A famous study was done in a school by a professor (教授) from a university. At the start of the school year, the teachers were given the names of five children. They were told that these five were the most excellent students in the class. But the fact was that these students were only average (普通的), and they were not the best students at all. Well, guess what? At the end of the year, all the five average students scored among the highest in the class.

What made these average students change so much to become top students? The only difference was the change in their teachers’ attitude (态度). Because the teachers believed that these five kids were the top students, they expected more from them. And so these five average students began to believe and expect more from themselves. So they worked harder to do as well as they could.

Do you know why? If you expect the best from people, they’ll usually want to give you their best. A great leader said, “Treat a person just how he appears to be on the outside, and you’ll make him even worse. But treat a person like he’s already a success, and you’ll help make him the best he can be.”

Like the true story of 7-year-old Johnny, his teacher got so angry with him that one day she said,“Johnny, you’re the naughtiest (淘气的) boy in this class. I’m sure you’ll never change.” The next year Johnny had a new teacher. And on the first day of class, she met with Johnny after school and said, “Johnny, I’ve heard a lot about you! But do you know that I don’t believe a word of it.” And every day after that, this new teacher treated Johnny as if he was one of the smartest students even when Johnny did naughty things. Later on, Johnny became a school leader. Because that’s the power of our belief (信仰) and attitude toward children.

It’s easy to start conversations (对话) for American students. How do they do it? Let’s take a look.

Americans always start conversations with nice words. For example, an American student might say, “I love your schoolbag, where did you get it?” When you say that to strangers (陌生人), they will like you, because you give them something to talk about themselves.

In America, if you’re not smiling, something must be wrong. Go into an American restaurant and every waiter smiles at all times. Newscasters (新闻广播员) put oil (润肤油) on their teeth—this makes their smiles come more easily. Need some more friends? Keep smiling!

Of course, talking about yourself is a good way to start a conversation with a stranger. Say something, anything, about you. For example, what did you eat for breakfast? What’s in your schoolbag? Sounds boring? So to an American, anything to talk about is OK, but no talk is boring.

Want to win friends like an American? Keep talking, smiling and say something nice, then it’s easy for you to make friends with others.

Teens are not always the easiest people in the world to understand or talk to. So is my 15-year-old son. He seldom talks with us and I feel worried about this. What should I do?

【小题1】 Start by noticing your son’s feelings and talk about how you think about something. “You seem unhappy about what happened. But I think you should …” This will sound more like a suggestion. Often, teens just need to talk about problems to someone they trust.

【小题2】 Don’t tell others what your son has shared with you. Build trust by keeping your conversations just between you two. If you end up sharing your son’s private words with others, this may shut down communication. Your son may not want to risk offering his private thoughts or opinions to you again.

【小题3】 Some teens find it easier to talk at night. Knock on their door and ask if they have time for a talk. Sit with them in their room and ask them about their day before they go to bed. Try to keep the conversation natural and open.

【小题4】 No matter what your son likes, be open to talk with them. Work on being a good listener and try to show interest in what he enjoys discussing.

【小题5】 This can be difficult to do, but you may serve as a good model for your son. In fact, admitting a mistake sets a good example for your son. “I’m sorry” are powerful words for a teen to hear from his parents.

Choose the best topic from A to F according to the meaning of the passage.