【推荐1】Internet shopping is a new way of shopping. Nowadays, you can shop for just about anything from your armchair. Shopping on the Internet is becoming increasingly popular.

People can shop for a variety of products on the Internet. Physical products include items such as books, CDs, clothes and foods. These types of products are the most common purchases through the Internet. To find something on the Internet, people often use powerful computer tools called “search engines”. You can search for a type of product such as sports shoes, or a brand name, such as Nike. The search engine will give you a list of websites where you can find these products. These websites may be specialist shops such as a Nike shop, or they may be general stores, called malls, which sell a variety of goods.

Internet shopping offers a number of benefits for the shopper. The most important advantage is convenience. The most important advantage is convenience. As the on-line shops are open 24 hours a day, you do not have to queue with other shoppers at the check-out counters. Secondly, it is easy to find what you are looking for. Finally, it is often cheaper to buy goods through the Internet.

The main disadvantage of Internet shopping is that you cannot actually see the products you are buying or check their quality. Also, many people enjoy shopping in the city and miss the opportunity to talk to friends. Some people are worried about paying for goods using credit cards, so Internet companies are now finding ways to make on-line payment safe.

Internet shopping is sure to become more and more popular in the years ahead. It promises to change the way we buy all kinds of thing-from tonight's dinner to a new car.

1. The first paragraph indicates(表明)that         .

A．there are many problems with online shopping

B．online shopping is becoming very popular

C．people hate online shopping in cities

D．it is very inconvenient for online shopping

2. From the second paragraph, we know the underlined word “malls” means        .

A．stores where we can buy famous brand(牌)products

B．places where people can receive better service

C．specialist shops

D．stores which sell many kinds of goods

3. Internet shopping can offer shoppers the following benefits EXCEPT            .

A．online payment safety

B．the speed the goods are delivered at

C．the reasonable price

D．the convenience it brings to you

4. According to the passage, we can infer that        .

A．since it is not safe to pay online, Internet shopping will disappear in the years ahead

B．it will become the only way we buy things in the years ahead

C．there is no disadvantage of Internet shopping

D．it’ll change the way we buy things

【推荐2】Student Membership--Cambridge Arts Cinema
Cambridge Arts Cinema is one of the art houses in Britain and home of the internationally celebrated Cambridge Film Festival. Since 1947 generations of students have discovered the wealth of world cinema. Now you too can make most of it and save money.

1. Which of the following is the most famous event held at Cambridge Arts Cinema?

A．The Cambridge Film Festival.

B．Meetings with filmmakers.

C．The preview screening.

D．Monthly premieres.

2. If you're a member of Cambridge Arts Cinema, you will enjoy free__________.

A．Darkroom Gallery shows	B．mailed programmes
C．special film events	D．film shows

3. How long will the membership for Cambridge Arts Cinema last?

A．Four months.	B．Eight months.
C．Nine months.	D．One year.

4. For what purpose is the text written?

A．Offering students cheaper tickets．

B．Announcing the opening of a premiere.

C．Telling the public of the cinema's address.

D．Increasing the cinema's membership.

【推荐3】On the day after Thanskgiving in the US, or Black Friday, lots of stores offer special discounts to mark the beginning of holiday shopping season. In China, a similar day falls on Nov. 11 when millions of Chinese shoppers go to Tmall.com and Taobao.com, two e-commerce websites operated by Alibaba.
The 11.11 Shopping Festival, as the event is now called, is also known in China as Singles Day. The shopping festival first started in 2009 and Alibaba said it chose the date because it was easy to remember. Last year, Tmall and Taobao together produced 19.1 billion in sales on that day, according to Alibaba. This year’s shopping festival kicked off with an even stronger start—sales hit 100 million yuan 55 seconds after midnight and reached 35 billion at the end of the day.
The shopping spree(狂欢) drew the attention of China’s leaders, as Premier Li Keqiang recently praised Alibaba’s founder, Jack Ma, for creating a day for consumption. China is trying to lead the country’s economy to a slower, more sustainable（可持续的）growth model based on domestic (国内的) consumption instead of investment and exports. Online shopping is no doubt a growth point that will release spending potential. China had 564 million regular Internet users by the end of last year. It has surpassed the US to become the world’s largest e-commerce market, with its online sales over 1 trillion US dollars (6 trillion yuan) by 2020.
“The real-time nature of online consumption attracts millions of people to spend money and enjoy life. E-commerce opens a new channel for China to encourage domestic demand,” Liu Yin, vice-president of the China International Electronic Commerce Center said. More importantly, it promotes employment and the logistics (物流) industry with its sales model of “online purchasing plus express delivery”, he added. Convenience, choice and low prices have increased online shopping, but there are still some problems with the one-day shopping spree.
Some online shops, driven by the huge profits, took this opportunity to play price tricks. They raised prices to twice those of the originals in the early October and then offered discounts on Nov 11. Many consumers, driven by the advantage they could take, just went along for the ride. “They spend lots of time online to check what to buy and are happy to get what they don’t really need at a lower price,” wrote Jia Ge, an Internet analyst, on his Sina weibo.
1. In the US, a holiday shopping season refers to _________.

A．a spree in a holiday like Thanksgiving

B．one of the four seasons in a year like spring

C．a shopping spree when stores offer special discounts

D．a holiday when people can relax themselves by shopping

2. In this year’s 11.11 Shopping Festival, Tmall and Taobao produced ______in all.

A．19.1 billion yuan	B．100 million yuan
C．35.1 billion yuan	D．35 billion yuan

3. What Liu Yin said is mainly about _______.

A．the advantages of e-commerce

B．the advantages of express delivery

C．the development of online shopping

D．the development of logistic industry

4. It can be inferred from the last paragraph that _______.

A．most online shops played price tricks on consumers to make huge profits

B．driven by the huge profits, many consumers bought what they didn’t really need

C．some prices of the goods were raised at first and sold at the original price on Nov. 11

D．many consumers were cheated by the online shops and bought unnecessary goods

【推荐1】A bright yellow “M” tells you that it’s a McDonald’s restaurant; we also associate the cheerful theme tune “I’m Lovin’ It” with the famous US fast food.

A brand’s music has a similar effect on its customers as its logo. “It appeals directly to the heart, where consumers’ decisions are really made,” wrote Marketing Week.

This is probably why companies from around the world have recently focused more on building a “sonic (声音的) identity”.

An example is the software company Tencent QQ. Since 2014, this Chinese company has been trying to trademark (申请商标权) its “Di-Di-Di-Di-Di-Di” notification sound. The trademark was finally approved on Nov 15, which means that Tencent’s “Di-Di-Di-Di-Di-Di” notification sound is now protected by law and can only be used by QQ.

Sound and music can also help tell stories. In Game of Thrones (《权力的游戏》) there are so many characters that it is difficult to memorize them all. So, they wrote melodies (旋律) specific to each family. The result is that characters do not only look familiar, but sound familiar too.

“I think a huge reason why sound inspires action is that, on an unconscious level, we are always listening,” Lauren Nagel, executive creative director at Pandora Media, told GeoMarketing. “You can close your eyes, but you can’t shut your ears.”

1. What is the influence of a brand’s music, according to Marketing Week?

A．It creates a relaxing environment.

B．It helps to get customers’ attention.

C．It makes the brand better known.

D．It encourages consumers to make quick decisions.

2. The example of Tencent QQ is mainly used to show ______.

A．how companies value their sounds and music

B．the importance of trademark protection

C．the lasting impact of a brand’s music

D．what makes a good notification sound

3. How does music help Game of Thrones?

A．It helps to create more impressive scenes.

B．It tells about the characters’ personalities.

C．It suggests that important things are coming.

D．It makes the characters easier to remember.

【推荐2】Introduction to Piano
No matter what you do in life, it’s always important to start with the basics. Taught by experienced musician Dennis Dykstra, this class will give beginning piano learners an introduction to the keyboard, keys, scales, chords, melodies, and note reading. This class is combined with adult class.
Brinton ( Beg. , Ages 8-17 )…# 487919
Sat. , Apr. 13---Jun 1, 10:30 AM---12 PM
$56 Residents / $112 Non-residents
Guitar Lesson
Learn basic chords, notes, and different strumming (弹奏) techniques. Strum your way to fun. Bring your own guitar. Classes are combined with youth guitar classes.
Brinton ( Beg./ Int. , Ages 12-17 ) …# 37623
Sat. , Apr. 13 –-- Jun.1, 2 PM --- 3:30 PM
$110 Residents / $220 Non-residents
Hip Hop Culture & Modern Dance
Hip hop is a dance form that has origins in New York’s folk culture and has become popularized by the entertainment industry. The steps ____from tap, jazz & belly dance. The class will consist of clean hip hop music techniques, steps and a routine.
Hamilton( Ages 6-12 )…# 38475
Tue. , Apr, 16---Jun 4, 7 PM --- 8 PM
$18 Residents / $36 Non-residents
Science of Magic and Fantastic Fliers
This super science sampler introduces participants to two hot topics: magic and flight! In science of magic, participants learn the science behind illusions, mind reading and perform a magic escape! Amaze and amuse friends.
In fantastic fliers, participants will fly through flight and aerodynamics ( 空气运动学 ) basics. Discover the four forces that affect flight. Make and test various plane designs to see these forces in action! Not suitable for free or reduced fees.
Jueau ( Ages 4-12 )… #370956
Mon. , Feb. 4, 5:30 PM --- 7:30 PM
$80 Residents / $160 Non-residents
1. The activity Introduction to Piano is intended for those ______.

A．who just begin to learn how to play the piano

B．who are experienced in playing the piano

C．who show interest in teaching the piano lessons

D．who are willing to make the piano for musicians

2. If Mary’s son is 5 years old, she may choose ______ for him.

A．Guitar Lesson

B．Science of Magic and Fantastic Fliers

C．Hip Hop Culture & Modern Dance

D．Introduction to Piano

3. The underlined word “evolve” in the passage is closest in meaning to “______”.

A．die

B．develop

C．escape

D．reduce

4. If you want to learn how to play the guitar, you have to go at ______.

A．10:30 AM---12 PM	B．5:30 PM --- 7:30 PM
C．2 PM --- 3:30 PM	D．7 PM --- 8 PM

【推荐3】See all of Manhattan in the comfort of our deluxe motorcoaches in your own language! An interesting and fact-filled narration guides you on your drive through the most famous uptown and downtown neighborhoods: Harlem, Museum Mile, Central Park, Times Square, the Empire State Building, Greenwich Village, Lincoln Center, Grant's Tomb, United Nations, St. Patrick's Cathedral and many more.
Select the 'City Tour in Foreign Languages and All Loops Tour' and get an extra value of the All Loops Tour Pass!
Then travel for 48 hours on our open-top double-decker buses all around Manhattan.

More information below: Downtown Loop Plus
Greenwich Village Times Square Empire State Building Flatiron building Union Square Soho Chinatown Little Italy Lower East Side East Village Rockefeller Center and more.	Tour Length 2+ hrs Operates Daily, 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Not offered December 25th or January 1st Departure 8th Avenue between 46th and 47th Streets.
Uptown Loop Plus
Central Park West Lincoln Center Dakota Apartments American Museum of Natural History Cathedral of St. John the Divine Grant's Tomb Apollo Theater Harlem Market The Museum Mile Fifth Avenue and more.	Tour Length 2+ hrs Operates Daily, 8:30am - 4:45pm, (4pm after October 27th) Not offered on December 25th and January 1st. Departure 8th Avenue between 46th & 47th Streets
Night Tour
The Empire State Building Greenwich Village Soho Chinatown Rockefeller Center Manhattan Bridge Brooklyn and more! Please Note: Not hop-on, hop-off.	Tour Length 2+ hours Operates Daily Not offered on November 28th, December 24th, December 25th, December 31st and January 1st. Departure Frequent Nightly Departures
The Gray Line New York Eat and Play Card
Save 10-50% off the entire bill for up to 4 people at 100+ of NYC's best restaurants, lounges, attractions, retailers, Broadway shows and more	Location Redeem web vouchers for your card at 7778th ave. Hours of Operation N/A Average Visit Time N/A

Terms and Conditions:
On-line tickets are non-refundable and can be redeemed（有效）up to ONE YEAR from
date of purchase. Any passenger requiring special assistance such as an ADA-accessible bus
（艾达可访问总线）is requested to inform us at time of reservation and must notify（通知）
us no later than 48 hours prior to departure.
1. If you (age 10) and your parents choose the tour, how much will you pay for the online tickets?

A．$212

B．$197

C．$187

D．$128

2. You live in the 8th Avenue, and which tour is best for you to Chinatown?

A．Downtown Loop Plus

B．Uptown Loop Plus

C．Night Tour

D．The Gray Line New York Eat and Play Card

3. Which of the statement is Not true according to the Ads?

A．The tour is comfort and luxury.

B．You can enjoy the sightseeing in your own language.

C．The online tickets are available for one year and can get refund if you like.

D．Inform the agency in more than 48 hours before departure if you have any requirements.

4. If you like to enjoy the The Gray Line New York Eat and Play Card, ________.

A．you can save 10-50% off the entire bill

B．you can use the web vouchers at 100+ of NYC's best restaurants, lounges, and more

C．the Average Visit Time is not applicable

D．you can use the web vouchers for your card at anyplace

【推荐3】While watching the Olympics the other night, I came across an unbelievable sight. It was not a gold medal, or a world record broken, but a show of courage.

The event was swimming and started with only three men on the blocks. For one reason or another, two of them false started, so they were disqualified. That left only one to complete. It would have been difficult enough, not having anyone to race against, even though the time on the clock is important.

I watched the man dive off the block and knew right away that something was wrong. I’m not an expert swimmer, but I can tell a good dive from a poor one, and this was not exactly medal quality. When he resurfaced, it was evident that the man was not out for gold — his arms were waving in an attempt at freestyle. The crowd started to laugh. Clearly this man was not a medal competitor.

I listened to the crowd begin to laugh at this poor man who was clearly having a hard time. Finally he made his turn to start back. It was pitiful. He made a few desperate strokes and you could tell he was worn out.

But in those few awful strokes, the crowd had changed.

No longer were they laughing, but beginning to cheer. Some even began to stand and shout “Come on, you can do it!” and he did.

A clear minute past the average swimmer, this young man finally finished his race. The crowd went wild. You would have thought that he had won the gold, and he should have. Even though he was recorded one of the slowest times in Olympic history, this man gave more heart than any of the other competitors.

Just a short year ago, he had never even swum, let alone race. His country had been invited to Sydney.

In a competition where athletes remove their silver medals feeling they have somehow been cheated out of gold, or when they act so proudly in front of their competitors, it is nice to watch an underdog.

1. From the passage we can learn that the young man ________

A．made his turn to start back pitifully.

B．was skillful in freestyle in the game.

C．swam faster than the average swimmer.

D．was not capable enough to win the medal.

2. The crowd changed their attitudes because ________

A．they felt sorry for the young man.

B．they were moved by the young man.

C．they wanted to show their sympathy.

D．they meant to please the young man.

3. According to the passage, “it is nice to watch an underdog” probably means _______.

A．it’s amusing to watch a man with awful swimming skills

B．it’s amazing to watch an ordinary man challenging himself

C．it’s cheerful for athletes to act proudly before their competitors

D．it’s brave enough for some athletes to remove the silver medals

4. What’s the best title for the passage?

A．Compete for Gold!

B．Try again!

C．Break a Record!

D．Go for it!