________________. North Americans send cards for many occasions. They send cards to family and friends on birthdays and holidays. They also send thank-you cards, get well cards, graduation cards, and congratulation cards. It is very common to buy cards in stores and send them through the mail, but turning on the computer and sending cards over the Internet is also popular.

Parents can help their children succeed in school by getting involved in their studies.  They should get to know their children’s teachers by attending school activities as often as possible.  They should also talk about what their children are learning in school.  Another good idea is to look over children’s homework before they hand it in, and help them with any questions or problems. ________.

It is important to study history. History repeats itself, so learning about the past can help us make better decisions in the present. Also, knowing about important historical leaders, wars, and events can help us understand cultures, people, and politics in today's world. Finally, learning about unusual people, places, and events in history is fascinating! ____________

The following paragraph lacks a topic sentence. Read it carefully, then choose the best topic sentence (A, B, C or D) for it.

____________First, many schools require two or more years of foreign language study for graduation. Secondly, learning other languages helps us communicate with people from other countries. Also, knowing a foreign language can lead to job opportunities. Finally, for many people, studying foreign languages is fun! There are many reasons to learn a foreign language.

_____________. Unlike some breeds of dogs, they do not need a lot of exercise every day. Crowds and loud noises do not make them nervous. Also, they do not mind being alone for hours, if you need to be away at work. On top of all this, they are known to be patient and loving with children. If you are a city-dwelling family looking for a pet, I highly recommend this breed of dog.

Physically attractive people always seem to get some extra attention. People approach them more positively. Physical attraction plays a significant role in judging people in matters of employment, social opportunities, friendship, and marriage. In many cases, people attribute positive characteristics, such as intelligence and honesty, only to beautiful and attractive people. Physical beauty may have its own strengths but it is not without certain limitations. It is important not to be biased in our judgment because physical beauty is only skin deep. ______________

Families should take a vacation at least once a year. On vacation, families can spend time together without distractions from work and school. Also, during a trip, families can explore new places and activities together, which is fun. Finally, during their time away, families can relax together without the stresses of daily life. ____________

Playing musical instruments is something people have been doing for a very long time. In fact, a team of researchers discovered flutes that they believe are over forty-two thousand years old. These flutes were found in a cave in southern Germany, and they were made from bird bones and mammoth ivory. Researchers believe these flutes may be the oldest musical instruments in the world. Researchers aren't sure of the role music played in society back then. It's possible that music was simply a fun way for people to spend time together. It's also possible that music connected early humans through social groups. __________.

One of the people that I admire the most is my great-grandmother Carla. She came to the United States from Italy in 1911 as a young woman on a large ship. She had little money and no property. Soon after landing at Ellis Island in New York, she began working as a seamstress in Brooklyn. She met and married my great-grandfather not long after that. They immediately began their large family. Great-grandma Carla had eight children-five boys and three girls. In addition to taking care of such a large family in a new country, my great-grandmother survived discrimination as an immigrant, two world wars, the Great Depression, and a long list of illnesses. However, she rarely complained, and she was very happy with her new life in America. __________

Walking is the best exercise. First, walking is free, so people don't need to buy a gym membership to do it. Secondly, people can walk wherever they live. Third, studies show that walking outside not only burns calories but also helps a person feel happy and optimistic. ______________

____________Children who have a cell phone can call for help in an emergency. Also, they can always communicate with their parents. Finally, cell phones help children stay in contact with friends. For these reasons, when possible, children should have a cell phone.

Diary writing is a good way of keeping track of what we do. Some people write their dairy regularly and some do it occasionally during their spare time. Writing a diary is also useful to improve free expression of thoughts and ideas which would otherwise be unstructured and suppressed in the mind. It also helps us plan things for future and review our progress. It also helps us in sharpening our memory as we recall the events of the day. ____________

___________In the United States, students learn that there are seven continents. In Europe, however, students learn that there are six continents. They learn that North America and South America are one continent, which they call the Americas. Panama is the southern end of North America, but it used to be part of Colombia, which is in South America. In some places, Europe and Asia are combined into one continent called Eurasia. In other places, Antarctica is not considered a continent. It is very interesting that different cultures clearly disagree on the definition of a continent and therefore the number of continents on our earth.

_____________. This type of tourism uses the plentiful natural resources - mountains, rivers, lakes, wilderness areas and historical sites to provide adventure, thrills and challenges which are low risk but high in excitement. For example, the coastal areas in New Zealand are great for canoeing and kayaking. White-water rafting is another popular water adventure tour. However, if you would rather keep your feet on the ground New Zealand has over 100 developed walkways in addition to the tracks in the 12 National Parks. Because more and more tourists are interested in learning about New Zealand by doing exciting and unusual activities, adventure tourism will continue to grow.

_________. Many people who earn the minimum wage are trying to support families with this salary. No one working full-time and earning the minimum wage makes enough money to pay for rent, food, and other necessities. If we raise the minimum wage, families will have more money to spend, and therefore other businesses will make more money. For so many reasons, it is the right thing to do.