【推荐1】Here’ s a roundup of several theme parks for you to explore.

Six Flags Great Adventure, New Jersey

Admission $ 81. 99 for general admission (54 inches or taller)；less than 54 inches tall, $ 50. 99； 2 and younger free (at the gate)

Info 732-928-2000, six flags.com/ greatadventure

Billed as the second largest theme park in the world, Six Flags' 510 acres bursts with bucket-list roller coasters, including the 45-story tall Kingda Ka and El Toro voted the world's best coaster by Amusement Today,

Hersheypark, Pennsylvania

Admission $ 68. 95 ages 9 to 54；$ 46. 95 ages 3 to 8 and 55 to 69 ；$ 31. 95 ages 70 plus；2 and younger free

Info 717-534-3900, hersheypark.com

More than 70 rides in Hershey's 121-acre park include the Laff Trakk, an indoor spinning glow coaster with fun house, the wooden Comet Coaster and the Skyrush roller coaster.

Playland Park, New York

Admission $ 30；$ 20 for children under 48 inches tall；free for 2 and under

Info 914-813-7000, playlandpark, org

The Westchester County-owned and -operated Playland, located off 1-95 Exit 19, features more than 50 rides, Kiddyland and an Olympic-sized swimming pool. Rye Playland is a trip with seven original attractions still going strong since the park's first day in 1928, including the 3,400-foot wooden Dragon Coaster. Fireworks shows are held on Fridays in July and August.

Dutch Wonderland, Pennsylvania

Admission $ 45. 99 for general admission ages 3 to 59；$ 39. 99 ages 60 to 69；$ 30. 99 ages 70 and up；under 2 free

Info 866-386-2839, dutchwonderland. com

The wonders in this amusement park include more than 30 rides, live entertainment and the Duke's Lagoon water play area. All attractions are suitable for families with kids.

1. Which will be the best choice for a visitor interested in swimming and fireworks?

A．Six Flags Great Adventure .	B．Hersheypark .
C．Playland Park .	D．Dutch Wonderland.

2. How much will a couple aged 60 pay to visit Hersheypark?

A．$ 137. 9.	B．$ 93. 9.
C．$ 63. 9.	D．$ 61. 98.

3. What do the four theme parks have in common?

A．They're all closed on Monday.

B．They all have water play areas

C．They're all located in the same state .

D．They're all suitable for the whole family .

【推荐2】What’s On?
Happy Reunion
July 17—27(not on Saturdays and Sundays), 7: 30 pm       PG Theater

Presented by theater director Li Tsung-hsi, “Across the Sea to See You” tells a story of a couple who have a touching reunion after years of separation on the two sides of the Taiwan Strait. Li says the idea of the drama comes from the story of his grandmother. She reunited with her sister when cross-strait relations became warmer. Following the performances in Shanghai, it will tour around China.

Post-War Art in Rome
August 7—27(closed on Mondays), 10 am-8 pm       Prada Rong Zhai

Over 30 paintings and sculptures by Italian artists including Carla Accardi and Afro Basaldella are on display in the “Roma 1950-1965” exhibition at Prada Rong Zhai. The exhibition explores the cultural and art scene that developed in Rome after World War II.

Storage Memory
July 8—18, 11 am-7 pm       Power Station of Art

The solo exhibition of works by French artist Christian Boltanski aims to inspire emotional connections through a series of videos, sounds and shadow theater. Boltanski has had a far-reaching influence on the development of contemporary art in Europe.

Traditional Operas
August 20,7: 15 pm       STA Experimental Theater

Classic excerpts(节选) from “The Palace of Eternal Youth” and “The Orphan of Zhao” will be performed in memory of Peking and Kunqu Opera artist Yu Zhenfei. Performers include Peking Opera artist Shang Changrong and Kunqu Opera artist Cai Zhengren.

1. Whose works of art show Roman culture after World War II?

A．Yu Zhenfei’s.

B．Li Tsung-his’s.

C．Afro Basaldella’s.

D．Christian Boltanski’s.

2. At which place can people fond of Chinese operas have a great time?

A．PG Theater.

B．Prada Rong Zhai.

C．Power Station of Art.

D．STA Experimental Theater.

3. What do we know about the drama “Across the Sea to See You”?

A．It tells a true story.

B．It stars a theater director.

C．It will be performed at weekends.

D．It will be performed in different cities.

【推荐3】Holidays

Holiday News Vacancies (空位) now and in the school holidays at a country hotel in Devon. This comfortable, friendly home-from-home lies near the beautiful quiet countryside, but just a drive away from the sea. The food is simple but good. Children and pets are welcome. Reduced prices for low season.

The Snowdonia Centre The Snowdonia Centre for young mountain climbers has a mountain climbing lesson. The beginners’ costs are ￡57 for a week, including food and rooms. Equipment is included except walking shoes, which can be hired at a low cost. You must be in good health and prepared to go through a period of body exercises. This could be the beginning of a lifetime of mountain climbing adventure.

The World Sea Trip of a Lifetime Our World Sea Trip of 2020 will be unlike any holiday you have ever been on before. Instead of one hotel after another, with all its packing and unpacking, waiting and traveling, you just go to bed in one country and wake up in another. On board the ship, you will be well taken care of. Every meal will be first-class and every cabin like your home. During the trip, you can rest on deck（甲板）, enjoy yourself in the games rooms and in the evening dance to our musical team and watch our wonderful play. You will visit all the places most people only dream about — from Acapulco and Hawaii to Tokyo and Hong Kong. For a few thousand pounds, all you’ve ever hoped for can be yours.

1. What can you do if you like to go on holidays with pets?

A．Choose the holiday in Devon.	B．Go to the Snowdonia Centre.
C．Join the World Sea Trip of 2020.	D．Visit Acapulco and Hawaii.

2. What is special about the World Sea Trip of 2020?

A．You can have free meals on deck every day.

B．You can sleep on a ship and tour many places.

C．You will have chances to watch and act in a play.

D．You have to do your own packing and unpacking.

3. At the Snowdonia Centre, the beginners’ costs of ￡57 do not cover ___________.

A．food	B．rooms
C．body exercises	D．walking shoes

【推荐1】Jumping Clay

Grades: K-2

[Time: 3: 25 pm—4: 25 pm Tuesday, Jan 16, 23, 30 and Feb 6, 13, 27 (No class 2/20)]

Explore the Arctic and Antarctic in this creative hands-on workshop! Each student will create their own 3-D polar display including the landscape and animal such as polar bears, penguins and whales while learning about basic shapes and color mixing. Jumping Clay is an air-drying polymer clay that is 100% safe and non-toxic (无毒)! Beginners welcome! All materials included. Cost: $90

Vacation Destination

The ERfC Vacation Destination Center is located at Enfield Street School, 1318 Enfield Street. Vacation Destination is open from 7: 00 am-6: 00 pm on the following days this school year:

▪ December 26-29, 2018

▪ February 20, 2019

▪ April 9-13, 2019

▪ June 25-29, 2019

A variety of theme-based activities are provided throughout the day and include enrichment and recreational activities such as sewing, sports＆games, arts＆crafts and science activities. Daily fee: $45

ERfC Counselors in Training Team for High School Students

Students in grades 9-12 who are looking to develop leadership skills are encouraged to join the ERfC CIT Team. High school students will gain experience working with children in different age groups, discover new strengths, and learn team-building skills. Training is provided and summer opportunities will be available. Contact Melissa Shea at mshea@erfc.us.

Tonight in Thompsonville

Located at St. Patrick’s Hall, 64 Pearl Street, Enfield Join us for a free family dinner and a variety of family fun activities. In addition to a family dinner, evenings include hands-on educational activities designed for parents and children to enjoy together. Community providers attend to share information about health, nutrition, physical activity, education, and other services such as SNAP, Care 4 Kids, early childhood programs and out-of-school time activities.

1. What is the main purpose of Jumping Clay?

A．To guide children to protect wild animals.

B．To teach children to use clay materials properly.

C．To encourage children to improve their creativity.

D．To help children learn about the Arctic and Antarctic.

2. When can a child take part in science activities?

A．June 24, 2019.

B．April 12, 2019.

C．February 22, 2019.

D．December 30, 2018.

3. Which program suits a student who wants to run for monitor next term?

A．Jumping Clay.

B．Vacation Destination.

C．ERfC CIT Team.

D．Tonight in Theompsonville.

【推荐3】Dear Dad,

Today, I spent a lot of time selecting and reading the Father’s Day cards at the shopping mall. They all had a special message that in some way or another reflected how I feel about you. Yet it occurred to me that not a single card said what I really wanted to say to you.

You’ll soon be 84 years old. Dad, you and I will have had 55 Father’s Days together. I haven’t always been with you on Father’s Day, but I’ve always been with you in my heart. You know, Dad, there was a time when we were separated by the generation gap. You stood on one side of the Great Divide and I on the other.

The Father-Daughter Conflict shifted into high gear(档位)when you taught me to drive the old Dodge while I decided I would drive the Chevy whether you liked it or not. To my surprise, when the police officer sent me home after you reported the Chevy stolen, you were so tolerant(宽容的)about it because I had thought that would probably be the worst night of my life.

Our relationship greatly improved when I married a man you liked, and things really turned around when we began making babies right and left. Somewhere along the line, the generation gap disappeared. I suppose I saw us and our relationship as aging together, rather like a fine wine.

But the strangest thing happened last week. I was at a stop sign and I watched as you turned the corner in your car. It didn’t immediately occur to me that it was you because the man driving looked so elderly and weak behind the wheel of that huge car. Perhaps I saw your age for the first time that day.

I guess what I’m trying to say, Dad, is what every son and daughter wants to say to their Dad today. Honoring a father on Father’s Day is about respect and sharing and acceptance and tolerance and giving and taking. It’s about loving someone more than words can say, and it’s my wish that it never had to end.

I love you, Dad.

Love,

Jenny

1. How did Jenny probably feel on the night she was sent home by the police?

A．Guilty.	B．Nervous.
C．Frightened.	D．Disappointed.

2. We can learn from the text that Jenny and her father

A．have been getting along very well

B．kept in touch by writing to each other

C．are separated due to the generation gap

D．had a hard time understanding each other

3. Jenny wrote his father this letter to           .

A．express her gratitude to him	B．tell him about their conflicts
C．say sorry for her being stubborn	D．remind him of the early incident

【推荐1】The Pharos, the great lighthouse of Alexandria, was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It stood on the island of Pharos, in the harbor of the city of Alexandria. In 290 B.C, Ptolemy I Soter, the ruler of Egypt, ordered the building of the lighthouse. Twenty years later, it was finished−the first lighthouse in the world and the tallest building on Earth except the Great Pyramid of Egypt.

The Pharos was designed by Sostrates, a Greek architect. Sostrates wanted to leave his name on the base of the lighthouse. But Ptolemy refused, ordering that only his own name appear on the building. But Sostrates found a way to do that. At the base of the Pharos, Sostrates left a message containing his own name. Then he covered it with plaster (建筑石膏) and left Ptolemy's name over it. After many years, the plaster disappeared and people knew the true architect of the lighthouse.

In 1302 and 1323, two strong earthquakes hit Alexandria, and the lighthouse was damaged. In 1326, it finally fell into the sea. Much of what we know about the lighthouse comes from the writings of Arabs who once visited the Pharos.

The Pharos was about 384 feet tall, the same height as a modern 40-storey building. At the top of the lighthouse stood a large statue of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea. Under it was a beacon, the source of light for the lighthouse. The Pharos used two kinds of beacons. At night, a large fire created the light. During the day, a huge mirror made use of the sunlight to create the light.

It was said that the mirror was also used to set enemy ships on fire as they entered the harbor by directing the sun’s rays (sunlight) at them. Although it is clearly impossible, the idea is interesting.

1. Why did Sostrates use plaster at the base of the Pharos?

A．To follow Ptolemy's orders.

B．To hide his name left on the base.

C．To protect the base from damage.

D．To make the lighthouse more beautiful.

2. How long had the Pharos stayed standing?

A．For about 800 years.	B．For about 1,000 years.
C．For about 1,600 years.	D．For about 2,000 years.

3. What does the underlined word "it" in Paragraph 4 refer to?

A．The lighthouse.	B．The statue.
C．A large fire.	D．A huge mirror.

4. What can be a suitable title for the passage?

A．Sostrates and Ptolemy.

B．The function of an old lighthouse.

C．The Pharos, a wonder of the ancient world.

D．The architect of an old lighthouse.

【推荐2】When my mother died a few years ago，we looked through boxes in which she had lovingly stored her children’s lives. Handwritten report cards from grade schoo1. News cuttings about games. Postcards from summer camps. And so many photos：birthdays，graduations，weddings and trips to wonderful places.

After my father’s death，I found many handwritten pity letters from his friends. Rereading them once a year，I am transported back to the time I miss so much. Of course，I received many emails about Dad as well，but I wouldn’t begin to know how or where to find them. Besides，personal messages are more meaningful when presented in the hand of the sender.

My kids，now in their 20s，have mostly digital keepsakes. Increasingly they rely on Facebook to store memories. Their letters from college，sent by email，are long gone. Many photos，never printed，have disappeared. I really worry that for them.

In Andrew Hoskins’new book Digital Memory Studies，he concludes，“Despite the gradual disappearance of photographs，letters and other objects that are reminders of people and past experiences，their keeping is like holding on to those people and experiences. ”Digital items offer nothing of the kind.

Mark B. McKinley explained that collecting physical memorabilia(值得纪念的事物)can       serve as a means of control to bring out a comfort zone in one’s life，calming fears and easing worries. It’s no wonder that children are fond of collecting things—it's important to their development.

One mother says，“My Son collects pieces of broken stones. ”The kid might become a great geologist or a successful businessman. But will his mom print out a photo of that unique collection? Will his degree in geology be memorialized on paper，or will he be given a digital diploma? And will he collect his first paycheck or will he be paid by direct deposit?

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

A．People don’t collect physical objects.

B．Hard copies fail to preserve our memory.

C．Physical objects aren’t collected for memory.

D．Memories are stored on the Internet forever.

2. What is Andrew Hoskins’attitude towards digital memory?

A．He is against it.

B．He is hopeful about it.

C．He is confused about it.

D．He doesn’t care about it.

3. What benefit does collecting physical memorabilia bring to children?

A．It cures their illnesses.

B．It makes them feel relaxed.

C．It keeps their life under contro1.

D．It helps them lead a comfortable life.

4. Why does the author raise some questions in the last paragraph?

A．To explain a unique collection.

B．To offer direct support to the boy.

C．To encourage readers to share their ideas.

D．To show her worry about the loss of collecting.

【推荐3】Recently, I said something like this to my 13-year-old son: “I've told you a thousand times, just do your work and we can stop fighting. Why don't you just listen to me? I hate having to shout to get you to pay attention.”

Creating a peaceful relationship with our children is a huge test of emotional intelligence-and particularly empathy. In the above example, there are a number of emotional intelligence failures. I was angry, so I was reacting unconsciously instead of responding intentionally. Under my anger was a feeling of powerlessness and fear. I was scared that he is not self-motivated and won't do well. I reacted to the fear by attacking. I was trying to use my force of will to make him obey.

The first rule of emotional intelligence: When people feel pushed, they resist. I was blaming him, interpreting his lack of interest in homework as a kind of personal attack on me and implying that he was making me behave the way that I behaved. I was focused on what I wanted and my perspective.

I'd like to focus on this last point, because it turns out that this lack of perspective-taking—this lack of empathy—is the key to easing parent-child tension.

When I increase empathy and relook at the situation with compassion, I see a different story. Perhaps he was afraid, too. Perhaps he felt powerless, too. Perhaps he's learned the exact same pattern I've modeled: When you're afraid, attack.

That moment of curiosity is the doorway to empathy, and it's a game changer. Empathy is not actually a complex skill. It's a basic part of the social brain. That little pause of curiosity is a way to step out of the stress reaction, and step into being the person we choose to be.

Hopefully, I'll remember to take that all-important pause and ask myself :I wonder what's really going on for him right now.

1. What phenomenon is described in paragraph 1?

A．The parent-child tension.	B．The poor emotional intelligence of parents.
C．The peaceful communication.	D．The silent resistance from children.

2. What emotional intelligence failures did the writer make in the relationship with his/her son?

A．Lacking a sense of fear.	B．Forcing his/her son to give in.
C．Making personal attacks.	D．Making intentional responses quickly.

3. What's the best title for the text?

A．Parent-Child Conflicts	B．The Test of Emotional Intelligence
C．The Doorway to Empathy	D．The Key to Easing Parent-Child Tension

【推荐1】When an editor called to ask if I could photograph a story about fireflies in Mexico. I didn’t check my schedule before I said yes. I’d seen these insects light up the forests in Tlaxcala once before, and I jumped at the chance to go back.

While studying, I began exploring Mexico, crossing the country several times by bus. Now I work as a photojournalist in Mexico and along the border, documenting desperate situations that face everyday Mexicans. Though necessary and important, news stories don’t reflect the Mexico that I fell for and that is home to so many people I love. A task focused on the country’s natural beauty was a welcome reprieve for me.

I had three nights to film the magical scene in the forest. According to our guides, visitors are usually not allowed to photograph the fireflies because the presence of artificial light from electronics can affect their habits. As I started shooting, I adjusted my exposures constantly to account for the fading light. In order to get the composition that I wanted, I placed my tripod (三脚架) on a steep, rocky path and had to steady it during the long exposures. Normally this wouldn’t be a big deal, but the fireflies were very interested in the camera and, by extension, in me. I stood completely still while they were all over me-my arms, my hair, my face. From what I observed, peak (高峰时期的) firefly presence lasts for only about 20 minutes each night, so I had time for just a few tries.

On the last night everything came together. The weather cooperated. I had improved my method for focusing and composing photos in the dark with quick flashes from a powerful flashlight—and I’d grown accustomed to insects on my face.

I was rewarded with the image you see here. Each dot of light is one of several bursts that a firefly makes as it travels within a 30- second exposure. You can track the insects’ paths: Some make small circles, like those in the bottom center of the frame, while others move steadily in one direction or another.

1. How did the author feel about the editor’s request?

A．Nervous

B．Delighted

C．Confused

D．Regretful

2. Which of the following can best replace the underlined word “reprieve” in paragraph 2?

A．Relief

B．Return

C．Trend

D．Victory

3. What did the author intend to do during the first two nights?

A．Learn about the local travel rules.

B．Research the habit of the fireflies.

C．Communicate constantly with the guides.

D．Find the suitable spot and time to take photos.

4. What is the author’s purpose in writing the text?

A．To tell findings about fireflies.	B．To share the story behind a photo.
C．To record a travelling experience.	D．To show the author’s working conditions.

【推荐2】Whenever we see a button, we are eager to press it because we know something will happen. This is true in most cases, for example on a doorbell and on the “on/off” button on the TV. But some buttons are actually fake, like the “close” button on a lift.

Many people are in the habit of pressing the “close” button because they don’t have the patience to wait for the lift doors to shut. But lifts’ “close” buttons are a complete scam (骗局), at least in the US － the doors will not close any faster no matter how hard you press.

It started in the 1990s when the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed in the US, making sure that all lifts stayed open long enough so that people with disabilities could enter. Only US firefighters and repairmen can use the buttons to speed up the door-closing process if they have a code or special keys.

But to normal lift riders, the buttons aren’t completely useless. According to psychologists, fake buttons can actually make you feel better by offering you a sense of control.

“Perceived (能够感知的) control is very important. It reduces stress and increases well-being,” Ellen J. Langer, a psychology professor, said, “having a lack of control is associated with depression（沮丧）.”

Experts have revealed that a lot of buttons that don’t do anything exist in our lives for this same purpose. For example, many offices in the US have fake thermostats (温度调节器) because people tend to feel better when they think they can control the temperature in their workplace.

Pedestrian(行人) crosswalk buttons don’t live up to their names either. Pressing them used to help make the traffic signals change faster, but that was before computer-controlled traffic signals were introduced.

But psychologists found it interesting that even when people are aware of these little “white lies”, they still continue to push fake buttons because as long as the doors eventually close, it is considered to be worth the effort.

“That habit is here to stay,” John Kounios, a psychology professor, said. “Even though I have real doubts about the traffic light buttons, I always press them. After all, I’ve got nothing else to do while waiting. So why not press the button in the hope that this one will work?”

1. What was the author’s main purpose in writing the article?

A．To analyze the functions of fake buttons.

B．To describe some different kinds of fake buttons.

C．To explore people’s different habits when it comes to pushing buttons.

D．To explain the advantages and disadvantages of fake buttons.

2. In America,the“close”buttons on lifts_______.

A．work only when people press them hard for a while

B．cannot speed up the process of closing the door in any case

C．are fake for the convenience of disabled people

D．were specially designed to give people a sense of control

3. The underlined part“for this same purpose”in Paragraph 6 refers to_______.

A．helping people to build up confidence

B．making people more patient

C．making people with depression feel better

D．giving people perceived control

4. According to John Kounios,people who press fake buttons______.

A．don’t know that what they press is fake

B．should give up this habit

C．consider what they do to be meaningless

D．probably do so to kill time

【推荐3】Digital technology（数字技术）has made life easier for most people. With a smartphone in hand, people can shop online, watch TV shows and arrange a taxi.

Zhu Yiwei, 17, from Anhui province, wanted his grandfather to have access to this convenience, so he bought him a new phone as a gift. But his grandfather still uses the phone just for calling and messaging. “He said other functions make him confused, ”said Zhu.

This is a common problem faced by the elderly in the digital age.

Although China already has more than 900 million internet users, among them, those aged 60 and above make up just 6.7 percent, according to the Statistical Report on Internet Development.

Even though the elderly have access to the internet, they mainly do it for communication and information acquisition（获取），according to a survey by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Other services are still strange to them. That’s why elderly people are sometimes called “digital refugees（难民）”.

For example, since the COVID-19 pandemic, people are often asked to show a green health code on their phone to get into public places. But most elderly people don't use smartphones. Even if they have one, many don't know how to operate it, People's Daily noted.

“We have made a lifelong contribution to society, but now we feel abandoned by it,”a 75-year-old Beijing resident surnamed Bai told the Global Times.

For the elderly, one way of mastering digital technology is to learn from younger family members. However, not all of these younger people have the patience or time to teach the elderly. In addition, aging results in many physical problems, such as weak eyesight and bad memory. This makes it harder to use smartphones.

The government and other organizations in China are trying to help. See Young, a Beijing-based NGO, aims to help China's elderly use mobile services. Student volunteers have been providing free computer and smartphone training for elderly people in over 200 communities across the country.

Zhao Jingchuan, 17, from Xi'an Gaoxin No 1 High School, and his team members also tried to help. This year, their draft proposal（草拟提案）was brought to the two sessions. They suggested more ways to help introduce the technology to the older generation, including sending manuals(手册），offering technical support, and cybersecurity(网络安全）education.

1. Why is Zhu Yiwei's example mentioned in the second paragraph?

A．To praise him for caring for the elderly.

B．To show how the elderly use phones.

C．To tell about how the young and the elderly get along.

D．To present the topic of the difficulties elderly people face in the digital age.

2. Elderly people are sometimes called“digital refugees” because ________.

A．they hardly have opportunities to use the internet

B．they have trouble using digital technology

C．they are unwilling to use new technology

D．they don't have suitable digital products

3. What does the underlined word “abandoned” probably mean?

A．Attacked.

B．Defeated.

C．Left behind.

D．Held back.

4. What do the last two paragraphs mainly talk about?

A．The expectations of the elderly in the digital age.

B．The advantages of digital technology for the elderly.

C．The efforts made to help the elderly use technology.

D．The help young people provided for the elderly.