【推荐1】Safety is a huge concern whenever I run with my earphones in. But I need music to run. Otherwise all I hear is the sound of my own breathing. So I’ve found a compromise: I run with only one earphone in. The music sounds off. It’s an imperfect solution.

An updated pair of headphones, called AfterShokz, aim to do better. AfterShokz bills itself as using bone conducting technology to conduct music from the front of the ear, delivering sound through your cheekbone and inner ear. This keeps your eardrum (鼓膜) free to hear everything else.

“Earbuds (耳塞式耳机) are typically designed to block out all sound, which is fine when you’re inside. But when you’re outside, you need all your senses. It would be like sending you out cycling with a blindfold on,” says Rod Annet, managing director of AfterShokz.

Here’s where AfterShokz comes in. The headphones hook over the back of your head with the main “bud” resting high up against your cheek. This keeps your ear free to delight in other sounds.

So do they work? In a word, yes. During a 45-minute jog, they didn’t bounce or shift. I heard far more of my environment than I normally do: a nearby bike there; a runner passing me again to my left; and so forth.

What about the downsides? If you’re a huge fan of high-quality sound, you might find the headphones a bit tinny. One friend expressed concerns about missing the ability to get lost in the music as you might be distracted by other noises, although I personally didn’t find that an issue.

Yet those are all minor details. For me, probably the biggest problem is the price. Ranging between £ 49.96 to £ 83.29, AfterShokz headphones aren’t exactly cheap.

With all that considered, would I recommend them? Yes. AfterShokz headphones are quite useful. While out jogging, they were light, painless, and easy to use. They made me feel safer.

1. What is special about AfterShokz headphones?

A．They are a good choice for inside use.

B．They allow users to hear other sounds.

C．They can make music sound more beautiful.

D．They can deliver sound through your eardrum.

2. What does the author’s friend think of AfterShokz headphones?

A．They prevent users getting lost.

B．They deliver high—quality sound.

C．They often move while users are running.

D．They fail to allow users to enjoy the music.

3. The author thinks AfterShokz headphones       .

A．are too expensive	B．seem quite useless
C．make users feel pain	D．are too complex to use

4. What is the main purpose of the text?

A．To express worries.	B．To introduce a product.
C．To share a personal story.	D．To complain about a product.

【推荐3】Some best music and opera holidays for 2019.

Tangle wood Festival

The villages of Lenox and Stockbridge in western Massachusetts have been the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra for more than 80 years, and its annual Tanglewood festival is East Coast America’s most distinguished music event. Andris Nelsons, BSO music director, conducts 14 of the concerts and star performers include Emanuel Ax, Paul Lewis and Anne-Sophie Mutter. Tickets on sale Feb 10.

June 15—Aug 25 (tanglewood.org)

Aspen Festival

This year is the 70th anniversary of the Aspen Music Festival, one of the longest-running and most prestigious festivals in the United States. The 2019 program has yet to be announced, but a typical eight- week summer season includes more than 400 classical music events—including concerts by five orchestras, solo (独奏) and classical music performances, fully staged opera productions, music lessons, lectures, and children’s programming. Tickets and details available in February.

June 27—Aug 18 (aspenmusicfestival. com)

Grand Teton Music Festival

Aspen’s great classical music competitor in the Rocky Mountains is the Grand Teton, which has been held in Jackson Hole since 1962 and at its heart is a timber concert hall, the Walk Festival Hall, famous for its friendly atmosphere and excellent natural sound. Despite its relatively modest size, the hall attracts the greats—current music director is the Scottish conductor Donald Runnicles. The program for 2019 is yet to be announced but subscriptions are on sale from Feb 1, single tickets from March 1.

July 2—Aug 17 ( gtmf. org)

Salzburg Festival

The excitement is building in Salzburg both for this summer and for its 100th anniversary year in 2020. Bar the Proms, it is the world’s oldest music festival and this year it will pack in an unbelievable 199 performances in 43 days at 16 venues. This year’s theme is ‘Myths’ and includes first public performances of Mozart’s Idomeneo and George Enescu’s opera dipe.

July 20—Aug 31 (salzburgfestival. at)

1. Which of the festivals has the shortest history?

A．Tangle wood Festival.	B．Aspen Festival.
C．Salzburg Festival.	D．Grand Teton Music Festival.

2. What can we learn about Tanglewood Festival?

A．It is held from June 27 to Aug. 18.

B．Its tickets can be available from March 1.

C．It is best known in the east coast of America.

D．Its more information can be got from gtmf. org.

3. What is the similarity of Aspen Festival and Salzburg Festival?

A．Their tickets can be got in February.

B．They will be held in the same months.

C．They both have music and opera performances.

D．Their audience can be both adults and children.

【推荐3】The Rugby (英式橄榄球) World Cup is currently being held in New Zealand. The tournament, due to finish on October 23, is living up to the famous English saying, “Rugby is a thug's (暴徒) game played gentlemen. ”

The games are physically aggressive; the tackles (冲撞) on the pitch are brutal; but the end of each match is a civilized affair. Players shake hands and applaud each other. Of course, the other side to this saying is: "Football is a gentleman's game played by thugs. " Indeed, unlike soccer players, rugby players don't often question the referee's (裁判员) decisions or pretend to be injured when they are not.

“Football could learn a lot from rugby," said Brian Moore, a former England rugby player "The wonderful spirit of rugby is: there is a gentlemanly code to it. You play hard on the pitch, but you always respect your opponent..

Rugby is mainly played in Europe. Australia, New Zealand and parts of Africa. "It is more enjoyable to play than soccer because you are always involved in the game," said Peter, a Welsh rugby coach. "Rugby is also a far superior test of strength, stamina (耐力) and determination. "

Most professional rugby players are large, strong and weigh over 90 kilograms. People who play the sport need to be tough and be prepared to get hurt. Black eyes, broken bones, lost teeth and being knocked unconscious—all these are common injuries. Former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown is blind in one eye thanks to a rugby accident at school.

In England, children begin playing the game at school at the age of 8. When they enter high school, many begin to play full contact rugby. Children are taught to play for around one hour a week during their PE lessons. Most schools have a rugby team. Children who play for the school team are usually the sportiest kids, and are seen as brave and athletic.

1. What can be concluded from the first three paragraphs?

A．Football players are not real gentlemen.

B．There is a better spirit in playing rugby than football.

C．Football players are not as athletic as rugby players.

D．Brian Moore thinks that rules should be stricter in football.

2. According to the passage, Peter thinks ______.

A．rugby players pretend to be injured when they are not

B．rugby is not very popular in America and Asia

C．rugby makes people enjoy sports better than soccer

D．rugby needs players' strong will rather than strength

3. The example of Gordon Brown is mentioned in order to                  .

A．prove that playing rugby can earn people fame

B．explain why Gordon Brown is blind in one eye

C．support the point that rugby players often get hurt

D．warn teenagers against playing rugby at school

4. What can we infer from the passage?

A．Teenagers will lose interest in football.

B．English children have a talent for rugby.

C．Playing rugby doesn't involve skills.

D．Rugby is not suitable for everyone.

【推荐1】In Singapore, art is more than what meets the eye. Galleries and museums here are not just places to be inspired, but also homes to distinctive souvenirs. Take home well­-designed pieces that reflect your personality.

Singapore Tyler Print Institute (STPI)

41 Robertson Quay, Singapore 238236. ＋65 6336 3663.

Mon.－Fri. 10 am－7 pm; Sat. 9 am－6 pm

STPI is a space for experimentation of print and paper. Walk through the gallery and join other art lovers in developing an appreciation of print and paper art practice. STPI allows you to own a piece of the work produced by artists at the gallery workshops.

Red Dot Design Museum (RDDM)

11 Marina Boulevard, Singapore 018940. ＋65 6514 0111.

Mon.－Thur. 10 am－8 pm; Fri.－Sun. 10 am－11 pm

From lighting to parasol (阳伞), the Red Dot Design Museum presents award­winning products and design concepts from over 30 countries. Head to the Design Museum Shop, there are many interesting design objects and collections sourced from all over the world.

National Gallery Singapore (NGS)

1 St. Andrew's Rd, Singapore 178957. ＋65 6271 7000.

Mon.－Thur., Sat.－Sun. 10 am－7 pm; Fri. 10 am－9 pm

NGS occupies two major landmarks — the former Supreme Court and City Hall — and features over 8,000 artworks, which is the largest public display of modern Southeast Asian art and culture. It is also a home to a host of international exhibitions that have inspired the world and will be remembered for years to come.

Singapore Philatelic Museum (SPM)

23­B Coleman Street, Singapore 179807. ＋65 6337 3888.

Daily 10 am－7 pm

Fascinated by stamps? SPM features postage stamps dating all the way back from the 1830s. Enjoy this vibrant museum's in­depth presentation of local and international postal history. Send Singapore­inspired postcards or collect miniature postboxes from Singapore and around the world. Charming souvenirs at the museum store will make creative decorations for your home or office.

1. Which number is available if you have any question on Red Dot Design Museum?

A．＋65 6336 3663.	B．＋65 6514 0111.
C．＋65 6271 7000.	D．＋65 6337 3888.

2. Where can you go if you are fond of stamps?

A．Singapore Tyler Print Institute.	B．Red Dot Design Museum.
C．National Gallery Singapore.	D．Singapore Philatelic Museum.

3. Where is this passage most likely to be found?

A．In a travel brochure.	B．In a report.
C．In a textbook.	D．In a novel.

【推荐2】International Volunteering in New Zealand

If you’re visiting New Zealand and would like to volunteer, DOC (Department of Concentration) welcomes you to get involved.

Before you come to New Zealand

You do not need a work visa to volunteer with DOC. You can volunteer on entry to New Zealand as long as you do not receive payment or benefits.

You may need a police certificate

Depending on the volunteer work you do with us, you may be required to provide a police certificate to DOC. Your police certificate would need to be written and certified in English. It’s easier for you if you get a police certificate before you leave your country.

How to get a new police certificate if you’re already in New Zealand. (Click here)

International students

Volunteering with DOC is an option to gain experience. However, DOC does not offer opportunities to students who study at universities outside New Zealand, or other education providers outside New Zealand.

Insurance

For all volunteers with DOC, we strongly advise you gel comprehensive (综合的) travel insurance and unlimited medical cover. DOC does not accept responsibility for any:

● personal medical or accident events.

● loss or damage to personal items of equipment, or other associated costs while you're volunteering with DOC.

1. What may you offer to DOC if you want to volunteer as a foreigner in New Zealand?

A．A police certificate	B．A work visa.
C．A university diploma.	D．A driver license.

2. Who cannot volunteer with DOC in New Zealand?

A．An American official who is travelling in New Zealand.

B．An English college student who has just been visiting his uncle in New Zealand.

C．A Chinese exchange student in the University of Auckland in New Zealand.

D．A Chinese businessman with some volunteering experiences.

3. Where is this passage probably from?

A．A story book.	B．A newspaper.
C．A travel guide book.	D．A website.