Last year, I did not like English because I didn’t like my English class. Every class was like a bad dream. The teacher spoke so ________ that I did not understand her most of the time. I was afraid to ask questions because of my poor pronunciation (发音). I just ________ behind my textbook and never said anything.

But then ________ amazing happened—I found a super cool English movie called Toy Story. It was exciting and funny. I was ________ about it soon! Later I began to watch other English movies, too. I could not understand everything the actors and actresses said, but their body language and expressions on their faces ________ me to get the meaning. Moreover, I could make it by listening for just key words. My pronunciation got better by listening to the words in English movies.

________ time went on, I was surprised that listening to something interesting is the secret to language learning. I also learned ________ sentences like “It’s a piece of cake” or “It serves you right” (自作自受). ________, I did not understand these sentences. But then I really wanted to understand the interesting story. I had to ________ some new words in a dictionary.

Now I find myself enjoying my English class much more. I spend my free time learning new words and more grammar so that I can have a better ________ of English movies. I truly believe that learning English is like going on a super cool trip, and I’m ready for the exciting journey ahead!

I’m having a great time with my host family in France. I was nervous before I ________ here, but there was no need to be. My host family is really nice. Miss Green always talks to me in French to help me practice. So my French has ________ a lot. I still make lots of ________, but I don’t worry as ________ as I used to.

My biggest problem of all is learning how to act at the dinner table. Things are very different ________ the way they’re at home. For example, you shouldn’t put your elbows (肘) on the table. When I first arrived here, I thought that was quite ________. But now I’m used to (习惯于) it. Another ________ is that it’s not very ________ to say you’re full. If you don’t want any more ________, you should just say,   “That was delicious.” I find it difficult to remember everything, but I’m getting used to it. I don’t find ________ customs (习俗) so strange any more.