1 . Pawn shops (典当行) have long been known as treasure banks of unexpected finds. From musical instruments to electronics, these establishments offer a diverse range of items that motivate the imaginations of both buyers and sellers. In this article, we explore the fascinating world of popular items frequently pawned at shops. Now, fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a journey through the fascinating stock of pawn shops.
In today’s digital age, electronics have become an essential part of our lives. From smartphones and laptops to gaming devices and home entertainment systems, pawn shops have become hotspots for tech enthusiasts seeking bargains and unique finds. These shops are packed with the items that have bridged distances, captured memories, and entertained us in various ways.
Guitars have a magnetic charm, attracting musicians and enthusiasts alike. From vintage classics to contemporary models, pawned guitars arouse a sense of nostalgia and craftsmanship. They have been the backbone of countless melodies and the catalyst (催化剂) for musical dreams. Whether it’s a legendary electric guitar that once rocked a stadium or a humble acoustic (原声吉他) that accompanied close and friendly performances, each guitar carries a unique tale of passion and creativity.
Pawn shops are also renowned for their dazzling arrays of jewelry. Rings, necklaces, bracelets, and watches — these delicate pieces hold sentimental value and timeless beauty, carrying stories of love, milestones, and cherished memories. From vintage heirlooms to modern designs, the jewelry section of a pawn shop offers a remarkable mixture, where you can find unique and eye-catching pieces and appreciate the charm and craftsmanship of fine decoration.
So, the next time you find yourself near a pawn shop, step inside, explore the aisles, and let your imagination roam. You never know what hidden treasures you might uncover, or what remarkable tales you might encounter in the attractive world of pawned items.
1. Who would most probably enter a pawn shop?| A．A research chemist. | B．A travel planner. |
| C．A wedding food provider. | D．A family party organizer. |
| A．Conserve the antiques. | B．Appreciate fairy tales. |
| C．Practice with the craftsman. | D．Experience the history and love. |
| A．Emotional. | B．Social. |
| C．Economic. | D．Decorative. |
| A．Legends behind Pawned Items Never Disappear |
| B．Hidden Treasures in Pawn Shops Speak |
| C．Try Various Pawn Shops to Meet Your Beloved |
| D．Borrow Attractive Old Things from Pawn Shops |
2 . Tilly Williams, a Parkside primary student, has broken a world distance running record, beating other girls who were eight years older than her to run 5,000m in just 17 minutes and 22. 7 seconds.
Tilly started running just three years ago and has already shot straight to the top. When some of her friends told her about the international record, she decided to give it a go while competing at the SA State Championships.
“Some of my running friends told me about it and I was like, wow, it would be crazy if I got that and here I am,” Tilly said. “I am the kind of person who really enjoys the challenge,” she added, “I really love surfing and I love bike riding and hiking - all different kinds of adventures and sports.”
She started running in 2021 when she joined her school’s cross-country team. Since then, she has run two to three times a week with her dad, Mark Williams, or at the Adelaide Harriers Athletics Club.
Tilly said, “It’s good knowing that my family’s on my side and my friends are on my side as well. Usually I just go out and run with my running group and with my dad as well because it is like a bond.”
Tilly doesn’t follow a strict diet, so her favourite food is still on the menu - her dad’s home-cooked pizza. “I do love pepperoni pizza,” she said.
“You never think that anyone’s going to get a world record at this age, at any age really. It’s just surreal,” Mr. Williams said, “It’s very important to recognise these achievements, but also to stay very much grounded and just enjoy the other pursuits that she likes. She loves her running, but she does so many other things as well and I think it’s really important that the focus is on life rather than just one thing.”
1. What do we know about Tilly?| A．She prefers surfing to bike riding. |
| B．She failed at the SA State Championships. |
| C．She holds the 5000m record of her age. |
| D．She’s lucky to have her dad as her coach. |
| A．We’d better concentrate on a single thing. |
| B．Tilly deserves the reputation and praise. |
| C．Tilly should make efforts to keep her record. |
| D．People should consider needs more than hobbies. |
| A．Gifted and persevering. | B．Optimistic and careful. |
| C．Determined and humorous. | D．Dynamic and warm-hearted. |
| A．www. naturewatch. com. | B．www.thecookinghouse.com. |
| C．www. kidsnews. com. | D．www.adventuretours.com. |
3 . Making Scents: Experimental Perfumery with Saskia Wilson-Brown
Course DescriptionLed by Saskia Wilson-Brown, the founder and director of The Institute for Art and Olfaction, this course will provide an expansive overview of perfumery. Starting with the important social context for the global history of perfumery, the class will go on to cover fragrance families and classification, materials of natural and synthetic (合成的) origin, diluents, and the basics for a safe practice. Importantly, we’ll do the fun work of smelling, discussing each material in the kit through a process of sensorial evaluation. Finally, we’ll create several introductory perfume formulas and end the course with a glimpse into the perfume industry with a focus on independent and experimental practices.
SyllabusSession 1(7: 00-9: 00 pm, Mar. 18): Lah Basics: Safety, tools, and fragrance families
Session 2(7: 00-9: 00 pm, Mar. 25): Materials and Strategies
Session 3(7: 00-9: 00 pm, Apr. 1): Industry: Mainstream vs. artisan practice
Price
$215 per person(course only)
Course Materials
We offer a material kit containing 18 aromatic materials and some tools, which costs $75. We recommend ordering your kit instantly you have purchased the course to ensure your receiving it in time for class, though it’s not strictly necessary to have received it by the first sess10n.
Please note that these are professional-grade perfume materials and although we have carefully selected all our materials to prevent allergens, there is nevertheless a slight possibility that you may experience a sensitivity to one or two of them. We request you not work with your material kit until our first class, in which we will cover health and safety tips. If you’re highly sensitive to fragrance, we recommend you not take this class.
Please contact us at experiences@atlasobscura. com if you have any questions.
1. Which is covered in this course?| A．Strategy of selling fragrance. | B．Distribution of global perfumery. |
| C．Smelling scents. | D．Evaluating perfume formulas. |
| A．On Mar. 25. | B．On Mar. 18. | C．On Apr. 1. | D．On May 18. |
| A．The kit should be opened in advance. | B．The materials are safe for they are natural. |
| C．We need to pay $290 for the experience. | D．It is suitable for those sensitive to fragrance. |
4 . Abeid was born in a village of Tanzania and dreamt of flying a plane, soaring (翱翔) through the sky. Due to financial difficulties, he became a wildlife guide instead.
Abeid didn’t give up. He became a chief pilot of hot air ballooning at the age of 20. His passion for flying was matched by his skill both as a pilot and as a guide. Then, he came up with the idea of flying across the Serengeti from east to west, which would take four flights on successive days, taking off and landing where no one had ever seen a balloon before.
As a journalist, I was so lucky to make a journey with Abeid. We were up at 3 am. Abeid walked into the basket and checked the lines and the fastenings. Moments later, he was instructing me to get into it. With barely time to catch my breath, he gave a long blast (猛吹) on the burners and the basket tipped upright.
Over the following days, we gasped at the joy and wonder of the sky; at the beauty and complexity of the land beneath us. There was no fear, just a sense of being part of something fantastic as we floated in the silence of the African sky.
But not everything went entirely to Abeid’s carefully worked-out plan. The rains that had started to fall every afternoon slowed the air. On the final day, we landed 20km short of the destination. Luckily, we finally made the crossing the next morning.
When we were returning to the land, crowds of people shouted and waved. Many children looked up as we flew over them, and started to run. As Abeid brought the balloon down, people gathered around the balloon, pressing against the basket. Those children were also there, flushed and breathless, eyes wide with amazement. Abeid and I both looked at each other in silent agreement. Suddenly we were helping some children into the basket. Abeid lifted off and we flew just a few hundred metres with the excited crowd running alongside.
I realized that Abeid’s journey was more than just about flying. It was about hope, inspiration, and the joy of sharing one’s passion. And as I penned down the last words of this extraordinary experience, I knew that Abeid’s story would resonate (回荡) far beyond the Serengeti.
1. What did Abeid dream of?| A．Being a wildlife guide. | B．Being a journalist. |
| C．Flying a hot air balloon. | D．Flying a plane. |
| A．Smooth. | B．Pioneering. | C．Painful. | D．Eco-friendly. |
| A．Showing their technical skills. | B．Teaching the children to be a pilot. |
| C．Taking the children for a ride. | D．Attracting people to their show. |
| A．A Beautiful View: from East to West |
| B．A Balloon Adventure: the Dream Soaring High |
| C．Different Job Experiences: from a Guide to a Pilot |
| D．A Wildlife Exploration: the Unforgettable Experience |
5 . Volunteers Wanted: Caring Rides
CareGivers is seeking volunteers for its Caring Rides program, serving homebound seniors (居家老人) in New Hampshire.
Volunteering is easy, and we offer flexible opportunities built around your schedule, whether you volunteer once a week, once a month or on an as-needed basis.
Volunteers need to drive seniors to medical appointments, dental visits or a drugstore. Sometimes, you need to shop for them or run errands (差事) on behalf of individuals. Taking a client on a round-trip usually takes an hour of your time, and our requirements are that you have a car, valid driver’s license and a friendly attitude.
For hundreds of seniors in New Hampshire, doing something as simple as getting to a medical appointment or picking up medication at a local drugstore is a necessity — but sadly, not an option. Most live alone, and cannot drive or access reliable transportation. They rely on our network of volunteers. But more than 200 seniors across the area are on waiting lists to receive these services, many of whom have to cancel doctor appointments and have difficulties gaining adequate access to the food they need. That’s where YOU can come in.
You Truly Make a Difference in the Life of a Local Senior
For these seniors, our network of volunteers is their lifeline. While providing a ride for a senior in need may seem like a small task, it’s significant and life-changing for those we serve:
●You can help them avoid common feelings of isolation and loneliness they have.
●You can ensure they maintain access to medical needs, food and other essentials key to their physical health, emotional well-being and overall quality of life.
●You can make them realize that they can age in a dignified manner inside their homes for as long as possible.
To sign up, simply fill out the contact form on this page and we will be in touch with you the next steps!
1. Which of the following services should volunteers offer to homebound seniors?| A．Cooking meals for them. | B．Doing business with them. |
| C．Taking them to see a doctor. | D．Spending some time with them. |
| A．Why do few seniors own a private vehicle? |
| B．Why does CareGivers need more volunteers? |
| C．Why do many seniors want to join CareGivers? |
| D．Why does CareGivers start its Caring Rides program? |
| A．A newspaper. | B．A TV program. |
| C．CareGivers’ website. | D．CareGivers’ brochure. |
6 . In January 2020, I left for a mission, along with a 75-person crew. I had got to know everyone quite well, which made me feel confident that everything would run smoothly. The main goal of the mission was to voyage through the water, identifying boats and aircraft with our sensors while remaining undetected. We were the eyes and ears of the French navy, 300 metres under the ocean.
Being in a submarine (潜水艇) is a bit like being in a spaceship. Letters from family were allowed to keep crew members motivated, but for safety and caution, all communication from the crew’s families was seen first by navy staff who removed any content that could cause panic on board.
In February 2020, as Covid-19 started to emerge in Europe, the navy began to block all Covid-19-related news in our life. Throughout March and April, we had no idea that Covid-19 was even a thing, let alone that France was under strict lockdown.
The day finally came when we were set to come back. The radio channels on the submarine announced the news: “There is a deadly virus, and the country is locked down.” Actually, the information didn’t make any sense to me at that time. “Lockdown” was a new word to me. I didn’t know what to expect.
When I got out of the submarine. I got my phone back and received weeks’ worth of panicked messages. I took a train back to Paris, where my family lives, and was completely lost. People had masks and gloves on. I put over my mouth a fireproof mask that had been given to me by the navy. I just thought, everyone is hiding their mouths, so I’ll do it, too, even though I didn’t know why.
1. What can we know about the mission?| A．It lasted for 3 months. | B．75 persons participated in it. |
| C．It served for the French navy. | D．Its main task was to explore the ocean. |
| A．His grandfather passed away. | B．His mother came across an accident. |
| C．His girlfriend would break up with him. | D．His son was elected captain of the soccer team. |
| A．Cellphone access. | B．Submarine sensors. |
| C．Calls from families. | D．Radio channels broadcast. |
| A．Confused. | B．Relaxed. | C．Excited. | D．Panicked. |
7 . After months of deliberation, we can finally reveal the shortlist for our beloved 100-word-story competition. Now it’s up to you to vote for your winners in the under-12 category.
“The Shelf” by Li v Packer, 11, London
I have sat on this dusty shelf for decades—33 years to be exact. Everyday, people enter the library, hoping to find a book to occupy themselves with. No one seems to want me though. Young children walk across the aisles ignoring me and running to their favorites. Considering I haven’t been touched for at least 20 years, I’m shocked that I haven’t been moved to the back yet. That’s where the forgotten books go. Oh! I spoke too soon!
“Moon Land” by Amelia Jacobs-Moronta, 6, Kent
I wanted to get to the moon so I decided to jump, but that didn’t work so I used the tallest ladder but it reached even higher so I slid down the ladder and jumped onto the moon. The moon was bumpy and hard. I did space cartwheels and jumped around. The moon was made of every single food you can imagine so I ate a bit but I can’t eat too much because if I eat too much the moon will disappear.
“The Mysterious Duck with A Moustache” by Jana Ramsey, 9, Angus
There once was a duck who had a moustache. He had a secret that he was lonely. Days went by, the duck decided to explore. He went from California to Egypt to Columbia and Scotland. The duck made many friends. He was happy and that’s all that matters.
Voting will close on April 29 and the winning entries will be published in our May 2024 print issue. Good luck to all of our shortlisters, and thank you for your entries and votes!
1. Who writes a story related to a lunar exploration?| A．Liv Packer. | B．Amelia Jacobs-Moronta. |
| C．Jana Ramsey. | D．Mysterious Duck. |
| A．Ridiculous. | B．Humorous. | C．Childish. | D．Instructive. |
| A．Share three stories with readers. | B．Ask readers to submit their stories. |
| C．Inform readers of the best shortlisters. | D．Appeal to readers to vote. |
8 . This school year has brought about a lot of changes and has required much adaptation, but one change that has been powerful across school sites is the technological knowledge that has been a necessity to spend a difficult teaching year. There are some web-based tools that support learning.
Blooket
Blooket is a tool that involves students in content review and provides nine game modes(模式)for the question sets. It’s not just a “select the right answer” mode. With every correct answer, students can become collectors of gold, defenders of towers, workers in a factory, or runners on a track. The experience starts with educators creating their own question sets, or choosing from the Discover page.
Wizer
Wizer is an online platform that gives educators the opportunity to create interactive and customizable worksheets that promote learning. Educators can include audio directions, images, and many different types of materials to personalize the experience based on the content and student needs. Once a worksheet is created, educators can easily assign(分配)it to their students.
Buncee
Buncee is a web-based tool for creating interactive multimedia presentations. Educators can combine content from both external and internal sources. Buncee boards are a great way to make students' ideas grow. Buncee helps educators and administrators create projects and presentations to increase interactivity and students' learning interest.
Mote
Mote is a Chrome extension(扩展)that works with Google Workspace. Teachers can leave voice comments via Google Classroom, Docs, Slides, or Sheets by clicking the symbol of Mote under the comments section. Students love hearing their teachers’ voices and feel connected to their teachers. Mote lets teachers monitor students' involvement in voice notes, and can even translate notes into multiple languages.
1. What do we know about Blooket?| A．Educators have to set questions by themselves. |
| B．Students choose the right answers after outdoor training. |
| C．Educators encourage students to develop their acting skills. |
| D．Students can learn through experiencing different game roles. |
| A．They can grade students' performance. |
| B．They involve educators in deep discussions. |
| C．They enable educators to add teaching sources. |
| D．They focus on developing students’ creativity. |
| A．It puts an emphasis on social skills. |
| B．It requires teachers to master several languages. |
| C．It provides awards for students finishing homework well. |
| D．It allows students to get teachers’ guidance effectively. |
9 . Dogs are man’s best friends, and they may be the heart’s best friends as well.
A group of heart disease experts from the American Heart Association (AHA) reviewed research connecting heart health with owning a dog and found that owning a dog has a likely nexus with a lower risk of heart disease for those without a history of heart problems, and with greater survival rates among heart disease patients.
The group, chaired by Dr. Glenn Levine, a professor of medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, released a scientific statement in favor of having a dog to lower the risk of heart disease by helping people to be more physically active as well as reduce blood pressure and minimize the effects of stress. Previous studies showed that the companionship and close relationship that owners build with their dogs can boost levels of anti-stress hormones (抗应激激素) that can increase resilience (适应力) and help people to cope with stressful situations. One of the studies found, for example, that those who adopted dogs enjoyed a drop in blood pressure, while another revealed that among 5,200 adults, those who owned dogs were 54% more likely to get recommended levels of exercise and be active than non-dog owners. That trend is supported by other studies that found people who owned dogs were less likely to be overweight.
According to a report of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), dogs aren’t a panacea (灵丹妙药) against heart disease, and it’s likely that taking care of them requires their owners to get more exercise, which can reduce stress, weight and blood pressure and thus benefit the heart. “If someone adopts a pet, but still sits on the couch and smokes and eats whatever he wants and doesn’t control his blood pressure,” Levine told the Nero York Times, “that’s not a wise strategy to decrease the risk”.
1. What does the underlined word “nexus” in paragraph 2 probably mean?| A．Comparison. | B．Similarity. | C．Combination. | D．Link. |
| A．Stress is the cause of heart attack. |
| B．People raising pets can be slimmer. |
| C．Dogs’ companion holds back hormone functions. |
| D．Anti-stress hormone levels are low in dog owners. |
| A．Dog owners work out more by walking the dog. |
| B．Dogs can be trained to detect high blood pressure. |
| C．Dogs can prevent owners from smoking on the couch. |
| D．Dog owners attach importance to monitoring heart health. |
| A．How dogs promote owners’ mental health. |
| B．Raising dogs can help reduce heart attack. |
| C．What are the advantages of raising dogs. |
| D．Having a dog may lower heart disease risk. |
10 . It all began in Everett, Washington, where my project team was in the process of conducting one of our business systems. So tough was the project that we often stayed up completing the tasks assigned. All of us were worn out. One night, as I walked through the parking lot with one of my employees. I found a cent and picked it up. Glancing at my exhausted employee. I suddenly had an idea to delight him. Playfully, I presented the cent to the employee and said, “This is an informal award for your efforts.” He put the cent in his pocket. “Thank you,” he said, a wave of joy sweeping across his face.
About six months later, I was walking with the same employee、this time in Los Alamitos, California, when I again found a cent and gave it to him with the same words.
Later, I got into his office and there, taped on a piece of paper were the two cents, which made me surprised. He said he was displaying them as his recognition for a job well done.
Other employees noticed the cents proudly displayed and began asking why they hadn’t received any. They were also longing for the “reward”. It was then that I started handing out cents, explaining that they were for recognition, not for reward. Soon, so many people wanted them that I designed a cent holder. The front features a place for a cent and beside it the phrase, “Your work is recognized!” The back has room for 30 more cents and the phrase, “Your achievements count!”
One time, I spotted an employee, Mia, doing something right and wanted to recognize her, but I didn’t have a cent, so I gave her a quarter. Later the same day she stopped by and returned 24 cents.
That’s how the “One Cent Award” was born. It’s become a significant source of recognition in our organization.
1. Why did the author give a cent to the employee initially?| A．To praise him. | B．To amuse him. |
| C．To reward him. | D．To surprise him. |
| A．The design of a cent holder. | B．The shared beliefs in his team. |
| C．The eagerness of fellow employees. | D．The expectation for better achievements. |
| A．One cent stood for recognition. | B．She was advised to do so. |
| C．The author was mean with money. | D．It is the company’s strict regulation. |
| A．Greedy. | B．Motivated. | C．Aggressive. | D．Talented. |
