1 . Best for Formal English Classes: Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)
MOOCs, as the name suggests, are online courses that are open to an unlimited number of students. If you’re someone who prefers this kind of course, one of these could be for you.
Best for All Levels: Alison Ratings: 4.3/5 Users: 1,000,000+Opened in 2007, Alison is considered to be the first MOOC. It has a whole section for learning English and is one of the best MOOCs for starting your English studies from ABC.
The courses offered here come from 40 places all across the world, including some top British institutions like the British Council. But it has no partners in the US, so if you’re looking for American English, you might want to try a different site!
Udemy wants to teach everything and is one of the biggest MOOCs out there. There are tens of thousands of courses. Not all the courses on Udemy are free, but there’re a good number of free ones. Even the courses that aren’t free can be pretty affordable.
Recommended for advanced learners, Coursera is another MOOC that offers saved courses without the Internet. Coursera has a great many partners, institutions and universities. You can complete courses as they take place, or just play back the lessons when they are over.
1. What do we know about FutureLearn from the text?
| A．It is the biggest MOOC. | B．It allows offline learning. |
| C．It is the first MOOC in the world. | D．It provides courses in British English. |
| A．They have access to free courses. |
| B．They can communicate with partners. |
| C．They can be recommended to universities. |
| D．They can complete courses at their own pace. |
| A．Alison. | B．FutureLearn. | C．Udemy. | D．Coursera. |
2 . Safer Internet Activities
To help schools promote safer Internet messages to families, beyond Safer Internet Day, the Education Safeguarding Service’s Online Safety Team has worked with Kent Children’s University to produce a Safer Internet Day Challenge pack for children aged 5 to 14.
This pack contains 10 key challenge activity ideas, as well as useful resources for children, schools and families to access. The Challenge will run until 31 June so there is plenty of time to get involved.
The Safer Internet Day Challenge starts with schools and families today and you can find the resources here. So why not send the activities home to your parents or caregivers so families can get involved?
Young people who are part of Kent Children’s University can earn a varying number of Learning Credits for each activity completed outside normal school time.
More InformationFor more information about Education Safeguarding, please visit the Education Safeguarding Service website.
If your school would be interested in finding out more about Kent Children’s University (either the school or family models or both), please email kcu@theeducationpeople.org. For more information, please visit the Kent Children’s University website.
Share Your Safer Internet Day Stories With UsWe encourage teachers and staff working with children and young people aged 3 to 18 in educational settings to share their Safer Internet Day stories, displays or activities on the Safer Internet Day website! Don’t forget to tag@UK_SIC and @TheEdPeople into any posts you share.
1. Who are the activities intended for?| A．University students. | B．Children aged 5 to 14. |
| C．People aged 3 to 18. | D．School teachers and staff. |
| A．Student aids. | B．Full-time caregivers. |
| C．Extra credits. | D．Educational resources. |
| A．Safer Internet Day website. |
| B．kcu@theeducationpeople.org. |
| C．Kent Children’s University website. |
| D．Education Safeguarding Service website. |
3 . What a day! I started at my new school this morning and had the best time. I made lots of new friends and really liked my teachers. I was nervous the night before, but I had no reason to be. Everyone was so friendly and polite. They made me feel at ease. It was like I’d been at the school for a hundred years!
The day started very early at 7: 00 am. I had my breakfast downstairs with my mom. She could tell that I was very nervous. Mom kept asking me what was wrong. She told me I had nothing to worry about and that everyone was going to love me. If they didn’t love me, Mom said to send them her way for a good talking to. I couldn’t stop laughing.
My mom dropped me off at the school gates about five minutes before the bell. A little blonde girl got dropped off at the same time and started waving (招手) at me. She ran over and told me her name was Abigail. She was very nice and we became close straight away. We spent all morning together and began to talk to another girl called Stacey. The three of us sat together in class all day and we even made our way home together! It went so quickly. Our teacher told us that tomorrow we would really start learning and developing new skills.
I cannot wait until tomorrow and feel as though I am really going to enjoy my time at my new school. I only hope that my new friends feel the same way too.
1. How did the author feel after going to her new school?| A．Exhausted. | B．Thrilled. | C．Upset. | D．Homelike. |
| A．Because her mother told her a funny story. |
| B．Because her mother talked to her in a funny way. |
| C．Because she didn’t accept her mother’s advice. |
| D．Because she thought her mother’s advice was funny. |
| A．She met many nice people. | B．She had a hurried breakfast. |
| C．She learned some new skills. | D．She arrived at school very early. |
| A．The author’s thanks for mum. |
| B．The author’s worries about the first new school day. |
| C．The author’s feelings and experience on the first new school day. |
| D．The author’s new friends she made on the first new school day. |
4 . In America, when the eighth graders leave the middle school, they are often worried about moving to the high school. It is a hard time for them, but it can be an exciting one as well. To make it easier, students need to get familiar with their school.
Even though they’ve done this already in the middle school, it’s still important to find where their classrooms are. Most schools take students to the high school for a visit at the end of their eighth grade year. And, most schools also have a freshman (新生) speech for parents and students before the first year begins. Sometimes the main office will give away a map of the school. This can help students and parents to find different place.
One way to know your high school more and make new friends is to join a club or play a sport. Schools often offer chances to join different clubs and sports. If you are not interested in sports, there are clubs for any interest, such as drama, dance, chess, photography，community service, etc. These clubs allow students from different grades. By joining an activity, students can find new friendships, not to mention improving their chances in future college applications (申请). The school office will have a list of activities offered at the school and information on how to join them.
1. According to the text, most students feel when entering the high school.| A．unhappy | B．worried | C．lonely | D．disappointed |
| A．There are fewer students from higher grades in the school clubs. |
| B．The school clubs in high school mainly welcome sports fans. |
| C．The school office can help new students join school clubs. |
| D．Summer activities begin before school starts. |
| A．To describe high school life. | B．To give advice to new high school students. |
| C．To teach useful experience. | D．To introduce new schools. |
| A．Before the eighth grade year starts. |
| B．At the end of their eighth grade year. |
| C．Right after the high school year starts. |
| D．At the beginning of the new term in the high school. |
5 . Field Trip
Minnewaska State Park
May 11
This field trip will allow senior students in Mr. Corzine’s Regents Biology class to experience the beautiful Minnewaska State Park, while learning about many concepts (概念) connected to our unit on ecosystems (生态系统). Students will be going on a two-mile walk from the Peterskill entrance to the park, down to the river and then back up to a lookout point. While there they will walk through different ecosystems and learn about the history of the park.
Students should be prepared to spend time outside:
·Wear comfortable shoes and waterproof (防水的) clothing, as there is a very small possibility of light rain. The possible rain date is May 12.
·We will be walking through grassy areas, so long trousers are recommended.
·Each person should bring enough water (at least 1 liter) , as well as lunch. Minnewaska is “carry in-carry out”, so be prepared to carry whatever rubbish is produced. A small backpack (book bag) is recommended.
·Also, the weather is pretty cool at the top of the Park, so please be sure to bring warm clothing.
We will meet at the entrance in the Gym Lobby at 7:50 and will set out at 8:00 am. We plan to return at 1:45 pm. There is no cost for this trip, as the Park will be supplying the bus for us.
1. What can students learn during the trip?| A．The history of biology. | B．Firsthand knowledge of nature. |
| C．The importance of state parks. | D．Different ways of physical exercise. |
| A．A set of sunglasses. | B．A pair of thin trousers. |
| C．Tickets for the park. | D．Plenty of water and food. |
| A．It is cost-free. | B．It is a two-day course. |
| C．It is for students of all ages. | D．It includes different parks. |
6 . School rules
All students are expected to read and learn the School Rules. These rules aim to make each student aware of the value of self-control, orderliness and the need to develop a sense of responsibility for their own behavior and for the larger community of which they are a part.
Dress regulations (规定)The school expects its students to wear their full school uniform correctly and with pride. It is our expectation that uniform and shoes will be clean and in good repair. Boys hair should be combed and of an acceptable length (not over the collar, cars or eyes) , with no artificial coloring. Girls’ hair should be of a natural color. Shoulder-length hair or longer must be tied back.
Punctuality (准时) , absence and illnessAll students must be at school on time. If late, the student must sign in the late book in the General Office. Parents are asked to inform the school if their child is absent (缺席的) by 8: 30 a. m. on the day of absence. A written note from a parent explaining the absence MUST be provided to the General Office the day after return. Should a student be ill during school hours, he is to go straight to the School Medical Center. The doctor will then take appropriate action.
SafetyProper behavior is expected within and around buildings and on the sporting field at all times. Students are not to enter laboratories, language rooms and music rooms unless invited to do so by teachers. The riding of bicycles or skateboards is prohibited (禁止) along the front drive. Students riding bicycles must wear an approved bicycle helmet (头盔) . No knives, explosives or dangerous materials may be brought into the school or boarding houses. Students are forbidden (禁止) to interfere (干扰) with fire safety equipment. An automatic (自动的) fine (罚单) will be imposed if this occurs.
Mobile phonesMobile phones are not to be used from 8: 30 a. m. to 3: 30 p. m. At these times, phones should be switched off. If you need to make contact with parents or other significant people, please contact Reception.
1. What shall a student do if he is late?| A．Ask his parents to come to school. |
| B．Write a note explaining his absence. |
| C．Write down his name in the late book. |
| D．Go straight to the School Medical Center. |
| A．One who brings a knife into a boarding house. |
| B．One who plays with the fire safety equipment. |
| C．One who rides a bicycle without a bicycle helmet. |
| D．One who goes into a language room without permission. |
| A．Parents. | B．Students. | C．Teachers. | D．School leaders. |
7 . After learning about these famous women, you’ll know you can do a lot for society no matter what. You don’t need to be in a specific field, time or environment to make a difference to the world in your lifetime.
Amelia Earhart (1897－1937)
Amelia Earhart was the first woman who ever flew alone across the Atlantic in 1932. She became the first woman pilot in 1935 after flying from Hawaii to California. She began her lifelong dream of flying across the world in 1937. However, her flight went missing on that trip and she was never seen again.
Helena Rubinstein (1870－1965)
Helena Rubinstein moved to Australia in 1902 without the ability to speak English. Later, she founded one of the world’s first cosmetic (化妆品) companies after mixing lanolin, which is an oil that comes from sheep’s wool, with flowers. Because of that, she became the world’s richest woman at the time.
Katharine Hepburn (1907－2003)
Katharine Hepburn was known for playing strongwilled women in her films. She won four Academy Awards for Best Actress, the most an actress has ever won. Her new dress style made wearing trousers acceptable to women, which wasn’t allowed at that time.
Emmeline Pankhurst (1858－1928)
Emmeline was an influential woman activist, who helped British women get the right to vote. She fought along with her husband for the rights of women all the time in the late 19th century and early 20th century. After she lost her husband, she teamed up with her three daughters and formed The Women Social and Political Union, which was best known as the suffragettes (women’s right to vote).
1. What was the problem for Helena at first when she moved to Australia?| A．She didn’t know how to make up. | B．She didn’t have money. |
| C．She didn’t have work experience. | D．She couldn’t speak English. |
| A．Patient. | B．Friendly. | C．Honest. | D．Determined. |
| A．A pioneering spirit. | B．A creative mind. | C．A good education. | D．A warm heart. |
8 . There are many podcasts (播客) that teach English and you can listen to them anytime. Here is a list of some of the best podcasts that you must see.
Learn English Podcast
This podcast has three levels.The first is for beginners, the second is for intermediates (中级学生) and the third is for upper intermediates. If a person wants to learn Business English,then episodes are also made for him.Every podcast is short but very informative. Worksheets and vocabulary tasks are also included.
Speaking Broadly
This podcast is made for advanced learners. Explained through discussion and interviews, each episode has non-native English speakers and every recording also has expert feedback. You will see some common mistakes made by English learners and you can improve your English by learning from those mistakes.
The English We Speak
This podcast airs one episode daily and every episode is only three to four minutes, which talks about phrases and idioms.There are two people in each episode who communicate with each other. Whatever level you are,you will find it rewarding
Elementary Podcast
This podcast is mainly for beginners and intermediate level learners. The length of a podcast is around 25 minutes but you can pause it anytime and continue whenever you want. The hosts of each episode are different.
1. Which podcast provides exercises going with it?| A．Learn English Podcast. | B．Speaking Broadly. |
| C．The English We Speak | D．Elementary Podcast. |
| A．It records just expert speakers. | B．It aims at beginners. |
| C．It presents some typical mistakes. | D．It provides feedback from listeners. |
| A．They have the same length. | B．They are both interactive. |
| C．They share the same contents. | D．They are suitable for beginners. |
9 . Hello, everyone. Welcome to our school. Now let’s take a look at some interesting school publications (出版物).
ColumbusIt is our literary (文学的) magazine; the name shows the place where we live. Editorial training includes developing skills for creative writing. Published twice yearly, many excellent students are also recognized as Scholastic Writing Awards winners.
DiversionIt is our language publication. Published once a year, it impresses readers with student works presented in Chinese, French, and Spanish. Working with advisors who teach these languages, student editors help in presenting their classmates’ work including poems, essays, short stories and art. Diversion is often used by our language teachers in the classroom as well.
The BrunerIt is Trinity’s yearbook. Serving the entire school, it is a yearly testament (证明) to the many aspects of Trinity life. Editorial positions are named in May, allowing editor s to attend a two-day summer meeting at NYU. This meeting allows students to develop their ability to get knowledge before the start of the school year. Work on the yearbook begins immediately thereafter, as students work to create an impressive K-12 publication.
The Trinity TimesIt is the upper school newspaper, written, edited, photographed and produced completely by students as an extracurricular activity. Its contents include Arts and Innovation, Trinity Life, NY Culture, Science, Opinion and Editorial, and Sports.
1. What is special about Diversion?| A．It is published in different languages. | B．It publishes teachers’ works. |
| C．It comes out once a month. | D．It focuses on sports. |
| A．To prove the advantages of Trinity life. |
| B．To present students’ poems and essays. |
| C．To make students better at gaining knowledge. |
| D．To develop students’ skills for creative writing. |
| A．The Trinity Times. | B．Diversion. |
| C．The Bruner. | D．Columbus. |
10 . Dave Williamson Short Story Competition
By Manitoba Writers’ Guild
The Manitoba Writers’ Guild was started in August 1981 at Aubigny, Manitoba, as a grassroots organization for and of Manitoba writers. Our annual Dave Williamson Short Story Competitions open to writers across Manitoba. We actively encourage submissions from those who are 18+ years of age.
Prizes
Top prize: $ 1, 000 CAD
9 runners-up: $ 500 CAD
9 honorable mentions: Publication
All works from 10 prize winners and 9 honorable mention winners will be published in an e-book collection by the Manitoba Writers’ Guild. Proceeds from the sale of the e-book will be used to support future Manitoba Writers’ Guild writing competitions. Winners will be announced via e-mail a few weeks after the contest deadline.
Entry
Entry is free of charge to all writers. However, writers looking to improve their writing may choose to purchase an assessed entry ($ 10 CAD). With this option, you will receive a Google document with comments and suggestions on how to improve your writing on a sentence level, as well as a personal e-mail guiding you in growing as a writer.
Rules
Follow all the rules carefully to avoid being disqualified.
◆Write between 2, 500 and 5, 000 words and submit only your original, unpublished work.
◆Your submission will include a covering letter that contains your name, address, telephone number, and birth date.
◆We are accepting only e-mail submissions for this contest. Please make sure the file is sent as a. pdf,. doc/. docx or. txt document.
◆The deadline to submit your writing is December 19, 2023.
1. Who is the competition organized for?| A．University students. | B．Local writers in Manitoba. |
| C．Middle school students. | D．Writing enthusiasts in Canada. |
| A．They can receive a cash prize. | B．They are given guidance on writing. |
| C．They can have their entries published. | D．They are free to download e-books. |
| A．Posting your writing by express delivery. | B．Sending your entry on December 18, 2023. |
| C．Typing out a story of 4, 500 words. | D．E-mailing your entry as a. pdf document. |
