# data[].attributes.body
Response: After reading the article "China's two sessions': Economics, environment and Xi's power" reported by Tilak Jha, BBC Monitoring, I am surprised about the decision and change of the cancellation of two-term limit  on the presidency since I have been in American for about half a year and I barely pay attention to the current events happening in China. Besides, I am able to have a clearer and better comprehension of NPC. It's very hard to read such an objective report about the political events which is considered a kind of sensitive topic in China. I think this dramatic change can be a double-edged sword. The main reason of the decision to cancel the "two-term limit" is that the public and the country have been witnessing the boom under the leadership of Chairman Xi. However, there is no guarantee that the country will always towards a positive direction without any new blood and new mode. All in all, no matter what, I still wish my homeland can be thriving and prosperous.
DQs:
1. Do you agree or disagree with the idea about cancel the two-term limit on the presidency? Why?
I stand with a neutral attitude towards this question because I think this change is a double-edged sword. The new boom might come to the country however it might also need some new mode to govern the country.
2. Do you heard before about NPC (National People's Congress)?
Yes, I have heard about this congress when I was in high school. And I learned it in my Ideological and political class in China.

# data[].attributes.body
1.unprecedented (adj.)

Original: That congress saw an unprecedented cementing of power for President Xi, elevating him on the same level as the country's inaugural communist leader Mao Zedong.

Definition:having no precedent; novel
unprecedentedly (adv.)
My Own Sentence: This achievement is unprecedented.
Synonyms: unexampled, new
2. formulate (v.)
Original: Meanwhile, the CPPCC will review past policies of central and local governments and formulate plans for the future.
Definition: prepare according to a formula; elaborate, as of theories and hypotheses; come up with (an idea, plan, explanation, theory, or principle) after a mental effort; put into words or an expression.
formulation (n.)
My Own Sentence: This assignment requires students to analyze the article and formulate a proper hypothesis.
Synonyms: explicate, develop

# data[].attributes.body
1.parliament(n.)
Original:The National People's Congress (NPC). That's the legislature or parliament. Think the House of Commons in the UK, or the US House of Representatives.
Definition:a legislative assembly in certain countries
My Own Sentence: Parliament approved this policy one year ago.
2.deputy(n.)
Original: Among those are 742 women - that's around 25% this time, more than the last NPC - and also 438 ethnic minority deputies.
Definition: a person appointed to represent or act on behalf of others
My Own Sentence: These deputies in committee are selected by other people.
Synonyms: surrogate

# data[].attributes.body
Response: After reading the article "China's 'two sessions': Economics, environment and Xi's power" by BBC news, actually I am really comforted by this report because I don't have chances to read such an objective and neutral report from China's news. Because now I am not in China, so I didn't focus on this year two session. However, from my peers' reflections (mostly complaints), I know that extending the presidency term is not a good idea. It seems that the policy used by recent government in China is more and more similar to the policy in Qing Dynasty, which means president and government are more autocratic than before. It's not a good phenomenon. In my opinion, government should be more democratic, but all I can do is just following the rules because I cannot change anything.
DQ: 1. Do you agree or disagree with the idea about cancel the two-term limit on the presidency? Why?
In fact, I don't know. Because this policy is just published, I cannot judge whether it can give positive or negative impacts to the society.
3. Do you heard before about NPC?
I heard this word just in the video game the I played. LOL. It's the first time I know this word in English.

# data[].attributes.body
1.Chairman
Original: Carrie Gracie: The thoughts of Chairman Xi
Definition: Someone who is in charge of a large company or organization.
My own sentence: In china, our chairman is Xi Jinping at this time.

Synonyms: authority, leader
2.Urge
Original: Li Datong has urged lawmakers to vote against this proposal.
Definition: To strongly suggest that someone does something.
My own sentence: I urged my mum to buy a new car for me.
Synonyms: Impulse

# data[].attributes.body
Summary: In the story' China's 'two sessions': Economics, environment and Xi's power' posted by BBC news, the author mainly introduced NPC to us and talked about the draft of the new constitution which needs to vote for the approval. One of the most impassive part of this draft is cancel the two term limit on the presidency, which means the president of china can stay in office beyond 2023.Some people agreed on the new law, but there are a group of people who disagree about that. We will see in next few days if the new constitution be approved.
Response: For me, new constitution doesn't mean a lot for me. I just stand on the middle to see what happened. Either the leader of China is Xi Jinping or others, we will have the same life as usual. I heard a lot joke recently which talks about that China will named Xi. Objectively, it's better to keep the authority balanced among one country. But, we need to obey and follow the rules which made and approved by the congress.
DQ:1. Do you agree or disagree with the idea about cancel the two-term limit on the presidency?Why?
I am on the middle of this. I am either disagree or agree with this idea because I afraid I will be in trouble if I disagree about that.
2. What influence do you think if the new constitution approved?
I think it will have a large impact on China. Because of the division of powers. When canceled the two-term limit on the presidency, the incumbent president can have unlimited term of office. People who belongs to the incumbent part can have more benefit than the other part.
3. Do you heard before about NPC(National People's congress)?
It's the first time I heard about this words can define in such a authority way. Before, I thought it was the monster in my games.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
China's "two sessions" - the annual meetings of the national legislature and the top political advisory body - are opening in Beijing.

The meetings are significant markers on the country's carefully choreographed political stage.

This year, the parliament is expected to rubberstamp major constitutional changes that will elevate the power of President Xi Jinping.

It will also confirm dropping China's two-term presidential limit.

That would mean Xi Jinping could stay in power for life, leading China according to his new ideological guidelines, known as "Xi Jinping Thought".

Here's what will go on during the sessions.

Who is meeting?

The National People's Congress (NPC). That's the legislature or parliament. Think the House of Commons in the UK, or the US House of Representatives.

According to the constitution, the NPC is the most powerful state organ - but it's often labelled a "rubber-stamp" body by international observers, meaning it will always approve what it's told to approve.

This year, the NPC has 2,980 deputies representing China's provinces, autonomous regions, centrally-administered municipalities, the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau, and the armed forces.

Among those are 742 women - that's around 25% this time, more than the last NPC - and also 438 ethnic minority deputies.

The Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). That's the most powerful political advisory body. Think House of Lords or the US Senate. The CPPCC is strictly advisory in nature - it does not have any legislative power.

The current CPPCC has 2,158 members, including people from entertainment, sports, science, business and non-Communist parties.

Referred to as the "two sessions" (liang hui), these meetings traditionally last between one and two weeks.

This year the CPPCC started on 3 March and the NPC will start on 5 March.

A Chinese move that many expected

Extending Xi rule 'would be a farce'

Why China is censoring Winnie the Pooh again

What can we expect?

The "two sessions" have special significance this year as they come after the once-in-five-years Communist Party Congress of October 2017.

That congress saw an unprecedented cementing of power for President Xi, elevating him on the same level as the country's inaugural communist leader Mao Zedong.

Carrie Gracie: The Thoughts of Chairman Xi

The NPC is expected to:

ratify the inclusion of the president's political philosophy - "Xi Jinping Thought" - in the constitution.

confirm China's new government line-up for the next five years, kicking off Xi Jinping's second term as president.

approve the removal of the two-term limit on the presidency, meaning Xi Jinping can stay in office beyond 2023.

ratify a law to set up a new powerful anti-corruption agency.

The "two sessions" will also look at any plans for economic reform, as well as Mr Xi's other two focus areas: corruption and protecting the environment.

Meanwhile, the CPPCC will review past policies of central and local governments and formulate plans for the future.

Economic issues will be a key focus as 2018 marks the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening up policy.

Will there be any opposition?

Don't expect too many surprises at what some describe as Asia's largest political pantomime. Whatever will be decided or debated usually is pre-determined by the Communist Party.

There have been instances, though, where the NPC did raise objections. In 2006 for instance, the government deferred a property tax law after it sparked a debate in the NPC.

Commonly referred to as a one party state, China does in fact have several other official parties alongside the Communists.

Largely dismissed inside and outside the country as mere democratic window dressing, these parties unanimously support the Communists within the NPC.

How is it viewed in China?

Chinese state media are giving extensive coverage to the two sessions but you won't find any criticism undermining the two assemblies as mere rubber stamp groups.

China Radio International praises the fact the "long-awaited revamping of state institutions" will be high on the NPC's agenda.

Beijing-based website China Finance Online lists sustainable industrial growth, building on benefits from the Belt and Road initiative and poverty alleviation as the key themes for the meetings.

Meanwhile, dissident media such as US-based NTDTV.com report that petitioners from several provinces are heading to Beijing to highlight their grievances.

In a tradition dating back to imperial times, each year, petitioners stream into the capital to seek justice by appealing to the country's rulers. During the two sessions, they are usually kept out of the public eye so as to not disrupt the political theatre.

But there has been some criticism also within China of the proposal to end the presidency term limit.
Li Datong has urged lawmakers to vote against this proposal.
"It [two-term limit on the presidency introduced in the 1982 constitution] was the highest and most effective legal restriction meant to prevent autocracy or putting individuals above the party and the state", the former editor of state-run China Youth Daily said in an open letter to the legislators.

He told the BBC such a move would be "considered a farce in Chinese history in the future".
Reporting by Tilak Jha, BBC Monitoring. BBC Monitoring reports and analyses news from TV, radio, web and print media around the world. You can follow BBC Monitoring on Twitter and Facebook.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
China's 'two sessions' to cement Xi's power

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
China's "two sessions" - the annual meetings of the national legislature and the top political advisory body - are opening in Beijing. The meetings are significant markers on the country's carefully choreographed political stage. This year, the parliament is expected to rubberstamp major constitutional changes that will elevate the power of President Xi Jinping.

# data[].attributes.body
1.Wise
Original:The magi were wise men--wonderfully wise men--who brought gifts to the Baby Jesus.
Definition: Wise decisions and actions are sensible and based on good judgment
My own sentence: I am a wise person who can remember thousands of English words.
Synonyms:intelligent
2.Comb
Original: But she held the combs to herself, and soon she was able to look up with a smile and say, "My hair grows so fast, Jim!"
Definition: A flat piece of plastic, metal etc with a row of thin teeth on one side, used for making your hair tidy
My own sentence: I can't use the comb because my hair is short.
Synonyms:Strighten

# data[].attributes.body
Response: In the story "The Gift of the Magi" written by O. Henry, author ported a lovely story and I was touched by this story.This article mainly talks about Jim and Della-a couple. Della sell her hair in order to buy a chain for Jim because the chain is fit with Jim's golden watch. But, Jim sell her golden watch in order to buy a comb for Della because of the long hairs. When they find out what others did, they was surprised. At that moment, the story was pretty unfortunately. But, it shows the love between this couple. This story is a good story and Henry is a wise person.
DQ:1. Does this story end the way you expected? If not, what did you expect?
This story end the way which I am excepted. It's pretty good for lovers give up their most valuable things and buy a gift for others.
2. Do you agree with Jim and Della's decision? If you were them, what would you do to buy the gift?
I am agree with their decision. If I am them, I will do the same thing.

# data[].attributes.body
1. rare (adj.)
Original: Something fine and rare -- something close to being worthy of the honor of belonging to Jim.
Definition: 1)marked by an uncommon quality; especially superlative or extreme of its kind; 2)having low density; 3) (of meat) cooked a short time; still red inside.
rarely (adv.)
My Own Sentence: This bird is very rare in my hometown.
Synonyms: uncommon, scarce
2. possession (n.)
Original: Now, Mr. and Mrs. James Dillingham Young had two possessions which they valued.
Definition: 1) anything owned or possessed; 2) a mania restricted to one thing or idea.
possess (v.)
My Own Sentence: This land is in the possession of my father.
Synonyms: property, ownership

# data[].attributes.body
1. immovable(adj.)
Original: Jim stopped inside the door, as immovable as a dog smelling a bird.
Definition: not able or intended to be moved
immovable(n.)
My Own sentence: In this question, she is really immovable and doesn't change her mind.
Synonyms: immobile
2. negotiate(v.)
Original: Pennies saved one and two at a time by negotiating with the men at the market who sold vegetables and meat.
Definition:discuss the terms of an arrangement
My Own Sentence: Consumers
negotiate the prices of that goods with the businessman.
Synonyms: negociate

# data[].attributes.body
Response: The Gift of the Magi is a really famous novel written by O. Henry. I have read before but this is the first time I read it in English version. The writer is really smart to show the love between two characters. At the first part of the story, he describes how Della and Jim give up their treasures to buy gifts for each other. When I read the part that Della buys a chain and Jim buys combs because at that moment I think it's really pity that Jim and Della cannot use gifts given by each other. But in the end, O. Henry writes that they know how much they love each other because they always cares about each other. This is a reversal, which can show that O. Henry is really smart. In fact, I really admire this relationship between Jim and Della since I read this story  first time.
DQs:
1.Does this story end the way you expected? If not, what did you expect?
When I didn't read the whole story, I didn't expect that this story could have such a happy ending. I just felt sorry for Della and Jim because they couldn't use the gifts from each other. I thought that this story would leave a pity.
2. Do you agree with Jim and Della's decision? If you were them, what would you do to buy the gift?
I totally agree with what Jim and Della do because they really love each other and consider each other as treasures. They can give up the most precious items to buy gifts for each other. It's so moved and touching. If I were Della, I would do the same things because I really love him.

# data[].attributes.body
Discipline: Story
Summary: In the story "The Gift of the Magi" written by O. Henry, he portrayed a image of a poor but loving married couple Jim and Della who wanted to buy each other secret Christmas presents but with little money. This couple has nothing but only two possessions that they treasure: Jim's gold pocket watch which passed down to him from  his father and his grandfather, and Della's lustrous long hair. In order to have enough money, Della sold her beautiful hair and bought a chain for Jim's watch. However, Jim sold his watch since he wanted to buy Della an assortment of combs. At the end of the story, they all found out that they sold their most precious possessions to pay for a gift for each other.
Response: I choose this story written by O. Henry because I have been fascinated by his twisted way of thoughts and endings about every story since I was at a young age. However, I have never read his stories in English so I want to appreciate his original language this time. After reading this story, I am astonished by O. Henry's tricky and surprising writing style again. This isn't the first I read this story, but I am still moved by the sincere and pure love between Jim and Della. Meanwhile, I also see the light of grief in this story that the loving people have no choice but to mutually sacrifice their treasure for buying each other a gift, which is just as the saying goes, "love makes people rich but so can loss."
DQs：
1. Does this story end the way you expected? If not, what did you expect?
No, this story didn't end as what I expected. I thought maybe Jim would buy a gift without selling his watch because I thought the author mentioned that they only had two valued possessions was just for showing how precious Della's hair is.
2. Do you agree with Jim and Della's decision? If you were them, what would you do to buy the gift?
Yes, I agree with their decisions and I totally understand them. If I were them, I would do the same thing since I would sacrifice everything for my lover and give my lover the most precious gift I could.
3. Do you have the similar experience with Jim and Della's? Would you like to share it?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Editor's Note: We are pleased to share a traditional holiday story with you, 'The Gift of the Magi' by O. Henry. Karen Leggett adapted this story for VOA Learning English. Your storyteller was Shep O'Neal. The producer was Lawan Davis.
One dollar and eighty-seven cents. That was all. And sixty cents of it in the smallest pieces of money - pennies. Pennies saved one and two at a time by negotiating with the men at the market who sold vegetables and meat. Negotiating until one's face burned with the silent knowledge of being poor. Three times Della counted it. One dollar and eighty-seven cents. And the next day would be Christmas.

There was clearly nothing to do but sit down and cry. So Della cried. Which led to the thought that life is made up of little cries and smiles, with more little cries than smiles.

Della finished her crying and dried her face. She stood by the window and looked out unhappily at a gray cat walking along a gray fence in a gray back yard. Tomorrow would be Christmas Day, and she had only one dollar and eighty-seven cents to buy her husband Jim a gift. She had been saving every penny she could for months, with this result.

Jim earned twenty dollars a week, which does not go far. Expenses had been greater than she had expected. They always are. Many a happy hour she had spent planning to buy something nice for him. Something fine and rare -- something close to being worthy of the honor of belonging to Jim.

There was a tall glass mirror between the windows of the room. Suddenly Della turned from the window and stood before the glass mirror and looked at herself. Her eyes were shining, but her face had lost its color within twenty seconds. Quickly she pulled down her hair and let it fall to its full length.

Now, Mr. and Mrs. James Dillingham Young had two possessions which they valued. One was Jim's gold time piece, the watch that had been his father's and his grandfather's. The other was Della's hair.

Had the Queen of Sheba lived in their building, Della would have let her hair hang out the window to dry just to reduce the value of the queen's jewels.

So now Della's beautiful hair fell about her, shining like a brown waterfall. It reached below her knees and made itself almost like a covering for her. And then quickly she put it up again. She stood still while a few tears fell on the floor.

She put on her coat and her old brown hat. With a quick motion and brightness still in her eyes, she danced out the door and down the street.

Where she stopped the sign read: "Madame Sofronie. Hair Goods of All Kinds." Della ran up the steps to the shop, out of breath.

"Will you buy my hair?" asked Della.

"I buy hair," said Madame. "Take your hat off and let us have a look at it."

Down came the beautiful brown waterfall of hair.

"Twenty dollars," said Madame, lifting the hair with an experienced hand.

"Give it to me quick," said Della.

The next two hours went by as if they had wings. Della looked in all the stores to choose a gift for Jim.

She found it at last. It surely had been made for Jim and no one else. It was a chain -- simple round rings of silver. It was perfect for Jim's gold watch. As soon as she saw it she knew that it must be for him. It was like him. Quiet and with great value. She gave the shopkeeper twenty-one dollars and she hurried home with the eighty-seven cents that was left.

When Della arrived home she began to repair what was left of her hair. The hair had been ruined by her love and her desire to give a special gift. Repairing the damage was a very big job.

Within forty minutes her head was covered with tiny round curls of hair that made her look wonderfully like a schoolboy. She looked at herself in the glass mirror long and carefully.

"If Jim does not kill me before he takes a second look at me," she said to herself, "he'll say I look like a song girl. But what could I do--oh! what could I do with a dollar and eighty-seven cents?"

At seven o'clock that night the coffee was made and the pan on the back of the stove was hot and ready to cook the meat.

Jim was never late coming home from work. Della held the silver chain in her hand and sat near the door. Then she heard his step and she turned white for just a minute. She had a way of saying a little silent prayer about the simplest everyday things, and now she whispered: "Please God, make him think I am still pretty."

The door opened and Jim stepped in. He looked thin and very serious. Poor man, he was only twenty-two and he had to care for a wife. He needed a new coat and gloves to keep his hands warm.

Jim stopped inside the door, as immovable as a dog smelling a bird. His eyes were fixed upon Della. There was an expression in them that she could not read, and it frightened her. It was not anger, nor surprise, nor fear, nor any of the feelings that she had been prepared for. He simply looked at her with a strange expression on his face. Della went to him.

"Jim, my love," she cried, "do not look at me that way. I had my hair cut and sold because I could not have lived through Christmas without giving you a gift. My hair will grow out again. I just had to do it. My hair grows very fast. Say 'Merry Christmas!' Jim, and let us be happy. You do not know what a nice-- what a beautiful, nice gift I have for you."

"You have cut off your hair?" asked Jim, slowly, as if he had not accepted the information even after his mind worked very hard.

"Cut it off and sold it," said Della. "Do you not like me just as well? I am the same person without my hair, right?

Jim looked about the room as if he were looking for something.

"You say your hair is gone?" he asked.

"You need not look for it," said Della. "It is sold, I tell you--sold and gone, too. It is Christmas Eve, boy. Be good to me, for it was cut for you. Maybe the hairs of my head were numbered," she went on with sudden serious sweetness, "but nobody could ever count my love for you. Shall I put the meat on, Jim?"

Jim seemed to awaken quickly and put his arms around Della. Then he took a package from his coat and threw it on the table.

"Do not make any mistake about me, Dell," he said. "I do not think there is any haircut that could make me like my girl any less. But if you will open that package you may see why you had me frightened at first."

White fingers quickly tore at the string and paper. There was a scream of joy; and then, alas! a change to tears and cries, requiring the man of the house to use all his skill to calm his wife.

For there were the combs -- the special set of objects to hold her hair that Della had wanted ever since she saw them in a shop window. Beautiful combs, made of shells, with jewels at the edge --just the color to wear in the beautiful hair that was no longer hers. They cost a lot of money, she knew, and her heart had wanted them without ever hoping to have them. And now, the beautiful combs were hers, but the hair that should have touched them was gone.

But she held the combs to herself, and soon she was able to look up with a smile and say, "My hair grows so fast, Jim!"

Then Della jumped up like a little burned cat and cried, "Oh, oh!"

Jim had not yet seen his beautiful gift. She happily held it out to him in her open hands. The silver chain seemed so bright.

"Isn't it wonderful, Jim? I looked all over town to find it. You will have to look at the time a hundred times a day now. Give me your watch. I want to see how it looks on it."

Instead of obeying, Jim fell on the couch and put his hands under the back of his head and smiled.

"Dell," said he, "let us put our Christmas gifts away and keep them a while. They are too nice to use just right now. I sold my gold watch to get the money to buy the set of combs for your hair. And now, why not put the meat on."
Download activities to help you understand this story here. Now it's your turn. Write to us in the Comments section or on our Facebook page about a very special gift you received
The magi were wise men--wonderfully wise men--who brought gifts to the Baby Jesus. They invented the art of giving Christmas gifts. Being wise, their gifts were wise ones. And here I have told you the story of two young people who most unwisely gave for each other the greatest treasures of their house. But in a last word to the wise of these days, let it be said that of all who give gifts, these two were the wisest. Everywhere they are wisest. They are the magi.

QUIZ

______________________________________________________________

negotiate - v. to discuss something formally in order to make an agreement

expression - n. the way someone's face looks that shows emotions and feelings

magi - n. the wise men, generally assumed to be three in number, who paid homage to the infant Jesus. Matt. 2:1-12.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This traditional American holiday story tells of a young couple trying to make their way in life. They struggle to find gifts for each other at Christmas time. What can they find to show their love for each other? Like other O. Henry stories, this one has a surprise ending.

# data[].attributes.body
1.competing
Original: “This kind of flexibility is especially important when they’re competing against other species of squirrel, making them very successful at invading.”
Definition: Competing series, ideas etc cannot all be right or accepted
My own sentence: I was competing with my friends about game yesterday.
Synonyms: Battle
2.Emerged
Original: The difference emerged with the more challenging puzzle. Although 91 percent of the gray squirrels solved it, only 68 percent of the red squirrels did.
Definition: To appear or come out from somewhere
My own sentence: After what happened, the memory emerged from my mind.
Synonyms: Appear

# data[].attributes.body
Response: After reading the article "Which Are Smarter, Red Squirrels or Grey Squirrels? Science weighs in" by Carrie Arnold, I am able to know more about squirrels. In the article, Arnold introduces that the grey squirrels are cleverer than the red squirrels that they are more skillful for foraging food. As a result of this, red squirrels are dwindling, which makes me recall that many species of creature are in danger because they are incapable of competing food with other species. I think the public should pay regard to red squirrels and take actions to protect them, or the red squirrels will be on the verge of extinction sooner or later. Furthermore, I will try to arouse the attention of the people around me to protect red squirrels as well.
DQs：
1. Have you ever seen squirrels? Do you think they are smart?
Yes, I can see grey squirrels every single day on campus. Rather than smart, I prefer that those grey squirrels are very greedy but timid. When I come close to them, they just quickly run away from me and at other times, they were eating something or competing with each other for food.
2. What actions can people take to protect red squirrels?
For protecting red squirrels, I think the relevant organizations can establish nature reserves. Besides, scientists and researches can publish articles to spread the situation of decreasing red squirrels to the public in order to call on the public to protect red squirrels.

# data[].attributes.body
Response: After reading the article, '

Which Are Smarter, Red Squirrels or Gray Squirrels? Science Weighs In' by Carrie Arnold, I am amazed by the information which provided by this article. this article mainly talks about two type s of squirrels--red squirrels and grey squirrels.After gray squirrels arrived in the U.K. from North America long time ago, numbers of native red squirrels have begun to decrease. And scientists now discovered the reason why it causes this. It was because gray squirrels are better at solving for their dinner. From my perspective, I think that we should more cares on red squirrels, otherwise, red squirrels will be the history because of the extinct.

DQs：
1. Have you ever seen squirrels? Do you think they are smart?
Of course, there was a lot of squirrels in our school. I seen a lot before in our school. I think they are smart than what I imaged.
2. What actions can people take to protect red squirrels?
Maybe we can establish an organization to protect the red squirrels. In addition, we can write more article and spread through the internet to call on people in order to protect the red squirrels.

# data[].attributes.body
1. frantically (adv.)
Original: Gray squirrels may not look so smart when they’re frantically burying acorns they may never find again, but they appear to be smarter than the red squirrels found across the pond.
Definition: in an uncontrolled manner.
frantic (adj.)
My Own Sentence: I am frantically revising for my midterm.
Synonyms: frenetic, phrenetic

2. dwindle (v.)
Original: Ever since gray squirrels arrived in the U.K. from North America more than a century ago, numbers of Great Britain’s native red squirrels have begun to dwindle.
Definition: become smaller or lose substance.
dwindling (v./adj.)
My Own Sentence: My saving finally dwindled away.
Synonyms: diminish, lessen

# data[].attributes.body
1.plight(n.)
Original: During the past several decades, the plight of the red squirrel has grown especially concerning, leading the Red Squirrel Survival Trust to project that the species could go extinct in the U.K. within the next decade if numbers don’t reverse.
Definition: a situation from which extrication is difficult especially an unpleasant or trying one
My Own Sentence: Nowadays, the plight of homeless people raises people's attentions.
plight(v.)
2.tackle(v.)
Original: Chow and her colleagues chalked the difference up to the gray squirrel’s ability to try new strategies to tackle the challenging task.
Definition: accept as a challenge
My Own Sentence: I am accustomed to tackle the problem that are less difficult to me fisrt.
tackle(n.)

# data[].attributes.body
Response: After reading the article "Sunken oil tanker: How to protect the high seas environment?" by Irene Banos Ruiz, I am able to realize that how serious the impact to marine environment caused by oceanic oil spills is and the absence of relevant strict laws and regulations for marine protection. Even though it's undeniable that manage and protect the "grey area" of oceans is an extremely hard work because it concludes plenty of problems between countries, I still think the UN should enact more strict and reasonable regulations and laws as soon as possible because the deterioration of marine environment won't wait for anyone. Moreover, I urge that not only the transportation companies but also the whole public to be more responsible for protecting marine environment.
DQs:
2.What are some suggestions to protect the sea environment?
First, I suggest that everyone should be responsible for protecting marine environment especially the transportation companies. They should be strict of the amount and type of  cargo they transport. Second, I think the UN and countries should enact strong laws to restraint and supervise the transportation companies.
3. What do you think the sea environment would be before reading this article?
Before I read this article, ocean is always a mysterious and beautiful place to me. I thought in depths of the sea, there must be diverse creatures living in their home unthreateningly. However, the truth of those creatures which are suffering from oceanic pollution is contrary to my imagination.

# data[].attributes.body
1.controversy (n.)
Original: High seas are often a source of controversy when it comes to protecting marine wildlife and ecosystems.
Definition: A contentious speech act; a dispute where there is strong disagreement
controversial (adj.)
My Own Sentence: What do you think of this ongoing controversy?
Synonyms: dispute, conflict
2. adequate (adj.)
Original: This is supposed to ensure adequate compensation for oil pollution damages and cleanup costs, among other coverage, Nele Matz-Lück, director of the Walther Schücking Institute for International Law, told DW.
Definition: having the requisite qualities or resources to meet a task; sufficient for the purpose; about average; acceptable
adequacy (n.)
My Own Sentence: I have no adequate preparation for this presentation.
Synonyms: sufficient, competent

# data[].attributes.body
1) Thanks for using the colors. It makes it easier for me to find everyone's posts.

# data[].attributes.body
1. Tattoo(adj)
Original: A 2015 Harris Poll found that about 30% of the U.S. population and almost half of those aged 18-35 have a tattoo.

Definition:A picture or writing that is permanently marked on your skin using a needle and ink
My own sentence: It is hard to convince me to have a tattoo.
synonyms: Emblem
2.Deviance(n.)
Original: Tattoos don’t necessarily reflect deviance or psychopathology.
Definition: When something is different, especially in a bad way, from what is considered normal.
My own sentence: When my dog has some deviance actions such like bark with no reason and anxiousness, I know it's the time for her to mate with others.
synonyms: Aberrance

# data[].attributes.body
1.Implement
Original: At the end of 2017, the UN started a process to implement a new rule book by 2020, to establish marine catch quotas and conservation areas, among protective measures.
Definition: To take action or make changes that you have officially decided should happen
My own sentence: It's hard to implement the new law which assigned by the government.
Synonyms: put into effect/appliance
2.Condensate
Original: However, it is not yet clear how much condensate has burned off or even how much has spilled, not to mention possible consequences for fish species consumed by people, Greenpeace warns.
Definition:A substance formed by condensation, such as a liquid from a vapor.
My own sentence:Steam water is produced through condensate.
Synonyms:Crystallization

# data[].attributes.body
Response: After reading this article, I am shocked by the negative impacts given by oil spills. It's terrible for the whole ecosystems and sea animals. They have to face lots of difficulties to live in sea environment. What's more, I believe that people in adjacent countries would be influenced in a negative way. For both animals and people, oil spills cause considerably bad impacts.
Due to the development of the industry, the environment has been broken seriously. The worse thing is that no one would take responsibility for the most parts of grey areas. Governments focus more on their own countries. I think that everyone and each countries should take actions as soon as possible because environmental problems will influence individuals seriously one day.
DQ:
2.What are some suggestions to protect the sea environment?
Governments should enact some laws and set penalties to control the number of ships and the size of each one. In high seas, adjacent countries should reach a consensus and try to protect sea environment and solve pollution together.
3.What do you think the sea environment would be before reading this article?
Before I read this article, I don't realize that oil spills can give such a serious and negative impact on sea environment. I think sea environment would be better because governments and individuals perceive the importance of protecting environment and they would take actions to solve environmental problems.

# data[].attributes.headline
Article 3: Sunken oil tanker: How to protect the high seas environment?

# data[].attributes.subject
Article 3: Sunken oil tanker: How to protect the high seas environment?

# data[].attributes.body
Discipline: Science
Summary: In the article, "Sunken oil tanker: How to protect the high seas environment?" by Irene Banos Ruiz, the author  mainly talks about the Iranian oil tanker sank in the East China Sea which causes a lot of negative effects. High seas are often a topic of disputed when it comes to protecting sea environment and ecosystems. A lack of strong international laws in waters outside national maritime boundaries results in many 'grey areas'. Although there is a well-established law on high seas, the truth is that on the high seas, only the criminal laws of the flag state apply, and the international community is powerless to bring the people who make the environmental crimes to justice.

Response: After reading this article, I am shocked. It's true that we got 70 percents of sea on this planet, but only 5 percents are protected by countries. There are a lot of grey areas which no body take responsibility for that. As what happened this evidence, it's hard to separate the responsibility. Most of the country will just focus on their own boundaries. If things happened outside, they will just take a look. It's true that the technology developed a lot, but the environment polluted a lot due to our unawareness of the pollution.
DQ:1.Who should take the responsibility of this evidence?
It's hard to say. But I think the ship company should take the responsibility. Also, the country near the accident place should give a hand to help them.
2: What are some suggestions to protect the sea environment?
Maybe the United Nations should make a new law focus on the high sea environment.
3: What do you think the sea environment would be before reading this article?
After reading this article, I thought the sea will be the most beautiful place in this world. And it will be protected by the country near them. Now, I realized that it's not acted like what I imaged before. High sea is a place where law doesn't works. This accident reminds us the importance  to increase the high sea safety and environmental protection measures.
Link: http://www.dw.com/en/sunken-oil-tanker-how-to-protect-the-high-seas-environment/a-42150179

# data[].attributes.body
Response: Tattoo was a thing which unacceptable for me before. I thought it was a representative of evil. But, when I come to America, it was pretty common to see people have tattoos on their body. Not only the strangers but also my friends. After reading the article, I agree with the author that we can get some visual information from the tattoos. It's hard to let me believe a person who have a tattoo of skull is a kind person. Tattoo for young person do not have any special meanings. They just think it is cool to have a tattoo.
DQS:
(1) I do not want to have a tattoo because it's unacceptable for me.
(2) Many of my friends have more than one tattoo on their body. They think it was funny and cool to have a tattoo.

# data[].attributes.body
1.informative (adj.)
Original: By this I mean that having a tattoo in general doesn’t tell us anything reliably about an individual, but exploring the details about an individual tattoo could prove quite informative.
Definition: serving to instruct or enlighten or inform; tending to increase knowledge or dissipate ignorance; providing or conveying information.
information (n.)
My Own Sentence: This book is really informative that I have learn a lot from it.
Synonyms: instructive, advisory
2. inconsistent (adj.)
Original: People from different countries, college students, and those being treated with mental illness — reveals findings that are, not surprisingly, inconsistent and inconclusive.
Definition: displaying a lack of consistency; not in agreement; not capable of being made consistent or harmonious.
inconsistency (n.)
My Own Sentence: This product is inconsistent with this company's purpose.
Synonyms: conflicting, discrepant

# data[].attributes.body
1.ecosystem(n.)
Definition: a system formed by the interaction of a community of organisms with their physical environment

Original: High seas are often a source of controversy when it comes to protecting marine wildlife and ecosystems.
My Own Sentence: Cutting down trees excessively has an negative impact on world's natural ecosystems.
2.spill(n.)
Definition: liquid that is spilled
Original: This is the only path for a reducing oil spills that could impact the high seas environment, as well as other harmful activities, from illegal fishing to plastic pollution, Johnston believes.
My Own Sentence: After the party, I need to clean the table up and wipe up beverage spills.
spill(v.)

# data[].attributes.headline
Article 2: Tattoos as Windows to the Psyche: The Psychology of Skin Art

# data[].attributes.subject
Article 2: Tattoos as Windows to the Psyche: The Psychology of Skin Art

# data[].attributes.body
Discipline: Science
Summary: In the article "Tattoos as Windows to the Psyche: The Psychology of Skin Art" by

Joe Pierre M.D., Pierre persuades that tattoos cannot be a judgement of deviance or psychopathology, they are windows to a individual's psyche by providing something meaningful about this individual instead. Pierre insists that as increasingly numbers of individuals are getting their tattoos, tattoos are being normal that they can mean nothing or everything that though tattoos don't provide anything reliable about their wearer, we can still get information if exploring the details.

Response: After reading this article, I agree with Pierre's opinion that tattoo can be quite informative for others to know better about those tattoo-wearers. Nowadays, getting a tattoo on the body are becoming increasingly normal, but for me, tattoos are still playing a role which carry great meanings. It is undenied that getting a tattoo is quite painful and once you tattoo on yourself, it will be a part of you forever. Hence, in this process, if the tattoo really contains any special meaning to the wearer, it could be unforgettable in some degree. Moreover, I think tattooing is a sort of method to release and express some kinds of emotion.
DQs:
1) Do you want to get a tattoo on your body? Why do/don't you want to do this?
Yes, I always want to get a tattoo when there is a extremely special event in my life either it's negative or positive. Because I want to remember and commemorate the significant event.
2) Do you or your friends have tattoos? Does the tattoos are meaningful to you/them?
One of my friends does. It's a same pattern as a tattoo of a Youtuber who inspires her most. My friend got this tattoo as a encouragement to be a better person.
3) What do you think about the functions of tattoos to individuals?
I think it can be various. Tattoos can either be a pattern you really like or be a tool to carry important and special meaning to you.

# data[].attributes.body
http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/d-brief/2018/01/22/tapeworm-salmon-sashimi-fresno/#.WmogA2iZiEchttp://blogs.discovermagazine.com/d-brief/2018/01/22/tapeworm-salmon-sashimi-fresno/#.WmogA2iZiEc

# data[].attributes.body
1.Mainstream(n.):the prevailing current of thought
Original:While tattoos have historically been associated with criminals, gang members, prisoners, and other marginalized groups, tattooing is now firmly part of mainstream culture.
My own sentence: This dressing style has become mainstream.
Synonyms: thought
2.criminal(n.):someone who has committed a crime or has been legally convicted of a crime
Original:While tattoos have historically been associated with criminals, gang members, prisoners, and other marginalized groups, tattooing is now firmly part of mainstream culture.
My own sentence: These criminals was caught by the police last week.
Synonyms:crook

# data[].attributes.body
Response: After reading this article, I totally agree with the ideas of the author. Nowadays, more and more people decide to have tattoos. Most of them deciding to have tattoos is just because it's cool. Just like my classmates in high school, after entering college, she told us that she had a tattoo. When I asked she why to tattoo, she said that all she thought was that this tattoo was cool. As we can see from this example, tattoos of younger generations don't havespecial meanings.
DQS:
(1)I don’t want to have a tattoo because I can’t stand the pain of tattooing.
(2) One of my friends has a tattoo but she says that it just looks cool.

# data[].attributes.body
1.Parasite(n.)
Definition: a plant or animal that lives on or in another plant or animal and gets food from it
Original: Cooking salmon or freezing it is enough to kill the parasite.
My own sentence: One of the way the parasite spread is through wind and rain.
Synonyms: epizoon
2.Tapeworm(n.)
Definition: A long flat worm that lives in the bowels of humans and other animals and can make them ill
Original: Sure enough, there was a tapeworm wrapped around a cardboard toilet paper tube.
my own sentence: The tapeworm can appears anywhere in my intestine.
synonyms: Flatworm

# data[].attributes.body
Response:
After reading the article "Sushi's to Blame for A Man's 5-Foot Tapeworm" by Carl Engelking, I can’t help feeling shocked and apprehensive that I am a totally salmon sashimi fanatic that eating salmon sashimi is the fastest way to cheer me up. It is undeniable that this article it’s a wake-up call for me to pay more attention to the food safety. Meanwhile, I am so depressed to know this authentic fact. It’s too hard for me to stop eating salmon sashimi, even though I have already known the serious consequence for eating raw fish. Nevertheless, the next time I go to eat sashimi, I will definitely choose a reliable restaurant.
DQs:
1) Do you think people will believe the danger of salmon as the author says and really take actions to avoid eating salmon?
I think people will believe the danger of eating raw salmon but probably not everyone will take actions to avoid eating it, because there are a lot of people cannot resist the temptation of delicious sashimi, just like me.
2) Have you ever seen the chief making salmon sushi? How was that salmon's quality?
Yes, I have been to plenty of Japanese restaurants which had bars to show their customers the process of making sashimi and sushi. And this is one of the important reasons that why I enjoy eating sashimi in the restaurants. The quality of those raw fish looked really fresh and ideal.

# data[].attributes.headline
Vocabulary: Article 1 1.unwarranted (adj.)

# data[].attributes.subject
Vocabulary: Article 1 1.unwarranted (adj.)

# data[].attributes.body
Original: Banh said he’s seen patients who think they have a tapeworm, but their fears are often unwarranted.
unwarrantably (adv.)
Definition: incapable of being justified or explained;lacking justification or authorization.
My own Sentence: This is an unwarranted invasion of my privacy.
Synonyms: unjustified, unreasonable

2. Reveal (v.)
Original: How the tapeworm entered the patient’s body stumped Banh, until the patient revealed he absolutely loves eating salmon sashimi, a raw fish dish that’s a Japanese delicacy.
revealable (adj.)
Definition: make visible;make known to the public information that was previously known only to a few people or that was meant to be kept a secret;disclose directly or through prophets
My own Sentence: Let me reveal the answer to this question.
Synonyms: expose

# data[].attributes.headline
Article 4: Which Are Smarter, Red Squirrels or Gray Squirrels? Science Weighs In

# data[].attributes.subject
Article 4: Which Are Smarter, Red Squirrels or Gray Squirrels? Science Weighs In

# data[].attributes.body
Discipline: Science
Summary: In the article "Which Are Smarter, Red Squirrels or Grey Squirrels?" by Carrie Arnold, the author introduces two species of squirrels: red squirrels and grey squirrels. Firstly, she states that grey squirrels are smarter than red squirrels. Their skills to choose dinner time are better than red squirrels' and this ability might help them to survive. Then, she introduces an experiment.  People use two puzzles of different difficulties to test the abilities of these two species of squirrels. For first easy one, both species pass this puzzle. However, the methods they choose are different and red squirrels spend more time than grey squirrels. For the second hard one, there are more grey squirrels that solve the problem than red squirrels. This experiment shows that grey squirrels can try to solve different problems in different ways. This advantage enables grey squirrels to find better foods.
Response: I choose this article is just because that I can see squirrels every day and I really like these cute guys. However, I don't know different species of squirrels have difference in intelligence until I read this article. Because grey squirrels are smarter, it's easier for them to find better foods. I think it's the main reason that the number of squirrels doesn't decrease. However, the number of red squirrels does decrease because they are not skillful enough to find foods. I believe more people and animal organization should focus on red squirrels and take actions to protect these pity guys. We do need to protect red squirrels. In addition, it's really happy to find that the squirrels in UC Davis are grey squirrels (maybe?) that are smart enough.
DQ:
1. Have you ever seen squirrels?Do you think they are smart?
I see squirrels every day in Davis. I think they are smart because they come close to me only when I give them hazelnut. If I don't have some food, they won't come close to me.
2. What actions can people take to protect red squirrels?
People can establish some organizations and zones to protect red squirrels.
3. Can you guess how grey squirrels' problem-solving abilities work in reality?
Link:
https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2018/02/gray-red-squirrel-smarter-intelligence-animals/

# data[].attributes.body
Stumped (v.): Walk heavily.

Original: How the tapeworm entered the patient’s body stumped.

Stump (n.)

Definition: the base part of a tree that remains standing after the tree has been felled.

My own sentence: I stump in my room after a tiring vacation.

Bladder(n.): a bag filled with air

Original: In rare cases, a tapeworm might cause gall bladder disease, obstruct sections of the intestine or cause a vitamin B12 deficiency.

My own sentence: I hate the bladder because they are not concrete.

# data[].attributes.body
Response: After reading the article, I felt a little bit rejoice because I seldom ate salmon and raw fishes. But I got another important information from the article which was the raw shrimp also causes the parasitic disease. I will control my diet with more cooked food next time. Honestly, when I saw raw food next time, the tapeworm will appears in my mind :(. But, this article is good which let us far away from a potential disease.
DQS:
1) I think people will believe the danger of salmon as the author says and really take actions to avoid eating salmon! Because I am one of them ! Avoid might be too categorical, people might just eat less than before.
2) Of course, I seen the chief making salmon sushi several times. The quality of the salmon was excellent. It was on a boat. We went to the central of the sea and the mariner just capture the salmon from the sea.  It was the most fresh salmon I had ever ate before.

# data[].attributes.headline
Sushi’s to Blame for a Man’s 5-Foot Tapeworm by Carl Engelking

# data[].attributes.subject
Sushi’s to Blame for a Man’s 5-Foot Tapeworm by Carl Engelking

# data[].attributes.body
Discipline: Science

Summary: In ‘Sushi’s to Blame for a Man’s 5-Foot Tapeworm’, firstly it describes Dr. Kenny Banh’s experience that his patient was treated for tapeworms because he ate salmon sushi. Then it focuses on how tapeworms survive in salmons， the bad influence of tapeworms, and the treatment to tapeworms.

Response: It’s really scared to me that every time I eat salmon sushi, I have the risk of getting disease because of tapeworms. I love fish and I like eating sushi so the information from this article is meaningful to me: I will decrease the times I eat salmon and take care of the quality of salmon I eat.

DQs:

1) Do you think people will believe the danger of salmon as the author says and really take actions to avoid eating salmon?-- I think there are some people who do realize the danger of salmon and try not to eat salmon. However, there are still some continue to eat it because they just want to eat something tasteful.

2) Have you ever seen the chief making salmon sushi? How was that salmon’s quality?-- Yes. And I think it was fresh (at least from its surface).

3) Have you ever gotten disease because of bad diets? --No.