【推荐1】This is the time when we start thinking of travel plans for the coming holiday. Will we go back to our old favorites? Try somewhere new? The following list will give you fresh ideas of where to stay.

Matca, Transylvania (Romania)

Matca, which means “queen bee” in Romanian, is a nickname for the hotel. Transylvania’s rural landscapes have long been a favorite of those in the know — the UK’s royal family has a house two hours north — and hilltop Matca renews its 16 rooms with the spirit of Romanian traditions, from hand carved beds to traditional carpets over the floorboard. Expected to be open in March.

Maria, Helsinki (Finland)

The Maria has been the first choice for Helsinki travelers since it met the public last month, with its “spa suites” plus private saunas (桑拿) or steam rooms. The hotel sits across four protected buildings dating back to 1885, and as such the look is modern classic, with plenty of copper and iron gray and big windows to let as much of that light as possible into the supersized rooms.

Casa Lucia, Buenos Aires (Argentina)

Though Argentina looks set to be entering a period of financial uncertainty in 2024, this new Buenos Aires hotel is looking for new ideas by turning to the city’s golden age a century ago. Featuring “royal suites” and opening soon in April in the Edificio Mihanovich, a skyscraper in the Retiro district, the Casa Lucia is an upgraded version of the former Sofitel.

The Leinster, Dublin (Ireland)

For all too long, there’s only been room for one famous hotel on Dublin’s Merrion Square. The Leinster is about to change that. Opening next month, it’s bringing an almost Kit Kemp style of boutique chic (精品时尚) to the historic square, with lively patterned headboards brightening the modern rooms. The other hotel on the square — The Merrion — had better look to its laurels.

1. Which hotel is already receiving guests?

A．Matca.

B．Maria.

C．Casa Lucia.

D．The Leinster.

2. What do Matca and Casa Lucia have in common?

A．They face financial uncertainties.

B．They draw inspiration from the past.

C．They are famous among royal families.

D．They are single buildings in rural areas.

3. What does the underlined phrase “look to its laurels” in the last paragraph probably mean?

A．Stay calm and optimistic.

B．Stick to the original look.

C．Try not to lose its advantage.

D．Look up to the newcomer.

【推荐2】Thanks to its super walkable historic center and handy square of famous museums, Amsterdam is practically made for two-day trips.

Day 1

Morning

Start your day off in the Centrum with breakfast in the charming courtyard cafe De Koffieschenkerij, situated within the De OudeChurch, Amsterdam’s oldest building. After that, wander the surrounding streets and take in Amsterdam’s oldest buildings, and streets, like Nieuwendijk, a busy pedestrian shopping street. From here, continue south to Dam Square to see the massive Royal Palace.

Afternoon

Cross over to the Flower Market, which has been selling tulips since the mid-1800s. Then you’ll want to make your way to the Anne Frank House, where Anne Frank and her family hid during World War II. This is one of the city’s most visited sights, so you have to pre-book a timed ticket online.

Day 2

Morning

Kick off your day at Rijksmuseum, the national museum of the Netherlands. Get there right at 9 a.m. when it opens to head off the crowds. Head directly to admire the famed 17th-century Golden Age paintings from the likes of Vermeer and Rembrandt.

Afternoon

Grab lunch at one of the food trucks on Museumplein. If you want to rest your feet a little longer, hit up The Burger Room, a Wizard of Oz-themed restaurant around the corner. Refueled and ready for more, cross the street to the Van Gogh Museum, which holds the largest collection of the famed artist’s works. Tickets will sell out fast, so be sure to book your timed entry.

After you’ve been thoroughly blown away by Post-Impressionism, take the tram to Sampurna, a long-running Dutch restaurant,trying their signature dishes — “Erwtensoep” and “Pannenkoeken”.

1. When will you walk around the old streets?

A．On the morning of Day 1.	B．On the afternoon of Day 1.
C．On the morning of Day 2.	D．On the afternoon of Day 2.

2. Which sights do you need to book in advance?

A．De Oude Church & Anne Frank House.	B．Royal Palace & Rijksmuseum.
C．Anne Frank House & Van Gogh Museum.	D．Rijksmuseum& Van Gogh Museum.

3. Where might this text probably be taken from?

A．A history book.	B．A travel brochure.
C．A business journal.	D．A museum introduction.

【推荐3】Travel with Kids to Pittsburgh

This is an exciting time to visit Pittsburgh. The city and surrounding region is now perfect for family fun. Here are some of Pittsburgh’s must-visit family attractions:

Eat Pie at Sand Hill Berries

The homemade pies at Sand Hill Berries are better than what’s found on any kids menu, and everyone loves fresh fruit pie! The family farm has been growing strawberries and blackberries since 1981, using the fruit for homemade jams and pies. It’s worth a drive to the farm’s lovely outdoor Cabin Cafe. Kids and adults will enjoy a slice of pie in what feels like a secret garden.

Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh

For active kids with energy to burn, the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh is a perfect place. Kids can play in the Garage—an interactive area that includes a parachute (降落伞) launcher and toy car raceways. At the Makeshop, kids use skills to create a take-home piece of woodworking or sewing. Museum exhibits change often and make for fresh repeat visits.

Fort Ligonier

History comes to life at Fort Ligonier, a re-created fort (兵营) from the French and Indian War located in Ligonier—about an hour’s drive east of the city. Here, kids can learn about George Washington—he served at the fort more than 250 years ago! Costumed (装扮的) soldiers demonstrate daily life, including welcoming visitors to where they slept, ate and prepared for battle. In October, the village of Ligonier hosts the annual Fort Ligonier Days with live music, performances, fireworks and more.

Just Ducky Tour

Pittsburgh’s Just Ducky Tour takes riders from land to water on one boat! The jeep-like boats start on land for a driving tour of the business and cultural districts of downtown, before driving into the river! The tour guide makes an effort to tell fun stories about the landmarks. Kids will love the group participation and enjoy the excitement of driving right into the river!

1. Where can kids make things with their own hands?

A．At Fort Ligonier.

B．On Just Ducky Tour.

C．At Sand Hill Berries.

D．In the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh.

2. What can visitors see at Fort Ligonier in summer?

A．Costumed soldiers.

B．George Washington.

C．The French and Indian War.

D．Performances by the villagers.

3. How is Just Ducky Tour different from the other tours?

A．It is kid-friendly.

B．It is a historic site.

C．It offers delicious food.

D．It involves both land and water.

【推荐1】Science Competitions Your Students Can Enter

Unsung Heroes of Science Video Competition

Age:16 — 18

Closed: May 17, 2022

The Unsung Heroes of Science Video Competition from Hertford College University of Oxford is open to all 16 — 18 students around the world. Competitors are tasked with making a two — minute video sharing the story of a scientist whose contributions were overlooked. Entries can be submitted by individuals or in teams. Winners of the competition in the UK will get to go behind the scenes at the Royal Institution 8 Christmas lectures.

Schools’ Analyst

Age:16 — 17

Closed:March 25, 2022

The Schools’ Analyst Competition is returning to schools with teams tasked with finding the perfect formula for fish and chips! This competition allows students to expand their chemistry knowledge and skills through practical experiments. Each winning school team will then compete within their region to find a regional winner. Regional winners receive a cash prize.

ABSW’s Young Science Writer of the Year

Age:14 — 16 Closed: April 8, 2022

The Association of British Science Writers’ Annual Competition is open to students at non - selective state — funded schools in Cardiff, Birmingham, Glasgow and London. The competition invites young people to write about the big questions in STEM, and they’ve just 800 words to put forward their thoughts. The award winner receives £1000, and one—year’s membership of ABSW.

Newnham College Essay Prizes

Age:16 — 17 (female only)

Closed:March 11, 2022

The University of Cambridge’s Newnham College Essay Prizes are open to all girls currently in a UK school and involves submitting an essay (2500 words max) answering one of a selection of questions. Besides targeting their literacy skills, the competition is a great chance to prepare students for higher education and would make a great addition to a UCAS form. Students also have the chance of winning a cash prize ranging from £400 to £100. Students may only submit an essay for one subject.

1. Which competition focuses on introducing scientists' story?

A．Schools’ Analyst.

B．Unsung Heroes of Science Video Competition.

C．Newnham College Essay Prizes.

D．ABSW's Young Science Writer of the Year.

2. What should one do to win Newnham College Essay Prizes?

A．Answer two questions at a time.	B．Write about the big scientific questions.
C．Enlarge his chemistry knowledge.	D．Submit an essay with words limited to 2500.

3. What do the four competitions have in common?

A．They provide cash prizes for winners.

B．They are open to students aged 16 years old.

C．They have something to do with writing skills.

D．They accept entries by individuals and in teams.

【推荐2】Introduction to the Events Held in the British Library

International Translation Day

29th-30th, September 2022

International Translation Day returns with a two-day programme from English PEN. It is the annual event for translators, translation and translated literature. Following the in-person programme of London-based workshops, talks and networking opportunities, English PEN hosts online conversations with international speakers.

Audio Description Tour of Gold

19th September, 2022

On this tour you can explore items that are hundreds of years old and disclose the stories lightened by gold. Discover the masterful techniques used to handle such a precious metal. This is an online only event hosted on the British Library platform. People booking it will be sent a viewing link in advance to watch at any time for 48 hours after the start time.

Spring and Summer 2022 Programme

12th February-21st August 2022

The British Library has cooperated with West Dean College of Arts and Conservation to deliver a study programme on preservation and collection for libraries. The programme centers around continued professional development and is aimed at professionals, students and others interested in furthering their skills in this area.

Alexander the Great: The Making of Wonders

21st October, 2022-19th February, 2023

Alexander, born in ancient Macedonia, built an empire that stretched across the ancient world, and his exploration of unfamiliar lands, rulers and cultures, from European to Asian shaped his legacy into the fantastic stories we know of today. Join librarians, writers and historians to dig into these stories, as you decide for yourself who Alexander really was.

1. What do the first two listed events have in common?

A．Both last two days.	B．Both should be booked in advance.
C．Both are available on the Internet.	D．Both are based in London workshops.

2. What does Spring and Summer 2022 Programme focus on?

A．The construction of college campuses.

B．The exploration of ancient technology.

C．The introduction of metal-handling techniques.

D．The development of library collection professions.

3. Which event is concerned with a historical figure?

A．International Translation Day.

B．Audio Description Tour of Gold.

C．Spring and Summer 2022 Programme.

D．Alexander the Great: The Making of Wonders.