第一单元The region has been seriously polluted by harmful smog, which proves to be the cause of many illnesses and for the climbing death rate. As a result, people have started to move out of the area.In response to the problem, the local government has decided to fight against air pollution. It has closed down several factories, which were considered to be the major cause of the pollution. Many power plants have been modernized to give off less pollution and also moved further away from people's homes so as to decrease the damage. At the same time, the local government has decided to plant trees in and around the region because trees can absorb some of the pollution.People welcome all the measures taken by the government. Consequently, more and more people have begun to move back to the region to take part in this battle for a clean environment.第二单元It is reported that Chinese students are doing far better than American students in their studies. What are the reasons?That Chinese have strong belief in hard work is the first of the two main factors contributing to Chinese students' outstanding performance. Chinese students believe that through hard work and effort, people can perfect themselves and gain a better future for themselves. And they have also set higher standards for themselves. The second factor is that Chinese students have a strong duty to their families. They work hard not just for themselves but for the honor of their families. They have a high sense of responsibility. They believe that they do not deserve the support of their parents unless they do well in their studies.The two important factors are the major causes why Chinese students do so well in their studies.第三单元There are serious security problems in Brooklyn, New York. Not long ago a young lady was murdered at a time still early in the evening. Marissa Parry was returning home from the job at about 9 in the evening. She was walking the 100-foot distance from the parking lot to the entrance of her apartment. Suddenly a man attacked her from behind. He grabbed her and stabbed her with a knife. Miss Parry struggled and screamed for help. But no one came to help her. The man stabbed her again! Then the man got into his car and drove away. Miss Parry could no longer stagger to her feet; she lay just a few feet away from her apartment, dying.第四单元Charlie Chaplain was born in 1889 in London. His childhood was one of