Bamboo is an amazing plant. Did you know it is actually grass? In fact, giant bamboo is the largest member of the grass family. Some types can grow an incredible 90 centimetres in just one day. Some bamboo plants can grow to over 30 metres tall, which is as tall as a gum tree.
You probably know that bamboo is the favourite food of pandas, but chimpanzees, gorillas and elephants eat it too.
Bamboo is also extremely useful to people. It is a very valuable construction material because it is so strong. In fact, whole houses can be built from bamboo. In some parts of the world, bamboo is used as scaffolding (the frame used to support building work).
The range of things that can be made from bamboo is huge. Furniture, cooking utensils, and musical instruments can all be made from bamboo. Bamboo fibres can be used to produce a soft, cotton-like material for T-shirts and underwear. Bamboo fibres are also used to make paper. Bamboo can even be used to make bicycle frames and boats.

Bodies are made to be active! They are not designed for sitting (30) television, computer or reading magazines. (31) fit doesn’t mean that you have to be a super athlete to enjoy it and even a little exercise (32) give you a lot of fun. When you are fit and healthy, you will find you look better and feel better. You’ll boost more energy and self-confidence.
Physical exercise is not only good (33) your body. People who take regular exercise are usually happier, more (34) and more alert than people who sit around all day. Try an experiment - next time you’re in a bad mood, go for a walk or play a ball game, you will see doing some exercise greatly lift up your mood.