2 . Whether you are crazy about cycling or not, when it comes to purchasing a bike, the choice is endless, making it tough to know what to go for. Here are the best buys on the market right now.

Boardman CX Comp

This is a cross country bike, and it’s so multi-functional that you can handle any terrain(地势) on it, making it a great choice for those wanting to try various cycling subjects. If you leave on the thick tires it comes with, it can ride on various paths and can even handle some less demanding mountain bike routes. Alternatively, put on thin, smooth tires and treat it as a road bike. It has a basket and conics with Shimano Sora gears(变速器), which are outstanding for its price.(£650, IIalfords)

Planet XRT-58 V2

Planet X is based in Yorkshire, which means you’d probably have to buy this bike without seeing it. But it’s worth it, because this is an excellent machine at a lower price. Planet X is a highly rated manufacturer and this model comes with Shimano Sora gearing.(£585, Planet X)

Specialized Allez E5

Specialized is one of the biggest and most popular brands in cycling, and this is its hugely popular primary road bike. It comes with solid components from front to back and you'll look great out on the road.(£ 75, Evans Cycles)

Boardman Road Team Carbon

If you can push your budget(预算) further still, this bike is worth the extra investment. The frame(框架) is made entirely from carbon, which is lighter, faster and more comfortable than the composition metal(复合金属) models above and gives you an all-round and more enjoyable ride. It also means that if you get really serious about cycling, you don’t have to upgrade as quickly as you would with a cheaper bike. Besides, it also comes with Shimano Sora gearing.(£800, Halfords)

1. What is special about Boardman CX Comp?

A．Its light frame.	B．Its firm tires.
C．Its various functions.	D．Its reasonable price.

2. All of the following come with Shimano Sora gears Except________.

A．Planet XRT-58 V2.	B．Specialized Allez E5.
C．Boardman CX Comp.	D．Boardman Road Team Carbon.

3. What can we learn about the bikes mentioned in the text?

A．Planet X RT-58 V2 has been sold out so far

B．Boardman CX Comp is just a mountain bike.

C．Specialized Allez E5 is designed for senior cyclists.

D．Boardman Road Team Carbon is made by a special material.

4. In which part does the text probably appear in the newspaper?

A．Travel.	B．Advertisement.
C．Health.	D．Culture.

3 . An artist in Oakland, California is using his skills to help the homeless. Greg Kloehn builds very small shelters that make life on the streets a little more comfortable. The structures offer the homeless some safety and protection from bad weather. Each little house also has wheels on the bottom so it can go wherever its owner goes.

Greg Kloehn has given away at least 20 tiny houses. Several are on the roadside near an active railroad. On a recent day, Mr.Kloehn stops at one to visit Oscar Young. The two men hug. Inside his little shelter Mr.Young gets relief from cold nights on the streets. Mr.Kloehn also visits Sweet­Pea, another friend who also lives in one of the little homes the artist built. She says it keeps her safe and protects her belongings.

In the mornings, Mr. Kloehn searches the streets for building materials. He gathers what he can and takes it to his studio. There, he puts the houses together. Empty coffee bags become roof material. A washing machine door and refrigerator part become windows. Nails,screws and the sticky glue hold all the pieces together. The artist also attaches a small electrical device to the house. The device is powered by the sun.

Some of the people living on the streets once had normal houses of their own. But some of the people say they have learned to live with less and they are thankful to that man.

Mr.Kloehn says his work is not a social project. He says he is just someone using his skills to help his homeless neighbors.

1. The following are the advantages of the small shelters EXCEPT ________.

A．saving power and energy

B．protecting possessions of the homeless

C．decorating the streets where they are

D．keeping the homeless safe and comfortable

2. We can learn from the passage that ________.

A．Greg Kloehn has sold at least 20 tiny houses

B．an act of kindness has made people simple and grateful

C．the shelters are immovable

D．the government has got involved in the action

3. The passage is likely taken from ________.

A．an official report

B．an art review

C．a science magazine

D．a news report

4. What’s the main idea of the passage?

A．An artist creates homes for the homeless.

B．A more comfortable shelter on the streets.

C．A successful social project in Oakland.

D．An artist makes a living by designing small shelters.

4 . Despite the lack of new releases due to the outbreak of COVID-19, there was no shortage of good films in 2020. We've rounded out the top 4 films. Check them out!

Soul

In the first Pixar cartoon to have an African-American lead character. Jamie Foxx provides the voice of a music teacher who dreams of making it as a jazz pianist. But just after a successful interview, he falls down a manhole and finds himself in a soul world where human spirits are assigned their personalities. And things get even stranger from there.

Nomadland

When Fern loses her husband and can't afford to live in a house, she packs her few belongings into a camper and drives off into the Nevada desert. She encounters a large community of senior citizens who have also been forced to live on the road, supporting themselves with short-term- jobs along the way. What makes Nomadland unique is that while Fern is played by an Oscar-winning actress, nearly all she meets are real people who relate their own experiences. Written and directed by Chloe Zhao, the film is a combination of documentary and fiction.

The Croods: A New Age

The prehistoric family from 2013's hugely enjoyable cartoon, The Croods, directed by Joel Crawford, makes a welcome return, so we can expect more crazy adventures and unusual animals. In the much-delayed- sequel, they meet another family, the Bettermans, whose advanced lifestyle and technology make the Croods look even more primitive than they did already. There's conflict but they learn to appreciate each other's differences.

Wolfwalkers

The year's finest cartoon film comes from Cartoon Saloon, an Irish studio specialising in stylised hand-drawn 2D art. Its latest production is set in the mid-17th Century, when English soldiers are trying to occupy the wild woods. One hunter's daughter meets with a girl wolfwalker and they make joint efforts to rescue the forest. It's a heartwarming story of friendship and an inspiring adventure about two girls finding themselves Wolfwalkers stands proud as new classic.

1. What is the film Soul about?

A．pianist's dream coming true.	B．A musician's romantic journeys.
C．A music teacher's unusual experiences.	D．An African-American actor's success story.

2. Which movie will you go to if you are interested in the wandering life?

A．Soul.

B．Nomnadland.

C．The Croods: A New Age.

D．Wolfwalkers.

3. In which column of the website could we read this text?

A．Science.

B．History.

C．Entertainment.

D．Medicine.

5 . 4 FILMS TO CATCH AT THE CINEMA THIS MONTH!

Eye-opening documentaries, nostalgic mood pieces and fantastic drama are at the heart of our fayorite cinema picks this month. Check them out!

Pain and Glory

Oct. 2— Oct. 14

Inspired by the classic Ottoe Mezzo, Pain and Glory looks at an ageing police officer, Salvador, who recalls his childhood in rural Spain and the life stapes that followed: an energetic youth, a fruitful career and the beginning of decline which brings us to his present state.

Blinded by the Light

Oct. 5—Oct. 18

This unapologetic ode to Bruce Springsteen tells the story of a teenage boy living in 1980s Luton whose life is transformed by The Boss' music. The film about an over-enthusiastic, bright-eyed teenager. Blinded by the Light can be a little too sweet, but if you're a fan of old Bruce, you might just fall head over heels.

The Souvenir

Oct. 10—Oct. 24

This biographical drama from Joanna Hogg is largely based on the director's early years as a film student in 1980s Britain. Our heroine is the goodhearted Julie who falls for the attractive Anthony. As she grows increasingly attached to him, he grows increasingly dependent on her kindness and generosity.

Inna De Yard

Oct. 17—Oct. 31

Join a bunch of pioneering musicians on a journey deep into the heart of Reggae. Starting with its origins in 1960s Jamaica, and dipping into its many examples like Ska and Rocksteady, Inna De Yard offers a lively history of Reggae as well as a charming description of the streets of Jamaica in all their glory.

To book tickets and keep up with the latest info: click here to subscribe.

1. When can you watch Blinded by the Light in the cinema?

A．Oct. 3rd

B．Oct. 12th

C．Oct. 20th

D．Oct. 25th.

2. Which of the following is inspired by the director's experience?

A．Pain and Glory.	B．Blinded by the Light.
C．The Souvenir.	D．Inna De Yard.

3. Where is this passage probably taken from?

A．A poster in a movie theater.	B．A magazine on music history.
C．A notice about recent concerts	D．A website recommending films.

6 . Have you ever wondered if you see the same colours as other people? Most people know what blue is when they see it. They call it "blue” because they were taught the word and connected it with what they saw. But how do you know what you see as blue isn't someone else's red?

The ability to perceive （感知）different colours is up to receptors （接受器）in our eyes. Light waves hit these receptors and they react depending on which colour the light is, sending signals to the brain. The brain then reads these signals to determine which colour light the eyes are receiving.

Some people's receptors are more developed than others. The inability of the receptor to feel the light waves correctly means that some people cannot tell the differences between similar colours. Those with more developed receptors can see more colours. We sometimes hear people having an argument about whether something is dark blue or black. It might be because one person has stronger receptors to feel the light than another.

In the past, most scientists would argue that everyone saw colours in the same way. However, research was conducted on monkeys, in which their receptors were changed. This enabled them to see more colours than usual. Normally monkeys can only see blue and green, but the change allowed them to see red. Their brains automatically got used to new colours. This suggests that our brains may find new colors of the things we see. Colours could be a very personal experience , unique to everyone.

So, the next time you talk about your favourite colour, just remember if yours is blue and your friend says red, you two might actually be thinking about the same colour. What if everyone in the world has the same favourite colour, but just calls it different names?

1. What is Paragraph 2 mainly about?

A．How we perceive colours.

B．The inability to see colours.

C．What the brain does with signals.

D．The connection between receptors and light waves.

2. Which of the following might the author agree with?

A．Some people cannot feel colours with their developed receptors.

B．The more light people feel, the weaker receptors they have.

C．People with poor receptors usually have colour weakness.

D．People who have strong receptors can see dark blue.

3. What's the purpose of conducting the research on monkeys?

A．To test the monkeys with colours.

B．To develop the receptors of humans.

C．To enable monkeys to find more colors.

D．To prove everyone sees colours in a different way.

4. Where does the text probably come from?

A．A film review.	B．A science magazine.
C．An art journal.	D．A business newspaper.

7 . Every week in China, millions of people will sit in front of their TVs watching teenagers compete for the title Character Hero, which is a Chinese-style spelling bee. In this challenge, young competitors must write Chinese characters by hand. To prepare for the competition, the competitors usually spend months studying dictionaries.

Perhaps the show’s popularity should not be a surprise. Along with gunpowder and paper, many Chinese people consider the creation of Chinese calligraphy(书法) to be one of their primary contributions to civilization. Unfortunately, all over the country, Chinese people are forgetting how to write their own language without computerized help. Software on smart phones and computers allows users to type in the basic sound of the word using the Latin alphabet. The correct character is chosen from a list. The result? It’s possible to recognize characters without remembering how to write them.

But there’s still hope for the paint brush. China’s Education Ministry wants children to spend more time learning how to write.

In one Beijing primary school we visited, students practice calligraphy every day inside a specially decorated classroom with traditional Chinese paintings hanging on the walls. Soft music plays as a group of six-year-olds dip brush pens into black ink. They look up at the blackboard often to study their teacher’s examples before carefully attempting to reproduce those characters on thin rice paper. “If adults can survive without using handwriting, why bother to teach it now?” we ask the calligraphy teacher, Shen Bin. “The ability to write characters is part of Chinese tradition and culture,” she reasons. “Students must learn now so they don’t forget when they grow up.” says the teacher.

1. What can we learn about the Character Hero?

A．It’s open to people of all ages and all walks.

B．It’s the most-viewed TV programs in China.

C．It aims to spread Chinese culture to the world.

D．It draws great public attention across the country.

2. Why are Chinese people forgetting how to write the characters?

A．Chinese people don’t refer to dictionaries very often.

B．Chinese people no longer use brush pens or practice calligraphy.

C．Chinese people are using the Latin alphabet instead of the characters.

D．Chinese people needn’t write by hand as often with the help of technology.

3. .According to Shen Bin, being able to write characters by hand is_________.

A．necessary for adults to survive in China

B．a requirement made by the Education Ministry

C．helpful to keep Chinese tradition and culture alive

D．an ability to be developed only when you are students

4. Where does this text probably come from?

A．A news report.	B．A science report.
C．An advertisement.	D．Children’s literature.

8 . Drive in Ontario

Welcome to Ontario! Here's what you need to know if you are, or will be, visiting Ontario — and want to drive while you're here.

Visiting: less than 3 months

If you are visiting Ontario for less than 3 months and want to drive while you're here, you can use a valid driver's licence from your own province, state or country.

Visiting: more than 3 months

If you will be visiting from another country for more than 3 months, you will need an International Driver's Permit (IDP) from your own country. This is a special licence that allows motorists to drive internationally when accompanied by a valid driver's licence from their country. You need to have this permit with you when you arrive in Ontario. You cannot apply for one once you are here.

Rules of the road

As a visitor, you are responsible for knowing Ontario traffic laws. Here are just some:

• keep to the right of the road
• obey posted speed limits (e.g. 50 km/hour)
• do not use handheld devices while driving (e.g. cell phones, tablets or music players)
• slow down and pull to the right, if an emergency vehicle is driving behind you with their lights and sirens (e.g. an ambulance, fire truck or police car)

If you break a traffic law, you will face a penalty. Penalties range from fines to making your licence invalid or your car taken away. For more information, please click here.

1. l. Who is the text intended for?

A．Potential immigrants.	B．General visitors.
C．Exchange students.	D．Ordinary drivers.

2. What driving habit is unacceptable in Ontario?

A．Changing lanes at random.	B．Giving way to fire trucks.
C．Listening to music in the car.	D．Driving within the speed limits.

3. Where is the text most probably taken from?

A．A local website.	B．A travel guide.
C．An advertisement.	D．A geography magazine

9 . Top 4 Colleges Whose Graduates Earn the Most Money

Who says college isn’t worth it? Graduates of each of these 4 small colleges can look forward to cashing in when they hit the job market.

Amherst College: Amherst, Massachusetts

Average earnings: $82,000

Harvard may be the more selective and well-known university in the state, but it’s Amherst College’s graduates who are pulling in the salary. It’s known as one of the “Little Ivies”. Despite Amherst’s tiny size (2,000 undergraduates in total), its alumni (校友) network is well-connected and involved with the student body, which helps explain why graduates get top job opportunities.

Lafayette College: Easton, Pennsylvania

Average earnings: $81,000

Another Little Ivy, Lafayette College graduates about the same number of students as Amherst each year. Those graduates make nearly as much as Amherst graduates based on Zippia’s research. It’s entirely possible that Lafayette’s success in getting its graduates good jobs is that it’s one of the few liberal arts (文科) colleges of its size that also offer its students engineering degrees.

Helene Fuld College of Nursing: New York, NY

Average earnings: $79,300

Nurses are in very high demand, according to Indeed, and that demand is expected to remain strong. This contributes to the high pay offered to this nursing school’s graduates. So does its location in New York City, where salaries (and the cost of living) are higher.

Bates College: Lewiston, Maine

Average earnings: $75,700

Another small liberal arts college — and Little Ivy — Bates offers, among other things, a small teacher-to-student rate. It is also noted that Bates has one of the most beautiful campuses around, helping draw a highly driven student body.

1. What makes graduates from Amherst College get good jobs?

A．School location.	B．Help from schoolmates.
C．Tiny size of the college.	D．School recommendation.

2. Why can college graduates from Helene Fuld College of Nursing get high pay?

A．They have to pay high tuition fees.	B．They need high living costs.
C．Nurses are greatly respected.	D．Nurses are in great need.

3. What do Lafayette College and Bates College have in common?

A．Similar earnings.	B．Beautiful campuses.
C．The same type of college.	D．The same number of students.

4. Where can you most probably find this passage in a newspaper?

A．Fashion & Entertainment.	B．Military & Science.
C．Education & Culture.	D．Food & Nutrition.

10 . Since you can't get to theaters, museums, galleries, music venues or opera houses during these difficult days due to coronavirus, instead they'll come to you. Here's a list of some of Europe's best-known museums.

Louvre Museum in Paris

As the most visited museum in the world, it offers virtual tours online. It also has a number of   "Visitors Trails" in different themes, designed to give an overview of the scope and wealth of the museum's collections. Each trail is based on a selection of works that characterize a period, an artistic movement or a theme, including the artworks from JAY-Z and Beyoncé's music video.

Schirn Museum in Frankfurt

It has digitally opened its current exhibition, now closed due to the virus, called   "Fantastic Women" (scheduled from February 13 to May 24), highlighting the works of 34 women artists and their contributions to Surrealism (超现实主义), including Frida Kahlo, Leonora Carrington, Leonor Fini, Dorothea Tanning and Dora Maar.

Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam

Are you looking for ways to entertain your children with an educational twist? Then the Van Gogh will bring the great artist to you and also invite you to a virtual visit inside the Museum. The museum explores the painter's life, his relationship with his brother Théo, his passion for Japan and also his mental illness. Everything is in high definition.

Of course, a range of recent opera and ballet productions are also available, with the hope to give pleasure to as many people as possible. Please get more information at www. forbes. com.

1. The works in "Visitors Trails" are chosen according to ________.

A．Periods

B．Collections

C．Sites

D．Artists

2. Whose works are included in "Fantastic Women"?

A．JAY-Z's.	B．Leonardo Da Vinci's.
C．Van Gogh's.	D．Leonora Carrington's.

3. Where is the passage most likely to be taken from?

A．A report.

B．A website.

C．A magazine.

D．A textbook