1 . In our family, the presents we gave one another were almost always homemade. I thought that was the definition of a gift: something you made for someone else. We made all our Christmas gifts: piggy banks from old bottles, and puppets from retired socks. It didn’t seem like a hardship to me; it was something special.

My father loves wild strawberries, so for Father’s Day my mother would almost always make him strawberry cakes. While we kids were responsible for the berries, we each got an old jar and spent the Saturday before the celebration in the fields, filling it as more ended up in our mouths. Finally, we returned home and poured them out on the kitchen table to sort out the bugs. I’m sure we missed some, but Dad never mentioned the extra protein.

In fact, he thought that was the best possible present, or so he had us convinced. It was a gift that could never be bought. As children raised by strawberries, we were probably unaware that the gift of berries was from the fields themselves, not from us. Our gift was time, attention, care and “red” fingers.

Gifts from the earth or from each other establish a particular relationship, a duty of sorts to give, to receive, and to exchange. The field gave to us, we gave to my dad, and we tried to give back to the strawberries. When the berry season was done, the plants would send out its red runners to make new plants. So I would weed out little fields of ground where the runners touched down. Sure enough, tiny little roots would emerge from the runner and by the end of the season there were even more plants, ready to bloom under the next strawberry season. No person taught us this — the strawberries showed us. Because they had given us a gift, an ongoing relationship opened between us.

1. What is the author’s belief about a gift?

A．It should be practical and valuable.	B．It should be luxurious and special.
C．It should be purchased from a store.	D．It should be made with personal effort.

2. What did the children do for Father’s Day?

A．Making strawberry cakes.	B．Finding the sweetest strawberries.
C．Going strawberry picking.	D．Baking strawberry cookies.

3. What would the author do to give back to the strawberries?

A．Making homemade gifts for her father.

B．Devoting time and attention to the plant.

C．Waiting for the strawberries to get ripe again.

D．Searching for fields for the plants to take roots.

4. What did the strawberries teach the family?

A．How to cook with strawberries.

B．The importance of giving and receiving.

C．How to cherish homemade gifts.

D．The procedure of growing strawberries.

2 . I arrived in Lunenburg three weeks ago. It took a while to get _______ to the different way of life here. The main reason for coming here is to collect some of the _______folk songs of Canada, but one of the other reasons why I come here _______ is that Lunenburg has been given a protected status in Canada. This means that its buildings, the design of the town, and even certain industries, have to be _______. Even though that is the case, there are still many examples of _______ life, including the ability to send emails.

Lunenburg only really has one community. Most of the _______ know each other and few new people are moving in. Actually, more young people are leaving than are coming in, leaving a(n) _______ population. The people I want to speak to the most are those _______ the fishing industry.

So far, I have made friends with a couple called John and Mary. They both have relatives who worked on the fishing trade, _______ over a hundred years.

Fishing became a key part of Lunenburg in the mid-19th century. Because it ________ the Atlantic, it was an important port for the whole of Nova Scotia. In the 1920s, it became an important place for shipbuilding. Then, during the First and Second World Wars, it was used to ________ ships and submarines. As a result, a lot of different ________ stayed there for a while.

John told me that many of the folk songs he learnt as a ________were from all over Europe because soldiers would sing them in the public house where his parents entertained them. Luckily for me, both John and Mary also have a very good ________ for the old songs that their grandparents taught them. Some of these folk songs are reckoned to be over one hundred and fifty years old. Besides, I went to a ________ yesterday where I heard a local singer sing new songs about the dangers of fishing.

There is plenty more history to learn about this unique town.

1.

A．subjected

B．accustomed

C．connected

D．devoted

2.

A．traditional

B．fashionable

C．international

D．reasonable

3.

A．seriously

B．accidentally

C．specifically

D．temporarily

4.

A．preserved

B．persuaded

C．secured

D．selected

5.

A．carefree

B．relaxing

C．outdated

D．modern

6.

A．residents

B．citizens

C．fishermen

D．singers

7.

A．working

B．aging

C．fishing

D．rising

8.

A．submitted to

B．satisfied with

C．separated from

D．involved in

9.

A．keeping up with

B．going away from

C．tracing back to

D．living up to

10.

A．follows

B．blocks

C．faces

D．guides

11.

A．control

B．oversee

C．undergo

D．mend

12.

A．nationalities

B．soldiers

C．artists

D．tourists

13.

A．student

B．soloist

C．composer

D．child

14.

A．sense

B．taste

C．memory

D．luck

15.

A．festival

B．concert

C．counter

D．court

3 . If you’re an aspiring director that wants to start a successful film career, you should start by creating your first short film. While it can seem like a daunting task at first, with the proper strategies, creating a short movie is just a matter of having good ideas and utilizing common filming techniques.

Think of an idea for a short film.     1     Focus on one core idea so that the short story isn’t overly complicated. Consider what kind of tone you want for the film and whether it will be a horror, drama, or experimental movie.

    2     If you don’t want to write your own script, you can search online for scripts that other people have already written. If you plan on shooting your short film to make a profit, make sure to reach out to the screenwriter to get their permission to use it. Some screenwriters will sell you their script for a fee.

Look for locations. Find locations to match the script. Ask small businesses and shops if you can use their locations for a short film. If the film takes place indoors, you may be able to use your own apartment or house. If the shoot is happening outdoors, find a safe and legal place to film.     3    

Rehearse the scene. Once the actors get onto the set, have them go through a basic reading of the script. Then, have the actors act out the scene. As they go through the scene, tell the actors what you want them to do, how to interact with the environment, and let them know of any modifications that you want to see in their acting.     4     The read through of the script can be done anywhere, but you should try to do the blocking on set.

In addition, if the actors have to wear a cultural or religious piece, be sure to study it. Don’t just throw the piece on.     5     If you are on a tight budget, you can have the actors provide outfits from their own wardrobe, but make sure that what they find meets your vision.

A．Search for scripts online.

B．Be as accurate as possible.

C．Do a rough cut of the scenes.

D．This process is known as “blocking the scene”.

E．Select filming equipment that meets your needs.

F．Think of a short story that you want to tell in under 10 minutes.

G．Getting permits to shoot on private or public property can sometimes be very expensive.

4 . Let’s say you’re in the far future and you’re looking for evidence of previous civilizations. Where would you look? The first place would be in the rocks. Rocks keep time. Recently, the discovery of rocks made from plastic debris (碎片) in Brazil’s volcanic Trindade Island is sparking alarm. Melted plastic has become twisted with rocks on the island, which researchers say is evidence of humans growing influence over the Earth’s geological cycles.

Plastic rocks have been previously found in various parts of the world. Researchers documented plastiglomerates-rock, sand and other debris fused together by melted plastic-in Hawaii in 2014, for instance. Another human-made and plastic-based rock is pyroplastics. Described in 2019 from the shores of Cornwall in southwest Britain, pyroplastics form from burned plastic waste. In laboratory experiments with white or colored plastic pieces, if burned, the plastic melts and forms a gray or black mass. resembling at first glance a rocky pebble. According to geophysicist Douglas Jerolmack, “all around the world where there’s trash being openly burned in mass quantities, you can imagine there are even larger melted plastic deposits” where plastiglomerate could form.

Plastic pollution making its way into the formation of rocks suggests humans are having an effect on what was previously considered a natural occurrence, said Santos, who along with others is continuing research into plastic pollution on Trindade Island. “This is new and terrifying at the same time, because pollution has reached geology, ”Santos told Reuters. The finding of plastic rocks also suggests, some experts say, that a new geological epoch has begun: The Anthropocene epoch. Regardless of whether this represents a new epoch, Santos said, “the pollution, the garbage in the sea and the plastic dumped incorrectly in the oceans are becoming geological material preserved in the Earth’s geological records.”

The researchers are yet unsure of the environmental impacts of plastic rocks. Burned plastic can contain high concentrations of potentially toxic elements, like lead and chromium, derived from the pigments used to dye the plastic material. Buried in the ground, plastic has the potential to survive millions of years and even enter the geological record.

1. Why does the writer raise a question in the first paragraph?

A．To introduce the text topic.	B．To test the readers’ knowledge.
C．To present a study finding.	D．To raise the readers’ awareness.

2. What can we know about plastiglomerates?

A．They are rarely seen in the rocks.

B．They look like rocky pebbles if burned.

C．They are white or coloured plastic pieces.

D．The more trash is burnt, the more they will be.

3. What can we infer from the last two paragraphs?

A．Plastic pollution has greatly changed the formation of rocks.

B．The impacts that plastic rocks bring still need some further study.

C．Geological materials preserve human’s irresponsible behaviour to environment.

D．Buried plastic in the ground is unlikely to survive after entering the geological record.

4. What can be a suitable title for the text?

A．Plastic Rocks: The Root of the Environmental Impacts

B．Plastic Rocks: The Geological Record of Human Development

C．Plastic Rocks: The Markers We’re Laying Down in Deep Time

D．Plastic Rocks: The New Geological Materials We’re Unsure of

5 . Volunteers: To The War

Genres: Drama, History, War

Director: Chen Kaige

Length: 140 Minutes

This is the first film of a trilogy to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the victory of the War to Resist U. S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953).

In the early years of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), founded in 1949, China faceddomestic turmoil and foreign aggression. After a civil war broke out on the Korean Peninsula in June 1950, the U. S.-led “UN forces” made repeated provocations(挑衅) on the border between China and Korea, and civilians were bombed. From October 1950, the Chinese People’s Volunteers (CPV) army fought alongside the army of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to bring about long-term peace and stability. On the battlefield, even though there was a great disparity in military strength, the CPV army achieved victory through heroic sacrifices. On the diplomatic stage, the delegation of the PRC made its debut at the United Nations, gaining international respect with the new voices of China.

The film uses dynamic montages to combine events in different timelines and spaces to create a wonderful artistic effect. It describes the origin of the war and the intensity of fighting in various battles across mountains, villages, rivers, and snow fields, but also weaves it with the picture of Chinese representative Wu Xiuquan’s speech at the meeting of the United Nations Security Council, presenting a profoundly insightful exploration and understanding of the relationship between national dignity and individual lives.

1. What’s a purpose of the film Volunteers: To The War?

A．To tell the background information of the War.

B．To show Chen Kaige’s talent for making films.

C．To celebrate the 70th anniversary of the War’s victory.

D．To highlight the importance of national peace and dignity.

2. How does the film create the artistic effect?

A．It introduces a series of events of the War.

B．It uses montages to create dynamic images.

C．It includes Wu Xiuquan’s speech at the meeting.

D．It describes the origin and the intensity of the War.

3. Where can the text be found?

A．In a history textbook.	B．In a science report.
C．In a movie magazine.	D．In a personal resume.

6 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。

1. How long do the fitness classes in Italy last?

A．A week.

B．Two weeks.

C．Nearly a month

2. What is the two-week holiday in Greece aimed at?

A．Building up muscles.

B．Reducing stress.

C．Losing weight.

3. What makes the two-week holiday in Greece so special?

A．The equipment of the gym.

B．The place for the exercise classes.

C．The personalized diet programme.

4. Where is the mountain biking holiday offered?

A．In Ireland.

B．In France.

C．In Morocco.

7 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。

1. Who is the organizer of the football event?

A．A senior school.

B．The school football team.

C．The Education Council.

2. When will the football event be held?

A．From August I to August 7.

B．From August 11 to August 17.

C．From August 17 to August 20.

3. What do the speakers decide to do?

A．Practice football hard.

B．Join the school football team.

C．Learn football skills from other students.

8 . French parenting isn’t perfect, but there’s a lot we can learn from this kind but no-nonsense style of parenting.

French children are allowed to handle difficult things themselves.     1     The early years are when they discover all the cool ways their new body works and how to use it. To encourage this autonomy, French parents treat children more like adults-in-training than helpless babies. They believe kids feel confident when they’re able to deal with things on their own.

Fearful of hurting feelings, American parents tend to praise every child for everything.     2     However, all that praise eventually turns out to be pointless. By contrast, French adults give children appropriate praise, thus allowing them to feel a true sense of achievement and take pride in what they learn.

Painful experiences are the best learning opportunities and sheltering children from this fact of life will merely delay their emotional development. French doctors never say “sorry” when giving kids shots. The French believe undergoing hurts, is part of life and that there’s no reason to apologize for that.     3    

Plus, the expectation of eye contact and a polite hello starts from the minute French children can say hello. They know saying “hello” and good manners are non-negotiable. Teaching them about that will benefit them for a lifetime.     4     Be patient with little ones as they learn.

All the above feels easier said than done, especially as a tired parent facing an intolerable child.     5     Your efforts will end up with children’s better behaviour overall.

A．They mean what they say.

B．This isn’t to say it’ll come easily.

C．It might save tears in the short term.

D．They wish children to suffer sometimes.

E．Bearing a few blow-ups is worthwhile, though.

F．Parents have to spare them such psychological discomfort.

G．“Me do it!” is little kids’ favorite phrase and for good reason.

9 . SparkLit Book Club

Book of the week

Kay’s Incredible Inventions by Adam Kay, illustrated by Henry Pake

This entertaining new book takes you on a trip through the history of the world’s most incredible inventions — from the first ever toilet to the story of how Velcro (魔术贴) was invented by a dog. Some of these inventions changed the world; others definitely did not. They’re all fascinating to read about, though,

Readers’ comments

It’s amazing to see how everyday occurrences sparked people’s creativity. The inventors’ creativity and determination inspire me to dream big and make my ideas alive. (Jeff Kinney, 16)

Win!

We have five copies of Kay’s Incredible Inventions to give away. For a chance to win a copy, just fill in the entry form at tinyurl.com/twj-books before the closing date of 20 March at 8 pm.

Readers’ recommendations

“The ghostly winter silence had given way to the great spring murmur of awakening life. This murmur arose from all the land, fraught with the joy of living.” (The Call of the Wild)

Jack London was born almost 150 years ago on 12 January 1876. His novel, The Call of the Wild, is the story of Buck, a dog who has an epic adventure with gold hunters in the wilds of northern Canada. A must-read for animal lovers and fans of adventure stories! It will keep you on the edge of your seat. (Alistair, 17)

On my shelf

Send a picture of your shelf showing the book titles clearly and tell us why you love them. Send it to hello@theweekjunior.co.uk with your name and age.

1. What do readers need to do to win a copy of Kay’s Incredible Inventions?

A．Fill in a form online as required.	B．Make a comment on the book.
C．Recommend a book to readers.	D．Send a photo to hello@theweekjunior.co.uk.

2. Who is the main character of the book by Jack London?

A．Jack, a writer.	B．Henry, a hunter.
C．Alistair, an animal lover.	D．Buck, a dog.

3. What can we learn about SparkLit Book Club?

A．It hosts a weekly reading salon among its readers.

B．It has chosen Kay’s book as the best for this week.

C．It regularly holds competitions among readers.

D．It requires readers to comment on their favorite books.

10 . “I don’t want to see that cat in our yard again,” my husband said as he shooed the beautiful cat back into the neighbor’s yard. “I don’t appreciate her cat ________ in our yard,” he insisted. Sighing, I sent off a quick________ to our sweet neighbor, Cheryl, informing her of my husband’s ________ of cats. “I’ll do my best,” she replied some time later, “but it’s kind of hard ________ where she goes when I let her outside.”

The following morning, John stood at the window in our bedroom. “You aren’t going to ________ this,” he said in a low voice. “Come look!” “Oh, my God!” I cried ________. Right in the center of our yard were two ________ groundhogs (土拨鼠). John raised the ________, and the two raced into the woods ________. That evening, I happened to glance out the window, only to see a big fat groundhog chewing on the flowers we’d planted. “Something’s got to be done!” John shouted. He surfed the Internet and looked up what ________ the groundhog could cause and how they could be ________. “The groundhogs do not like cats. That’s ________… in fact, they hate the ________ of soiled kitty litter. Um… why don’t you text Cheryl and let her know the cat ban has been ________?” I couldn’t help smiling to myself.

That evening, we spotted the sweet yellow cat in our yard searching mice. The groundhogs were nowhere to be ________. “It’s a beautiful evening, isn’t it?” My husband smiled as we sat on the sofa.

1.

A．hunting

B．appearing

C．dashing

D．rolling

2.

A．note

B．letter

C．mail

D．text

3.

A．affection

B．dislike

C．fancy

D．choice

4.

A．controlling

B．telling

C．ordering

D．persuading

5.

A．forget

B．miss

C．believe

D．catch

6.

A．in anger

B．in mess

C．in surprise

D．in caution

7.

A．enormous

B．cute

C．fierce

D．elegant

8.

A．curtain

B．glass

C．window

D．flag

9.

A．leisurely

B．quietly

C．proudly

D．directly

10.

A．damage

B．worry

C．disease

D．fault

11.

A．died off

B．taken off

C．laid off

D．driven off

12.

A．confusing

B．interesting

C．encouraging

D．disgusting

13.

A．feel

B．taste

C．smell

D．sound

14.

A．polished

B．removed

C．eased

D．resolved

15.

A．caught

B．seen

C．held

D．touched