【推荐1】Welcome here! The Southern Spring Home & Garden Show will be held at The Park Expo and Conference Center. This show will last from Wednesday (March 2) to Sunday (March 6,2012).
Admission : Adults $10.00. Teenagers under 15 free with a paying adult.
Join Lincolnton’s own Tammie Davis as she performs her original country songs at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 5^th.
Special Days: The Spring for Kids First Night Gala benefiting the Council for Children’s Rights will take place from 7 p.m. to 10p.m. on Wednesday, March 2,2012. Tickets are $50 and include an access to Freedom Hall, where you can enjoy delicious food, beverage(饮料)and entertainment free of charge.
Seniors Day(55+):Wednesday is for them. Cost is $7.00 but without coupons(减价优惠).
Hours :Wednesday, Thursday &Sunday :10 a.m.---5p.m.;Friday &Saturday :10 a.m.----9 a.m.
Wheelchairs are available on a first come first served basis for you. The cost is $1.00 and you are required to leave a valid driver’s license or ID.
Parking :All Day Parking: $6.00;Half Day Parking:$3.00; Every Hour Parking:$1.00
For more Information: Come to visit Mardee Woodward in person.
E-mail: mwoodward@southernshows.com
Telephone:704-376-4085
1. We can learn from the text that the show will ___________.

A．last only five days

B．offer a free parking

C．have the only one singer

D．take place in a private house

2. How much is the admission for a family of two grown-ups and a child aged 16?

A．$ 10

B．$ 30

C．$ 20

D．$40

3. We can infer from the text that______________.

A．old people can visit the show only on Wednesday

B．the disabled can use the wheelchairs free of charge

C．there are not enough wheelchairs for the disabled

D．kids’ tickets on Wednesday don’t include beverage

【推荐3】
Innovative Designs for Accessibility
Deadline: 2020-04-30
Award: $ 7,500 CAD
Open to: University students

The Innovative (创新的) Designs for Accessibility student competition challenges students across Canada to use their creativity to develop innovative, cost-effective and practical solutions to accessibility barriers for people with disabilities. (Read more)

Clean Tech Competition
Deadline: 2020-04-13
Award: $ 28,000
Open to: Students 13-15 years old

The Clean Tech Competition is a unique, worldwide research and design challenge for pre-college youth. The competition is designed to build a deeper understanding of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) related concepts, recognize outstanding talent, and prepare the next generation of globally competitive innovators. (Read more)

Agile Robotics Competition
Deadline: 2020-04-10
Award: $ 17,500
Open to: Adults

Agile Robotics Competition is a simulation-based (仿真) competition designed to promote agility(灵活) in industrial robot systems by employing the latest advances in artificial intelligence and robot planning. The competition will be held virtually (虚拟的), so there is no need to travel to compete. The competition will use the Gazebo simulation tool. (Read more)

Wearable Robotics Innovation Challenge
Deadline: 2020-04-24
Award: $ 5,000
Open to: Everyone

The Wearable Robotics Association is inviting entries that represent the most innovative new ideas in wearable robotic technology. The review committee will select as many as ten finalists. The one considered to be the most innovative will be announced at the conference and will receive $ 5,000 to accelerate the new technology. (Read more)

1. Which competition favors competitors with a creative mind in helping the disabled?

A．Innovative Designs for Accessibility.	B．Clean Tech Competition.
C．Agile Robotics Competition.	D．Wearable Robotics Innovation Challenge.

2. What’s the aim of Clean Tech Competition?

A．To make a research about STEM.

B．To encourage university students to be innovators.

C．To help students prepare for the university.

D．To find talented teenagers and develop their ability to innovate.

3. What can we know about the four competitions?

A．They are open to everyone.	B．Every competitor can get an award.
C．They are held in April.	D．They are held virtually.

【推荐1】A good book about space can inspire an interest in exploring the universe. If you're hoping for a holiday gift for your kids, you're in the right place.

Margaret and the Moon
Age range:4 〜8

In Margaret and the Moon, Dean Robbins outlines the pioneering software engineer's life, from the backyard of her childhood home, where she put forward a million questions about the night sky, to the hallways of NASA, where she led a team from MIT to develop the onboard flight software that would land the first men on the moon.
In I am Neil Armstrong
Age range：All ages

In I am Neil Armstrong, the bestselling author Brad Meltzer shows kids how Neil Armstrong made it all the way to the moon. Meltzer begins the story with young Armstrong trying to climb to the top of a silver maple tree after falling and getting back up. He continued this spirit throughout his career (职业）.
Look Inside Space
Age range：3 and up


For parents of young kids, Usbome's prizewinning Look Inside Space is a must to share the history and wild technology of space exploration with starry-eyed kids. It explores the history of human spaceflight and the basics of stars and planets. It's enjoyable to all space fans, but is especially good for pre-school and kindergarten-age kids.
Max Goes to the Space Station
Age range: All ages

Jeffrey Bennett's tale about a dog called Max and his adventures to the International Space Station isn't only an accurate look at what life in space is like. The book was actually sent into space and joined the station's library in 2014 as part of the Story Time from Space project. It enables readers to learn all sorts of fun facts about space.
1. What's the text mainly intended to introduce?

A．How to find holiday gifts for your kids.

B．Some kids' space books for the holidays.

C．How to inspire kids' interest in the universe.

D．Some books about the theories of the universe.

2. Which book can inspire a sense of determination in readers?

A．Max Goes to the Space Station.	B．Margaret and the Moon.
C．I am Neil Armstrong.	D．Look Inside Space.

3. In which aspect is Max Goes to the Space Station different from the other three books?

A．It has experienced space travel.

B．It is suitable for kids of all ages.

C．It is a biography of an astronaut.

D．It has won a prize as a bestseller.

【推荐3】My love for libraries blossomed when I joined the public library.

From the age of 8, I was allowed to walk from my home to the downtown library, housed above the police station.

Once the librarian gave me my first membership card, I could enjoy a range of books, which started with Little House in the Big Woods.

I was addicted instantly, and this love of libraries and reading would change my life, allowing me to one day create a safe space for high-school kids, too.

By the time I was in high school, I could read the authors that we were studying in class, including Charles Dickens, Mark Twain and Emily Bronte. During the summer months，I got caught up in Gone with the Wind and Anna Karenina.

When I studied English literature at university, I thought it was time to build my own library. For the next 40 years, I continued to collect books. Until one day, I realized that all my books had become a part of the house，like wallpaper.

Toward the end of my teaching career, I became a teacher-librarian at my old high school where I had first learned English literature. This position resumed（恢复）my love and appreciation for libraries. I never forgot how wonderful it was to be surrounded by books.

I had a generous budget for my classes, so I searched for novels that would interest my teenage audience and hopefully spark（激发）a love of books. Fantasy, science-fiction, graphic novels --- I bought almost any type of book that my students wanted to read.

I bought sofas and comfortable chairs，turning the library into an inclusive （包容的） public space, safe for everyone.

In doing so, I realized that the library isn't just a place to do research. They are, in fact, places that offer an opportunity to engage with the past, present and future. All that is required is a tiny bit of curiosity. Libraries are places that should be full of life. They help us adjust to the world and their doors must be kept open to everyone---for free！

1. What does the underlined word “blossomed” in the first sentence mean?

A．Shaped.

B．Produced.

C．Developed.

D．Appeared.

2. What does the author think of a library?

A．It is the only place for readers to do research.

B．It is a place for people to learn English literature.

C．It is a place for people to be more inclusive.

D．It is a place that offers an opportunity to be better selves.

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

A．More Than Just Books	B．Being Addicted to Books
C．Building an Inclusive Public Space	D．Buying Any Kind of Book

【推荐1】Rome can be pricey for travelers, which is why many choose to stay in a hostel (旅社). The hostels in Rome offer a bed in a dorm room for around $25 a night, and for that, you’ll often get to stay in a central location with security and comfort.

Yellow Hostel

If I had to make just one recommendation for where to stay in Rome, it would be Yellow Hostel. It’s one of the best-rated hostels in the city, and for good reason. It’s affordable, and it’s got a fun atmosphere without being too noisy. As an added bonus, it’s close to the main train station.

Hostel Alessandro Palace

If you love social hostels, this is the best hostel for you in Rome. Hostel Alessandro Palace is fun. Staff members hold plenty of bar events for guests like free shots, bar crawls and karaoke. There’s also an area on the rooftop for hanging out with other travelers during the summer.

Youth Station Hostel

If you’re looking for cleanliness and a modern hostel, look no further than Youth Station. It offers beautiful furnishings and beds. There are plenty of other benefits, too; it doesn’t charge city tax; it has both air conditioning and a heater for the rooms; it also has free Wi-Fi in every room.

Hotel and Hostel Des Artistes

Hotel and Hostel Des Artistes is located just a 10-minute walk from the central city station and it’s close to all of the city’s main attractions. The staff is friendly and helpful, providing you with a map of the city when you arrive, and offering advice if you require some. However, you need to pay 2 euros a day for Wi-Fi.

1. What is probably the major concern of travelers who choose to stay in a hostel?

A．Charge.

B．Surroundings.

C．Convenience.

D．Location.

2. Which hotel best suits people who enjoy surfing the Internet for long?

A．Yellow Hostel.	B．Hostel Alessandro Palace.
C．Youth Station Hostel.	D．Hotel and Hostel Des Artistes.

3. What is the advantage of Hotel and Hostel Des Artistes?

A．It charges less except for Wi-Fi.	B．It’s conveniently located.
C．It is close to the subway station.	D．Its staff is kind and positive.

【推荐2】To son, Cecil,

When I wrote this you were 8, still a little boy. In 2002, I was called to active duty in the Marine Corps in the war on Terrorism (恐怖主义). On the 11th of September 2001 when America was attacked, I knew that I would eventually have to go and I was filled with a deep sense of sadness. That night as you and Keiko were asleep, I looked at your little faces and couldn’t help but fight the tears.

I knew it would be hard for you because I had a similar experience. When I was a little boy aged 6, my Dad, your Grandpa, was sent to Vietnam during the war there. I remember how much I missed him, too. But now unfortunately I have come to realize just how rough it must have been for Grandpa to be away from his children for a year. Thinking about this, I wanted to put my thoughts and feelings down for you and your sister. I am so sorry that I had to leave for such a long time. There is no place I would rather be than with you and Keiko. You two are the lights of my life. I have known no greater joy than in the few years since you two were born. I hope to have many more years with you. If this doesn’t happen, you should know that I love you more than words can express.

If for some reason I don’t make it home, I will need you to take care of your little sister and your Mom. You will be the man of the Cawley family. Be good my son and God will watch over you as he has me. I will be waiting impatiently for the time when we can all be together again.

1. The writer felt sad because __________.

A．His country was under attack	B．His father was killed in Vietnam
C．He was afraid of the war on Terrorism	D．He had to be away from his family

2. What words could be used to describe the writer?

A．Caring and considerate.	B．Clever and responsible.
C．Brave and determined.	D．Ambitious and diligent.

3. Why did the writer write the letter?

A．To let his son know his father is a hero.

B．To express his love and expectation of his son.

C．To offer his apology for leaving his family.

D．To remind Cecil of his responsibility for his country.

【推荐3】Growing Green Thumbs

Callie’s Kids by Calloway Nursery

Denton, 940/591-8865;

Flower Mound, 972/691-2650;

Lewisville, 972/315-3133.

www.mytexasgarden.com

LEARN: Kids ages 5-12 can explore and plant in the Calloway gardens with a parent/caregiver’s supervision at 9:30 am on the first or third Wednesdays from June to August. A garden expert will share tips and advice for the best gardening practices during the 45-minute session (beginning on June 2). Preregistration online is required.

COST: Free

Denton Children’s Community Garden

2200 Bowling Green Ave., Denton, 940/349-2883.

www.dcmga.com

LEARN: Join the weekend work at the community garden, where caregivers, parents and master gardeners help children of all ages plant new vegetables, water the plants, harvest from the gardens and more. The instructors also lead games about nutrition, good and bad insects and more. 10 am-5 pm on Saturdays.

COST: Free

Coppell Community Gardens

255 Parkway Blvd., Coppell.

www.copp11communitygarden.org

LEARN: Kids of all ages (with a parent/caregiver) can volunteer at either the Helping Hands Garden (255 Parkway Blvd.) or Ground Delivery Garden (450 S. Denton Tap Road). Children will have the opportunity to till (耕) the ground, plant vegetables, harvest from the garden and more. Master gardeners are available on site; all harvested foods are either sold at the community's farmers’ market or donated to the area food bank. Work begins every Saturday at about 9 am.

COST: Free

1. If a child wants to plant in the Calloway gardens, he / she ______.

A．needs to register online before hand

B．should be present every Wednesday morning

C．must be under supervision throughout the year

D．can visit www.dcmga.com for more information

2. Which of the following can be learned from the passage?

A．All the three gardens are based in Denton.

B．Experts in Calloway Gardens are tipped for their instructions.

C．Kids in Coppell Community Gardens may take harvests home.

D．Activities in Denton Children’s Community Gardens are entertaining.

3. This piece of writing is most probably issued by ______.

A．a food industry in bad need of funding

B．a website promoting gardening facilities

C．an institution offering learning programs

D．an association publicizing botanical gardens