1 . How long should my novel be?

This is a question I’m often asked, and it’s certainly not the same answer as how long a piece of string is! So, how long should your book actually be?

If we work backwards, from a production department point of view, a book of approximately 100,000 words will come in somewhere between 300 to 400 pages.     1     I’d suggest that 80,000 words up works well, occasionally stretching to 120,000 words on rare occasions.

Shorter texts are less daunting (使人气馁的) for an agent to submit rather than a block of manuscript so aim to make your publication path easier. There’s an implication that a standard book length should have a tighter handle on pacing, with the reader more readily drawn in. In turn, an overlong novel often indicates to a publisher that there’s potentially extensive editing work to be done by them.

    2     For example, historical fiction could more comfortably sit near the 120,000 mark. Literary fiction can head in the other direction, with 60,000 words still offering a feeling of fundamental worth to the publisher and reader, with an implication that the text is highly developed.

More commonly, issues over length tend to highlight that pacing is an issue, be it too long or too short. Overwriting, in particular, can be an issue for many authors, who might struggle to express their ideas clearly, using complex language that play down the flow of the book. Successful writing contains a clarity of thought that enables the writer to connect with the reader for maximum impact, allowing the story, characters and setting to shine through.

In terms of content, it’s important for an author to prioritise the key themes in the book.     3     Allow your reader to piece together information you delicately work through your text and avoid excess scenes and information, revealing instead what’s needed to keep that tension pulsing. Be brave as you cut back on the unnecessary, keeping a backup copy of your novel just in case you change your mind.

Work intuitively, from the heart, keeping secrets for as long as possible so the reader is forced to read on. In this way, a reader will readily connect with your words.     4    

A．Books do have different thresholds (门槛) according to genre.

B．This is plenty for a typical author’s book, particularly the first one.

C．Yes, there are exceptions to every genre but these are generally rare.

D．Is everything of equal importance and does everything need to be included?

E．Longer books are more expensive to produce and harder to sell in, so it increases their risk.

F．With a firm handle on length, your novel will have increased its chances of commercial publication.

2 . The news industry has had a rough decade. Print readership is steadily declining, newspapers are closing, and journalists with decades of experience are being laid off. In response, major newspapers have made significant changes. They’re attempting to combat declining reader interest by shortening stories, creating clickbait (诱饵性标题), and most especially, using social media to their advantage.

With the rise of social media sites, many people have claimed that we are entering a new age in which news must be delivered in 140 characters or fewer. People’s ability to focus on long-form content and engage in deep reading has also been declining due to the endless distractions and excessive information in today’s world. This change in reading habits has led to a preference for short, easily-understood news pieces that can be quickly consumed. To interest a more specific and generally younger readership, newspapers have revised content, prioritizing articles that are visually appealing instead of having depth.

But, in reality, there is still a demand for in-depth reporting. In this era of misinformation and clickbait, readers are seeking reliable sources of news that provide context, analysis, and accountability. Depth reporting explores the fundamental causes, involves multiple perspectives, and uncovers the hidden truths that shape our world, helping readers get a more comprehensive understanding of complicated matters.

While social media have changed the way we consume news, the quality of news remains essential for public. It’s crucial for the news industry to achieve a balance between catering to changing reader preferences while also maintaining the integrity (完整性) of news. This means providing both quick updates and in-depth analysis, and using social media to promote their content, but not at the expense of accuracy or integrity. By doing so, news organizations can ensure that they remain relevant and trusted sources of information in a rapidly changing media environment.

1. What problem does traditional news industry face?

A．The decline of readership.	B．The lack of long-form stories.
C．The spread of unreliable information.	D．The shortage of experienced journalists.

2. What do we know from paragraph 3?

A．People’s need for in-depth reporting is decreasing.

B．Social media has played a key role in promoting hidden facts.

C．Clickbait greatly increases readers’ interests in exploring truths.

D．In-depth reporting can improve readers’ comprehension of complex issues.

3. According to the passage, the news industry should achieve a balance between         .

A．providing quick updates and focusing on popular topics

B．stating matters in multiple perspectives and shortening articles

C．satisfying readers’ preferences and ensuring the quality of news

D．widening news sources and maintaining the accuracy of contents

4. Where is the text probably taken from?

A．An advertisement.	B．A daily newspaper.
C．A diary entry.	D．A story book.

3 . On January 15^th, the Guardian showed off its new, smaller look, shifting from its distinctive “Berliner” format to a tabloid(娱乐小报) shape with a redesigned logo in black type. But the more dramatic makeover is of the financial books of Guardian Media Group (GMG), publisher of the Sunday Observer and the daily Guardian, which may find its new operation in the black next financial year. A newspaper business that two years ago was threatened with existentially worrying losses appears on the edge of breaking even.

The turnaround is partly due to steep cost-cutting, which is a dog-bites-man story in journalism. But the Guardian would manage the achievement while still giving away news free online, and that is a story worth telling.

In January 2016 David Pemsel, the new chief executive of GMG, and Katharine Viner, the new editor-in-chief of the Guardian, informed staff that GMG’s endowment fund, meant to ensure the financial security of the paper in the long run, had lost £100m ($140m) in just half a year, taking it to £740m. Mr Pemsel was advised by industry peers to cut costs and put online news behind a paywall. He and Ms Viner cut costs by 20%, or more than £50m. Alan Rusbridger, Ms Viner’s predecessor(前任), had led the newspaper to global relevance with a large online readership. But he spent without thinking of the consequences. In two years GMG has reduced its employees by 400, to about 1,500.

Yet unlike a growing number of newspapers, the Guardian has not put up a paywall. Instead it has pursued a membership model, asking online readers to contribute whatever they like. About 600,000 now do, with annual payments or one-off amounts. American readers tend to choose the latter option, Ms Viner says. GMG says the total figure amounts to tens of millions of pounds per year. Ms Viner says revenue from readers (including 200,000 print subscribers) is now greater than revenue from advertisers.

The result is steadily declining operating losses: from £69m two years ago to £45m last financial year and, Mr Pemsel says, less than £25m in the year that ends on April 1^st. He predicts breaking even next year. Giving up its own printing presses and going tabloid will help, saving several million pounds a year. The Guardian may now physically look more like its peers, but its turnaround story remains distinctive.

1. The phrase “in the black”(Paragraph 1) most probably means ______.

A．making profit	B．taking on a new look
C．losing support	D．enjoying great popularity

2. What does the writer imply about Alan Rusbridger?

A．He advised GMG to cost costs.

B．He got the Guardian into trouble.

C．He was the founder of GMG’s endowment fund.

D．He was fired due to his failure to bring the Guardian online.

3. What does the Guardian allow its online readers to do?

A．To pay as they like.	B．To skip the advertisements.
C．To join its membership club.	D．To connect to other newspapers.

4. What conclusion can be drawn from the passage?

A．The Guardian has been reduced to a tabloid.

B．The Guardian succeeds by giving away news free online.

C．The Guardian turns around by looking more likes its peers.

D．The Guardian has broken even by cutting its operation costs.

4 . From a heart-warming read about an unlikely friendship to a guidebook uncovering the surprising science of walking, here are four books you won’t want to miss this month.

52 Ways to Walk: The Surprising Science of Walking for Wellness and Joy, One Week at a Time by Annabel Streets (Out now)

We’re all familiar with the wonderful physical benefits that come with walking. Maybe you feel relieved from stress after taking a wander outside, or maybe you’ve seen your sleeping routine improve as a result. As impressive as this is, there is so much more to walking that most of us have vet to explore. In Annabel Streets’ informative handbook, she digs into the lesser known benefits of walking, such as why a slow relaxing walk alone strengthens our memories, or why walking in woodlands makes you sleep soundly at night which helps you rediscover the joy found in this simple act.

Milk Street: Cook What You Have: Make A Meal Out of Almost Anything by Christopher Kimball (Out now)

Do you ever have those nights when the contents of your cupboards are empty, and you’re too tired to go shopping? Cook What You Have is here to show you how to make hearty, warming meals from the leftover items and everyday essentials that you already have, with over 225 delicious recipes(食谱)to choose from.

Moon Yoga: Poses, Flows, and Rituals to Help You Move With the Moon by Lisa Hood (Out 5, January)

Go on a spiritual journey with yoga instructor Lisa Hood, and discover how to use the moon’s energy for enhanced wellbeing. This beautifully explanatory and insightful guide is packed with yoga flows and journaling instructions.

The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams (Out now)

Heart-warming and uplifting, The Reading List is a story of an unlikely friendship between a man grieving(悲痛)the loss of his wife, and an anxious teenager trying to overcome the difficulty in life. Could a wrinkled list of books be the key to helping them find comfort in the next chapter of their lives?

1. What does 52 Ways to Walk mainly talk about?

A．The benefits of walking.	B．The joy of walking.
C．The best place to walk.	D．The best time to walk.

2. What do 52 Ways to Walk and Moon Yoga have in common?

A．They both have instructors.

B．They have both been published

C．They are both related to our health.

D．They can both help us find the joy of exercise.

3. If you are interested in novels, which one will you probably choose?

A．Milk Street	B．The Reading List
C．Moon Yoga	D．52 Ways to Walk

5 . Mass communication is a very broad field which includes advertising, mass promotion, political campaigns, public relations, mass education and even the way you interact with other people. It covers just about everything you do in your daily life. Some characteristics of mass communication are: communication, information overload, group effort and feedback. There are some more that are less often mentioned but are just as important as the ones that have been listed above.

The most basic feature of communication is interaction. Interaction takes the form of communication where you can interpret what someone is trying to say. For example, when a person says “How are you?” and you respond in a loud voice or in a concerned manner, it’s considered interaction.

Another characteristic of mass communication that you’ll come across is a large number of receivers. When communicating with a group of people, it is important to keep in mind that each receiver will bring different characteristics to the table when communicating. Different receivers will take up different topics and bring a different set of characteristics to the table. In some cases, you will need to communicate with many different types of receiver in order for your communication ideas to be fully expressed and taken into full effect. You should therefore consider the characteristics of your receivers when planning your communication strategies.

New media is also impacting communication. Each type of new medium has diverse different ways in which it can deliver messages. You can make use of several types of communication in many cases and reach a wide range of target audiences. For example, you can use the Internet in order to communicate with your audience. As a result, the amount of information also in turn becomes too much for the human mind to process in a timely and effective manner. This overload is not only unsound, but it also tends to make people impatient, which finally takes the form of arguments and other types of exchanges that are based on facts, assumptions or personal experiences. However, although you may have to deal with some constraints, the Internet is still a very powerful tool that should not be ignored.

1. What role does the example given by the author in the second paragraph play?

A．Explain the importance of politeness.

B．Explain the concept of interaction.

C．Explain the characteristics of communication.

D．Explain what body language is.

2. Why should we consider different receivers when planning communication?

A．Because communicators have many different characteristics on the dinner table.

B．So that your ideas can be accurately expressed and play a role.

C．In order to better improve your communication strategy.

D．Because the receivers have different views on different topics.

3. Why does communication often take the form of argument?

A．Because there are too many types of communication.

B．Because people have different experiences.

C．Because the new media is not perfect.

D．Because overloaded information is boring.

4. What is the author’s attitude towards mass communication?

A．Uncaring.	B．Indifferent.
C．Objective.	D．Subjective.

6 . A book called Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations has been published in the United States since the 1850s. It started with John Bartlett, the owner of a bookstore near Boston, Massachusetts. He selected words, or quotations, from famous people, including Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Paine and John Keats for the book.

Geoffrey O’Brien is the current editor of the 170-year-old book. He said it is hard to keep up with so many quotations because of “the speed of events” in modern times. “No matter when we went to press, we would be cutting off in the middle of the story,” he said.

The 19th edition of Bartlett’s just came out. It is the first publication since 2012 and the second under O’Brien. “With the Internet and cable news, you have the constant manufacturing of statements of one kind or another,” O’Brien said. So, he tried to choose quotations that have staying power beyond current news events.

In the early days, the book was mostly made up of quotations from white men. But recently, the book includes words from the singer Beyoncé and the track and field athlete Usain Bolt. It even has thoughts from other languages such as Russian and Navajo, a Native American language.

With so many new quotes, some older ones had to be removed. O’Brien said he was sad to drop comments by John Dryden, one of his favorite poets.

O’Brien also needs to keep the book to about 1,400 pages. So, once very well-known American comedians like Bob Hope and Johnny Carson are not in the latest book. Also gone are quotes from former U.S. Vice President Dan Quayle and actor Sally Field.

O’Brien said the goal of the book is to be “representative” but not like an encyclopedia (百科全书). Not everyone can get in. He said he was sad to not be able to include a comment from U.S. civil rights activist and politician John Lewis, who died in 2020.

1. What is the main challenge the editor faces?

A．Whether to keep pace with times.	B．What to take into the book.
C．How to deal with new statements.	D．How to remove the quotes.

2. How did O’Brien tackle the challenge?

A．He included more languages.	B．He reset the goal of the book.
C．He kept the pages of the book.	D．He used power-lasting quotes.

3. What can we learn about the book?

A．It has evolved as time changes.	B．Famous stories are selected for it.
C．The 19th edition is the second publication.	D．Only quotes from white men were included.

4. What is the best title for the text?

A．Content of a Famous Book	B．Development of a Quotation Book
C．Editors Try to Publish More Books	D．Quotation Book Struggles to Keep up

7 . The Power of the Press

In modern countries any efforts to restrict the freedom of the press are rightly condemned. However, this freedom can easily be abused.     1     Though we may enjoy reading about the lives of others, it is extremely doubtful whether we would equally enjoy reading about ourselves. Acting on the contention that facts are sacred, reporters can cause untold suffering to individuals by publishing details about their private lives. Newspapers exert such tremendous influence that they can not only bring about major changes to the lives of ordinary people but can even overthrow a government.

The story of a poor family that acquired fame and fortune overnight, dramatically illustrates the power of the press. The family lived in Aberdeen, a small town of 23, 000 inhabitants in South Dakota.       2     They were expecting their sixth child and were faced with even more pressing economic problems. If they had only had one more child, the fact would have passed unnoticed. They would have continued to struggle against economic odds and would have lived in obscurity. But they suddenly became the parents of quintuplets, four girls and a boy, an event which radically changed their lives. The day after the birth of the five children, an aeroplane arrived in Aberdeen bringing sixty reporters and photographers.

The rise to fame was swift.     3     Newspapers and magazines offered the family huge sums for the exclusive rights to publish stories and photographs. Gifts poured in not only from unknown people, but from baby food and soap manufactures who wished to advertise their products. The old farmhouse the family lived in was to be replaced by a new $ 500, 000 home. Reporters kept pressing for interviews so lawyers had to be employed to act as spokesmen for the family at press conferences. While the five babies were still quietly sleeping in oxygen tents in a hospital nursery, their parents were paying the price for fame.     4     They had become the victims of commercialization, for their names had acquired a market value. Instead of being five new family members, these children had immediately become a commodity.

A．Television cameras and newspapers carried the news to everyone in the country.

B．Stories about people often attract far more public attention than imagined.

C．It is hard not to read news about the miserable things happening in the world.

D．They were more than happy to make full use of their names.

E．It would never again be possible for them to lead normal lives.

F．As the parents had five children, life was an endless struggle against poverty.

8 . This is the digital age, and the advice to managers is clear. If you don’t know what ChatGPT is or dislike the idea of working with a robot, enjoy your retirement. So, as for the present you should get for your manager this festive season, a good choice may be anything made of paper. Undoubtedly, it can serve as a useful reminder of where the digital world’s limitations lie. Several recent studies highlighted the enduring value of this ancient technology in several different aspects.

A study by Vicky Morwitz of Columbia Business School, Yanliu Huang of Drexel University and Zhen Yang of California State University, Fullerton, finds that paper calendars produce different behaviours from digital calendars. Users of old-fashioned calendars made more detailed project plans than those looking at an App, and they were more likely to stick to those plans. Simple dimensions seem to count. The ability to see lots of days at once on a paper calendar matters.

Here is another study from Maferima Touré-Tillery of the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and Lili Wang of Zhejiang University. In one part of their study, the researchers asked strangers to take a survey. Half the respondents were given a pen and paper to fill out a form; the other half were handed an iPad. When asked for their email address to receive information, those who used paper were much likelier to decide on a positive answer. The researchers believe that people make better decisions on paper because it feels more consequential than a digital screen. Paper-and-pen respondents were more likely than iPad users to think their choices indicated their characters better.

Researchers had other findings. They found shoppers were willing to pay more for reading materials in printed form than those they could only download online. Even the sight of someone handling something can help online sales. Similarly, people browsing(浏览) in a virtual-reality(虚拟现实) shop was more willing to buy a T-shirt if they saw their own virtual hand touch it.

1. How does the author lead in the topic?

A．By telling a story.	B．By giving examples.
C．By raising questions.	D．By describing a situation.

2. Why can paper calendars make users stick to plans better?

A．They are a better reminder.

B．They can show more detailed plans.

C．They provide chances for people to practice writing.

D．They provide a better view of many days’ plans at a time.

3. Which of the following did paper influence based on Paragraph 3?

A．Decision.

B．Sympathy.

C．Efficiency.

D．Responsibility.

4. What can we infer from the last paragraph?

A．Paper posters will greatly promote sales online.

B．E-magazines are thought less valuable than paper ones.

C．Seeing others buy will increase one’s purchasing desire.

D．People prefer items made of paper instead of other materials.

9 . Fake news spreads rapidly, especially on social media. As students progress in their education, they need to be able to distinguish fake news stories from true, fact-checked journalism.     1    

Check the history and reputation of the author and publication

Most fake news sites have just existed for a short time.     2     If it’s sharing a popular article disgracing a politician running for office in 2020, for example, but the website itself is newly-created, it’s likely that the article and site are not trustworthy.

    3    

When a big news event occurs, multiple media organizations will report it. Search for other publications that have posted stories about the news. If no other news outlets are reporting the story, it’s probably a fake.

Be cautious about sensational (耸人听闻的) headlines

Fake news is designed to strike an immediate emotional chord in audiences by using an alarming headline. Often people share such a story based merely on the headline.     4     If a headline seems ridiculous, or simply lacks the ring of truth, search for reliable sources that confirm the accuracy of the story.

Carefully examine photos and other media accompanying the stories

    5     If you see a shocking or particularly engaging photo or video in an article, take a moment to determine whether it is intended only to arouse an emotional reaction in readers. Use a service such as TinEye to find where else it appears. Often, there is an original version that tells a different story.

A．They even haven’t read the article itself.

B．Here’s our advice on how to spot a fake.

C．Compare the news with some other big news.

D．Determine whether other media are reporting the same news.

E．Fake news providers often use eye-catching photos or videos.

F．Photos and videos used in news are usually very beautiful and attractive.

G．You can find out that by entering its address in the Domain Age Checker.

10 . The Guardian

The Guardian, a daily newspaper, sells more in urban areas where it is read more widely by the corporate class, international communities, university students, politicians and government officials. The Guardian targets both local communities and International communities. However, businessmen and politicians are the regular readers of this great newspaper. Besides, the paper is up-in-arms to promote economic and social changes of this growing nation.

The Times

The Times, a daily newspaper published in London, is one of Britain’s oldest and most influential newspapers. Founded by John Walter in 1785 as the Daily Universal Register, it became The Times in 1788, publishing commercial news, politics and notices. The target audience is largely middle class and its readership demographics reveal that more men read the newspaper than women, and that 2.5 million households with children get the daily paper every month.

Metro

Metro, a daily newspaper, gives you all the stories you need to know and all the stories you want to know. The content is written for a young, mobile-savvy metropolitan audience. Metro takes the form of the latest showbiz gossip, the funniest and oddest stories from around the world and the best opinion pieces, without a party political standpoint. You can find what’s trending this very moment here.

The Daily Mail

The Daily Mail is a British daily middle-market tabloid newspaper and news website published in London. Founded in 1896, it is the United Kingdom’s highest-circulated daily newspaper. You can get the latest breaking news, celebrity photos, viral videos, science & tech news, and top stories from MailOnline.

1. Which of the following may NOT be found in The Times in 1788?

A．Fashion.	B．Notice.
C．Politics.	D．Economy.

2. Which newspaper is the most likely to be read by those who always focus on the trend?

A．The Guardian.	B．The Times.
C．Metro.	D．The Daily Mail.

3. What can be inferred according to the passage?

A．The Daily Mail is the most popular both at home and abroad.

B．The Times is referred to as the Daily Universal Register now.

C．Metro reaches for every young, mobile-savvy metropolitan audience.

D．The Guardian has a great effect on the development of economy and society.