【推荐1】Drawing For Fun

You will learn some basic techniques using soft pencils. These different types of paper are provided. Just bring yourself and a willingness to “have a go”. This is a start­up day so people who have already attended courses should not apply.

Time: 1：00 p. m.－3：00 p. m.

Focus On Landscapes

This course is designed for students who are familiar with painting in watercolours, but are having difficulty with some techniques. We will discuss choice of materials, colour mixing and other areas that may be raised.

The day will start with a demonstration, followed by a chance to paint outdoors. After a light lunch cooked in the studio, there will be a further practice session.

Time: 9：30 a. m.－3：00 p. m.

Find Your Voice

You may feel you can't sing or you may be a good singer who wants to develop singing skills. You will be shown how to sing correctly and how to project your voice. You may attend this course more than once and each time you will have a wonderful experience. Everyone can sing and it's great fun.

Time: 2：00 p. m.－5：00 p. m.

The Music Takeaway

Get some friends, family or coworkers together for your own music course in a place of your choice, which could be your front room, basement or workplace. We send two guitar teachers to lead a one­day course for you in the style of music you prefer, such as rock, country, funk or blues.

Time: 2：30 p. m.­9：00 p. m.

1. Those who attend Drawing For Fun are required to ________.

A．bring their own works

B．be a newcomer to the course

C．be good at watercolour painting

D．bring their own pencils and paper

2. What's the purpose of Focus On Landscapes?

A．Paint outdoors.

B．Discuss the painting materials.

C．Improve the students painting techniques.

D．Teach how to start watercolour­painting.

3. Which allows you to decide where the course is held?

A．Find Your Voice.	B．Drawing For Fun.
C．The Music Takeaway.	D．Focus On Landscapes.

4. What do the four courses have in common?

A．All last a whole day.	B．All offer free lunch.
C．All are related to the arts.	D．All are open to all levels.

【推荐2】Chicago Botanic Garden Events

• Midwest Fruit Explorers

March 31-April 10, 1-4 pm

The Midwest Fruit Explorers presents this hands-on workshop with step-by-step instructions on how to grow fruit trees.

• Midwest Daffodil Society Show

April 22-28, 10 am-4:30 pm

The Midwest Daffodil Society Show features hundreds of daffodils on display that will be judged by the society. The show includes floral(花卉的) design and photography competitions.

• Ikebana International Show

May 11-19, 9 am-3: 30 pm (Saturday & Sunday only)

The Ikebana International Society presents an exhibition of traditional Japanese flower arranging.

• Gardeners of the North Shore Show & Sale

The Gardeners of the North Shore host this annual show.

June 27-30, 9 am-4:30 pm

This show includes a judged exhibition with more than 500 entries of anything a home gardener can grow, including flowers, vegetables, herbs, and houseplants.

Service animals

Service animals are welcome. No pets please.

Electronic Convenience Vehicles(ECVs)

They are available for rent in the Visitor Center on an unreserved, first-come-first-served basis. The following fees apply: members: $15, 1 nonmembers $20. ECVs will not be rented for indoor use.

Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs are available free at the Information Desk in the Visitor Center.

Daily Hours: 8 am-7 pm

Garden View Cafe: 8 am-4 pm

Garden Shop: 10 am-4 pm

1. What can you do at Midwest Fruit Explorers?

A．Design flower patterns.

B．Learn about fruit tree planting.

C．Take part in its photography competition.

D．Buy some fruit at a good price.

2. At which show can you enjoy traditional Japanese flowers?

A．Midwest Fruit Explorers.

B．Midwest Daffodil Society Show.

C．Ikebana International Show.

D．Gardeners of the North Shore Show Sale.

3. What service can visitors enjoy in the garden?

A．They can rent ECVs for indoor use.

B．They can visit the garden with their pets.

C．They can have free coffee from 8 am to 4 pm.

D．They can use free wheelchairs if they need to.

【推荐1】A couple of years ago I graduated from art school. After graduation I was unsure of what to do with my degree. I had majored in illustration (插画专业) and loved it, but didn’t really feel interested in doing illustrations for any companies. This left me with few options other than freelance (自由职业的) jobs and taking care of kids for others.

I spent two years working as a baby-sitter, doing freelance illustrations on the side. It just wasn’t quite enough to pay rent, but I loved it, so I worked well over 50 hours a week, trying to keep up with both.

Just under a year ago I went to a friend’s wedding. I couldn’t think of a gift for them and really didn’t have a lot of money to spare, so I used my talents to create a portrait (肖像) for them. It wasn’t much, but I hoped it would be a good gift. When I handed the portrait to them and they unwrapped it, the looks on their faces were something I did not expect. There were joyful tears in their eyes as they cried, “That’s us! This is so beautiful!”

It’s funny because when I was in art school portraits were always my least favourite assignment. I hated drawing people and was always so much more interested in drawing little furry creatures. Once I saw the looks on my friends’ faces after giving them their portrait, it was all over. I suddenly loved portraits and wanted to do more.

        I now take portraits to every wedding I go to and have given them as gifts to the families I baby-sit for. Every time the reaction makes all of the hard work and time I put into them so worth it. I’ve just started offering couple, family and pet portraits as an item on my Etsy shop.
1. What did the author choose to do after graduation?

A．She worked for a long-term employer.

B．She married and looked after her baby.

C．She pursued further studies in her major.

D．She worked as an illustrator as a side job.

2. Why did the author decide to draw a portrait for her friends as a wedding present?

A．She was eager to show off her talent.

B．She couldn’t afford an expensive gift.

C．Her friends didn’t take wedding photos.

D．She wanted to satisfy her friends’ request.

3. How did the friends feel when they received their portrait?

A．Embarrassed.

B．Motivated.

C．Overjoyed.

D．Depressed.

4. What can be known about the author from the last paragraph?

A．She earned more money to support her talent.

B．She has begun to create her career as an illustrator.

C．She turned to illustrations for pets other than humans.

D．She no longer needs to go to the families she baby-sat for.

【推荐3】One of the best ways to pay for college is to find work that helps foot part of the school fee. Here are 4 types of part-time jobs that provide students with extra income.

Jobs with employer scholarships

Some companies offer help paying for college through scholarship programs. Taco Bell, for instance, offers its part- time employees the chance to win up to a $ 25 ,000 award through its Live Mas Scholarship. The award can be used toward vocational schools or a two- or four-year college. Employees must have worked for the company at least three continuous months.

Work-study

For years the work-study program has allowed students to earn money through part-time work. Students aged between 16 and 24 who file   Free Application for Student Aid maybe qualified for the program.While these jobs aren't always on campus, students in work study earn at least $7.25 per hour一the state minimum wage.

Paid internships

A paid internship (实习) can not only help students pay for college but can also open doors for full-time work after graduation .According to a 2019 survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, nearly two-thirds of paid interns received a job offer，while just about 44% of   unpaid interns were offered a job.

On-demand economy jobs

Known for its flexibility，the jobs can help students earn cash between classes.These on-demand jobs include completing small jobs， making deliveries or even driving for ride-booking services.Students can typically earn more through on-demand work，ranging from $10 to $20 an hour.
1. What are the applicants for the work-study program required to do?

A．Submit an application form.

B．Work part time for years.

C．Accept the minimum wage.

D．Live and work one campus.

2. What is the advantage of On-demand economy jobs?

A．Providing scholarships.

B．Having fixed workplace.

C．Including an extra award.

D．Offering more job options.

3. Which program is of great help for students to find a full-time job?

A．Jobs with employer scholarships.

B．On- demand economy jobs.

C．Paid internships.

D．Work- study.

【推荐3】Although the size of the overall new vehicle market is larger than it was a decade ago, the size of Canada's midsize car market has been fallen to half. With figures in October, 2019 from Global Automakers of Canada look at their current state.

Ford Fusion: 7 280 sales, up 16 percent

Fusion sales reduced 15 percent in 2015, 9 percent in 2016,33 percent in 2017 and 27 percent in 2018. As Ford clears out the departing Fusion in 2019, sales are rising. Between the Fusion's 20 145-unit peak in2013 and 2018, the former best-seller took a 65-percent dive.

Toyota Camry: 11 579 sales, up 4 percent

When the Camry took over from the Ford Fusion as Canada's top-selling midsize car in 2012, the Camry's market share was little more than half as strong as it is now. Yet while Toyota sold 18 203 Camrys that year (far from the 28 218 that were sold five years earlier). Toyota will find 15 000 buyers in 2019, with a little help from the daily rental market.

Honda Accord: 9 089 sales, down 13 percent

The Accord is, by modern standards, a popular midsize car. But this 10th-generation car is a far cry from the Accord that led the market with 25 814 sales in 2004. Honda is not likely to sell half so many Accords in Canada in 2019, although the car's market share has grown from the 13 percent it held in 2010

Chevrolet Malibu: 4 674 sales, down 14 percent

The Malibu had continuous improvements in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. But after reporting 11 503 Malibu sales in 2016, GM Canada sold 29 per cent fewer in 2017 and then posted an 18-percent Malibu drop in 2018. Demand is weakening further in 2019.

1. Which car has the biggest rate of change in 2019?

A．Ford Fusion.	B．Toyota Camry.
C．Honda Accord.	D．Chevrolet Malibu.

2. What helps Toyota Camry sell the most cars?

A．Its strong structure.	B．Its popular midsize.
C．The most market share.	D．The flexible market policy.

3. What do the four cars have in common?

A．Sales are not optimistic in 2019.	B．Sales trends are not what they used to be.
C．New generations will improve car sales.	D．These data are from all over the world.

【推荐1】As a boy growing up in India, I had longed to travel abroad. I used to listen to the stories my father would tell me about his stay in Canada and tours to Europe in the 1990s, with great interest. My big moment finally came in the summer of 2010 when I was able to accompany my parents to Europe. We planned to travel to Belgium, Netherlands and Germany.

I had heard several great things about Lufthansa till then but now I finally got to experience them first hand, during the flight to Frankfurt. We flew business class and even today I can remember the excellent service by the Lufthansa crew. The flight was really smooth and thoroughly enjoyable, even for someone like me, who is otherwise scared of flying.

After spending almost two weeks in Europe, we took the Lufthansa airport express from Dusseldorf to Frankfurt airport, for our return flight. What a journey that was! All along the Rhine(莱茵河)，it was simply an unforgettable experience. I was in a sombre mood on the flight back to Mumbai as it marked the end of a wonderful vacation, but the Lufthansa crew members were able to change it into a most enjoyable experience yet again, with the quality of their service.

Being the first airline to take me overseas, Lufthansa will always hold a special place in my heart. Even today, I continue to enjoy flights on Lufthansa and simply cannot dream of choosing any other airline.

1. Which country does the author live in now?

A．Belgium.

B．Germany.

C．India.

D．Canada.

2. What does the underlined word   “sombre"   in paragraph 3 probably mean?

A．Happy.	B．Sad.
C．Angry.	D．Enjoyable.

3. What can be inferred from the last paragraph about the author?

A．He likes Lufthansa very much.

B．He has achieved much success in life.

C．He hopes his father will travel with him.

D．He has a hard time when flying just like his father.

【推荐2】History Fair Competition

Understanding history is vital to understanding ourselves as a people and as a nation.

History is much more than the study of dusty old objects and events long past. It is an essential part of who we are today and who we will become. Thornton Middle School History Fair Competition makes understanding history exciting, engaging, and fun!

This Year's Theme

All participants must address how communication or transportation technology has promoted the quality of life for Americans throughout history. To many people, technology means computers, hand-held devices, or vehicles that travel to distant planets. However, technology is also the application of scientific knowledge to solve a problem, touching lives in countless ways.

Individuals or groups may enter one of the following categories:

Performance

Documentary（纪实作品）

Essay Writing

Category Requirements

Performance: A dramatic presentation of the topic no more than 10 minutes long. If special clothes are used, they should truly represent a given period.

Documentary: A visual presentation (such as a video, slide show, or computer project) no more than 10 minutes long . A desktop computer, screen, projector, and loudspeakers will be available. Students must provide their presentations on CDs before Friday, March 23.

Essay Writing: An academic paper of 2,000 to 2,500 words. No illustrations are allowed. Please do not include covers. A list of references must be included.

Important Dates

January 5       Submit（提交）a topic proposal to your history teacher. The teacher may require a second proposal if the first is off-topic or unclear.
February 5       Submit a first draft of your essay, performance script（剧本）, or documentary highlights.
February 19       A committee of teachers will evaluate materials and give opinions. Students then have an opportunity to improve their products.
March 9       Submit a final draft of your essay.
March 15       Performance and documentary committee preview
March 24       Thornton Middle School History Fair Competition
7:00 A.M. -- 9:00 A.M.       Participants signing in at the gym
10:00 A.M. -- 6:00 P.M.       Competition and judges' review
7:00 P.M.       Awards ceremony and picnic
1. What is the theme of this year's competition?

A．Technology advances science.

B．Science interacts with technology.

C．Science has made the study of history easy.

D．Technology has improved the life of Americans..

2. Among the items provided by the school for a visual presentation are ________.

A．special clothes and a screen	B．a desktop computer and a CD
C．a projector and special clothes	D．a desktop computer and loudspeakers

3. What would a participant have to do with an essay of 1,500 words to meet the category requirement?

A．Include more information in the essay.	B．Remove the references.
C．Provide a cover for the essay.	D．Explain the details with illustrations.

4. What will the committee of teachers do on February 19?

A．Preview performances and documentaries.

B．Make comments on the materials.

C．Improve the participant's first draft.

D．Collect a second proposal from the participant.

【推荐3】Scientists have discovered that staying in the cold could help us lose weight. Researchers at the University of California found that staying in the cold increases levels of a protein (蛋白质) that helps form brown fat—the type of fat that produces heat and keeps us warm. Brown fat burns energy, which helps us lose weight. However, white fat stores extra energy, which causes weight gain. The researchers said that because air conditioners                    give us constant and comfortable temperatures, our body's need for Brown fat has decreased. They've found that outdoor workers in northern Finland who are in cold temperature have a large amount of brown fat when compared to indoor workers                    of the same age.

The research was conducted on two different control groups of mice. One group was injected (注射) with the protein that helps create brown fat. As a result, this group gained 30 percent less weight after both groups were fed high-fat diets. The researchers say this could be good news in the fight against obesity. Fatter people have lower levels of brown fat than thinner people. The head researcher Hei Sook Sul said, "This protein could become an important aim for research into the treatment and prevention of being overweight and some related diseases."

1. A recent research shows that brown fat can help______.

A．gain weight

B．lose weight

C．control mice

D．reduce protein

2. What do we know about white fat from the text?

A．It stores extra energy.	B．It keeps us warm.
C．It burns extra energy.	D．It produces heat

3. What does the underlined word "obesity" in Paragraph 2 probably mean?

A．肥胖

B．健康

C．污染

D．疾病

4. What can we infer from what Hei Sook Sui said?

A．You can lose weight if you eat proper food.

B．Both groups in the experiment were fed low-fat diets.

C．Outdoor workers have less brown fat than indoor workers.

D．Researchers will probably do further research into this protein.

5. The text mainly tells us that________

A．storing fat could make you cold	B．keeping cold could keep you thinner
C．being fat could make you healthy	D．having protein could keep you weaker