【推荐1】Crosstalk, a traditional form of comic storytelling, is making a comeback in China’s tea houses and theaters.

Audiences can laugh the night away every Saturday at the Qianxiangyi Teahouse in Tianjin, entertained by the apprentices（徒弟） of Hou Baolin, Ma Sanli or Yin Shoushan — all leading crosstalk artists of years past — for only 20 yuan.

The success in Tianjin has also caused the rejuvenation（复活） of crosstalk in Beijing and other places.

Although the art form originated in Beijing in the Qing Dynasty (1644 — 1911), Tianjin became a place where rising stars formed their styles and new pieces were tried out. The city was well-known nationwide for the quality of its crosstalk performances.

Known in Chinese as xiangsheng (literally, “face and voice”), crosstalk was the chief form of comedy throughout most of the 20th century. In the old days in Tianjin and elsewhere, temple fairs and markets were the main places for crosstalkers to perform, although they occasionally also appeared in teahouses or theaters.

Crosstalk pieces draw on every aspect of Chinese culture, from history and folk tales to social issues of the time. Although there are hundreds of traditional pieces, they’re constantly rewritten to suit the times and the audience, while new works are written as well. It’s one of the features that have made crosstalk a public art form throughout its history.

“Crosstalk was in the doldrums（萎靡不振） with competition from other art forms, especially TV,” said Wang Xiaochun, headmaster of the Northern Storytelling Arts School of China (NSAS). “But it has regained its status with crosstalk fans, especially young people, growing aware of its rare qualities.”

“More and more students are coming to NSAS to study crosstalk, including some girl students,” said Wang. “We’re sure that crosstalk will have a strong market.”

1. What does crosstalk mean in Chinese?

A．Storytelling.

B．Face and voice.

C．Folk tale.

D．Dialogue.

2. What can we learn about crosstalk from the text?

A．Crosstalk didn’t appear until the Qing Dynasty.

B．Crosstalk first arose in Tianjin.

C．Crosstalk was mainly performed at teahouses in the past.

D．Crosstalk was the most popular art form in the 20th century.

3. Why has crosstalk been a public art form?

A．It is a popular traditional art after all.

B．The pieces contain some famous folk tales.

C．The crosstalkers make it return to teahouses.

D．The pieces are adapted to suit the times and the audience.

4. We can learn that the future of crosstalk first lies in ________.

A．setting up more storytelling art schools

B．beating TV and other arts

C．young people’s understanding of its value

D．a strong market

5. What is Wang Xiaochun’s attitude towards the future of crosstalk?

A．Negative.

B．Doubtful.

C．Optimistic.

D．Cautious.

【推荐2】Why Do Adults Love Animated Movies?

You go home from work. You are tired, and want to sit in front of the TV, watching something fun. Your children want the same. What is better than an animated film?

Both children and most adults love animation. Of course, there are animated movies that are directed specially to adults.    1    So, why do adults like cartoons so much?

They have well-written characters

There are plenty of reasons. First and foremost, a lot of them are really good.    2    Screenwriters, designers, programmers and musicians are all working together to bring the best outcome to the big screen. And usually, they succeed.

Animated films have well-written characters facing complicated situations.   Sometimes the scripts are even better than those in adult films. So, it comes as no surprise that animated films appeal to grown-ups as well.

    3    

Remember the time when you were a child and used to sit in front of the TV enjoying cartoons? Animated films bring out that specific feeling of our childhood. Moreover, they reveal our inner child. By watching an animated movie, we forget the monotony of everyday life and leave our problems behind.

We love heroes

Almost every cartoon has something to do with the journey of a character. A journey towards adulthood, or towards finding oneself, or succeeding in a quest.    4     A hero that overcomes all obstacles trying to find true meaning and happiness in his or her existence? Plenty of times, the characters in animated films are bigger-than-life and that’s what we need in order to believe in humans again.

They are treats for adults

Animated films are made for children, but sometimes filmmakers decide to put something for adults as well: Shrek, for example, has scenes with a sense of humor that is addressed mainly to grown-ups.    5     And it’s a really successful practice.

A．They bring out the child in us.

B．Anything can happen in childhood.

C．And who doesn’t love a hero like that?

D．Talents work together in producing animated films.

E．We applaud those characters because they remind us of ourselves.

F．And there is also the chance that adults will love a kid’s movie more.

G．It’s a treat that aims to help parents enjoy their time in the animated films as well.

【推荐3】Meryl Streep is an American actress who has worked in theatre, television and film. She is regarded as one of the most talented actresses of all time. The following is a list of movies that Meryl Streep has been involved with:

Kramer vs. Krammer (1979)

In the film, Meryl plays a mother caught up in a custody dispute (拘留纠纷). Her co-star, Dustin Hoffman, said, “She’s extraordinarily hardworking. I think she thinks about nothing else but what she’s doing.” Meryl won her first Oscar for her performance in this film.

Sophie’s Choice (1982)

Meryl plays Sophie, a Polish war survivor. To prepare for the role she learned to speak German and perfected a Polish accent. Film critic Roger Ebert said, “This is one of the most astonishing and yet one of the most natural performances I can imagine.” Meryl won her second Best Actress Oscar for her performance.

Out of Africa(1985)

Meryl is Karen Blixen, a Danish woman living in Kenya in the early 20th century. The story follows Karens attempts to run a coffee plantation and her love affair with big-game hunter Denys. The film is based on the memoirs(回忆录) of the real Karen Blixen.

A Cry in the Dark (1995)

This is based on the true-life case of the disappearance of baby Azaria. Meryl plays Linda Chamberlain, a mother who is wrongly accused of killing her own child. After spending four years in prison, it was found that wild dogs had taken away the baby. Meryl won Best Actress at the 1989 Cannes Film Festival.

The Bridge of Madison County (1995)

This movie is based on one of the biggest bestsellers of the 20th century (the book sold 50 million copies worldwide). Meryl plays Francesca Johnson, an Italian war bride living in 1960s Iowa. It’s about her brief affair with photographer Robert Kincaid.

Mamma Mial(2008)

This is a romantic comedy based on the stage musical Mamma Mial, featuring the music from 1970s Swedish pop group ABBA. Meryl plays Donna Sheridan, a hotel owner on the Greek island of Kalokairi. Mamma Mial made over U.S. $ 600 million worldwide. Apparently, Meryl had seen the musical in 2001 and was completely absorbed in it. She had no idea that seven years later she’d be in the movie version.

1. For which of the following films did Meryl have to learn a new language?

A．Kramar vs. Kramar

B．A Cry in the Dark

C．Sophies Choice

D．The Bridges of Madison County

2. Which of the following films are based on true-life stories?

A．Out of Africa & A Cry in the Dark.

B．Kramer vs. Kramer & Sophies Choice.

C．Sophies Choice & The Bridge of Madison County.

D．The Bridges of Madison County & Mamma Mia

3. It can be learned from the text that the movie Mamma Mial      .

A．was first shot in 2001

B．probably has audiences screaming with laughter

C．has won Meryl a lot of awards

D．is based on a popular book

4. What do we know about Meryl?

A．She enjoyed the musical Mamma Mial greatly.

B．Her first film was Kramer vs. Kramer.

C．She has won one Oscar to date.

D．Shes more interested in films than TV programs.

5. What can be inferred from the text?

A．Mamma Mial is about the story of the pop group ABBA.

B．The Bridges of Madison County was set in Italy.

C．Roger Ebert thinks Meryls best film is Sophies Choice.

D．Dustin Hoffman speaks highly of Meryl.

【推荐2】Want to choose a picture book to enjoy? Here are four popular books sold on the website of Amazon, Read and choose your favourite.

The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant

So many beautiful memories are collected when relatives come to visit. Join in the fun as a family gets together for a summer they will never forget. Warm and inviting language as well as wonderful pictures brings the story of this family’s summer get-together to life.

Available from Amazon. S11. 26

Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall

You know that feeling when you're as excited as you are scared to make a jump. That's how Jabari feels about his first jump off the diving board. He knows how to swim. He knows jumping off surely looks fun. But is he brave enough to make a jump? With some gentle encouragement from his loving father, Jabari jumps.

Available from Amazon. $5.56

There Might Be Lobsters by Carolyn Crimi

Meet Suki. She's a small dog with a big fear of the beach. When a rescue is in order, Suki saves the day proving that there's nothing to fear but fear itself. It is a perfect picture book for kids who are afraid to try new experiences. It opens the door to calming dialogues and messages of bravery and victory.

Available from Amazon. $11.84

Three Little Words by Amy Novesky

Dory's"Just keep swimming!" message of never giving up is perfect for anyone who has ever felt like they were drowning. Follow Dory to an unforgettable adventure as she finds her way in this beautiful adventure of friendship and survival.

Available from Amazon. $12.06

1. What do we know about The Relatives Came?

A．It tells a story of adventure.

B．It is the cheapest picture book.

C．It's about a boy's memories.

D．It's about a family get-together.

2. Which book tells how to overcome fears by helping others?

A．The Relatives Came.

B．Jabari Jumps.

C．There Might Be Lobsters.

D．Three Little Words.

3. What does the book by Amy Novesky inspire its readers to do?

A．Learn to swim.

B．Never give up.

C．Love their friends.

D．Have an adventure.

【推荐3】Adult Education Courses

Computer Studies Technology is advancing at a rapid pace, and we rely more and more on computers for everything from cooking to organizing our taxes. This six-week course will give you an understanding of computer fundamentals, including the use of software packages (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and how to use the Internet. Start: May 2,2019 Time: Wed 7 pm-9pm Cost: $300 Length: 6 weeks Place: Sydney College

Woodwork Learn the basics of woodworking with simple hands-on projects to build your confidence and skills. Each lesson explores a different area of woodworking that will provide you with the skills needed for any woodworking project. Flexible learning allows you to choose only the lessons that interest you. Start: April 15,2019 Time: Mon 5 pm-7pm Cost: $30 per lesson Length:12 weeks Place: Adult Learning Centre

Web Design We provide advanced training in software, design, and coding for the web. Students must have already completed a recognized basic web design course or have at least 2 years’ relevant work experience. Students completing the course will receive the Diploma in Advanced Web Design. Start: June 1,2019 Time: Weekdays 9 am-4pm Cost: $4,990 Length: 40 weeks Place: University of Technology

Art This practical course is intended to help established artists take their creativity further. From sketching and color, to composition, painting and experimenting with style, you will study and explore an engaging variety of creative media and subject matter. Start: April 21,2019 Time: Thurs. 3 pm-6pm Cost: $750 Length:15 weeks Place: City Art

1. Which course awards students an official certificate?

A．Art.

B．Woodwork.

C．Computer Studies

D．Web Design..

2. Which courses are suitable for beginners?

A．Web Design and Art.	B．Computer Studies and Woodwork.
C．Woodwork and Web Design.	D．Computer Studies and Art.

3. How much will a student who attends only half of all the Woodwork lessons pay in total?

A．$30.

B．$180.

C．$250.

D．$360.

【推荐1】Pacific Science Center Guide

◆Visit Pacific Science Center’s Store

Don’t forget to stop by Pacific Science Center’s Store while you are here to pick up a wonderful science activity or souvenir to remember your visit. The store is located (位于) upstairs in Building 3 right next to the Laser Dome.

◆Hungry?

Our exhibits will feed your mind, but what about your body? Our café offers a complete menu of lunch and snack options, in addition to seasonal specials. The café is located upstairs in Building 1 and is open daily until one hour Pacific Science Center closes.

◆Rental Information

Lockers are available to store any belongs during your visit. The lockers are located in Building 1 near the Information Desk and in Building 3. Pushchairs and wheelchairs are available to rent at the Information Desk and Denny Way entrance. ID required.

◆Support Pacific Science Center

Since 1962, Pacific Science Center has been inspiring a passion (热情) for discovery and lifelong learning in science, math and technology. Today, Pacific Science Center serves more than 1.3 million people a year and brings inquiry-based science education to classrooms and community events all over Washington State. It’s an amazing accomplishment and one we cannot achieve without generous support from individuals, corporations, and other social organizations. Visit pacificsciencecenter. org to find various ways you can support Pacific Science Center.

1. Where can you buy a souvenir at Pacific Science Center?

A．In Building 3.	B．In Building l.
C．At the Laser Dome.	D．At the Denny Way entrance.

2. Which of the following about the Pacific Science Center is NOT true?

A．You can have lunch there.	B．The exhibits there will feed your mind.
C．There is no place to store your belongs.	D．Pushchairs and wheelchairs are available to rent.

3. What is the purpose of the last part of the text?

A．To tell about the Center’s history.	B．To advertise coming events.
C．To introduce special exhibits.	D．To encourage donations.

【推荐2】Latin and the works of Sophocles (索福克勒斯,诗人) are no longer the preserve of private schools thanks to a project that links professors with underprivileged teenagers.

The new project between King’s College London (KCL) and Newham Sixth Form College in east London offering lessons in Classics to bright senior-three students is now in its second year.

Students from disadvantaged backgrounds with high academic potential can attend the classes, which are designed to inspire and engage them in challenging topics that are often the preserve of private schools.

Lecturers cover subjects including ancient literature, religion, theology, Persian history and philosophy. Some teenagers from neighbouring state schools also attend. The students act out Greek plays such as Antigone by Sophocles and are encouraged to consider Classics as a degree.

Edith Hall, a Classics lecturer at KCL, said: “We wanted to enable the students from Newham to understand the richness and relevance of the classical world. They have a unique opportunity to engage with world-class lecturers,”

Juned Malek,19,who is in his first year at KCL, was introduced to literature, theology, history and philosophy by the classical outreach program when he was at Newham. He now helps to run it. He said the program was “essential in making the myths that surround studying Classics disappear, namely that it is an elitist (精英) subject or that it has limited career opportunities”.

The analytical skills that the degree develops are in high demand by employers, particularly investment banks and law firms.

He said all schools should teach Classics to give a “basic introduction of historical principles passed down through millennia”, adding: “A limited classical education leaves you stuck in the constant present, lacking the ability to use the past as a frame of reference when making decisions.”

1. Why do the professors start the project?

A．To control the study time.

B．To help the underprivileged students.

C．To help the talented students from KCL.

D．To inspire and engage all students in challenging topics.

2. According to the text, who may attend the classes?

A．A naughty student with no talent in study.

B．A bright student with a talent for music.

C．A clever student with disadvantaged background.

D．A talented student with private school learning background.

3. According to the text, which is one of the benefits of studying Classics?

A．Being admitted to the private school.

B．Having limited career choices.

C．Observing the life of the elitists.

D．Having reference when making decisions.

4. Which section in a magazine is this text most likely from?

A．Education.	B．Technology.
C．Business.	D．Science.

【推荐3】Of all the American blockbusters, some popular movies are rolled out for the teenagers. With the preparation of popcorns, you can choose one of them for your teen to watch with you or their friends.

1. Dead Poets Society

An English teacher, called Mr. Keating, guides his students, who hope to be lawyers and doctors, to poetry and free-thinking. With each student coping with some issues, he urged them to set up Dead Poets Society for reading and writing poems.

2. The Hunger Games

Based on a book by Suzanne Collins, the story set in Panem, a destroyed country in North America. Each year, boys and girls, coming from 12 districts of Panem, take part in Hunger Games. Broadcast alive, this competition is exciting because all the participants play the games against death.

3. The Breakfast Club

It begins with five students at the Shermer High School, Claire, a princess, John, a criminal, Andrew, an athlete, Brian, a bookworm and Allison, an unfortunate person, who are forced to spend 9 hours together on a Saturday. In spite of their differences, they find that their social problems are more similar than they think.

4. Eighth Grade

Kayla is a shy, socially anxious girl trying to get by the last few weeks of middle school. She earns the “most quiet” girl title in school, but at home, she posts online self-help and motivational videos that not many people watch. Kayla is raised by her single father Mark, who tries to disconnect Kayla from the social media.

1. Who helps teenagers form a Dead Poets Society?

A．Mr. Brain.	B．Mr. Keating.
C．Suzanne Collins.	D．Ms. Claire.

2. Which film is adapted from a book according to the passage?

A．Eighth Grade.	B．Dead Poets Society.
C．The Hunger Games.	D．The Breakfast Club.

3. Whom is the passage most likely to be targeted at?

A．Teachers.

B．Teens.

C．Friends.

D．Parents.

【推荐1】Scientists have long shown great interest in Vostok. Blocked from the outside world for centuries, Vostok is buried under 13,000 feet of ice. The huge underground lake is the size of Lake Ontario and is located in one of Antarctica's coldest areas. Scientists want to know: What lives below the ice?

They might find out soon. After more than 10 years, a team of Russian scientists have finally been able to drill through the ice into Vostok's ancient waters, Vostok lies below one of the coldest zones on Earth, and drilling can take place each year only during Antarctica's warmest weather. This is when the ice is easier to drill, and the temperatures are not as severe for scientists living in the Vostok Research Station, which is above the lake. All the past drillings failed because the scientists did not finish the job before the weather became too cold.

Scientists believed that Vostok has been closed off from the outside world for about 30 million years. Signs of microbes were discovered years ago in the ice above the lake. Some researchers think similar life-forms could be thriving in Vostok's waters.

Ancient forms of life that could remain in these waters might present new information about how living things can survive in extreme environments, and about how life used to exist on Earth millions of years ago. "For me, the discovery of this lake is like the first flight into space," says scientist Valery Lukin. "By technological complexity, by importance, by uniqueness."

More than 350 underground lakes are frozen below Antarctic, and Lake Vostok is one of the largest. Teams of scientists are now planning to drill into similar lakes throughout Antarctica. In December, an American team will be tunneling into Lake Whillans near the South Pole, and a British team will attempt to reach Lake Ellsworth in West Antarctica.

1. Russian scientists drilled through the ice into Lake Vostok to         .

A．get some ancient water	B．find possible forms of life
C．explore natural resources	D．measure the thickness of ice

2. Which of the following can be learned from the above text?

A．What was in the Antarctica lakes has been discovered.

B．Signs of microbes are found on the surfaces of many lakes.

C．Some living things may be able to survive in space.

D．Similar drillings are to be carried out by other scientists.

3. What is the best title of the passage?

A．What Lives below the Ice?	B．What Gets Vostok Blocked?
C．The Best Season to Drill	D．Lakes under Antarctica

【推荐2】Being in an unfamiliar school can be frightening. If you start a new school, you'll have to worry about making friends. Here are some simple tips which help you make new friends more easily.
·Try speaking to the students you're sitting next to in class. As they're close by, it is easy to chat to them first.
·Try to speak to everyone in your class. You will study here for three years, so it helps if you get along well with them.
·If you don't have many friends in your class, try and make new friends in your neighbor classes. You can also chat to them at lunchtimes and after school.
·Join a lunchtime or afterschool club. You'll get to meet kids of all years that way.
·Ask your teacher to pair you With another student.
·Use your "celebrity status"(名人身份）! Since you're the new person, you'll have got celebrity status, which you can use for a couple of weeks.
·Talk to classmates, remember to smile, and be open and friendly. Don't break in while your classmates are speaking. When your classmates talk to you, you should listen carefully and look at them in the eye to make them feel important.
·As you grow older, it's natural to make new friends and sometimes that means you begin to grow apart from your old friends. So try and make time for all your friends. But what if a friendship group is pushing you out? If this is happening to you, ask someone you're friendly with what has happened .If the friendship is hopeless, try to find new friends.
1. According to the passage, moving to an unfamiliar school is_______.

A．interesting

B．exciting

C．uncomfortable

D．boring

2. What is the purpose of the passage?

A．To explain how to make new friends easily.

B．To show how to be used to new school life．

C．To encourage people to make new friends.

D．To introduce how to live in a new school.

3. It is suggested that you should ________.

A．try to study well to be popular with the classmates

B．try all your best to help your new classmates

C．sit close to a familiar classmate in the classroom

D．catch every opportunity to communicate with others

4. To make your classmates feel that they are important to you, you can

A．smile while talking with them	B．watch and listen to them carefully
C．be friendly and open to them	D．make use of your celebrity status

5. If a friendship group is leaving you out, you should

A．make your different friends know each other

B．forget them and make new friends at once

C．try to know the reason from a close friend

D．turn to your teachers or parents for help

【推荐3】Petra may be the treasure of an ancient world, hidden behind a tall mountain. Its beautiful scenery makes it one of the greatest ancient sites still standing today. Common sense says “perhaps there’s nothing on the planet that looks like it”. Without doubt, there’s nothing in the world that resembles it. The rock-carved rose-red town of Petra is filled with a mysterious charm that had been “designed to strike wonder into all who entered it”.

Petra is the legacy from the Nabataeans, a hard-working group of Arab people who settled in southern Jordan more than 2,000 years ago. Admired then because of their culture, architecture and complex dams and water channels, Petra has become a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) world heritage site and listed in the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Petra is the most well-known site in Jordan located about 262 km south of Amman and 133 km north of Aqaba. The Dead Sea is 80 kilometres north of it. The steeply rising sides of a long, cool, dark and narrow gorge basically keep the sunlight out. Suddenly the gorge opens right into a natural square covered with Petra’s most well-known monuments, which glows in the bright sun. The ancient city shows the visitors its beautiful look. The town is large and the quality of the architecture is surprising. It leads someone to think about the creativity from the Nabataeans who made Petra their capital.

Petra was the top architectural site for more than 400 years until it was occupied by the Romans in 106 AD. It was seen first when discovered in 1812 after being lost through the 16th century for nearly 300 years! Petra has 800 monuments, including buildings, tombs, baths, halls, temples, and streets, which were mostly carved in the pretty sandstone. Petra sights are in their finest in the early morning and the late afternoon. Once the sun warms the colorful stones, you will see the majesty of Petra.

1. What do we know about Petra from the passage?

A．It is on the top of a mountain.	B．It was a palace for the king.
C．It is a unique site.	D．It was built by the Nabataeans in 106 AD.

2. Where is Petra according to the passage?

A．It is about 133 km south of Aqaba.	B．It is about 262 km north of Amman.
C．It is 80 km south of the Dead Sea.	D．It is in southeast Jordan.

3. According to the passage, Petra was lost 　　　.

A．in the 1500s

B．in the 1600s

C．in the 1700s

D．in the 1800s

4. What is the best title for the passage?

A．Jordan, a country worth visiting.	B．Petra, Jordan’s wonder of the world.
C．The treasure hidden behind a mountain.	D．Petra, the best-known ancient city in the world.