Dear John,
I’m very glad to hear that you have passed the entrance examination and been accepted by Yale University. I feel very proud of you and I believe you really deserve the honor since you have been working so hard.
As you have mentioned in the letter, there are both some similarities and differences between the college life and the life in high school. On the one hand, you have to go on working hard as there are a lot of subjects for you to learn. In college, teachers work like tour guides and you have to find out your own way to acquire knowledge and solve problems. If you hope to adapt yourself to the new environment, you’d better be positive no matter what difficulties you will experience in your college life.
Wish you a good college life!
Your truly,
Jerry
The Value of Self-confidence
My friends often ask me, “Joe, why are you so carefree all the time?”The answer is quite simple. I owe my light-hearted attitude to self-confidence.
I remember the first time I participated in an English competition. Three years ago, my classmates chose me to speak in an English competition at our school. When I went onstage, I had butterflies in my stomach. Suddenly, my mother’s words came back to me: “If you want to do something, it costs nothing but self-confidence.” Since I was chosen to be there, it meant I must have the ability to succeed. “Take it easy”, I said silently. Strangely, my nervousness vanished after I spoke to myself with such confidence. I began to speak onstage fluently—the feeling was wonderful. The whole audience applauded afterwards. I was successful!
So, my friends, be confident!
I Like Playing Sports
There are many kinds of sports that I enjoy, such as swimming, running, and dancing. However, the sport that I like most is basketball. I can’t play it very well, but I still show great interest in it.
I like playing sports, because playing sports is really a good thing. Finally, it helps me keep healthy. Exercise is one of the most active and effective means to enhance the physical health. Secondly, playing sports is a good way to relax. When you are upset, sports may pull you out from depression. Finally, it’s easier to make friends while you take part in sports activities, because you have the same interest.
中国近现代史纲要（代码:15043） 
