【推荐2】Everest

121min        Adventure/Biography/Drama

Storyline: A group of climbers start their final climb to the summit of Mount Everest，the highest point on Earth. With little warning，a violent storm strikes the mountain，swallowing the adventurers...
Director: Baltasar Kormakur
Stars:Jason Clarke, Ang Phula Sherpa, Thomas M.Wright
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War Room

120min          Drama

Storyline: Tony and Elizabeth Jordan, seemingly have it all--great jobs, a beautiful daughter, their dream home. In reality, their marriage has been a war zone. With guidance from Miss Clara, an older, wiser woman, Elizabeth discovers she can start fighting for her family instead of against them.

Director: Alex Kendrick
Stars: Priscilla C. Shirer, T.C. Stalligs, Karen Abercrombie
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Straight Outta Compton

147min            Biography/Drama/Music

Storyline: In 1987,five young men, using honest rhymes, put their frustration and anger about life into the most powerful weapon they had: their music. Straight Outta Compton tells the true story of how these cultural rebels（叛逆者）stood up to the authorities that meant to keep them down and formed the world’s most dangerous group N.W.A.

Director: F. Gary Gray

Stars: O’Shea Jackson Jr., Corey Hawkins, Jason Mitchell
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A Walk In The Woods

104min             Adventure/Biography/Comedy

Storyline: After spending two decades in England, Bill Bryson returns to the US, where he decides the best way to connect with his homeland is to hike the Appalachian Trail. He travels with Katz, one of his oldest friends. The trouble is that the two have a completely different definition of the word, “adventure”. The real fun begins...

Director: Ken Kwapis
Stars: Robort Redford, Nick Nolte, Emma Thompson
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1. If you prefer family-themed movies, which one should see?

A．Everest	B．War Room
C．Straight Outta Compton	D．A Walk In The Woods

2. What is N.W.A according to the passage?

A．A movie club	B．A music group
C．An adventure team	D．A charity organization

3. Why does Bill Bryson hike the Appalachain Trail?

A．To accompany his friend Katz	B．To exercise and keep himself fit
C．To strengthen his bond with the US	D．To have an adventure in the woods

【推荐1】Shopping In Singapore

1. Far East Plaza — All The Fashion Trends

If you are a fashion lover and like to go in line with all the trends but do not feel like spending too much on it, Far East Plaza happens to be your answer to where to shop in Singapore. Right from the Hong- Kong styles and street smart Korean wear to some retro outfits , you can find anything and everything here. But, do not expect to find any of the fancy brands here.

Timings： 10 AM to 10 PM
Location： 14 Scotts Road, Far East Plaza, Singapore
2. Pasarbella Best Farmer's Market

If you wish to witness what a typical farmer's market looks like, head to Pasarbella and enjoy the delicious food items at the wholesome rates. This all-inclusive sea market has plenty to offer right from an extensive variety of meat and dairy to various beers and all the fresh produce.

Timings： 10 AM to 9 PM
Location: 01-455-461 North Wing, Suntec City, 3 Temasek Blvd, Singapore 038983
3. The Editor's Market — Brands On A Budget

The Editor's Market offers one of the best shopping in Singapore. The Market follows the step pricing policy which means that the more products one purchases, the cheaper the amount they'll have to pay. Editor's Market is a multi-brand outlet that offers a mix of top-selling international street labels to the fashion items from the vintage era.

Timings： 10 : 30 AM to 10 PM
Location: 313 Orchard Road # 03-01 to 08, 313@Somerset, Singapore
4. Mustafa Centre — Lowest Prices Ever

One of the best places to go when seeking cheap shopping in Singapore, Mustafa Centre is a must-try. The major highlight of this centre is actually the rates that one gets the products at. Also, the best part about this： The Centre is open 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Timings: Open 24 hours
Location: 145 Syed Alwi Road, Mustafa Centre, Singapore
1. What is the feature of the goods in Far East Plaza?

A．Cheap and fashionable.	B．Fine and expensive.
C．They are of good quality.	D．They are all big brands.

2. Which location is suitable if you want to buy lots of goods?

A．14 Scotts Road, Far East Plaza, Singapore.

B．01-455-461 North Wing, Suntec City, Singapore.

C．313 Orchard Road # 03-01 to 08, 313@Somerset, Singapore.

D．145 Syed Alwi Road, Mustafa Centre, Singapore.

3. Which place has the longest open time?

A．Far East Plaza.	B．Pasarbella.
C．The Editor's Market.	D．Mustafa Centre.

【推荐2】Wherever we look, we see advertisements that attract us to buy. In today’s society, we are under pressure to constant shop. Of course, most people only buy what they need and what they can afford. However, there are some people called shopaholics, who can’t control their desire to spend money buying things. This kind of addictive behavior can lead to money problems, family conflicts, and deep unhappiness.

What are the symptoms of a shopaholic? People with this problem often spend hours and hours shopping on the Internet or at the mall. Their closets are full of clothing and jewelry that they have never worn, with the price tags still on them. Their homes may be filled with shopping bags and boxes that they bought but never used. Many shopaholics are aware of their own problems, but when they go to a store, they simply can’t resist the urge to buy. Some of them are ashamed of their weakness and try to hide it by storing their purchases in places like the attic(阁楼), where others won’t see them.

Psychologists think there are several reasons for a shopping addiction. For some people, it is a way of reducing stress. For others, shopping is a way to fight loneliness or depression. For people with less confidence, shopping can be a way that they prove their self-worth. Sometimes the problem develops out of boredom. It replaces other hobbies and interests to help kill the time. Although shopping can temporarily make people feel good. they often feel ashamed and guilty later.

When shopping habits get out of control, people need professional help. They can either see a counselor(顾问) or join an organization such as Shopaholics Anonymous. Groups like this try to help people understand the reasons for their addiction and learn how to control the urge to shop. Their goal is to help people find ways to fulfill themselves rather than lead to serious debt and troubled lives.

1. What are “shopaholics” like according to the passage?

A．They often spend plenty of money in shopping.	B．They are proud of spending much money.
C．They are addicted to collecting shopping bags.	D．They fail to realize their desire to shop constantly.

2. Why do some shoppers hide their purchases in the attic?

A．They treasure what they have bought.	B．They want to give their family a surprise.
C．They are afraid of being regarded as thieves.	D．They are ashamed of their own constant shopping.

3. What does the underlined word “it” in Paragraph 3 refer to?

A．Money.

B．Shopping.

C．Stress.

D．Self-worth.

4. What are groups like “Shopaholics Anonymous” intended to do?

A．To encourage people to overcome their bad feelings.

B．To seek professional help in window shopping.

C．To help control some people’s desire to purchase.

D．To call on more people to get rid of their bad habits.

【推荐3】China has the highest adoption rate in the world for technology-enabled payment systems, according to a report released on Wednesday. The report, from the market research firm Nielsen, is based on a survey of 13,000 respondents in 26 countries.

The survey showed that 86 percent of Chinese respondents said they paid for online purchases during the past six months via digital payment systems compared with a global average of just 43 percent.

"Chinese consumers have more payment choices for products and services than ever while digital payments will continue to win over more Chinese consumers due to its convenient nature," said Kiki Fan, managing director of Nielsen China.

The increasingly popular payment method is part of the rapidly evolving purchasing behavior of Chinese consumers. About 98 percent of the respondents in China, the world's largest e-commerce market, said they had made purchases online.

The majority of them still make online purchases via computers, but the number of those who use mobile devices to make purchases is growing fast and is significantly higher than the average in other surveyed countries.

At 71 percent, food-related businesses topped the list of purchases made via smart phones while event ticket purchases stood at 51 percent.

The rising use of digital payments has attracted numerous players to the Chinese market.

Apple Inc launched its contactless payment system Apple Pay in the Chinese mainland last month. It allows users of the iPhone 6 or more advanced versions, certain iPads and Apple Watches to pay by their devices in bricks-and-mortar stores.

Apple's rival Samsung Electronics Co Ltd is expected to bring its own mobile payment service to China in mid-March—Sam-sung Pay.

China's Internet giants Alibaba Group Holding Ltd and Tencent Holdings Ltd have already taken about 90 percent of the mobile payment market, but industry observers said the competition is just about to start.

1. What do the first and second paragraphs mainly tell us?

A．China has the most digital payment users.

B．A digital report is released on Wednesday.

C．Chinese consumers have more payment choices.

D．People in 26 countries paid for online purchases.

2. Where do most of the Chinese make online purchases according to the passage?

A．On smart phones.	B．On computers.
C．On iPads.	D．In bricks-and-mortar stores.

3. What will probably take place in China according to the passage?

A．More and more businesses will enter the Chinese market.

B．Chinese consumes will have more payment choices.

C．Food-related companies will top the list of purchases.

D．The iPhone 6 or more advanced versions will appear.

4. What can we infer from the last two paragraphs?

A．Apple pay will become the most convenient payment system.

B．Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has already brought its own mobile payment service to China.

C．The competition concerning the digital payment will began soon.

D．Alibaba group and Tencent cover the mobile payment market.

【推荐1】Essay(短文)Competition

The aim of this contest is to encourage great student writers and to give them help in their studies.

Prizes

One Grand Prize winner will receive: $1,000 in cash: the essay published in our magazine’s May 2024 issue; an interview with our magazine’s author.

Ten First Place winners will receive: $500 in cash; their names and essay titles listed in our magazine’s May 2024 issue.

Fifty Honorable Mention Winners will receive: a $50 gift card to our online shop.

Requirements

*The length of the essay should be between 500-700 words.

*Write an essay on the topic of:How Food Affects Our Mood.

*Please write about three reasons for believing in your thesis(论点)statement in the form of body paragraphs and back up your reasons with practical evidence from related sources.

*Do not write about your self and don’t explain why you deserve(值得)to win the prizes.

Deadlines

Early--Bird Deadline: May 4, 2023--Free for the entry.

Deadline: June 5, 2023 -- $5 for the entry.

Prolonged Deadline: July 22, 2023-$10 for the entry.

1. What will the First Place winners be rewarded with?

A．Getting their essays published in the magazine.

B．Having their essays titles listed in the magazine.

C．Receiving a gift card to the particular online shop.

D．Gaining an opportunity to meet the magazine’s author.

2. Which of the following meets the requirements for the competition?

A．Writing an essay of more than 800 words.

B．Handing in an essay about food nutrition.

C．Expressing your strong desire to get the award.

D．Supporting your reasons with believable evidence.

3. Where can you probably find this passage?

A．On a school noticeboard.	B．In a science paper.
C．In a newspaper editorial.	D．In an encyclopedia.

【推荐2】Joshua, Helmut, and Bethlehe

Michelle O. Donovan

ISBN 9781462058679

Life is not easy for nine-year-old Joshua during World WarⅡ. Because of his family’s Jewish background, they are sent to live in the concentration camps (集中营). Scared and alone, Joshua one day makes friends with a little mouse he calls Bethlehem who becomes his closest friend.

Encourage Me!

Inspirational Poetry

Gloria Coykendall

ISBN 9781412027854

It is an easy-to-read collection of poems originally written to encourage in faith and to be a cure for chronic depression (长期抑郁).

Seeking the Edge

Dr. Joseph L. Rose

ISBN 9781462031795

Seeking the Edge provides the tools and techniques to find that edge in one’s life—driving readers to achieve success whether in your current job, finding a new job, in education, family, or even hobbies.

More Things in Heaven

Bill Bosworth

ISBN 9780595433582

In his More Things in Heavens, Bill Bosworth presents the highlights of his 83 years of life, including his trips to India and the study of the writings of several great spiritual leaders. More Things in Heavens will attract anyone who insists on finding the deepest meaning for their existence based on their own experiences.

Creation or Evolution

Michael Ebifegha

ISBN 9781450289023

Were humans created, or did they evolve? How old is the Earth? The debate between science and religion continues to be heated. In Creation or Evolution, Michael Ebifegha examines these two opposed world views within the structure of empirical (实证的) science.

1. Who wrote the story about a little boy and a little mouse?

A．Bill Bosworth.

B．Michelle O. Donovan.

C．Dr. Joseph L. Rose.

D．Gloria Coykendall.

2. The ISBN for the book of poems is _____________.

A．9781462031795

B．9781412027854

C．9780595433582

D．9781462058679

3. What kind of readers will probably like reading More Things in Heaven?

A．Those who are searching for the meaning of life.

B．Those who are trying to be spiritual leaders.

C．Those who study the art of writing.

D．Those who like traveling abroad.

【推荐3】Four Best Virtual Tours

Google & NASA's Access Mars

Here's a trip that's out of this world to Mars. While actual travel to the red planet may not yet be possible for our travelers, NASA has partnered with Google to offer a tour of a 3D model of the Martian surface as recorded by the Curiosity rover.

The Louvre

Now you don't need to battle the crowds at the Louvre to get an up-close look at The Mona Lisa. Topping the list of the world's top-searched virtual tours is Paris's legendary art museum. Dive deep into the museum's archives with detailed virtual tours on the Louvre's website. You can bring priceless art and experiences into your living room.

The Great Wall of China

Explorers can jet off to the Great Wall of China and learn insider facts about this amazing feat of architecture—the longest structure ever built by humans. Want to visit other UNESCO World Heritage sites using 3D maps? Check out Google's Heritage on the Edge. This is particularly special because the featured sites are currently threatened by climate change and the goal of this interactive experience is to digitally preserve them. Not only are the sites beautiful to see, but the entire experience provides education about the history, heritage, protection and conservation efforts for these landmarks.

Google Arts Project: Street Art

Google Arts Project: Street Art showcases the world's greatest graffiti works and tells the stories behind them. Viewers can take virtual walking tours, view online exhibitions and learn about the artists themselves through interactive features.

1. Who are most likely interested in the Great Wall of China?

A．Astronauts

B．Architects

C．Animal lovers

D．Art enthusiasts.

2. How can you get further information on The Mona Lisa?

A．By asking the Curiosity rover.	B．By checking Heritage on the Edge.
C．By lining up early in the Louvre.	D．By visiting the Louvre's website.

3. What does the last virtual tour allow you to do?

A．Know the stories about the artworks.	B．Have a talk with the artists about Google Arts Project.
C．Watch different animals day and night.	D．Learn how to complete graffiti works.

【推荐1】Recently, TV shows like National Treasure are increasingly popular in China.

National Treasure combines stage drama with a documentary style to tell the stories behind China’s relics. Cultural relics which once laid in museums have come alive. Through new forms of cooperation between China’s museums and television stations, a new way of presenting historic treasures has been created to promote (提升) the protection of cultural relics and traditional culture.

These shows have increased the public’s interest in cultural relics and motivated them to go to history museums and read historical books. They give examples to show Chinese museums’ shift from the protection, collection and research of relics to presenting national treasures and educating the public.

The idea of bringing ancient relics to life was suggested by President Xi Jinping in a speech delivered at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris in March 2014 and has since been made a reality. In addition to television shows, museums are also cooperating with companies to develop creative cultural products based on cultural relics.

To further promote the full use of cultural relics, all fields of society including the government, museums and companies should work together. The government has already come up with a series of policies (政策) in recent years to promote the development of creative cultural products and the proper use of cultural relics. Those working at museums should not only research relics but also communicate the stories behind them to the public.

1. What is the purpose of the show National Treasure?

A．To advise the public to read more.

B．To cooperate with China’s museums.

C．To present the audience with interesting stories.

D．To raise people’s awareness of cultural protection.

2. What does the underlined word “motivated” in Paragraph 3 mean?

A．Forced.	B．Reminded.
C．Encouraged.	D．Allowed.

3. How can we make use of cultural relics better?

A．By uniting the whole society.

B．By trying to research the relics.

C．By building more cultural museums.

D．By telling more people the stories behind them.

4. What can be a suitable title for the text?

A．Cultural Relics Come to Life

B．TV Shows Are Increasingly Popular

C．Cultural Relics Will Be Fully Protected

D．Museums Are Cooperating with Companies

【推荐2】Buy the GNN paperback book directly from Good News Network if you’re in the U.S.A.—and you will save $2.00 compared to the Amazon price during our Holiday Sale—plus get FREE shipping!

Here’s a great gift for all the news junkies (上瘾的人) in your life: Our book...And Now, The Good News, shines a spotlight on the extraordinary and everyday heroes and solutions to make you feel optimistic and hopeful about our world — and makes a GREAT gift!

Instead of complaining about the news, TRY this book to get a dose of GOOD News (for a change) ...

*A small paperback with 28 stories, great for reading on an airplane or daily commute.

*Perfect for office waiting rooms, or thank-you gifts.

This collection of unique, inspiring stories celebrates 20 years of Good News Network—the website that features all-positive news from around the world at GNN.org. Created in 1997 by former Washington, DC television news editor Geri Weis-Corley, these are among her favorite GNN stories from two decades.

FOR USA RESIDENTS ONLY!! Shipping directly from Good News Network, here.

Live Outside the U.S. or Want Amazon Prime?

You can purchase now on Amazon.com Prime — which requires 1-2 days to print, and then additional to ship. If you are outside the U.S., order here from Amazon: United Kingdom—Canada—Germany—Spain—Italy—Australia

1. Why is the book considered a great gift for all the “news junkies”?

A．It can be bought directly from Good News Network.

B．Buyers can save $2.00 compared to the Amazon price.

C．It can help readers find the power of positive thinking.

D．Buyers outside the USA can also get free shipping.

2. Why did Geri Weis-Corley collect these inspiring stories?

A．She likes reading books on an airplane.

B．She often sends thank-you gifts to friends.

C．She hopes to gain international popularity.

D．She wants to celebrate 20 years of Good News Network.

3. From which is the text probably taken?

A．A brochure.

B．A website.

C．Newspaper.

D．A magazine.

【推荐3】If our kids don’t fall, they don’t learn to get up. I still remember the day in high school that my mom forgot to pick me up from school. I’m the oldest of four children, and no doubt she’d had a long day with the other kids and she forgot it. After waiting at school for an hour, I walked the three miles home, and when I got to my house, I shut our front door with anger, stormed into the kitchen and screamed in my mom’s face that she’d forgotten me.

Later that night, my dad told me I no longer had a ride to school the next day. I thought my mom would still take me, but when the morning came, she refused. It was midterm, and as a top student ready to start college applications, being late wasn’t proper. In my mind, missing these tests means the end of my academic career. I begged my mom. But she held her ground, and that day, I walked to school. And I missed my tests.

My mom didn’t rescue(营救) me from failure. She let me suffer from it. She let me figure it out. She let me learn. Now, as a mom myself, I’ve realized that I want my kids to experience failure because failure is how we grow, learn and think outside of ourselves. It’s how we self-educate to learn what’s right and respectable, and what’s not. It’s how we become responsible and enthusiastic.

Falling down makes us better, because we learn how to get up.

1. Why did the author shout at her mother?

A．Because she missed some important tests.

B．Because her mother had ruined her future.

C．Because she was tired after walking home.

D．Because her mother didn’t pick her up home.

2. What does the underlined phrase “held her ground” in Paragraph 2 mean?

A．Gave in to me.	B．Said yes to me.
C．Stayed in the place.	D．Insisted on her decision.

3. How does the author feel about her experience now?

A．Angry.	B．Helpful.
C．Disappointed.	D．Embarrassed.

4. What is the best title for the text?

A．Stop Rescuing Your Kids from Failure

B．Try to Meet Your Kids’ Requirements

C．Offer Your Kids Help if Necessary

D．Be Strict with Your Kids