【推荐2】Family plays an important part in much fiction, of course, but sometimes the short story form has offered us an insight into family life that the longer novel does not. Here are some for you to taste.

Prelude, by Katherine Mansfield

Prelude is one of Katherine Mansfield's longest and finest short stories. Because Prelude is a modernist short story, the emphasis is on characters rather than plots. Mansfield is using the Burnells’ house-move, and the period when they are busy settling into their new home, as a situation to observe family, women and class.

He, by Katherine Anne Porter

Katherine Anne Porter (1890-1980) wrote just one novel and fewer than thirty short stories, yet she is regarded as an important twentieth-century American writer, with He among her most celebrated and critically praised works. An important theme of Porter’s work is the search for meaning in a modern and increasingly materialist world.

Signs and Symbols, by Vladimir Nabokov

It is a short story by the Russian-American author Vladimir Nabokov (1899-1977), originally published in the New Yorker in 1948. The story centers on an elderly married Russian couple who move to the United States; their son is suffering from paranoid delusions (妄想症) and has been limited to a care center. Signs and Symbols focuses on the couple’s attempt to visit their son and its result.

Down at the Dinghy, by J. D. Salinger

This short story was originally published in 1949. It involves an adult speaking to a child. It is about a young boy who runs from home and goes down to the nearby lake, where he gets into a boat and refuses to speak to his mother. The story ends with the mother bonding with her son.

1. What is special about Prelude?

A．It’s about scientific observation.	B．It’s the longest of the four.
C．It involves moving to a new place.	D．It focuses more on figures than plots.

2. What do we know about Katherine Anne Porter and Vladimir Nabokov?

A．They are contemporary writers.	B．Their works center on critical thinking.
C．They both seek for meaning in modern life.	D．Their works were published in the New Yorker.

3. Who are the target readers of the text?

A．Science fiction fans.	B．Family-based short story lovers.
C．Those who plan to be writers.	D．People trying to have a family.

【推荐3】4 Books for Your Christmas List

These spectacular books would make fantastic presents this Christmas.

Journey to the River Sea

by Eva Ibbotson.

Illustrated by Katie Hickey

(Macmillan Children’s Books)

In this children’s classic, travel deep into the Amazon jungle in search of adventure with heroine Mala. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of an award-winning, best-selling story this gift edition comes packed with lots of colorful artwork from illustrator Katie Hickey.

Little People Big Dreams Treasury

by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and Lisbeth Kaiser

(Frances Lincoln Children’s book)

In this wonderfully illustrated collection you can explore the fascinating true stories of 50 brilliant “dreamers” including activists like Greta Thunberg, artists such as Frida Kahlo, musicians, scientists, sporting legends and writers.

Daughter of the Deep

by Rick Riordan

(Puffin Books)

Percy Jackson author Rick Riordan’s latest book is a thrilling sci-fi adventure set in an academy for underwater explorers. During the sea-trials at the end of their first year, Ana and her classmates witness a terrible tragedy and soon begin to uncover deep, dark secrets and age-old rivalries.

Everyone Sang

by William Sieghart.

Illustrated by Emily Sutton

(Walker Books)

If you like poetry, you’ll love this illustrated collection, which is divided into four sections: Poems to Make You Smile; Poems to Move You; Poems to Give You Hope; and Poems to Calm and Connect You. Poets such as Carol Ann Duffy and Lemn Sissay are included.

1. Which book tells true stories about some famous people?

A．Journey to the River Sea.

B．Little People Big Dreams Treasury.

C．Daughter of the Deep.

D．Everyone Sang.

2. What kind of book is Daughter of the Deep?

A．A folk tale.	B．A biography.
C．A science fiction.	D．A true story.

3. What is special about Everyone Sang?

A．It is written by Eva Ibbotson.

B．Itis intended for poetry lovers.

C．It is one of the best-selling hooks.

D．It contains stories about Lemn Sissay.

【推荐1】Are you looking to enter the media industry but not necessarily as an actor? There are various positions in the media—some known and some not so well-known.

Video game developer

If you have a love for computer games, you may wish to consider being a video game developer. You will need to be qualified in computer programming languages. When you get promoted to a lead developer and programmer, you will write more complicated codes and manage other programmers.

Sound engineering technician

Are you currently in the audio-visual club? How about being a sound engineering technician? As a sound engineering technician, you operate machines and equipment to record, mix, or reproduce music, voices, and other sound effects. While you would be usually working indoors, you may also need to be outdoors.

Playwright

If you would like to set free the Shakespeare in you, how about a career as a playwright? You will need a formal qualification in playwriting or screenwriting and also understand the creative and technical aspects of theatre such as acting, directing, drama history and literary criticism, lighting, scenery and even costume design.

Film editor

As a film editor, you have to edit raw footages (镜头) in order to capture the on-screen personalities and tell a story. You will work with directors, producers and other film staff to ensure that production goals are achieved. With the use of computer software and digital equipment, you are expected to produce a high-quality finished product.

1. Who should be qualified with computer programming languages?

A．A video game developer.

B．A playwright.

C．A sound engineering technician.

D．A film editor.

2. What does the job of playwright need?

A．Techniques of video editing.

B．Skills of sound editing.

C．A knowledge of theatre.

D．A qualification in directing.

3. What is the purpose of the text?

A．To advertise.	B．To inform.
C．To entertain.	D．To clarify.

【推荐3】Whistler Travel Guide

Snow-capped peaks and powdered steeps; sparkling lakes and rushing waterfalls; challenging hiking routes and inviting restaurants — Whistler’s offerings suit every season.

Things to do

The entire town displays the ski-chic atmosphere, hosting dozens of ski and snow board competitions and festivals annually. In the warmer months, more outdoor enthusiasts come out to play. Visitors can try hiking or cycling up the mountains. While Whistler is an ideal vacation spot for the active types, other travelers can enjoy the local museums and art galleries filled within formative exhibits. Plus, there are family-friendly activities and attractions like summer concerts, along with plenty of shopping options.

When to visit

The best times to visit Whistler are from June through August and between December and March.

How to get around

The best ways to get around Whistler are on foot or by bike. Or, you can take the shuttlebuses from Whistler Village, which transport visitors to Lost Lake Park and the Marketplace. Meanwhile, having a car will allow you the freedom to explore top attractions like Whistler Train Wreck and Alexander Falls without having to spend a lot of cash on a cab.

What you need to know

●Whistler receives feet of snow each year. If you’re driving in winter, slow down and make sure to rent or come with a reliable SUV.

●Snowslides are likely to occur on Backcountry routes, so only advanced skiers should take to this off-the-map area.

●Whistler’s wilderness is home to many black and grizzly bears. Keep your distance and do not feed them.

1. What are active travelers recommended to do in Whistler?

A．Bike up the mountains.	B．Host ski competitions.
C．Go shopping at the malls.	D．Visit museum exhibitions.

2. Which of the following is the most popular among travelers?

A．Whistler Village.

B．Lost Lake Park.

C．The Marketplace.

D．Whistler Train Wreck.

3. What are travelers prohibited from doing in Whistler?

A．Driving a rented SUV.	B．Feeding grizzly bears.
C．Exploring the wilderness.	D．Skiing on Backcountry routes.

【推荐2】I often find myself drawn to books that explore rural settings. Here are a few books that I've read and loved.

Rush Oh!

by Shirley Barrett

Rush Oh! is one of the most touching books I’ve read. It follows the Davidsons, a whaling family from Wales. After the death of her mother, Mary Davidson has many worries: her five siblings（兄弟姐妹）and caring for her father. The author Barrett’s exploration of this world and her characters are bittersweet and humorous.

Questions of Travel

by Michelle de Kretser

Questions of Travel, is a portrait of Ravi, a Sri Lankan refugee（难民）who flees to Australia after his wife and son’s death, and Laura, a young woman who moves to London and back again. The writing is beautiful and touching. Never before have I read Sydney brought so vividly to life.

The Life and Loves of Lena Gaunt

by Tracy Farr

Lena Gaunt, in her 80s, looks back on her long and fascinating life. She has eventually traveled widely as a player of an instrument. Lena Gaunt reveals the parts of her life that gave he joy—her music, her daughter, Grace, and her lover-as well as those touched by the sadness of loss.

Too Easy

by J. M. Green

Too Easy is an irresistible novel starring Stella Hardy, a social worker in Melbourne. When one of Stella's clients is murdered and a neighbor goes missing, Stella begins to investigate. The plot sets a cracking pace through police investigations and journeys to Western Australia.

1. Which of the following is set in Sydney?

A．Rush Oh!	B．The Life and Loves of Lena Gaunt
C．Too Easy	D．Questions of Travel

2. What is the book The Life and Loves of Lena Gaunt mainly about?

A．Bittersweet teenage experiences.	B．Attractive musical instruments.
C．Heart-shaking investigations.	D．Happiness and sorrow in life.

3. What is the main purpose of this text?

A．To recommend excellent writers.	B．To analyze book qualities.
C．To introduce good works.	D．To express personal values.

【推荐3】

With short story writer and novelist Della Galton

Q What’s the best way to keep track of your characters in a novel? Amanda Rose, via email A I’m not sure what the best way is, but here are some of the methods I use. Most of my records are on paper. I have a huge folder, and in it are the following: * Character sheets – one A4 sheet for each character with all their details: name; age; address; physical description; personality type… * Dialogue records – an extra page where I note their favorite words and dialogues. * Photographs – I use photos cut from magazines for inspirations as to what they look like.    I’m also a big fan of spreadsheets. I create one that has the name, date of birth and age of my characters at any given time in the novel – or novels if it’s a series. This is particularly helpful for controlling timelines, as I only need to change one date and the rest are set up to update automatically.    I also use a spreadsheet for keeping track of the plot so I know what happens to each character in each chapter. I create the spreadsheet before I start and fill it in as I go. It’s for tracking not plotting, but it could be used for that if you plotted what happens in each chapter.    Hope this helps, Amanda.

Q Should I use single quotes or double quotes for dialogue? Tania Yeatman, Wimborne A It doesn’t matter! Usually it’s a matter of house style, so if you are aiming at a specific publication, check to see what their style is for publication and copy that. If you don’t know the house style then the important thing is to be consistent. The same applies to quotes from interviewees and experts in your articles.    “I saw Anne at writing group,” Milly said.    “And she came rushing up to me and told me she’d done it at last. She’s got an agent!” Sometimes there may be a quote within a quote. It can be single quotes within double quotes or the other way around. But don’t mix the two styles within the story to avoid confusion. Q ______________________________ Grace Louise

1. ________ are most useful for controlling timelines of the story.

A．Character sheets	B．Dialogue records
C．Photographs	D．Spreadsheets

2. The appropriate example in the box should be __________.

A．‘I saw Anne at writing group,’ Milly said. ‘And she came rushing up to me and cried, “I’ve done it at last. I’ve got an agent!”’

B．“I saw Anne at writing group,” Milly said. “And she came rushing up to me and cried, ‘I’ve done it at last. I’ve got an agent!”

C．‘I saw Anne at writing group,’ Milly said. “And she came rushing up to me and cried, ‘I’ve done it at last. I’ve got an agent!’”

D．“I saw Anne at writing group,” Milly said. ‘And she came rushing up to me and cried, ‘I’ve done it at last. I’ve got an agent!’

3. Which of the following questions is most likely to be asked by Grace Louise, who is dreaming of becoming a novelist?

A．When and where will your next novel be published?

B．What should I write about to win the writing competition?

C．Do you have any tips for overcoming the writer’s block?

D．Can you give us a lecture on choosing the right topics?