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根据短文内容，从短文后的选项中选出能填入空白处的最佳选项，选项中有两项为多余选项。下面短文中已将已知线索加粗，主要目的是培养同学们寻找已知线索的习惯。
Here's a riddle : What do traffic jams, long lines and waiting for a vacation to start all have in common? There's one answer. 1 .
In the Digital Age, we're used to having what we need immediately and right at our fingertips. However, research suggests that if we practiced patience, we'd be a whole lot better off. Here are several tricks.
● Practice gratitude （感激）
Thankfulness has a lot of benefits : Research shows it makes us happier, less stressed and even more optimistic. 2 . “ Showing thankfulness can foster self-control ,” said Ye Li, a researcher at the University of California.
● Make yourself wait
Instant gratification（满足）may seem like the most “feel good” option at the time, but psychology research suggests waiting for things actually makes us happier in the long run. And the only way for us to get into the habit of waiting is to practice. 3 . Put off watching your favorite show until the weekend or wait 10 extra minutes before going for that cake. You'll soon find that the more patience you practice, the more you start to apply it to other more annoying situations.
● 4
So many of us have the belief that being comfortable is the only state we will tolerate, and when we experience something outside of our comfort zone, we get impatient about the circumstances. You should learn to say to yourself, “ 5 .” You'll then gradually become more patient.
A. Find your causes
B. Start with small tasks
C. Accept the uncomfortable
D. All this adds up to a state of hurry
E. It can also help us practice more patience
F. This is merely uncomfortable, not intolerable
G. They're all situations where we could use a little extra patience
Indoor plants might look as if they just sit around not doing much, but in many ways they are the unsung heroes of the home. 1 , but studies have shown that they can promote people's wellbeing by improving their mood（心情）, reducing stress and helping their memory. What's more, indoor plants are easy to look after and are not very expensive.
What are indoor plants?
Indoor plants, also known as houseplants or pot plants, are plants that like to grow indoors. Many of these species （物种）are not ideally suited to growing outside in the UK, especially in the winter. 2 .
Why are indoor plants good for you?
Will Spoelstra, who works at the Royal Botanic Gardens, says, “ 3 . I find during the winter months, plants around the house can really lift your mood. ” Several studies have backed this up and found that indoor plants can improve creativity, focus and memory. There is also research showing that pot plants can clean the air around them by removing harmful gases, such as carbon dioxide. They also remove some harmful chemicals from paints or cooking. 4 .
Which plants can you grow?
Aloe vera, peace lilies and spider plants are some of the species that are easy to grow indoors. You can buy plants from supermarkets, garden centres or online. Younger plants are often cheaper than fully grown ones, and you get to care for them as they mature —which is part of the joy of owning plants. “ 5 ,” Spoelstra says. “ It can bring a new interest and focus into people's lives and help to make the link between home and nature. ”
A. All plants are different
B. Not only do they look beautiful
C. There are many benefits to growing plants indoors
D. Instead, they grow better inside, where it is warmer
E. Plants like peace lilies and devil's ivy are among the best
F. Changing the pot of your plant from time to time will also help
G. Learning about the requirements of each plant can be very rewarding
Taking responsibility for mistakes is a positive step, but don't beat yourself up about them. To err（犯错）is human. 1 You can use the following writing exercise to help you do this .
In a journal or on a piece of paper, put the heading “ Personal strengths .” 2 Are you caring? Creative? Generous? A good listener? Fun to be around? They don't have to be world-changing, just aspects of your personality that you're proud of .
At the top of a second page, put the heading “ Acts of kindness .” On this one, list all the positive things you've done for others. It might be the time when you helped a friend with their homework, when you did the ironing without being asked, or when you baked cookies after the family had had a tiring day. 3
You could ask a friend or family member to help add to your list. 5 That way, you could exchange thoughts on what makes each of you special and the aspects of your personality that shine through. In fact, don't wait until you've made a mistake to try this—it's a great way to boost self-confidence at any time.
It's something of a cliché（陈词滥调）that most people learn not from their successes but their mistakes. The thing is, it's true. 5 We're all changing and learning all the time and mistakes are a positive way to develop and grow.
A. A little self-forgiveness also goes a long way.
B. Now list all the characteristics you like about yourself.
C. They might even like to have a go at doing the exercise.
D It's just as important to show yourself some forgiveness.
E. It doesn't mean you have to ignore what's happened or forget it.
F. Whatever it is, no matter how small it might seem, write it down.
G. Whatever the mistake, remember it isn't a fixed aspect of your personality.
As an artist who shares her journey on social media, I'm often asked by curious followers how to begin an art journey. Unfortunately, there is no magic list I can offer. I do remember, though, what it was like to be a complete beginner. So I've put together some good tips for starting an art journey.
● Start small. I suggest using a sketchbook （素描本） for small studies. These small studies provide inspiration and may be a springboard for more complex works in the future. 1 You'll want to look back on your journey to see how far you've come.
● Paint often and paint from life. There's no better way to improve than to put in those brush miles . Whether you paint still lives, portraits, or landscapes, paint from life as much as possible. 2
● Continually challenge yourself to try something new. 3 Artistic growth can be a bit painful. Welcome to the club; we've all been there. I love taking on challenges. I once took up a challenge to create a painting every day for a month and post the works online.
● 5 Seeking and accepting constructive feedback（反馈）is crucial to growth. I post my work on social media and, in turn, have met some of the kindest people. They make me feel valued and respected, no matter my level of artistic ability.
The journey you're on won't follow a straight path . 5 Push through, give it time and put in the effort. You will harvest the rewards of an artistic life.
A. Get out of your comfort zone.
B. Make career plans and set goals.
C. Don't throw away your beginner art.
D. Share your work if you feel comfortable doing so.
E. You'll hit roadblocks, and you'll feel discouraged at times.
F. Evaluate your performance and, if needed, redefine your role.
G. You'll develop that painting muscle memory that only comes with repetition.