My brother Tim and I each have our own room. Tim is messy but I am tidy. By Saturday of each week, the floor of Tim’s room would be covered with dirty clothes, books and toys.

On Saturday afternoons, Tim and I like to play baseball with our friends. Tim always asked me to help him clean in the morning, and I usually helped him. Tim is the best player on our team. If he didn’t play, the other team might win.

Two weeks ago, my friend Gretchen invited me to her house on Saturday morning. I asked Tim to start cleaning early, but it didn’t help. On Saturday morning, his room was messier than ever. I told Gretchen I couldn’t come. Gretchen invited me again for the next Saturday.

On Monday, I decided that I wouldn’t let Tim’s disorderly habits change my plans. I bought three big boxes and took them to Tim’s room. On the first box I wrote “clothes”. On the second box I wrote “books and toys”. On the third box I wrote “rubbish”.

For several days, I followed Tim at home. I pointed to clothes or toys on the floor, and said “Throw them in the right box!” Tim then started to remember to do it on his own.

When Saturday came, we took the clothes from the first box to the laundry(洗衣店). Then we put the books on the shelf(书架), we threw the rubbish away. Then Tim and I played with Gretchen until time for the baseball game.

Having worked in a nature reserve (保护区) for 30 years, Hou Tiguo has developed a special ability—he can tell what kind of birds are around simply by their saying. “I can also tell whether they are happy or unhappy,” he added with a big smile.

The Blacks and the Whites are good neighbours. They know each other well. Sometimes they have dinner together.

One day, Mrs Black invites the Whites to have dinner again because it is her birthday. In the afternoon, she comes home from work early. On the way home, she goes to the market. First she buys some beef because Mr Black likes it best. And she knows that Mr White likes chicken and Mrs White’s favourite food is fish. So she buys chicken and fish. She also buys some vegetables and fruit. She wants to get everything ready for the dinner.

When Mr Black comes back home, Mrs Black is busy cooking. “Happy birthday!” Mr Black says and brings her a bunch of flowers. “Oh, thanks. What beautiful flowers! Would you please put them in the living room? I’m busy now.”

“OK,” says Mr Black. “And I can help you put the candles on the birthday cake.” “A birthday cake?” Mrs Black says. “I forget to buy it.” “Never mind. I’ll buy it now. I’ll be back in a few minutes,” Mr Black says while he is running towards the door.

Just then, the doorbell rings. They are the Whites. In their hands there is a big birthday cake.