I was born in a small river. When I was young, the river was my home. I did not know where my father or mother is, but I had many brothers and sisters. We swam and played together.

At the beginning. I did not look like my parents at all. I had a long tail, but I had no legs. So I looked like a fish.

Day by day, my tail is becoming shorter and shorter. And now, I have four legs and a very short tail.

I know I'm going to have no tail soon. I'm going to be like my parents. Then I'm going to jump out of the water. The land is my second home. I'm going to eat a lot of bad insects.

—We took the No. 15 bus.

To Be a Child: Easy or Not?

Parents always say it's great to be a child. But, what do the children think?

Peter: I am a nine-year-old boy. I had one thing to say: ITS NOT EASY TO BEA CHILD. Being a child might look like fun, but sometimes it's not. Yesterday l was playing balls outside with my friend. I was having a really good time. Then suddenly, my mother said," Peter, it's six o'clock. It's time to come back home. It's getting late. "How pity! When you're a parent, no one can tell you what to do or when to do it.

Jack: "Hurry up!" "Eat more vegetables." "Don't eat too much ice cream. ""Don't play computer games." "Keep your room clean. ""You should study hard" "You should go to bed before nine o'clock." Oh, my god! 'These nagging words ring (回响)in my ears every day.

Lisa: As a child, I like to play, but I have no time to play or to do the things l really love. I can never finish my homework. On the weekend, there are also many extra(额外的)classes waiting for me. I try to get good grades (等级), but my parents think I should get better grades.

Both parents and children have their own ideas. Next week, we are going to talk about another topic: To be a parent, easy or not?

—Yes, there _____________ lots of flowers everywhere.

Bill: Hi, Mike. How are you?

Mike: Not very well.

Bill: I'm sorry to hear that.

Mike: Yes, I'm much better now, thanks! How was your weekend?

Bill:

Mike: What did you do?

Bill: I helped him pick apples and feed the animals all the weekend.

Mike: Was that interesting?

Bill: Yes, I also took many pictures of the animals. They were so cute.

Mike: Really?

Bill: Sure.