1 . Summer Art Classes
Afro-Atlanlic Histories (Ages9-12)Students will explore storytelling through artworks and will highlight moments of their lives through their own artistic creations. Taught by artist Fernando Isai Garcia. Indoors, June 12-16.
Art & Ecology-Our Friends the Plants (Ages 6-8)Explore the fantastic world of plants! Let’s look at how artists have “used” plants, and been inspired by their colors and shapes. Combine art and science to learn about plants. Taught by artist Beatriz Jaramillo.
Outdoors, July10-14.Making Comics (Ages 10-14)
We’ll view, discuss, and sketch artworks to learn about different aspects of visual storytelling, and then, in the studio, we’ll continue to learn about storytelling while making our own comics. We know you’ve got a story to tell! Taught by artist Shannon Green. Indoors, July17-21.
Art in Action (Ages5 and under)Children will make art with a focus on the process as much as the results. We’ll explore bubble prints (泡泡印画) and blow painting. Come ready for an experience that will blow your artistic mind! Taught by artist Katie Lipsitt. Indoors, July 31-August 4.
1. When will the outdoor program take place?A.June 12-16. | B.July10-14. | C.July 17-21. | D.July31-August4. |
A.Art in Action. | B.Making Comics. |
C.Afro-Atlantic Histories. | D.Art Ecology-Our Friends the Plants. |
A.Blow painting. | B.Visual storytelling. |
C.Sketching art works. | D.Using plants to create art. |
Friends play a very important part in everyone’s life. Friendship
Some people call you their friends for the wrong reasons. These people are not really friends. They are superficial (表面的) only “friends” on the outside, not the inside where it counts. Superficial friends only want to be your friends if is to their advantage. True friends are there if you are rich or poor.
True fiends are most special. They are also difficult
3 . Last night my husband and I were walking when we saw a man bent over on the ground, crushing (碾碎) something with a rock. He was so focused on his
A.idea | B.task | C.hand | D.food |
A.discovered | B.learned | C.realized | D.wondered |
A.Finally | B.Suddenly | C.Immediately | D.Instead |
A.bought | B.saved | C.made | D.collected |
A.necessary | B.difficult | C.welcome | D.possible |
A.morning | B.noon | C.night | D.afternoon |
A.carefully | B.strictly | C.nervously | D.proudly |
A.pleased | B.satisfied | C.moved | D.puzzled |
A.disappointed | B.sorry | C.afraid | D.surprised |
A.deal | B.present | C.dream | D.decision |
Eradajere Oleita thinks she may have a solution
Chip eaters drop off their empty bags at two locations in Detroit: a print shop and a clothing store, where Oleita and other
It
Since its start in 2020, the Chip Bag Project
Sure,
5 . BOOKSHOPS IN ROME:A QUICK GUIDE
Rome has a handful of bookshops with only English language titles. Here is our list of the main bookshops offering books in English, from old to new titles.
Almost Corner Bookshop
The Almost Corner Bookshop in Trastevere has a wide collection of fiction (小说) works and also carries books on Roman history, art, culture, poetry and many other subjects.
Via del Moro 45, tel.065836942.
Anglo American
Centrally located near the Spanish Steps, the Anglo American Bookshop only carries books in English but on request can order books in other languages. The shop has recently moved, just down the street.
Via della Vite 27, tel. 066795222.
Open Door
The Open Door Bookshop is a small shop that specialises in buying and selling quality second-hand and old books in English, Italian, French, German and Spanish, as well as some new books.
Via della Lungaretta 23, tel. 065896478.
The Little Reader
This children’s English bookshop in the Esquilino area of Rome collects books from babies to teens in English and Italian. It also has a local cafe (咖啡馆) and garden and offers a regular (定期的) programme of reading events and activities for children and their parents.
Via Conte Verde 66b, tel. 0687784678.
1. In which bookshop can you learn more about Roman history?A.Almost Corner Bookshop. | B.Anglo American. |
C.Open Door. | D.The Little Reader. |
A.065836942. | B.066795222. | C.065896478. | D.0687784678. |
A.Eat Spanish food. | B.Read books in French. |
C.Enjoy reading activities. | D.Take Italian language courses. |
6 . Traditions are customs and beliefs that form a part of our culture. They are practiced to remind us of our history and are passed down from generation to generation. Some traditions are interesting and widespread, while others are quite strange and practiced only by a small group of people. Continue reading to dig more into some interesting traditions from around the world.
Smigus Dyngus in PolandAlso known as “Wet Monday”, Smigus Dyngus is a unique tradition practiced in Poland, where people throw water at each other. It is celebrated annually on Easter Monday. The traditional way to do it is for boys to throw water at girls, and it is believed that the girl who receives the most water has the greatest chance of getting married.
Hanging coffins (棺椁) in Sagada, the PhilippinesThere is an old tradition in Sagada where people hang their coffins in stone caves. It was carried out by the Igorot tribe (部落) of Mountain Province. The people there believe this custom prevents large animals from taking the dead bodies, and also purifies or blesses the departed soul.
The Polterabend custom in GermanyFamily members and friends of future married couples meet at dinner, and break a lot of porcelain (瓷器). The couple is then asked to clean up the entire mess. This is supposedly to teach them the importance of unity and hard work, and bring good luck. Germans think this tradition is essential in making marriages last a lifetime.
Boryeong Mud Festival in the ROKThe Boryeong Mud Festival in the ROK is a fascinating and unique celebration that draws crowds from around the world. It is a major cultural event, attracting over a million visitors annually. People participate in various mud-related activities, including mud baths, mud wrestling and even a mud marathon. The festival features live music, food stalls, and wonderful street performances.
1. Why are the coffins hung in caves in Sagada?A.To pray for good luck. |
B.To protect the dead bodies. |
C.To ensure a future reunion. |
D.To conserve more land resources. |
A.Smigus Dyngus. |
B.Hanging coffins in Sagada. |
C.The Polterabend custom. |
D.Boryeong Mud Festival. |
A.Throw water at girls. |
B.Learn about Igorot culture. |
C.Meet famous people. |
D.Enjoy mud baths. |
7 . The Best Art Competitions to Enter in 2024
Watermedia Showcase
Watermedia Showcase is back for its 15th year! Showcase your best watercolor art in this exciting competition. All winners and honorable mentions will have their works featured in the magazine. First prize winners will receive an additional $2,500 cash prize and a free Artists Network Membership. Entry fee is $45 ($30 before February 6, 2024).
Closing Date: April 11, 2024.
Jackson’s Painting Prize
Jackson’s Painting Prize was created to reward original art created with oil paints. A $7,500 total cash prize will be equally divided between the first three winning artists. There are also awards for emerging artists and best oil paintings. Winners will be given an opportunity to have their works shown in an exhibition. Entry fee is $35 per entry.
Closing Date: March 1, 2024.
The Strokes of Genius Contest
Open to artists in the United States and Canada, this contest celebrates original drawings made in pencil, charcoal, pen and ink, colored pencil and so on. Top prize is $3,500. Winning entries will be published in a special edition of The Best of Drawing. Entry fee is $45.
Closing Date: April 29, 2024.
The Sunny Art Prize
Contestants can submit works made in a diverse range of media, including drawing, sculpture, printmaking, video art, and photography. Top prize winner receives $6,000 and a silver medal. Open to artists worldwide aged 18 and over. Entry fee is $40 for one artwork.
Closing Date: June 30, 2024.
1. What is the final deadline for the submission of watercolor works?A.April 11. | B.March 1. | C.February 6. | D.April 29. |
A.A silver medal. | B.A free membership. |
C.A chance to exhibit his entry. | D.A qualification to publish his work. |
A.It charges the least for each artwork. | B.It is most popular with emerging artists. |
C.It is open to artists based in North America. | D.It accepts entries in multiple types of media. |
8 . Of all the Chinese 24 solar terms, Clear and Bright (清明) is the only one whose first day is also a traditional Chinese festival, the Qingming Festival. The words “clear” and “bright” describe the weather during this period. Temperatures begin to rise and rainfall increases, making it an important time for growing crops in the spring. As is known, it is a time to worship ancestors, however, here are several things you may not know about Clear and Bright.
Spring Outings
Not only is it a period to honor the dead, but it is also time for people to go out and enjoy nature. As trees turn green, flowers blossom, and the sun shines brightly, everything returns to life. It is a fine time to appreciate the beauty of nature.
Flying Kites
Flying kites is an activity favored by many Chinese during Tomb-Sweeping Day. Kites are not only flown during the day time but also in the evening. Little lanterns are tied to the kites. And when the kites are flying in the sky, the lanterns look like twinkling stars at night. What makes flying kites during this day special is that people cut the string while the kite is in the sky to let it fly freely. It is said that this brings good luck and that diseases can be chased away by doing this.
Cuju
Cuju is an interesting game played during this period. Ju is a ball made of leather with hairs plugged in it. Legend has it that the Yellow Emperor first invented it for training warriors. Later, Cuju was used by people to build up their bodies when they were unable to eat hot food during the Cold Food Festival.
Feasting on Qingtuan
In the lower parts of the Yangtze River region, qingtuan is very popular on Tomb-Sweeping Day. Qingtuan is a kind of round green cake. In order to make the cakes, people mash (捣碎) barnyard grass (艾草) to squeeze juice from it and mix the flour and juice to a paste. Then they put fillings into the paste and steam them. Pretty and delicate, qingtuan has a special flavor.
1. What is special about flying kites during Clear and Bright?A.Flying kites with lanterns in the evening. |
B.Flying kites to bring good luck. |
C.Cutting the kite string to let it fly freely. |
D.Flying kites both in the daytime and at night. |
A.Clear and Bright is an important period for farming. |
B.Qingtuan is traditionally eaten during the period of Clear and Bright all over China. |
C.Cuju was invented by the Yellow Emperor to play in the Qingming Festival. |
D.Clear and Bright is one of the 24 solar terms whose first day is also a traditional Chinese festival. |
A.How to celebrate the Qingming Festival. |
B.Flying kites in a special way. |
C.Ways to have fun during Clear and Bright. |
D.Some unknown customs about Clear and Bright. |
9 . As Christmas Eve approached, I found myself in New York City, far from my family and friends in Taiwan. I was feeling homesick and lonely, but my Jewish friend, Rachel, who, like me, doesn’t get connected with Christmas due to any religious things, invited me to join her for a dinner in a Chinese restaurant. She explained that it was a tradition for many Jewish people to celebrate this holiday by eating Chinese food on Christmas Eve.
We went to Jing Fong, a fancy restaurant in Chinatown. The place was packed with people, and the atmosphere was lively and festive. We ordered a variety of dishes. Everything was delicious, and I felt grateful to be sharing this experience with Rachel. As we ate, we talked about our families and our cultures. We laughed and joked, and for a moment, I forgot about my homesickness.
A moment later, a group of carolers (唱圣诞歌的人) came into the restaurant, singing Christmas songs. At first, I was puzzled. Why were they singing in a Chinese restaurant? But then I realized that this was part of the magic of New York City. People from all different cultures and backgrounds could come together and celebrate the holidays in their own way. Rachel and I joined in the singing, and soon the whole restaurant was filled with music. It was a beautiful moment, and I felt blessed to be part of it.
What a night! I learned that even when you’re far from home, you can still find joy and connection with others. Rachel and I may come from different cultures, but we shared amazing food, joyful music, and most importantly heartfelt company. And that’s exactly what all the holidays are all about.
1. Why did Rachel invite the author to join her for dinner?A.To show respect to God |
B.To celebrate Christmas in the Jewish way |
C.To share stories about their families |
D.To forget about their homesickness |
A.Fearful | B.Joyful |
C.Disappointed | D.Confused |
A.By focusing on religious traditions |
B.By celebrating with family and friends |
C.By enjoying a variety of festive dishes |
D.By embracing diverse ways of celebration |
A.A personal blog | B.A commercial promotion brochure |
C.A travel guide of New York | D.An academic article |
10 . The Internet plays a big part in human life. We use it for work and entertainment. We can find new recipes on the Internet or advice on staying healthy. We can even use it to learn a new language and connect with family and friends.
As far as the Internet being a part of our lives —well, that train has left the station. This expression means there is no going back to an Internet-free life. But can using the Internet too much be bad for our health? It might be, say researchers.
A new study finds that heavy Internet use may be connected to high blood pressure in an unlikely group— teenagers. The study results show that teens who spend at least 14 hours a week online were more likely to have high blood pressure. High blood pressure can cause heart and kidney (肾) disease. It is also closely linked to some forms of dementia (痴呆), a brain disease. Dementia is marked by memory disorders, personality changes, and a reduced ability to reason.
The Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan did the study. 335 young people from 14 to 17 years old participated in it. One hundred and thirty-four of the teens were described as “heavy Internet users.” Researchers found that out of these 134 teens, 26 had high blood pressure.
The lead researcher of the study is Andrea Cassidy-Bushrow. In a statement she said, “Using the Internet is part of our daily life but it shouldn’t consume us.” For the purpose of the study, she explains, teens considered heavy Internet users were online on “average 25 hours a week.” Ms. Cassidy-Bushrow adds that it is important for teens to take “regular breaks from their computers or smartphones” and to do some “kind of physical activity.”
1. Which of the following statements is closest in the meaning to the underlined sentence in Paragraph 2?A.The train has stopped at the wrong station. |
B.There is something wrong with the train. |
C.Life without the Internet is nowhere to be found. |
D.The train has changed its course. |
A.will remember everything clearly | B.will change his character |
C.will develop a brain cancer | D.can do analysis accurately |
A.40% | B.19% | C.25% | D.7% |
A.The Internet Does Harm to the Study. |
B.Too Much Internet May Be Bad for Teenagers. |
C.We Should Stop Using the Internet. |
D.High Blood Pressure Is around the Comer. |