Nowadays, a new method is used to decide who are the top students in school. The best students are those who not only get high marks, but also follow the rules and the behavior standards for middle school students. Here are some of the new rules and standards.

Tell the truth. Have you ever copied someone else's work on an exam? If you have, then don't do it again! That's not something an honest student should do. If you have played computer games for two hours in your room. don't tell your parents you were doing homework.

Learn to work together with others. It would be more fun when more people work together. Did you fight with your teammates when your basketball team lost? Only working together can make your team stronger. Be friendly to the people you are with. Try to think of others, instead of only yourself.

Be open to new ideas. Have you ever thought that people could live on the moon? Perhaps you'll discover Earth Ⅱ someday. Don't look down on new ideas. Everyone's ideas are important. You should welcome them, because new ideas make life better for everyone.

Use the Internet carefully. Some websites on the Internet aren't for kids, so make sure to visit the web pages that are good for you. You can visit the websites for fun or homework. Can't you find any good websites for children?

Most schools in different countries have their own school rules.

The school-leaving age in the UK is sixteen, but you don’t have to leave school at sixteen.

Students in many American schools mustn’t have chewing gum（口香糖）. In some states like Florida, students must stay at school until（直到）they are eighteen. It’s the legal（法定的）school-leaving ago. In other states, like Washington, they don’t have to go to school after the age of sixteen. Some people think that all states should change the school-leaving age to eighteen because sixteen is too young.

In Japan, children have to pass a test before they can go to some primary schools（小学）. Some high schools tell students what kinds of movies they mustn’t watch at the cinema. Some students think the school shouldn’t do this because the cinema isn’t at school.

In Thailand, students must clean their classrooms. They also have to sing the national anthem（国歌）before school.

Do you put up your hand when you want to speak in class? If so, you have followed a rule. Rules can be as simple as putting up your hand. They can also be as complicated (复杂的) as knowing when you are “out” in a game.

Rules can be made by anyone. Parents make rules to help children grow up healthily. Rules at home might include washing dishes or cleaning rooms.

Teachers make rules to help students learn and stay safe. Putting up your hand before asking a question helps the class pay attention to the lesson. Students make rules in games to make sure that they can play without fighting. Rules can be changed often. If you change your minds, you can change the rules.

Laws are rules too, but they are made differently. Laws are made by elected representatives (被选出的代表). Voters allow their representatives to make laws that can protect people’s rights, safety and make sure everyone can be treated fairly. Laws can’t be changed often, so representatives consider laws carefully before making new ones.

The biggest difference between rules and laws is the punishment for breaking them. If you break a rule, your punishment might be small, like losing a turn in a game. However, if a person breaks an important law, the punishment might be a fine or time in prison.

Rules and laws keep everyone safe. People can work and live together in peace by following rules and laws.