities. It seems that 41   can survive without one. Mobile phones are a great 42   to stay connected with friends and family. 43  , it is important to remember that there are certain times  44   you should not be using your phone, especially as a student, during school.

45  you are in class, you should not be sending your friends text messages 46  taking phone calls. Your classmates and teacher should not have to deal with this rude 47  . Aren’t you at school to learn?

In the United States, students would never be allowed to 48   their mobile phones during class. If you were to send or  49  a text message you would probably be kicked 50   class. It is very disturbing to hear a lot of tones and ringing during 51   . There are many more rules for mobile phone use in America and it is to 52    respect for those around you.

As a teacher in China, I have to  53    students using mobile phones every day. I have told my class to 54   their phones, but many students do not listen. The  55  to be connected all the time seems to be more 56   than the desire to learn.

It’s easy to understand 57   it is so tempting(诱惑人的) to have your phone on during class. It seems so easy just to send a short text message; it’s not hurting anyone, is it? But you may actually be hurting 58    when you do this. Your teacher knows when you use your phone and may give you a 59   grade. Sending a text message also takes your attention away from what’s going on in class, you may 60  something important.

Many theories regarding the causes of juvenile delinquency (crimes committed by young people) focus either on the individual or on society as the major contributing influence. Theories    36   on the individual suggest that children      37     criminal behavior before they were not sufficiently     38     for previous misbehaviors or that they have learned criminal behavior through interaction with others. Theories focusing on the role of society suggest that children commit crimes in    39    to their failure to rise above their socioeconomic status or as a rejection of middle-class values.

Most theories of juvenile delinquency have focused on children from    40    families,   41      the fact that children from wealthy homes also commit crimes. The latter may commit crimes for lack of adequate control from parents. All    42    , however, are uncertain or unimproved and are of course challenged with criticism.

Changes in the social structure may indirectly     43     juvenile crime rates. For example, changes in the economy that     44    to fewer job opportunities for youth and rising unemployment     45      make gainful employment increasingly difficult to obtain. This results in    46    among youths and may in    47    lead more youths into criminal behavior.

Families have also experienced  48  these years. More families consist of one parent households or two working parents;     49    , children are likely to have less supervision at home than was common in the traditional family    50     . This lack of parental supervision is thought to be an influence on juvenile crime rates. Other noticeable     51     of offensive acts include     52    experience or failure in school, the    53    availability of drugs and alcohol, and the growing phenomenon of child abuse and child neglect. All these conditions tend to increase the    54     of a child committing a criminal act,     55    a direct cause and effect relationship has not yet been established.