【推荐1】The Exterminating Angel

Director: Luis Bunuel

Country/Date : Mexico/1962 (black and white)

Introduction : A party is organized in a high class society house. Many people are drinking and eating. It’s getting late, but nobody is leaving. Even though the door is open, people seem to be locked in the house. They can’t leave either the day or on the following days. So a rescue began.

The Net

Director: Irwin Winkler

Country/Date: U.S.A./1995

Introduction: Angela Bennettt is a computer programmer who has devoted her life to computers and the Internet. She spends hours and hours in front of the screen. She does everything over the Internet, and she has some close friends in a chat room, though she has never talked to her neighbors.

Kung Fu Panda

Director : Mark Osborne & John Stevenson

Country/Date : U.S.A./2008

Introduction: The leading character is a panda whose name is Po. He is lazy first but he has a great dream——to be a kung fu master. To make his dream come true, he goes to a faraway temple to learn kung fu from a master. However, one of his brothers, Tai Long wants to become the kung fu master, killing many of his brothers even the master. So Po fights against Tai Long and defeats him, The film is good especially for kids.

Life is Beautiful

Director: Roberto Benigni

Country/Date : Italy/1998

Introduction: In 1939, during World WarⅡ in Italy, Guido, a hopeful man, the main character fell in love with Dora, and they got married. Five years later, their lives changed. Guido and Joshua were taken by the Nazis to a concentration camp and Dora also went there with her husband and son. At that place, Guido tried his best to save his son’s life in a special way.

1. Who is the director of The Net?

A．Luis Bunuel	B．Irwin Winkler
C．Mark Osborne	D．Roberto Benigni

2. Which film is especially fit for kids?

A．The Exterminating Angel.	B．The Net.
C．Kung Fu Panda.	D．Life is Beautiful.

3. What can we learn about Life is Beautiful?

A．It’s about a rescue of people who can’t leave a house.

B．The story is set in World WarⅡ.

C．It was made in America in 1995.

D．The main character is absorbed in computer.

【推荐3】Christmas is just around the comer and the holiday season is almost here! If you are having a tough time thinking of a gift for a web developer you know, then this list is for you. I have here a list of things that would be great for a web developer like me.

Due to this being the gift-giving season, there is a possibility that these items may sell out quickly in real stores by the time you get to them. But do not worry, do check back at the site regularly in case they have got it, then quickly order one!

QlockTwo Touch

A unique table clock tells you time with written words instead of numbers. If it is 7:15, the clock will show “fifteen past seven”. This table clock is available in 5 different colors and 12 different languages. A truly perfect match for the working desk. ($690)

Dolce Gusto Coffee Maker

Mary web developers love, or, need coffee to help them stay awake when trying to finish a project. This cool-looking coffee maker is the perfect gift to help them get a quick cup, whenever they need it. ($140)

Hand Turbine Charger

Perfect for times of a blackout or when you just can’t find any place to charge up your devices, this charger is powered by you. Just turn the turbine to produce power to charge your phones and tablets. Great for a workout, and for travelers who cant be without their devices ($100).

Online Course Subscriptions

Many web developers update their skills through online courses. If you want to gift one, you can try Lynda.com, where you can register (登记) course subscription as a gift, or give them a coupon which they can use to register themselves later. Other good online subscriptions are Tuts+ and TreeHouse. (Prices may vary)

1. The author suggests checking back at the site because ________.

A．you can only buy the gifts on the website

B．the gifts may not be available in real stores

C．the gifts are cheaper online than in real stores

D．the gifts will be on sale after Christmas

2. Which gift might be the best for a web developer who wants to improve his skills?

A．OlockTwo Touch.	B．Hand Turbine Charger
C．Dolce Gusto Coffee Maker.	D．Online Course Subscriptions.

【推荐1】Look at the map of Spain and point at the center. You’ve located the country’s capital and one of Europe’s most beautiful cities: Madrid. This popular destination is considered a city of contrasts with its abundant historic sites, resting in the shadows of modern skyscrapers.

History

This city of over 3 million people is proud of Western Europe’s largest royal palace, and some consider it to be Madrid’s most beautiful building.

Inside the Royal Palace 2,800 rooms are decorated in glory with museum-quality furniture and artworks. Tourists can tour 50 of these large and splendid rooms.

Art

The Internationally respected Prado Museum is the largest and most impressive art gallery in Spain. Opened in 1819, it is filled with works of art that feature the world’s most comprehensive collection of Spanish paintings.

Shopping

Madrid has some of Europe’s best shopping, and potential buyers love to look through the stores looking for bargains. But for 500 years, shoppers have gathered to an extremely large outdoor flea (跳蚤) market known as the Rastro where they find everything from antiques to CDs.

Entertainment

No trip to Madrid is complete without seeing a performance of Spain’s famous art form, flamenco. Every day, flamenco performers sing, dance or play the guitar in small cafes and grand theaters alike.

Food

Madrid has a wide variety of restaurants, but because the Spanish typically eat late at about 9 or 10 p.m., it’s difficult to find good dinner food earlier. If you get hungry before then, the best solution is to try a tapas bar where light snacks are served. Be sure to try the jamon, a kind of dry-cured ham: Spain is famous for it.

1. What do we know about the Royal Palace in Madrid?

A．It can hold 2,800 people.	B．It is thought to be the largest in Europe.
C．It’s been visited by 3 million people.	D．It has 50 rooms for visit.

2. What kind of market is “the Rastro”?

A．To sell various goods.	B．To sell artworks.
C．To sell antiques and CDs.	D．To sell local food.

3. What is a must when traveling in Madrid?

A．Having dinner earlier.	B．Visiting Prado Museum.
C．Enjoying flamenco.	D．Drinking in a tapas bar.

【推荐2】The most popular of the amusement parks in Canada is Paramount Canada’s Wonderland. This park frequenty gets the most visitors of any seasonal park in North America. One reason is its numbers of wild rides. For younger kids, the television characters are very exciting. You can see Fred Flinstone, Sponge Bob Square Pants or Dora the Explorer. There are often rides starring these characters that are more popular among primary school student. There are plenty of fantastic shows for families to watch as well. What’s more, there are a variety of theme parties before midnight.

Another popular theme park is Galaxyland Amusement Park. Amusement park’s fun shouldn’t be limited to just the summer months, and Galaxyland is aware of this. As the world’s largest indoor amusement park, Galaxyland packs in it 25 breathtaking rides and attractions. It is also home to one of the world’s largest indoor rollercoasters. Galaxyland remains one of the most popular theme parks in Canada for older children because of attractions like the Rock “N” Ride Dance Party. This party combines music, music videos and unlimited rides from 8 p.m. to midnight.

One of the most visited amusement parks in Canada on the west coast is Playland. Playland, unlike other Canadian theme parks, has a long history in its city. Playland has all the fun of a carnival, with singing and dancing, scary houses, and a ferris wheel. There are also modern additions in the park, like a climbing wall for kids and a video game room. Playland is open from spring through fall though only on weekends and holidays before June 18 and after September 1st.

1. Which of the following is TRUE about Paramount Canada’s Wonderland?

A．It is the largest seasonal park in Canada.

B．It offers many interesting performances to visitors.

C．Its rides star many characters popular among teenagers.

D．It has the biggest number of visitors of all the Canadian parks.

2. What do these three popular theme parks have in common?

A．They all have attractions for children.	B．They all open throughout the year.
C．They all have parties.	D．They are all outdoor parks.

3. The text is mainly intended to          .

A．encourage people to travel in Canada

B．compare different theme parks in Canada

C．introduce some popular Canadian theme parks

D．offer some tips on visiting theme parks in Canada

【推荐3】You can picture it already: relaxing with your closest friends and exploring new exciting destinations. All the while you’re enjoying great food and making fantastic memories (回忆).     1     Use our tips (建议) to plan a trip with friends where you’ll come home not only relaxed but closer than ever.

    2     Slow down and honestly discuss what everyone hopes to get out of the vacation before booking anything. Talk about where you’d like to go and how long a vacation is OK for all. Will you be together all of the time?     3     Will there be one or two main planning leaders? Make sure everyone plays a part in planning the vacation.

Have the money talk. No one likes the uncomfortable talk about how the money is going to work, but it is a necessary part of planning.     4     So it’s best to have honest conversations about money. Try to come to some common ground when planning a budget (预算) for accommodations, visiting attractions, meals out, and activities.

Stay safe. While you don’t have to be with the group every minute of your trip, agree to stay accountable (负有责任的) to each other for everyone’s safety. That means no leaving without telling the group where you’re going.     5     Look out for one another and use common sense so everyone stays safe.

A．Have a full discussion.

B．Do you enjoy traveling alone?

C．Will there be days to explore separately?

D．People often have different ideas when it comes to money.

E．Be sure everyone has each other’s contact information on their phones.

F．Having a travel adviser would be easier than doing all the booking yourself.

G．However, traveling with your closest friends sometimes can be a terrible experience.

【推荐1】2 Killed in Knife Attack in French Town Under Lockdown

In what was described as a potential terrorist attack, a knife-wielding man killed two people and wounded five others on Saturday morning in a town in southern France with only a few shops open under a national lockdown to prevent the coronavirus pandemic (新冠肺炎).

The attacks took place about 11 a.m. local time outside a bakery and other shops. Witnesses said that the suspect yelled, “Allahu akbar!" as he lunged at his victims, according to France Bleu. The assailant （行凶者）randomly attacked bystanders on the street, first cutting the throat of a man in his 40s in front of his companion and his son, in the center of Romans-sur-Isere, just south of Lyon, according to the French authorities and news media.

He then attacked two workers and a customer inside a tobacco store before heading to a butcher’s shop. The suspect, a 33-year-old man of Sudanese origin, was arrested by the police as he was "found on his knees on the sidewalk while praying in Arabic," said the country’s antiterrorism prosecutor’s office, which is handling the investigation into the attack. At the man’s home, investigators found religious writings in which the author complained of living in a "country of infidels （没有信仰的）the prosecutors said in a statement.

The suspect—who the French news media said was an asylum-seeker （避难者）from Sudan—was not immediately identified by name. President Emmanuel Macron vowed that "light would be shed on this odious （可 憎的）act which casts a shadow on our country, which has already been severely tested in recent weeks. "

1. Where does the attacker come from?

A．Iraq

B．Saudi Arabia

C．France

D．Sudan

2. The first victim was accompanied with      when he was attacked.

A．his son

B．his companion

C．his wife and his son

D．none

3. Which of the following statements is Not True according the passage?

A．The attack was in the street.

B．The suspect was an infidel man.

C．The suspect’s name wasn’t known to the French new media at first.

D．President Emmanuel Macron eared much about the case and promised to make it clear.

【推荐2】Ultimate Ears HYPERBOOM Speaker ($399.99)

With its long battery life, and incredible sound quality, this is currently my favorite Bluetooth speaker. The HYPERBOOM also boasts a 24-hour battery life. I use this speaker in place of a home stereo (立体声音响) for music. Ifs loud enough to fill a large room and mobile enough to take from room to room. The app allows you to switch sources, adjust the volume (音量), and even power the speaker on or off without having to get up!

Urbanista Brisbane Wireless Speaker ($99)

I love the way this portable Bluetooth speaker looks in our kitchen. The sound quality is incredible. One function allows you to pair two Urbanistas in stereo, doubling the volume capability and delivering a surround sound. Unfortunately, you have to repair the speakers together each time you use them in stereo. This is a smart, stylish Bluetooth speaker that’ll look and sound great on your shelf.

Audio Pro Addon CIO Speaker ($349)

With its easy setup and incredible sound quality, this is one of the best Wi-Fi-enabled speakers on the market. It has nearly every possible connection port, allowing you to broadcast to other Wi-Fi enabled speakers in your house.

Naim Mu-so 2 Wireless Speaker ($1,690)

This beautiful Wi-Fi connected sound system is perfect for music. The stylish design will fit neatly in any living room and fill the space with impressively loud sound. One unique feature is that you can set your favorite internet radio station and turn it on with a single button.

1. What can we learn about the HYPERBOOM?

A．It resists oil and water.	B．It can be controlled by an app.
C．It needs charging frequently.	D．It's not suitable for a large room.

2. What is less than satisfactory about Urbanista speakers?

A．It's immovable.	B．It breaks easily.
C．It's not easy to use.	D．It's not loud enough.

3. Which is a wise choice if you often listen to internet radio?

A．Ultimate Ears HYPERBOOM Speaker.

B．Urbanista Brisbane Wireless Speaker.

C．Audio Pro Addon CIO Speaker.

D．Naim Mu-so 2 Wireless Speaker.

【推荐3】Dear daughters,

Most parents tell their children, “You can be anything you want when you grow up.” I feel the same and I say this often. But I also want you to understand that realizing your dreams comes from hard work, some good luck and good timing. Here are some words of wisdom for you as you make your way in the world, from an entrepreneur (企业家) and from your mama.

1. Be open-minded to changing your path along the way

In high school, I wanted to be a politician. I left my hometown and went off to college in Washington, DC. There, I discovered that I loved to support women. It taught me that I’m creative, a strong leader and great at marketing. As a result, I moved on to be the head of a national healthcare nonprofit. Becoming a mother while in that job opened my mind to launching a breast pump bag (储奶袋) business. Now I run a highly successful company that I started up on my own. I'm not a politician!

2.Failure is critical to your success

Failure can be heartbreaking. But I will tell you that every failure I’ve had along the way has absolutely made me better. Failing the big math exam in high school and going to summer school was embarrassing. I eventually passed, and I’ve never failed an exam again. I learned from that experience to ask for help. Now, I ask for help in business all the time. I’m proud to be a role model to you as a mom and an entrepreneur. I hope I inspire you to believe that you can be anything you want. It will be my pleasure to watch your lives unfold before my eyes.

Love,

Your mom

1. In the writer’s opinion, what does it take to realize one’s dream?

A．Failure, hard work and good timing.

B．An open mind, failure and hard work.

C．Hard work, good luck and good timing.

D．A good dream, an open mind and hard work.

2. What message does the author want to convey through paragraph 2?

A．She likes doing different jobs.

B．She likes doing challenging jobs.

C．She is willing to consider different ideas.

D．She intends to become an entrepreneur.

3. What did the author learn from her failure?

A．Failure can make us embarrassed.

B．We shouldn’t get angry when we fail.

C．Don’t care too much about your failure.

D．It’s important to turn to others for help.

4. Which of the following words best describe the writer?

A．Political and proud.

B．Caring and cautious.

C．Modest and unlucky.

D．Flexible and successful.

【推荐1】An 11­-year­-old boy who has been compared to Spanish Impressionist，the great Pablo Picasso，is holding his first exhibition at Llangollen’s Gardening Show this weekend.

Hamad al­Humaidhan，who was born in Kuwait but now lives in Bath，Britain，had no previous knowledge of art history when he first picked up a brush.But he began to paint his favourite football player，Cristiano Ronaldo，using Picasso’s trademarks—bright colors and impressionistic forms.

His father said，“I’ve got lots of books about Picasso and I showed them to Hamad but he didn’t know anything about Picasso—it’s just naturally the way he sees it and he just loves to paint.”

His first painting of Ronaldo，done when he was just nine，was sold at auction(拍卖) in Bath for ￡650，which drew the attention of local art businessman Steve Turner.“A colleague sent me some pictures of Hamad’s work and I just couldn’t believe the size of it and how the colors mixed together，” he said.“He had talent and I thought Picasso had been reborn.” “I’ve shown his work to private art collectors.They liked them very much and everyone was eager to buy，so the first six paintings have been snapped up.I bought two of them myself.The next set of his works will go on show for the first time at Llangollen，which will be the first opportunity for the public to see his amazing talent.”

Hamad enjoys maths at school but ranks painting higher.“I think I prefer painting! It makes me relaxed and when I feel tired I just pick up a paint brush，” he said.“I just close my eyes and see how it’s going to look and then I just paint it—I paint every day.I just love the colours and I want people to enjoy my paintings.”

Now Hamad is nervously waiting for the opening of his exhibition.

1. What is the text mainly about?

A．Hamad’s father.

B．Hamad and his talent for painting.

C．Hamad’s first painting.

D．The similarities between Hamad and Picasso.

2. From the text，we can learn that Hamad ________.

A．began to learn painting when he was a boy.

B．has read many books about art history.

C．likes Cristiano Ronaldo very much.

D．knows a lot about Picasso.

3. According to the text，Hamad’s first painting of Ronaldo ________.

A．has bright colors and impressionistic forms.

B．was bought by Steve Turner.

C．was completed five years ago.

D．is his favourite work.

4. What does the underlined phrase “snapped up” in the fourth paragraph probably mean?

A．Shown to the public.	B．Bought very quickly.
C．Cleaned up.	D．Hung up.

【推荐2】Most people aren’t good at creative problem solving for two reasons: (1) They are not trained in how to be creative. (2) They don’t understand group strength well enough to harness（驾驭）their power to maximize group creativity.

A key element of creativity is applying existing knowledge to a new problem. The more people getting involved in solving it, the more knowledge there is to work on it. Unfortunately, research shows that the traditional brainstorming methods fail to achieve that goal. When groups get together to exchange ideas, they actually come up with fewer ideas overall than if they each had worked alone.

To fix this problem, you should consider the two stages of group problem-solving: divergence（分散）and convergence（集中）. Divergence happens when the group considers as many different potential solutions as possible. Convergence happens when the various proposed solutions are evaluated and reduced to a smaller set of candidate solutions to the current problem.

The essential principle of group creativity is that individuals working alone diverge, whereas group members working together converge. In groups, once a member states a potential solution, that makes others think about the problem similarly. That is why groups working together diverge less than individuals working alone.

Therefore, be aware of when to diverge and when to converge. For example, early in the problem-solving process, have group members work alone to write down statements describing the problem. Then get them back to discuss their descriptions. The group discussion will lead everyone to accept one or a small number of these statements to work on—this is healthy convergence.

When starting to generate solutions, you again want divergence. Have people work alone to start. Then collect people’s initial ideas and send them around to others and allow the divergence to continue as everyone individually builds on the ideas of other members.

Finally, let the group discuss the resulting ideas. This discussion will gradually lead the group to converge on a small number of candidate solutions.

This simple method works effectively, because it respects what individuals and groups do best.

1. Research shows that the traditional brainstorming methods ______.

A．actually limit group creativity

B．greatly encourage group creativity

C．enable people to form more ideas together

D．prevent people’s involvement in the problems

2. According to Para. 4, when a member presents an idea, others tend to_____.

A．think the other way round

B．follow his way of thinking

C．be more confident in their own ideas

D．be less willing to share their own ideas

3. What should group members first do early in the problem-solving process?

A．Discuss the problem.	B．Simplify the problem.
C．Put down group statements together.	D．Write down their individual descriptions.

4. How can each group member make changes to his initial solution?

A．By adding in collected evidence.	B．By reorganizing his own words.
C．By drawing on others’ ideas.	D．By making his statement briefer.

5. What is the author’s purpose in writing the passage?

A．To advocate a way to make group thinking more effective.

B．To demonstrate the difficulty in organizing group thinking.

C．To highlight the differences between divergence and convergence.

D．To show the advantage of group thinking over individual thinking.

【推荐3】Basketball Statistician Help Wanted

The Athletic Department is looking for students to help assist staff during the Fall 2016, Winter 2016-17 and Spring 2017 semesters. Students in this position will be keeping live statistics during basketball games. Students must meet all of the following requirements:

•Good computer skills

•Available evenings and weekends

•Knowing basketball rules and statistics

Students interested in working for the Athletic Department should contact the Athletic Coordinator at their respective(各自的) campuses.

•TP/SS Athletic Coordinator, Michael Simone, 240-567-1308

•Rockville Athletic Coordinator, Jorge Zuniga, 240-567-7589

•Springfield Athletic Coordinator, Gary Miller, 240-567-2273

•Germantown Athletic Coordinator, Gauri Chavan, 240-567-6915

1. When will the job start?

A．In May 2016.	B．In May 2017.
C．In September 2016.	D．In September 2017.

2. Who is more likely to get the job?

A．Sam, English major, member of the college basketball team.

B．Judy, IT staff with night classes, children’s basketball team coach.

C．Ted, computer major, basketball fan, free on evenings and weekends.

D．Molly, part-time programmer, high school basketball player, new mother.

3. Whom should you contact if you want to apply for the job in Rockville?

A．Michael.	B．Jorge.
C．Gauri.	D．Gary.