1 . The e-commerce company that retailers talk about most these days is neither Amazon, the American giant, nor Alibaba, China’s biggest. It is Pinduoduo (PDD), a Chinese firm that started in 2015 as an online food supplier, but whose success has driven its market value above $200bn. Last year it was China’s fastest-growing Internet stock, rising by 330%.
PDD attracts attention for two reasons. One is its business model. David Liu, vice-president of strategy, explains that it has drawn on the popularity of smart phone in China to create an e-commerce experience in which people club together to buy products from robot vacuum-cleaners to bananas. During the pandemic this has expanded into a fast-growing business across thousands of towns and villages, in which PDD’s users gather to buy local farm produce at low prices. Some call this “community group-buy”. Mr. Liu calls it “interactive commerce”. It is one of the hottest parts of the Chinese Internet.
The second is the way PDD has broken the record of giants of online shopping. Until a few years ago, China’s e-commerce market seemed a two-way competition between Alibaba and JD.com, a competitor platform. No longer. Elinor Leung of CLSA, a brokerage, expects PDD’s share of online retail in China to go beyond that of JD in 2021. She expects the number of users over Alibaba. And although PDD put a huge amount of money to lower the prices of goods, ensuring the customers from poorer parts of China easy access to its app, she thinks it may turn profitable this year.
Remarkably, the key to its success focused on parts of the market they have been unable to reach instead of defeating its bigger competitors. Although online sales of groceries have rocketed during the pandemic, less than a tenth of the 8.1trn yuan ($1.25trn) farm-produce market is bought and sold digitally. “We are continuing to grow the pie,” says Mr Liu. That lesson applies elsewhere too. However, no matter how a future market looks, there is opportunity for new online businesses because e-commerce is at an early stage of development.
1. What does the underlined “club together” mean in Paragraph 2 ?| A．Share the expenses. | B．Have a club together. |
| C．Buy something in groups. | D．Interact with each other. |
| A．Ensuring easy access to the app. | B．Exploring new markets. |
| C．Lowering the price of goods. | D．Competing with giants of online shopping. |
| A．E-commerce has yet to be developed fully. |
| B．PDD may end up making profits this year. |
| C．PDD is China’s fastest-growing largest Internet business. |
| D．PDD’s share of online retail in China has gone beyond that of JD in 2021. |
| A．Negative. | B．Causal. | C．Positive. | D．Objective. |
2 . Legos have been a kind of popular toys for children for more than 60 years. When children get older, boxes of plastic Lego bricks often end up unused and stored in out-of-the-way places around the homes. Parents sometimes end up throwing the Legos away.
Now, the Lego Group toy company is testing a program to make sure the unwanted bricks do not go to waste. The program is called Lego Replay. It aims to make sure the unwanted building blocks continue to make children happy.
Tim Brooks is the Lego company’s vice president of environmental sustainability. He said, "Nearly all Lego bricks we see that are out there have lots more play value in them — multi-generation of play value. It’s a waste of energy and resources to grind them up (碾碎）and make new bricks. ”
Brooks said the idea came from parents who do not know what to do with the old bricks. Placing old Legos in waste containers is not a good answer. Birds and other wildlife may try to eat what looks like Colorful food — with deadly results.
With the Lego Replay program, parents load unwanted Legos of all shapes and colors into boxes. Then, they go to the program website and print out a mailing label. The boxes are sent to processing centers, where the bricks are sorted, cleaned and shipped to aid groups and donation centers.
The Lego Replay test program is set to last through March. If it is successful, the program may be expanded to include other Lego products.
The Lego Group is also looking at other materials to use in their toys. While plastic has proved to be the strongest material, Lego has begun making some bricks out of sugar cane(甘蔗).
1. What’s the main purpose of Lego Replay?| A．To entertain those children without toys. |
| B．To make unwanted Lego bricks reused. |
| C．To prevent parents to throw the Legos away. |
| D．To avoid using unwanted bricks by storing them. |
| A．At processing centers. |
| B．At donation centers. |
| C．On the program website. |
| D．In the owners’ homes. |
| A．Lego bricks waste too many resources. |
| B．Unwanted Lego bricks still have value. |
| C．We should store old Legos in waste containers. |
| D．Lego bricks are favorite food of some birds. |
| A．More other Lego products. |
| B．Proper use of plastics. |
| C．Similar products to sugar cane. |
| D．New materials of producing bricks. |
3 . Art Gallery at Evergreen Cultural Centre
Serving the Tri- cities for over 20 years,the Art Gallery at Evergreen(AGE) absorbs visitors through exhibitions,activated by public programs and our dynamic school workshops.The AGE focuses on contemporary art and ideas explored by professional artists working in all media.We also support young artists through our annual Emerging Talent exhibition,which features work by local high school students from School District 43.We believe that art is necessary to our daily life and seek opportunities to connect people with artists and the creative process.
ArtSea Community Arts Council of the Saanich Peninsula
Seeking an authentic regional arts experience?The Saanich Peninsula is the place to be!
Visit the beautiful Saanich Peninsula with views of the Gulf Islands and amazing Mount Baker.Experience how artists here express themselves with a visit to Tulista Park Gallery;view artists"creating"in Spring and Fall Studio Tours;celebrate visual and performing arts in October with the ArtSea Festival.There are also much more for traveller desiring an authentic arts experience.
Newton Cultural Centre/Arts Council of Surrey
Established in 1967,the Arts Council of Surrey is a member-based,non-profit society aiming to promote Performing,Literary and Visual Arts.The Arts Council sponsors and produces more than 15 events each year in addition to participating in various community events.
The Newton Cultural Centre is a new state-of-the-art place designed to be used by the arts and general business communities at large.The building is the home of the Arts Council of Surrey and contains a Gallery,a Conference/Meeting area and a Theatre Hall-all of which are for rent,suitable for all the arts.
Pacific Rim Arts Society
The Pacific Rim Arts Society(PRAS)is a volunteer-based,non-profit society serving the districts of Tofino and Ucluelet,and First Nations communities in the Clayoquot Sound/Long Beach area,on the West Coast of Vancouver Island,British Columbia,Canada.Our goal is to help build happy,healthy communities by bringing people together through arts and culture.
1. Where can visitors appreciate teens' artworks?| A．At the ArtSea Festival. |
| B．At Tulista Park Gallery. |
| C．At the Newton Cultural Centre. |
| D．At the Emerging Talent exhibition. |
| A．Enjoy an authentic arts experience. |
| B．Tour the Gulf Islands and Mount Baker. |
| C．Create arts in Spring and Fall Studio Tours. |
| D．Join in a celebration at Evergreen Culture Centre. |
| A．They were both set up in 1967. |
| B．They both hold 15 events annually. |
| C．They both serve communities for free. |
| D．They are both renting out a Theatre Hall. |
1、社团成立的时间和目的；
2、社团日常活动；
3、呼吁大家加入社团。
注意：1、写作词数应为80左右；
2、请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
参考词汇：英美文学社the English Literature Society
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5 . Laughter fills the room as Claire Conza distributes balls of wool to a bunch of women gathered in a Birkenhead cafe on a Wednesday morning.
Conza, 34, is the founder of Make Give Live, a social enterprise that’s brought together about 40 women in five groups to knit(编织)hats. Her “makers” meet each week or fortnight. “We swap finished hats for new wool and patterns to keep them busy until the next catch up,” she says.
Since starting up last year, Make Give Live has sold more than 400 woollen hats on a “buy one—give one” model, so another 250 hats have been given to the homeless or elderly people through partnerships with Lifewise and Age Concern, with more donations to come.
But for Conza, the movement is about more than making hats—she sees Make Give Live as a way to connect communities, share good times and improve well-being. “There’s a magical interaction between the generations within our groups. Our older members are enriched by using their knitting skills to teach younger people. Our younger members have new methods to share and get to create something for their community.”
Makers are also enjoying the health benefits of knitting, which Conza says offers many of the same benefits as meditation(冥想). “The rhythmic movements and sense of focus can help keep from symptoms of anxiety, pressure, and stress.”
“I found so many benefits in the mindful process of knitting and the joy of creating something useful and beautiful, at a time when I wasn’t able to do much else. I decided if it worked for me, others would also benefit, and Make Give Live was born,” she says.
“A social enterprise is a hybrid of a charity and a business,” says Conza. “It’s about having the head of a business, the heart of a charity and the hands of the community. The key to its existence is recognizing people for their efforts so they are able to stay involved.
1. Which of the following best explains how the “buy one—give one” model works?| A．A new hat will be made when one is sold. |
| B．A buyer buys one hat and gets one free. |
| C．One hat is bought to give it to a person in need. |
| D．For each hat sold one is given to a person in need. |
| A．It provides warm hats for people of all ages. |
| B．It helps to develop the members' knitting skills. |
| C．It creates a good relationship in the community. |
| D．It introduces new methods for creating better hats. |
| A．It makes them relaxed. | B．It makes them hopeful. |
| C．It makes them energetic. | D．It makes them courageous. |
| A．Branch. | B．Standard. |
| C．Mixture. | D．Boundary. |
6 . Pacific Science Center Guide
♦Visit Pacific Science Center's Store
Don't forget to stop by Pacific Science Center's Store while you are here to pick up a wonderful science activity or souvenir to remember your visit. The store is located upstairs in Building 3 right next to the Laser Dome.
♦Hungry?
Our exhibits will feed your mind, but what about your body? Our cafe offers a complete menu of lunch and snack options, in addition to seasonal specials. The cafe is located upstairs in Building 1 and is open daily until one hour before Pacific Science Center closes.
♦Rental Information
Lockers are available to store any belongings during your visit. The lockers are located in Building 1 near the Information Desk and in Building 3. Pushchairs and wheelchairs are available to rent at the Information Desk and Denny Way entrance. ID required.
♦Support Pacific Science Center
Since 1962, Pacific Science Center has been inspiring a passion for discovery and lifelong learning in science, math and technology. Today, Pacific Science Center serves more than 1. 3 million people a year and brings inquiry-based science education to classrooms and community events all over Washington State. It's an amazing accomplishment and one we cannot achieve without generous support from individuals, corporations, and other social organizations. Visit pacificsciencecenter. org to find various ways you can support Pacific Science Center.
1. Where can you buy a souvenir at Pacific Science Center?| A．In Building 1. | B．In Building 3. |
| C．At the Laser Dome. | D．At the Denny Way entrance. |
| A．If you are hungry during your stay at Pacific Science Center, you can go to the cafe in Building 1. |
| B．You can store your belongings in the Information Desk. |
| C．You can pay to use the pushchairs and wheelchairs. |
| D．ID card is required if you want to use the pushchairs and wheelchairs. |
| A．Train science teachers. | B．Distribute science books. |
| C．Inspire scientific research. | D．Take science to the classroom. |
7 . At the age of seven, while his friends were spending pocket money on things like candy and toys, Jose Adolfo was busy saving money for more essential purchases. To try to get his peers to do the same, the youngster from Arequipa, Peru came up with the innovative idea of an eco-bank, which allows kids of all ages to gain economic independence— while also helping the environment.
Established in 2012, the Bartselana Student Bank is the world’s first bank for kids. To open an account, kids have to bring in at least 5 kilograms of solid waste (paper or plastic) and establish a savings goal. Once accepted, all bank “partners” are required to deposit(存储) at least one additional kilogram of recyclables on a monthly basis and meet other requirements, such as attending financial education and environmental management workshops.
The waste collected is sold to local recycling companies, who, thanks to Jose, pay a higher-than-market rate for everything brought in by Bartselana Student Bank members. The funds received are placed in the individual’s account until his/her savings goal is reached. The account holder can then withdraw his/her money, or choose to leave it and continue to grow for a bigger target.
“At the beginning, my teachers thought I was crazy,” Jose recalls. “They did not understand that we are not the future of the country but its present. Luckily. I had the support of the school principal.”
By 2013, the bank had over 200 members who brought in one ton of recyclable waste. Today, the eco-bank, which now has the support of several local institutions, has ten educational centers. They are designed to teach the over 3,000 members both finance and environmental management. On December 6, 2018, in response to the growing demand, Bartselana Student Bank began accepting applications from kids all across Peru.
As the teenager says, “Together we can change the world. We just need an opportunity.”
1. What is the purpose of the eco-bank?| A．To involve kids in the management of the local recycling companies. |
| B．To help kids get pocket money to spend on things like candy and toys. |
| C．To show kids how important it is to learn environmental management. |
| D．To get kids to help the environment and be economically independent. |
| A．Attending financial education workshops. | B．Bringing in 5 kilos of waste. |
| C．Saving one kilo of solid waste weekly. | D．Establishing a savings goal. |
| A．Kids are more responsible when growing up. |
| B．The future of the country relies mainly on kids. |
| C．Kids can contribute to the society though young. |
| D．The present is a vital period for kid development. |
| A．Generous. | B．Crazy. | C．Flexible. | D．Influential. |
1. When did Andrea start playing tennis?
| A．At the age of six. | B．At the age of eight. | C．At the age of ten. |
| A．It teaches students from aged 5 to 18. |
| B．It offers free services. |
| C．It’s been founded for around 50 years. |
| A．A student. | B．A worker. | C．The president. |
| A．Self-discipline. | B．Mental toughness. | C．Independence. |
9 . Usually in school or in clubs, children are told not to horse around or act badly. But in south London, there is a club that loves it when students horse around. The club is called the Ebony Horse Club, a riding school for children from poor families. With the help of volunteers, they give about 140 rides each week to children.
The club recently reopened its stables. They were closed for months because of the COVID-19.
One of the club's youngest riders is Shaddai.
Along with riding close to home, the club members take day trips to other clubs in the countryside. Before the pandemic, groups of children from the club had wonderful experiences.
| A．They never think it will be a problem. |
| B．They teach horseback riding and some life skills. |
| C．She played a part in connecting children to the club. |
| D．They had also traveled as far as Sweden to ride horses. |
| E．The 9-year-old was very excited to be back on the horse. |
| F．The original eight horses have returned to their home after a rest. |
| G．The club has experienced an increase in children wanting to join. |
10 . Peter and Cheryl Pitzer met in 1999. After training together, they fell in love and finally married in 2011. The Pitzers have been using their professional aviation skills to help people around the world regain sight. They are both volunteers for Orbis, a non-profit organization that turns airplanes into teaching hospitals and brings eye care and ophthalmology (眼科学) training to places around the world. The organization’s Flying Eye Hospital that the Pitzers fly together is an ophthalmic teaching hospital on board an MD-10 aircraft.
The Pitzers flew their first flight together with Orbis in November, a journey that took them from Dubai to Saudi Arabia and finally to Ghana, a country in West Africa. The couple stayed an extra week after landing the plane in order to be on the ground to help other Orbis volunteers treat people in need, and to train medical staff in the community. “There was a woman named Mary. When we met her on Monday she was almost completely blind and when we left she could see,” recalled Peter.
“They also did surgeries in the local hospitals with the local doctors and their equipment, and they provide continuing education afterwards,” Cheryl said of the team’s work in Ghana.“The idea is to leave the knowledge behind so that people will have access to proper eye care after the plane is gone.”
The couple say they are grateful to share an occupation that they love-one they can do together and that allows them to give back. “It's awesome to see so many people in poverty regain sight. Our work is worth it,” said Peter. “Cheryl and I have a great personal and working relationship. It's just an interesting and incredible way to give back.”
Cheryl noted the intense (紧张的) planning and coordination it takes to fly a major plane carrying a teaching hospital to remote locations. She said she and her husband have an advantage with that complex task because they “understand each other.”
1. What are Peter and Cheryl Pitzer by trade?| A．They are doctors. | B．They are pilots. |
| C．They are physicians. | D．They are teachers. |
| A．It is a mobile teaching hospital. |
| B．It is a modern general hospital. |
| C．It is a private hospital in Dubai. |
| D．It is a famous hospital in Africa. |
| A．the wealthy | B．the poor |
| C．the disabled | D．the wounded |
| A．It is tiring. | B．It is boring. |
| C．It is rewarding. | D．It is upsetting. |
