Teenagers at one German school are learning how to achieve happiness alongside other traditional 35 such as maths and languages.
The class sits in a circle with their eyes shut and they count from one to ten: someone starts, the 36 voice comes from the far right, a third from the other side.
The aim of the game is to 37 for an opportunity to shout out the 38 without clashing (相撞) with another voice or leaving a pause. On the first try, 39 of the young Germans try to be first, while a few are too shy to join in. But by the fifth 40 , they develop a rhythm (节奏) . The message gives other people space but also claims your own. This is a requirement for social well-being.
Unlike schools in other nations, German schools do not usually have school sports teams or seek to build school spirit. Many teens admit they are 41 and confused, but school is not usually the place to find relief.
The Willy Hellpach School in Heidelberg is the first in the nation to develop a happiness 42 It is 43 for 17-19years old students to prepare for university entrance exams. "The course isn't there to make you happy," Ernst Fritz-Schubert, the school principal, warned pupils, " 44 rather to help you discover the ways to become happy. "
Cooking a meal together will be one of the class 45 , along with improving body language under the 46 of two professional actresses.
The course is taught for three periods a week. Despite the happy subject, the pupils themselves insist it is no laughing matter.
"In the first period, we had to each say something 47 about another member of the class and about ourselves. No laughing at people or teasing," said Fanny, 17.
The message is that self-esteem (自尊) improves 48 too.
Research by the school shows it is not the first to start happiness classes and they also exist at some US universities, but are mainly based on positive thinking, using 49 from studies of depression.
"That would be too one-sided for us. We want to show how decent (好的) food or exercise can help too," the principal said.
A.subjects B.objects C.customs D.habits
A.sweet B.next C.last D.loud
A.look B.see C.find D.listen
A.name B.person C.number D.treasure
A.all B.few C.most D.none
A.round B.limit C.sheet D.zone
A.happy B.lonely C.curious D.pleased
A.movement B.class C.course D.approach
A.intended B.made C.managed D.applied
A.and B.but C.so D.or
A.tests B.exams C.exercises D.homework
A.guidance B.lookout C.permission D.cooperation
A.backward B.positive C.negative D.rude
A.atmosphere B.achievement C.happiness D.score
A.inspections B.instructions C.motives D.findings