The Phone Call

    It was getting dark. Paul looked out of the window and signed ( 叹气 ). Dad said he could come home by 5:30, but it was almost 7:00. Even if Dad came back, it wouldn't be much fun playing1in the dark. Paul walked into his room and threw his baseball into the corner. He tried to do some homework, but couldn't.

    The phone rang at about 8:00. It was Dad, "Paul, I'm2, but I couldn't play baseball with you tonight. I have to finish my work at the office. Maybe we can play this weekend. Oh no. How about next weekend?

    Paul couldn't understand why Dad was so3 He threw himself into the sofa and soon fell asleep. His book was still opened to the first page.

    The next day at school, Paul didn't hand in his homework and 4 a test. Mrs Green, his teacher, asked him to stay after school. "Paul, you didn't do your homework. You didn't pass the test and only got a D. This isn't like you. What's wrong?"

    Paul just sat there 5"Paul, if you don't want to talk, I will. I know that something's worrying with you, but you have to get it out. You need to tell someone.

    As Paul walked home, he thought of what Mrs Green said. Maybe he didn't do his homework because he wanted to get his dad's 6He knew Mrs Green was right. He decided to take her advice.

    When Paul got home, he 7his dad. But there was no answer. Then it went to voicemail(语音信箱). Paul began talking, "Dad, I can't play with you next weekend. I've got lots of problems with my homework. Also, I really don't want to spend another day looking out of the window and waiting, whenever you 8our plans, Dad, it hurts me. It's not too late to rebuild our relationship, but we have to start small. Maybe you can help me with my 9sometime. Dad, I love you. "

    As Paul ended the call, he felt much relaxed.  He didn't know whether his dad would be different, but it didn't matter.  He himself 10 He expressed his feelings to the right person. He had a clear head as he was doing his homework that evening.

Having a Perfect Holiday

    We have the answer! And all you need is a bike' Join a

    You will join a group of up to 12 teenagers and one or two leaders.  You'll see mountains, the sea, pretty country villages, and lakes. You'll cycle about 20 km on most days, but don't worry--you don't need to cycle up any mountains and you can go quite slowly if you need to. On the days when you don't cycle, you can have a go at some different sports, like swimming and caving, and you'll move to a different hotel most nights.

    At the end of your holiday you'll find you are fitter, more energetic and have more friends! It is really the perfect holiday.

    Places are limited, so book your place now!

    Phone 005 6867 4758 or visit our website: www.paradisecycling. cn.

    Welcome to a

    We have been the leaders in short exchange holidays between Chinese and American schoolchildren since 1995.

    The Culture Exchange Holiday offers programmes in more cities than ever before-New York, Washington DC, Houston, Dallas, San Francisco, Chicago and New Orleans. In addition to English classes, you go to a real American school with children of your own age, and you live with an American family for four weeks. In return, an American schoolgirl or boy lives with your family and goes to your school.

    Weekends are spent with the American family, but on Sundays cultural visits are also offered to places of interest and on these visits you will meet other exchange students. Our group leaders are fully qualified and experienced tour guides. You can even enter our competition and win a free Cultural Exchange Holiday!

    Check out our five-week programme. Spend four weeks with an American family and then join us for a week touring Florida by train. Visit the Everglades, see the dolphins and have fun at Disneyland!

    Want to know more? Fancy winning a free trip? Contact us at: www.culturalezchangehol.cn.