1 . Auckland University Online Education-What to Expect

Most Auckland University (AU) online programs are 100 percent online so that students do not come to the school campus. Instead, AU has designed a media-rich, easy-to-use learning environment through a Learning Management System (LMS)

 Discipline (纪律)

With disciplined work habits, you are likely to succeed as an online student. It is up to you to log on to your course and meet your own deadlines.

 Time Management

In order to earn competitive grades, plan on spending a minimum of 20-25 hours a week on each course. AU courses operate on a seven-week schedule, with start dates in January, March, May, July, September and November. Students are able to complete two courses per semester by taking one seven-week course at a time

 Professional Connections

Many of the AU faculty (教员) who teach online have connections to industry, so the online learning environment ensures access to diverse expertise and practice. It includes an extensive network of professionals in a variety of industries.

“I work as an IT manager: And right from the very beginning, every class I took was relevant to what I was doing at work. The wide range of courses gave me a strong foundation for my career development.”

——Jim Heilman, Computer Information System graduate

 Technology

It goes without saying that technology plays a vital role in online learning. You will need a high-speed Internet connection and basic computer skills. For specifics, please click here to visit our Technology page.

1. How long does it take to complete one course?

A．One semester.	B．Seven weeks.
C．Several mouth.	D．At least 20-25 hours.

2. Why is Jim Heilman mentioned?

A．To set a good example.

B．To recognize an excellent graduate.

C．To prove benefits of professional connections.

D．To show effective methods of online learning.

3. Where is the text probably taken from?

A．A college website.	B．An academic magazine.
C．A course brochure.	D．An online advertisement.

2 . International Students House

International Students House （ISH）, a unique club and accommodation center founded in 1965, offers a range of services to aid students while they are studying in London. It is located in the heart of London's West End and is close to all public transport facilities.

Accommodation

♦Comfortable accommodation for up to 450 people in single, twin, 3/4 bedded and multi-bedded rooms

♦44 self-contained flats for married students and families

♦ Long and short stays welcomed

Membership

Club membership is open to all full-time students. Membership costs are kept to an absolute minimum to enable the widest possible access. You can join for as short as one month and for up to one year at a time. Membership entitles you to use the various facilities of the House. It has:

• Restaurants

• Clubs and societies

• Study rooms

• Dance, music and films

• Fitness training

• Student bars and coffee shops

• Travel and much more!

The best way to check out all we have on offer is to drop in any Tuesday evening between 7.15 pm and 8:30 pm for Open House in the Club Room. This is an opportunity for you to meet the staff and other club members, enjoy a free cup of coffee and find out all about what's going on. You can take advantage of special membership offers. (Useful tip: Bring along 3 passport-size photographs if you wish to take out membership.)

The Students Adviser

Thanks to the support of STA Travel and in association with the London Conference on Overseas Students (LCOS), ISH now provides the service of the Students Adviser. This new welfare service is open to all students at London's academic institutions. It aims to provide welfare support to help students overcome any personal or practical difficulties they may be experiencing while studying in Britain. One of the key features of the service is that the Students Adviser can be seen during the evenings until about 8:00 pm, Monday to Thursday.

1. What can be learned about ISH?

A．It has a history of almost 50 years.	B．It is designed for married students.
C．It offers flexible accommodation options.	D．It is far away from public transport facilities.

2. What are you expected to do to be a member?

A．Make acquaintance with the staff	B．Obtain special membership offers.
C．Study or work in London.	D．Come with the required photos.

3. What do we know about the Students Adviser?

A．Its service is free for students in Britain.	B．It is accessible on weekdays.
C．Its purpose is to raise academic standards.	D．It gets aid from STA Travel.

3 . Something strange happened when I was 14 years old. Every previous year on Thanksgiving Day I’d woken up early, filled with excitement. But that Thanksgiving, for some reason I saw no reason to celebrate. None of my family were really thankful, I realized. The whole thing was a lie!

During the dinner time, I left, hiding in the guest room and cried. My mom came to see what was wrong. “No one is really thankful!” I sobbed, “They just pretend for one day because that’s what they’re supposed to do!”

After I finished talking, she nodded. “You’re right,” she told me. “It’s fake until you find the truth for yourself.” She said it was my choice whether to celebrate with them or not. She said Thanksgiving is a time to reflect because we don’t always get to see loved ones and eat a good meal. Then she left.

I didn’t listen to her, thinking that every holiday was a lie and I could never find joy celebrating again. But giving in to my starving stomach, I went back to the dining room in a few minutes. I couldn’t believe what I saw. My entire extended family was waiting for me with wide smiles and concerned looks, and the table was covered with untouched plates.

“Andy,” my aunt said, “We can’t eat without you. We’re waiting for your turn. Now you can start it.” I didn’t know what to say first. Finally, I said I was thankful for having a younger brother to teach, play with, and see grow.

The family shared, and everyone had something beautiful to say. Listening to what they said, I suddenly understood what my mom meant about finding out my own reason for celebrating. For me, this holiday was a chance to pause and reflect on everything I cared about.

And with that, I took a huge and satisfying bite of food.

1. Why did the author hide himself and cry on the Thanksgiving Day?

A．Because he got up too late

B．Because some of his family were absent.

C．Because he thought the dinner was tasteless.

D．Because he doubted the sincerity of others’ thankfulness.

2. What can we know about the author’s mother according to the text?

A．She is very understanding.	B．She is strict with the author.
C．She disagreed with the author.	D．She showed great worry about the author.

3. What does the underlined word “it” in Paragraph 5 refer to?

A．Having dinner.	B．Expressing thankfulness.
C．Giving a performance.	D．Making a wish.

4. Which of the following can be the best title for the text?

A．My loving mother	B．Love and lies
C．An inspiring Thanksgiving	D．An unforgettable dinner

4 . Barbie Room at the Hilton Hotel in Buenos Aires

The doll most loved by many and treasured by kids, Barbie, comes to life in this room as she brings about recall of childhood memories. Feeling like a princess yourself living in a giant dollhouse, mix and match clothes and shoes and make your Barbie fashion statement,

Underwater Room at the Talay Karon Beach Resort in Thailand

As if you're in a submarine, be attracted by the beauty of the sea in this splendid underwater room. Look outside and see a world full of sea creatures and water adventure. Find out how it feels to sleep in the middle and the bottom of the sea.

SpongeBob Room at the Nickelodeon Hotel in Orlando

Kids and adults alike laugh at the funny sound and sense of Spongebob. You will feel like playing in the cartoon film. Meanwhile, you will have the one of a kind opportunity to share a room with all his friends, Patrick, Bob and Mr. Krabs and kids will enjoy plenty of games to play.

Flintstones Room at the Melia Hotel in Spain

Have an unforgettable and enjoyable holiday, ideal for both children and parents, in this hotel located in Spain. The Flintstones is a classic and it will be wonderful to be surrounded with Dinosaurs!

Harry Potter Room at The Georgian House in London

Cleverly made by imaginative hotel owners, they have brought to life Hogwarts in this elegant room. Here you belong in the wizard world and must be lost in its magic!

1. When you are at the Hilton Hotel, you will ______ .

A．experience sleeping in the middle of the sea

B．experience a life in Hogwarts like Harry Potter

C．meet your princess or prince in your mind

D．see the beautiful Barbie in the dollhouse

2. If you want to see some sea creatures, you are advised to visit ______.

A．room Underwater Talay Karon Beach Resort

B．Harry Potter Room at The Georgian House

C．Flintstnes Room at the Melia Hotel

D．Room SpongeBob Nickelodeon Hotel

3. What is Spongebob?

A．The name of a famous ship.

B．The name of a captain of a ship.

C．The name of a character in a cartoon film.

D．The name of the owner of Nicklodeon Hotel.

5 . It was the 50th anniversary (周年) of the moon landing last year. Astronomy lovers are not the only ones who are excited about it; publishers(出版商) are also offering a number of books to mark the event.

Shoot for the Moon James Donovan
Little, Brown and Co. $30

This retelling of the space race begins with the Soviet Union’s Sputnik satellite in 1957 to the historic Apollo 11 program twelve years later. The book offers details about the characters of the spacemen, engineers and others who made the U. S. space program a success.

One Giant Leap
Charles Fishman
Simon & Schuster, $29.99

Getting to the moon required a million hours of work, this book says. Accordingly, the story centers on the engineers, project managers and others who worked long and hard to get the Apollo program off the ground.

Picturing Apollo 11
J. L. Pickering and John Bisney
Univ of Florida, $45

Packed with hundreds of photos (some are published for the first time), this book reads like a photo book of the Apollo 11 program. The photos are moments from spaceman training, as well as the excitement of liftoff, the historic landing and the return home of the three men.

Apollo’s Legacy Roger D.
Launius Smithsonian Books,
$27.95

A space historian examines the Apollo program in different ways: as a political (政治的) machine in the Cold War and an important cultural moment. The book explores different views on the U. S. moonshot project from scientists, politicians, the media and the public during the space race and beyond.

1. What is Shoot for the Moon mainly about?

A．History of the space race.	B．The shoot of two satellites.
C．Cooperation of different countries.	D．Humans’ understanding of the moon.

2. Whose book shows the Apollo 11 program through pictures?

A．James Donovan’s	B．Charles Fishman’s
C．J. L. Pickering and John Bisney’s	D．Roger D. Launius’s

3. Which book talks about different views on the Apollo program?

A．Shoot for the Moon	B．One Giant Leap
C．Picturing Apollo 11	D．Apollo’s Legacy

6 . No visit to London is complete without checking out its fantastic selection of museums and galleries. Here are some of the best (in no particular order). Take your pick, then use the London attractions map to work out how to get there and which one to visit next.

1. British Museum

British Museum has been displaying global historic artifacts discovered by British explorers. Opened in 1759, it was the first national museum to be open to the public in the world. Highlights include the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon Sculptures and Egyptian mummies.

Address: Great Russell St, WC1B 3DG

Price: Free (permanent collections); admission charge applies for temporary exhibitions.

2. Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A)

As you walk through the museum's mix of Victorian and contemporary architecture, you’re as likely to see an exhibition with vast collections including everything from potteries and fashion to wallpapers and jewellery, spanning 5 ,000 years.

Address: Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL

Price: Some exhibitions and events carry a separate charge. Admission is free.

3. Natural History Museum

Explore our planet’s living wonders at the Natural History Museum. Inside the striking building, favorites include the Dinosaurs gallery, the blue whale model and the state-of-the-art Darwin Centre, where you can see hundreds of bones of animals as well as scientists at work. Address: Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD

Price: £ 14 for adults; £ 11 for people( 13-17 or ages 62 + ) or students with ID; £ 6 for children (3-12).

4. Imperial War Museum London

A powerful museum shining a light on the history of conflict from the First World War to today. IWM is made up of permanent galleries, such as the ace Curiosities of War exhibit, and temporary displays, exploring recent conflicts and terrorist attacks.

Address: Lambeth Road, SEI 6HZ

Price: Free

1. Which museum requires an entrance fee?

A．British Museum.	B．Victoria and Albert Museum.
C．Natural History Museum.	D．Imperial War Museum London.

2. What is special about British Museum?

A．It has many historic collections.

B．It's the world's first national museum opened.

C．It requires admission for temporary exhibitions.

D．It is the most famous museum in London.

3. What can you see in Natural History Museum?

A．Living dinosaurs.	B．Fantastic buildings.
C．The scientist Darwin.	D．A model of a blue whale.

7 . Earlier this year when the summer heatwave was in full swing, most people were dreaming of the cooler autumn temperatures. But for those who love the summer weather, the winter colder temperatures and dreary weather are anything but welcome. The good news? There are some brilliant winter sun destinations you can escape to for glorious pleasant weather and warm sunshine.

Dubai

During the winter months the city still boasts temperatures around 26°C, perfect if you plan to make the most of the city’s beaches. However, it’s not so hot that you can’t enjoy most of the things to see and do in Dubai, from the theme parks to epic malls such as the Burj Khalifa.

Planning to make the most of the attractions? It’s worth looking into a Dubai Pass where you could save up to 50% off a host of the top must-see sights.

Thailand

The best time to visit Thailand is between November to January when it’s a dry season and the temperatures are pleasant. The country is filled with epic sights and attractions.

Fancy a city break? Head to Bangkok where glorious temples, floating markets and incredible food festivals await. Or of course you could spend a few days making the most of Thailand’s most beautiful sea sands.

Cape Verde

Sal Island is one of the main tourist spots in the country. Cape Verde is well-known for offering up a relaxing holiday; and with 10 islands to explore, there’s still ample opportunity to have an adventure or two.

However, if you only visit one spot, make it the beautiful Sal Island. It tends to be a hit with holidaymakers thanks to the white sand beaches and crystalline waters that make up its shores.

Barbados

If the idea of a snowy Christmas break doesn’t appeal, then Barbados could make for a once-in-a-lifetime festive season.

December temperatures can be around 28°C, meaning you’ll have heaps of hot weather and sunshine and of course Barbados beaches are the ideal spot to enjoy them.

1. What’s the purpose of this passage?

A．To provide warm destinations for winter.	B．To compare four foreign tourist spots.
C．To offer advice on traveling abroad.	D．To help escape from the hot weather.

2. What could be the best choice for food lovers?

A．Dubai.	B．Thailand.
C．Cape Verde.	D．Barbados.

3. What do the attractions have in common?

A．They offer tourists sights on a budget.	B．A variety of food is supplied for tourists.
C．They recommend some shopping centers.	D．Travelers can go for relaxation on seashore.

8 . Los Angeles is always a popular holiday destination. To fully enjoy your travel there, you should know its food, weather, and also traffic. While driving in L. A. is similar to that in other areas, there are a few specific rules to note.

HOV lanes (车道)

On many L. A. freeways, one or more lanes at the far left are used as high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes. They usually have limited access and you can only enter or exit where there is a break in the double yellow line. Most HOV lanes require a minimum of two people in the car; some require three. Vehicles towing trailers (拖车) are NOT allowed in the HOV lane, regardless of how many people are in them.

Toll (收费) lanes

On certain freeways, the HOV lanes are double-purposed as toll lanes for people driving alone who have a FasTrak, an electronic toll collection system. Therefore, you also have to have one in that lane as a HOV, which is inconvenient if you’re just visiting. FasTrak is in effect on parts of the 110 freeway between the 405 and 10 freeways, and on parts of the 10 freeway east of Downtown L. A.

Cell phones

It is against the law to talk on a cell phone while driving without using a hands-free device. Holding a cell phone to your ear while driving will land you with a ticket.

Alcohol

Driving under the influence is taken seriously in L.A. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.08%, but you can be charged with lower levels if they show you can’t function normally. Placing an opened bottle of alcohol in the passenger area while driving (or sitting) is illegal. Any opened container of alcohol has to be transported in the trunk.

1. What do you know about HOV lanes?

A．They encourage people to share cars.

B．They are on the far right of freeways.

C．They are intended for larger vehicles.

D．They allow cars to enter over the double yellow line.

2. Which is surely against the road rules in L. A.?

A．Driving on the 110 freeway with a FasTrak.

B．Putting the cell phone in the car while driving.

C．Riding with an opened bottle of alcohol in back seats.

D．Going below the blood alcohol limit of 0. 08%.

3. Where is the text most probably taken from?

A．A traffic law.	B．A road map.
C．A guidebook.	D．A report.

9 . The idea of turning recycled plastic bottles into clothing is not new. During the last five years, a large number of clothing companies, businesses and environmental organizations have started turning plastics into fabric to deal with plastic pollution. But there’s a problem with this method. Research now shows that microfibers could be the biggest source of plastic in the sea.

Dr. Mark Browne in Santa Barbara, California, has been studying plastic pollution and microfibers for 10 years now. He explains that every time synthetic clothes go into a washing machine, a large number of plastic fibers fall off. Most washing machines can’t collect these microfibers. So every time the water gets out of a washing machine, microfibers are entering the sewers and finally end up in the sea.

In 2011, Browne wrote a paper stating that a single piece of synthetic(合成的) clothing can produce more than 1, 900 fibers per wash. Browne collected samples from seawater and freshwater sites around the world, and used a special way to examine each sample. He discovered that every single water sample contained microfibers.

This is bad news for a number of reasons. Plastic can cause harm to sea life when eaten. Studies have also shown that plastic can absorb other pollutants.

Based on this evidence, it may seem surprising that companies and organizations have chosen to turn plastic waste into clothing as an environmental “solution.” Even though the science has been around for a while, Browne explains that he's had a difficult time getting companies to listen. When he asked well-known clothing companies to support Benign by Design-his research project that seeks to get clothes that have a bad effect on humans and the environment out of the market, Browne didn’t get a satisfying answer. Only one women’s clothing company, Eileen Fisher, offered Browne funding.

1. What has happened during the past five years?

A．Fabric has become much stronger.	B．Plastic pollution has been less serious.
C．Many plastic bottles have been reused.	D．Microfibers have been greatly improved.

2. What does Browne think of washing synthetic clothes?

A．It is adding microfibers to the clothes.

B．It is worsening environmental problems.

C．It is making synthetic clothes last longer.

D．It is doing great damage to washing machines.

3. What can be inferred about Browne’s Benign by Design research project?

A．It has achieved great success.	B．It hasn’t got anything done.
C．It is known to very few people.	D．It is facing some difficulties.

4. What’s the best title for the text?

A．It’s important to learn to recycle

B．It’s never easy to solve pollution problems

C．Recycled plastic clothing: solution or pollution?

D．Are human beings moving forward or backward?

10 . Guinness World Records Set by Kids

♦ The youngest club DJ

Oratilwe A J Hongwane likes putting in more efforts when playing music for a crowd. In 2012, he became the youngest club DJ—he was five when he played a one- hour set to 100 people at a bar in South Africa. Known in the business as DJ Arch Jnr, he broke the record previously held by a six-year-old in Japan.

♦The most viewed video game-unboxing video

Kids love watching someone unbox a new purchase—especially if it's something they can't get themselves. Maybe that's why more than 25 million people have watched YouTube HD. What's really cool about Evan is that he actually donates most of the toys to those in need. He also uses his popular YouTube channel to draw people's attention to worthy organizations for helping the poor.

♦The youngest drummer

The rules of Guinness World Records say a drummer must record a real song and be paid for his skills and that the drummer must give at least 20 concerts of 45 minutes or longer within five years. At the age of just four Julian Pavone met all those qualifications.

♦The fastest assembly (组装)of 10,000 Lego pieces and the longest Lego chain

A group of school kids in New Jersey went for their world records to increase public awareness about a fellow student who is suffering from a rare and deadly disease. The group put together 10,000 Lego pieces in just three hours, breaking the old one by five hours. They also set the record for the longest Lego chain, which ended up at 947 meters, beating the old record by 40.

1. Who is devoted to charity?

A．Oratilwe A J Hongwane.	B．Evan.
C．DJ Arch Jnr.	D．Julian Pavone.

2. What do we know about the youngest drummer?

A．He has recorded 20 real songs.

B．He gave at least 20 concerts at five.

C．He must earn a lot of money by recording.

D．He was qualified for the Guiness World Reords at four.

3. Why did the school kids set the world record?

A．To help a sick schoolmate.

B．To inspire team spirit.

C．To prevent a rare disease.

D．To make their school famous.