I am sure you know the story of the turtle (乌龟) and the rabbit. It taught people many lessons. One of these lessons is that people who have all the advantages (the fast-jumping rabbit) can be beaten by those who have nothing but inner strength (内在的力量) (the slow turtle).

It is true that the race of life, just like the one between the rabbit and the turtle, is often unfair. Some kids have all the luck. They were born healthy and their parents are rich. These kids wear nice clothes and they always have much money to buy anything they like. But many other kids have none of these things. They have to depend on their inner strength alone.

___________ this is not true. In fact, the “turtles”—kids from poor families —have some of the most important things for success. They are determined (有决心的) and hard-working. They move forward slowly but with great inner strength.

A student from Tsinghua University shared his personal experience online. He chose to get a part-time job and study hard while his classmates were having fun outside. He knew there would be plenty of time for fun once he had overcome all of the difficulties. His story may have encouraged “turtles”. The race of life is long. Even if you get off to a slow start, you can easily catch up if you make up your mind to do so.

A person who is very polite to others is said to have good manners. Generally, such a person is respected by people around him. He shows care to others and does his best to make them comfortable.

As the saying goes, “The first impression（印象）is the best impression.” When we meet a person for the first time, it’s that person’s manners that will impress us. The manners we learn as children stay with us in our whole lives. Our parents and teachers teach us good manners, and we can make them part of our personality. It’s very important to teach good manners to children when they are young so that they grow up to become polite and pleasant. Childhood is the best time to learn good manners.

Good manners cost us nothing but can help us get many things. They help us win friends and conquer our enemies（敌人）. They can help make the world a happier place by reducing（减少）arguments and helping people avoid fights. Whether you’re in business, service or education and whatever kind of life you lead, good manners are helpful.

Everyone likes a person who speaks and acts politely and treats others respectfully. Such a person is always ready to understand and to help other people. He also forgets the wrong others do to him. Value good manners, and teach them to your children from an early age.

It was the last day of the final exam in a college. Outside the classroom, a group of students were waiting for the last exam. On their faces was confidence.

They knew the exam would be easy. The teacher said they could bring any books or notes during the test.

Right after they came into the classroom. The teacher handed out the papers. There were only five questions on it.

Three hours passed. Then the teacher began to collect the papers. The students no longer looked confident but they looked very nervous. The teacher watched these worried faces, and then asked, “How many of you finished all five questions?” No one answered. “How many of you answered four?” Still no one put up the hand. “Three? Two?” The students moved restlessly（不安地）in their seats. “One, then? Certainly somebody finished one.”

But the class kept silent（沉默）. The teacher said, “That is what I thought. I just want to make you know clearly that you finished four years of study, but there are still many things about the subject you don’t know. These questions you could not answer are common（常见的） in everyday life.” Then, he smiled and said, “You will all pass this exam, but it doesn’t mean that you learned the subject well. There are still more things for you to learn in your later life.”

Now we can’t remember the name of this teacher clearly, but we can’t forget the lesson he taught us.