1 .
The Everyman
Watt
A wide-eyed stranger gets down from a country train. The destination（目的地）：Mr Knott’s house. The task: to serve. The story of a manservant in the home of his unseen master, Samuel Beckett’s 1953 novel comes to the stage in a one-man production starring one of the greatest interpreters（演绎的人）of the writer in the world—Barry McGovern．
Dates: Mar 10-12
Tel: 021 450 1673
Kilkenny
Queen of Technicolour—The Story of Maureen O’Hara
This one-woman show marks the centenary（一百周年）of Irish actress Maureen O’Hara who was born in 1920. Star of Hollywood’s golden age, she played roles that often showed her true character as a tough and courageous woman. Written and performed by Elaine O’Dwyer, this is a journey with Maureen, showing the person she was behind the stage．
Date: Mar 21
Tel: 056 776 1674
Town Hall Theatre
3 Hail Mary’s
A comedy taking Ireland by storm, 3 Hail Mary’s centres on three characters named Mary who have lived in a nursing home together for over 10 years and have become great friends. However, they are being moved to three separate nursing homes. The play is set around their last few hours together as they decide to celebrate them in style．
Dates: Mar 19-21
Tel: 091 569 777
Cork Arts Theatre
Julia
Presented by the Polish Arts Festival, Julia is the story of a women’s journey into her inner self through her life experiences. Her feelings onstage are shown in the form of a dancer and the voice of the soul is revealed by singing and music. The performance is bilingual (Polish-English). Also at the Cork Arts Theatre: Beyond the Curtain Mar 30-Apr 1
Date: Mar 22
Tel: 021 450 5624
1. Where is the performance that is based on a novel showed?| A．The Everyman． | B．Kilkenny． |
| C．Town Hall Theatre． | D．Cork Arts Theatre． |
| A．091 569 777． | B．021 450 5624． |
| C．021 450 1673． | D．056 776 1674． |
| A．It will be showed in April． |
| B．It is performed in two languages． |
| C．It invites Polish musicians to play the music． |
| D．It is created based on the performers’ experiences． |
2 . As I stuck in the mud (泥), with my bike on top of me, I wondered what had forced me to come here. Madagascar is not a good place for a cycling holiday: one of the world's poorest countries, only 11 percent of roadway is paved (铺). South of the town of Antalaha, where I started, the road was in worse condition.
I appeared from a week in the wilderness and reached the start of the Route National 5 at Maroantsetra, but my dream of a smooth road and speed was suddenly destroyed by mud. The "worst road in the country" changed my bicycle into a burden (负担) for days. Finally, I was claimed by the road. Tired. Alone.
As I wiped (擦) the mud from my face and looked upwards, I was greeted by a Malagasy man. He helped me stand up and smiled playfully while he pointed to my bike, which sat next to his. I started again. But I fell again in the mud. Angrily, I told him to go on, but if he understood he showed no sign of it. His smile forced me back onto the bike. We continued like this for hours. But I fell less. Studying my quick guide, slowly I learned. As we passed through a village, a group of children saw me and shouted loudly. His only words were: "Their parents tell them while people steal and eat them. Funny, no?"
I tried to ask why, but he had already set off. I tried to catch up; as I got closer, he took it as a challenge and sped up. We raced along the road. I rode a little faster and I was just behind, about to catch up with him. With a smile, he sped up and was away, leaving me breathless.
1. What was in the author's mind when he was in the mud?| A．He considered his experience a special pleasure. |
| B．He made up his mind to continue challenging himself. |
| C．He tried to think out a new road for cycling in Antalaha. |
| D．He regretted having the cycling holiday in Madagascar. |
| A．The author chose another road. |
| B．The author decided to ask for help. |
| C．The author lay on the road for a rest. |
| D．The author had no confidence to ride on. |
| A．By showing him the right way. |
| B．By wiping the mud from his bike. |
| C．By riding in front of him all the way. |
| D．By teaching him how to ride in the mud. |
| A．A lonely trip |
| B．A bicycle race |
| C．A lesson in cycling |
| D．A road in Madagascar |
3 . Female journalists who changed the world
Helen Thomas
Helen was a White House reporter who had a front row seat of history as she interviewed ten American presidents across her career. She was praised for her cruel drive, with one White House press secretary describing her questioning as torture(拷问). Her refusal to hide her strong opinions, even when asking questions to a president, made her one of the best-known journalists in Washington and a rule in her field.
Marie Colvin
The passionate and award-winning American journalist Marie Colvin worked as a foreign reporter at The Sunday Times from 1985 until she died in February 2012, while covering the Siege of Homs(霍姆斯的围攻) in Syria. Marie crossed into Syria on the back of a motorcycle, ignoring the Syrian government’s attempt to prevent foreign journalists from entering the country.
Mary Garber
In 1946, sports journalism was a man's job where female sports writers weren't allowed to enter press boxes. Mary Garber changed that by paving the way for female sports writers. She first covered high school sports and then reported on college athletics. In June 2005, she became the first woman to receive the Associated Press Sports Editors' Red Smith Award, presented annually since 1981 for major contributions to sports journalism.
Ann Leslie
Few reporters have filed stories from more than 70 countries, but British journalist Ann Leslie is considered a unique force in journalism. Because the 73-year-old woman has witnessed and reported on some of the most significant events of the late 20th century. She was there when the Berlin Wall came down, and she lost her shoes in the crush waiting for Nelson Mandela's release.
1. What do we know about Helen from Paragraph 1?| A．She made friends with ten American presidents. |
| B．She liked to make her strong opinions known. |
| C．She often got into trouble due to her questions. |
| D．She was regarded as the best journalist in America. |
| A．was a very brave woman |
| B．enjoyed riding a motorcycle |
| C．was awarded by the Syrian government |
| D．was killed by the Syrian government |
| A．Helen Thomas. | B．Marie Colvin. | C．Mary Garber. | D．Ann Leslie. |
4 . A farmer had a cow. He took very good care of this cow and one day when it was ill, he was very worried. He telephoned the vet.
“What’s the problem?” The vet asked him when he arrived.
“My cow’s ill,” the farmer said. “I don’t know what’s the matter with her. She’s lying down and won’t eat. She’s making a strange noise.”
The vet looked over the cow. “She’s certainly ill,” he said, “and she needs to take some very strong medicine.”
He took a bottle out of his box, put two pills into his hand and said, “Give her these. The pills should make her better.”
“How should I give them to her?” the farmer asked.
The vet gave him a tube (管子)and said, “Put this tube in her mouth, then put the pills in the tube and blow. That’ ll make it.”
The next day the vet came to the farm again. The farmer was sitting outside his house and looked more worried.
“How’s your cow?” the vet asked.
“No change,” the farmer said, “and I’m feeling very strange myself.”
“Oh?” the vet said, “Why?”
“I did what you said,” the farmer answered. “I put the tube in the cow’s mouth and then put two pills down it.”
“And?” the vet asked.
“The cow blew first,” the farmer said.
1. In the story, the vet must be _________.| A．the farmer’s friend | B．a milk factory |
| C．a hospital for cows | D．a doctor for animals |
| A．couldn’t lie down | B．didn’t eat the pills |
| C．couldn’t make any noise | D．was ill |
| A．The farmer ate the pills himself. |
| B．The cow got better after taking the medicine. |
| C．The vet came to help farmer change the cow the next day. |
| D．The farmer waited for the vet outside his house the next day. |
5 . Visiting Washington, D.C. is not a waste of your time and money. There are many destinations in Washington, D.C. that you can include in your journey, which make your travel to this great city worth your time and money. Here are some notable attractions that the city can offer.
Smithsonian Institution
It is the image of 19th sandstone called Castle. This is an institution that has got more than nine museums. A one-day tour is not enough to cover it all. The best places to visit are Air and Space Museum and Museum of Natural History.
Jefferson Memorial
This place houses the 19-foot statue of America’s third president. In addition, there are some writings in the wall like Declaration of Independence and some Jefferson’s writings.
Michel Richard Citronelle
This famous chef got a restaurant at the heart of Washington, D.C. He prepares wonderful dishes to dignitaries who frequent this place. It is not only about attractive menu, but the service is professional. The multi-course is accompanied with wine. The restaurant’s wine cellar houses thousands of bottles.
Mandarin Oriental
This is a taste of Asia in the district. The hotel amenities (设施) are world class with pool and spas. The restaurant shows the city’s view on a flat screen TV and the rooms have Internet access.
The White house
It should not be missed. It is one of the most significant buildings in the city. Its architecture is grand and suits the city’s landscape. There are guided tours that you can join in.
Twins Jazz
If you want to enjoy jazz music, this is the place to be. You can hear grassroots musicians play. The food is also good.
1. What can you visit in Smithsonian Institution?| A．Castles. | B．Museums | C．Statues | D．Restaurants |
| A．Taste Asian food. | B．Cook delicious dishes. |
| C．Enjoy good food and service. | D．Swim and enjoy free Wifi. |
| A．Jefferson Memorial | B．Mandarin Oriental | C．The White House. | D．Twins Jazz |
The Point of Woods Laboratory and Parenting Clinic at Stony Brook University is seeking volunteers for a research study that offers free help for mothers who are having difficulty managing their challenging2-3 year old kids. To obtain more information and to find out if you may qualify, call the Parenting Study at (631)632-7874
Women's Heart Health series
The Stony Brook Heart Center is presenting a lunchtime symposium (座谈会) focusing on heart diseases in women.
The symposium, which is free of charge, begins on Thursday June 13h from 12: 00 am to 1:00 pm, lecture hall 6.
Lunch will be provided and pre-registration is required. The series will continue on Thursday July 11th and Thursday August 15th. To register or find out more information, call 632-7415.
Summer Camp at Stony Brook June 24- August 16
The Summer Camp at Stony Brook is back for its third exciting year. The Camp combines a unique twist of educational activities and athletics for children between the ages of 5-12. Tuition includes provision of a camp T-shirt, as well as a hot lunch and snacks each day. For more information please call the Camp office at 632-4550.
Visit our website at www.stonybrook.edu/daycamp.10% Discount on Tuition for Stony Brook Staff Members.
1. What does the writer of this passage intend to do?| A．To attract readers under 12 |
| B．To provide choices of after-school activities |
| C．To make an announcement for Stony Brook |
| D．To persuade people to became the member of Stony Brook |
| A．632-7415 | B．632-4550 |
| C．632-7874 | D．(631)632-7874 |
| A．can take part in the lunch symposium on Thursday June 13th without making an appointment |
| B．should pay for the advice from Woods Laboratory and Parenting Clinic on how to care for2-3 year olds |
| C．need only to pay 90% of the fees if their children participate in the summer camp |
| D．will have their heart examined in the clinic free of charge |
7 . When I was in my first year of high school, I had a terrible time when every area of my life was a disaster. I felt so hopeless and alone that I thought everything was impossible.
On one such day, I was walking from class across the school to catch the school bus home, with my head down, fighting tears of total hopelessness, when a young man came down the sidewalk toward me. Though I had never seen him before, I did not want him to see that I was in such low spirits, so I turned my head away and hoped to hurry past. I thought he'd walk on by, but he moved until he was directly in front of me, waited until I looked up, and then smiled.
Looking into my eyes, this stranger spoke in a quiet voice："Whatever is wrong will pass. You're going to be OK, just hang on." He then smiled again and walked away.
I can't explain the effect of that man's unexpected kindness and caring! He gave me the one thing that I'd lost completely—hope. I looked for him in our school to thank him, but never saw him again.
That was thirty years ago. And I've never forgotten that moment. Over the years, whenever I see someone who is in trouble, I will always think of that young man and try to give a flash of hope in the dark wherever I can. I carry things for people when they are too heavy for them, sit with naughty babies in the waiting room while their mothers are busy, or talk to tired couples at the checkout line or it could be anything.
If you keep your head up, your heart will show you the place that needs hope.
1. Where did the writer meet with the young man？
| A．In the school. | B．In the school bus. | C．In the classroom. | D．In the library. |
| A．had known the young man for a long time |
| B．made friends with the young man afterwards |
| C．was grateful to that young man very much |
| D．avoided meeting the young man since then |
| A．show his sympathy to those who are badly ill |
| B．give others hope of life when they are in trouble |
| C．realize his promise made to the young man |
| D．get respect from those who were helped by him |
| A．the young man always tried his best to help those who were in trouble |
| B．it was the young man's smile and words that made the author feel hopeful |
| C．the author had never been praised by others before he met with the young man |
| D．the author traveled to a lot of places to look for the young man but failed |
8 . Traffic Accidents and Road Safety
The number of road accidents and the deaths arising from those accidents has increased greatly over the past year.
We must all be aware of the causes of traffic accidents and act to prevent them. This is true of everyone as accidents affect driven of vehicles as well as cyclists and pedestrians. We all have a responsibility to prevent accidents. Here are some of the major causes of road accidents.
●Driven not paying attention
This is the most common cause of accidents.
●Drivers being impatient in a traffic jam
Many drivers are aggressive and push into other paths of traffic or overtake other cars. These are both very dangerous because they can easily lead to crashes.
●
Recently the number of people fined for speaking on their mobile phoned while driving has increased by 30 percent. Speaking on the phone requires concentration and takes a driver's attention from the road.
●Drinking and driving
If you drive after you have had alcoholic drinks, you are breaking the law and risking your own life as well as the lives of others
●Drivers speeding
Speed kills This is a fact that is easily overlooked, but driving too fast through city streets is very irresponsible and dangerous. Our city streets are away busy with people, cars and bicycles.
| A．Road safety for pedestrians |
| B．Divers speaking on mobile phones |
| C．Drivers must watch out for people crossing the road |
| D．Unless driver's drinking alcohol is absolutely banned |
| E．When drives do not pay attention to surrounding traffic |
| F．If you are with someone she who has been drinking alcohol |
| G．This notice is aimed at increasing people's awareness of the problem |
9 . The University of Sheffield
Back to its origin
The University of Sheffield is a research university in the city of Sheffield in South Yorkshire, England. It is one of the original “red brick” universities, which are a group of top and famous old universities. The University of Sheffield was originally formed by the combination of three colleges. The Sheffield School of Medicine was founded in 1828, followed in 1879 by the opening of Firth College by Mark Firth, a steel manufacturer (制造商), to teach arts and science subjects. Firth College then helped to provide money for the opening of the Sheffield Technical School in 1884 to teach applied science. In 1897 the three institutions were joined together to form the University College of Sheffield, which in turn became the University of Sheffield by Royal Charter (特许) in 1905. This university is famous for its good education and boasts a number of Nobel Prize winners among its former students.
More information
System: The University has five departments: Arts and Humanities; Engineering; Pure Science; Social Sciences; Medicine, Dentistry and Health. Sheffield also has many research programs in fields including aerospace, environmental science, psychology, and biology.
City show: Sheffield is a lively city in the north of England. Sheffield is known as the greenest city in Europe because of its 2 million trees. As a result, there are many parks and woods throughout the city and beyond. Sheffield is the greenest city in England with 150 woodlands and 50 public parks within the city. Once, in Sheffield, the folk hero—Robin Hood lived in Sherwood Forest with 150 of his loyal friends. And Charlotte Bronte, the English writer noted for her novel Jane Eyre was born in Sheffield.
1. Sheffield is in the of England.| A．east | B．west |
| C．south | D．north |
| A．It has a good fame for many great graduates. |
| B．It has a long history of more than 180 years. |
| C．It is one member of “red brick” universities. |
| D．It owns different departments and research programs. |
| A．Sheffield has very beautiful scenery. |
| B．Charlotte Bronte is an English writer. |
| C．Sheffield is the biggest city of England. |
| D．Robin Hood is a character in Jane Eyre. |
| http://www.TalkingPoints.com/ | |
| Stuck on a desert island? | |
| Started on 23rd April by Steve Posts 1 – 7 of 42 | |
| Post 1 Steve USA | Hi, everyone. What would you miss most and least if you were stuck on a desert island? For me, it would be the changing seasons in New England. I guess this will sound stupid but I’d probably miss the rain, too. I wouldn’t miss getting up at six every day to go to work, though! What about you? |
| Post 2 Tomas Germany | Good question. Steve, I think I’d miss different types of bread, and shopping at the supermarket. I’d miss the food most. What would I miss least? My mobile phone---I’d like to be completely quiet --- at least for a little while |
| Post 3 Paola Italy | I would miss the company of people because I know I’d like to have someone to share experiences with. I’d go mad on my own. And I sure wouldn’t miss junk mail(垃圾邮件) --- I hate coming home every evening and a pile of junk mail in my post box. |
| Post 4 Miko Japan | Hi, I would miss Manga cartoon, the internet and Japanese food, like sushi. I’d also miss TV shows and shopping for clothes… In fact, I’d miss everything. |
| Post 5 Roger UK | I would miss my daily newspaper and listening to the news on TV and radio. I’d feel very cut off if I didn’t know what was happening in the world. What I’d miss least would be traffic jams in the city, particularly my journey to work. |
| Post 6 Jayne | Why hasn’t anyone mentioned their family? I’d be lost without my husband and two kids. They’re the most important for me. And I can’t get started in the morning without a cup of black coffee. I wouldn’t miss doing the housework! |
| Post 7 Jaime Mexico | It would have to be music. I couldn’t live without my music. I wouldn’t miss going to school at all or doing homework! |
1. Who would miss his or her family most?
| A．Jaime | B．Jayne | C．Miko | D．Paola. |
| A．Steve. | B．Jaime | C．Roger. | D．Tomas |
| A．One | B．Two | C．Three | D．Four |
