Recently, educators and parents become concerned about the poor performance of boys in school. The so-called “boy crisis” in education refers 【小题1】 both their academic performance and their behavior. In both areas boys’ results are much 【小题2】 (bad) than girls’.

USA data shows that boys rank behind girls in almost all areas of schooling. They earn lower 【小题3】 (grade) overall in primary school and high school. They are behind girls in reading and writing, and 30 percent of them are in bottom quarter of standardized tests, 【小题4】(compare) with 19 percent of girls.

Although the causes of the “boy crisis” are not 【小题5】 (full) understood, some experts believed that the same-sex classrooms and schools may help solve the problem. The idea is【小题6】(remove) some of the distractions(分心) caused by the opposite sex, in order to improve students’ concentration and hopefully their grades. The first Chinese school to experiment with this idea 【小题7】 (be) Shanghai No.8 Middle School, 【小题8】began “boys-only” classes in September, 2012. Although it is too early to tell if the reform has made 【小题9】difference, its supporters argue that the results are 【小题10】 (promise).

I’m your principal, Mr Xu at senior high school. I can’t wait【小题1】 (describe) to you what senior high school life is like. The path before you leads【小题2】 a world full of【小题3】 (challenge) but when you rise to the challenges, you will have the opportunity to acquire great knowledge and enjoy【小题4】 (person) growth. Most importantly, your time and effort at senior high school will open the door to your potential, 【小题5】 is your natural ability that can be developed when you try hard enough.

To【小题6】 (full) realize your potential, 【小题7】 is important for you to make the most of our school resources. Of equal importance【小题8】 (be) good study habits, useful skills and a positive attitude. Last but not least, always look on【小题9】 bright side and never lose hope, even in difficult situations.

You need to make a continuous effort to train your mind and develop your character. Senior high school will help you learn and grow, yet you alone are responsible for【小题10】 (realize) your great potential. Be confident, do your best and make us proud!

After I had pictured it over and over again in my mind, the big day finally arrived: my first day at senior high! I woke up early and 【小题1】(rush) out of door in my 【小题2】(eager) to get to know my new school.

The campus was still quiet when I arrived, so I decided to explore a bit. I was looking at the photos on the noticeboard 【小题3】 I heard a voice behind me. “New here?” Turning around, I saw a white-haired man. “Yes,” I replied. “I’m wondering what life is going to be like here.” “Don’t worry,” he gave me a smile. “You’ll soon find out.”

How true these words were! When my English teacher stepped into the classroom, I was surprised 【小题4】(see) the same man I had met earlier.

“Good morning, everyone. Before we start, please come to the front one by one and introduce yourself to the class. I’ll go first...”

“What?!” I tried to turn 【小题5】 my brain but the engine just wouldn’t start. “I should say my name, of course. But what else? What could I say to make a good first 【小题6】(impress)? Something about my insect collection, perhaps.” I was organising my words in my head when the girl next to me gave me a nudge. “It’s your turn!”

With butterflies in my stomach, I 【小题7】(breath) deeply. “Hi, I’m Meng Hao.” Everyone started laughing. I looked at them in panic. “Nice to know we share 【小题8】 same name,” said my new teacher. I had been too nervous to pay attention when he introduced 【小题9】(him)! Although I was 【小题10】(embarrass), his words made me a lot more relaxed!

When we had all introduced ourselves, Mr. Meng said, “Well done, everyone! I know this isn’t easy for many of you. But this is just the kind of thing you are going to face at senior high. Challenges like this might sometimes put you under pressure. But it all depends on what you do. Keep calm and be prepared. That way, you’ll make the most of your time at senior high.”

People say, “Well begun, half done.” I guess this was a good beginning to my new school life.