1 . Pursuing education abroad opens up many opportunities for international students. However, one of the struggles they face when deciding where to study is the affordability of the city and the schools there. Here are five affordable cities to study and live in.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Oklahoma City remains one of the more affordable cities to purchase a house with only 26.49 percent of residents’ income spent on living expenses. Whether you are looking for English language programs or seeking a degree, Oklahoma City has a lot to offer. Check out The Language Company and Oklahoma State University for affordable options to learn English or degree programs.
Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis is the capital of the state of Indiana in the Midwest. Residents spend only 25.24 percent of their income on living expenses. University options include the University of Indianapolis, Marian University, and Butler University.
Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City and surrounding areas remain quite affordable with residents spending 25.78 percent of their income on housing, utilities, and other household utilities. Here are affordable universities such as Utah State University, University of Utah, and Snow College.
Des Moines, Iowa
Residents spend only 23.8 percent of their household income on living expenses. With a booming economy, Des Moines is an ideal city for international students to study and experience American culture. Drake University is an option in Des Moines.
Buffalo, New York
Located in upstate New York, the city of Buffalo provides international students with quality education. Residents spend 25.54 percent of their household income on housing and utilities. International students will not only be able to experience American culture in Buffalo but they're only minutes from Canada.
1. What influences international students’ choice of university according to the passage?| A．The popularity of the university. | B．The distance from their hometown. |
| C．The size and economy of the city. | D．The affordability of the city and university. |
| A．Buffalo, New York. | B．Des Moines, lowa. | C．Salt Lake City, Utah. | D．Indianapolis, Indiana. |
| A．Because it is very beautiful. | B．Because it has top universities. |
| C．Because it is quite close to Canada. | D．Because it has friendly people. |
When I was ten years old, on a family vacation to Las Vegas, I felt very uncomfortable. I was immediately taken to the hospital. It turned out that I had a big stroke(中风). It made me no longer able to talk, read, write and understand what anyone was saying to me. The entire right side of my body had no feeling.
I stayed in the hospital for months. There I met my favorite doctor. Her last visit was the most important visit of all. She sent me a box as a gift. Inside was a little toy figure of a soldier. She said, “He’s a fighter. You should be like him, David. As long as you try to be him, you can triumph over your illness at last.” She moved her arms as she was fighting to help me understand.
The next few years’ fighting was really hard. I went to lots of speech and physical treatments. I did learn to walk again, but my right arm remained unable to feel anything. Slowly, I learned to talk again. I started with one syllable(音节)-then more. It allowed me to go to a special school. But I couldn’t even spell my own name. Everything was about language and letters. Talking was hard. So was reading. I was sad. But I was still intelligent. Eventually, I decided to let life move on and do something for other stroke survivors.
To help them, I founded a nonprofit organization. I wrote a book on stroke recovery, which has become a guide for stroke survivors and their family members. To help people like me, I also keep speaking at national conferences and hospitals about how to better recover from the disease. Recently, I was invited to speak at a stroke conference to doctors and patients and tell my story.
Today, I can walk, run, and drive. But I still can’t use my right arm. However, there are so many things I can do. The fight to recover is hard. I’ll never, ever give up.
1. What happened to the author when he was ten years old?(No more than 10 words)2. What does the underlined part in Paragraph 2 mean?(1 word)
3. Why was the author sad in the special school? (No more than 10 words)
4. What’s Paragraph 4 mainly about?(No more than 10 words)
5. What do you think of the author? Please explain.(No more than 20 words)
3 . Steve Sanders is a dad who suffered from a serious kidney (肾) disease. Although he had been living a
One day, Chris, a local shopper,
Chris filled out the paperwork and
Once the hospital showed his kidney was a
| A．busy | B．rich | C．simple | D．healthy |
| A．coming about | B．going down | C．taking off | D．showing up |
| A．fund | B．competition | C．search | D．plan |
| A．doubts | B．responses | C．permissions | D．ranges |
| A．but | B．until | C．so | D．if |
| A．support | B．forgive | C．blame | D．believe |
| A．agree | B．understand | C．fail | D．forget |
| A．recognized | B．discovered | C．cheated | D．contacted |
| A．Similarly | B．Hopelessly | C．Fortunately | D．Strangely |
| A．comfort | B．panic | C．shock | D．mistake |
| A．brave | B．willing | C．proud | D．lucky |
| A．changed | B．heard | C．noticed | D．started |
| A．examine | B．remember | C．repeat | D．practice |
| A．honest | B．positive | C．caring | D．patient |
| A．see | B．show | C．advertise | D．ignore |
| A．character | B．blow | C．pain | D．fit |
| A．secretly | B．regularly | C．immediately | D．generally |
| A．reward | B．generosity | C．creativity | D．carefulness |
| A．owing | B．promising | C．teaching | D．serving |
| A．famous | B．successful | C．adventurous | D．difficult |
4 . MONTREAL PLANETARIUM
Step into Montreal Planetarium (天文馆) with its special design and cutting-edge exhibition rooms. Montreal Planetarium houses two exhibition rooms for two unique experiences. Each double bill, with live explanations by a science educator, takes audiences to a voyage far from planet Earth, full of impressive exhibitions and presentations!
DOUBLE FEATURE SHOWS
(AGES 7 AND UP)
Includes a presentation on tonight’s sky.
Length: 75 min
To celebrate its 5th anniversary, Montreal Planetarium is presenting original shows that have been visitor favorites since it opened.
Exhibition Room 1
CONTINUUM (宇宙无限性)
From the unlimited small to the unlimited large, a cosmic(宇宙的) expression on the connection between humankind and the Universe.
Directors: Michel Lemieux and Victor Pilon
Music: Philip Glass
AURORAE(极光)
Under the sky full of stars in Yellowknife, the audiences have a front-row seat on the magical spectacle of the aurora, the Northern Lights.
Produced by: Montreal Space for Life
Director: Philippe Baylaucq and Sebastien Gauthier
Music: DJ Champion
Exhibition Room 2
COSMIC COLLISIONS(碰撞)
These sometimes-explosive encounters may have not only ended the age of the dinosaurs but also given to new stars. Come discover the forces that continue to shape our Universe.
Produced by: the American Museum of Natural History (USA), together with the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, GOTO Inc, and the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum.
EXO (外来生物)
Are we alone in the Universe? As thousands of planets are being found outside our solar system, can the discovery of life elsewhere be far off? A presentation on tonight’s sky follows the show.
Produced by: Montreal Space for Life
Director: Sebastien Gauthier
1. How many exhibition rooms are there in Montreal Planetarium?| A．2. | B．3. | C．4. | D．5. |
| A．They both discover the planets outside solar system. |
| B．They are both produced by Montreal Space for Life. |
| C．They are both directed by Philippe Baylaucq. |
| D．They both give birth to new stars. |
| A．The meeting between dinosaurs changed the Universe. |
| B．The stars disappear because of the Northern Lights. |
| C．The shows last one hour and fifteen minutes. |
| D．Tonight’s presentation is before the show. |
| A．A terrible tradition. | B．An impressive view. |
| C．An ordinary response. | D．A disappointing expression. |
| A．To attract people to visit Montreal Planetarium. |
| B．To teach people some knowledge about the Earth. |
| C．To celebrate the 6th birthday of Montreal Planetarium. |
| D．To encourage six-year-old children to explore the Universe. |
5 . One of the best-known American writers of children’s books is Alfred Strong, or Doctor Strong, as he is better known to readers everywhere. Now, an art show called “Doctor Strong From Then to Now” is travelling around the United States. The pictures and drawings show the history of Doctor Strong.
Doctor Strong first became famous almost fifty years ago when his first children’s book was published. Since then, he has written forty-five books that have sold more than one hundred million copies around the world.
Doctor Strong’s books are known for their easy use of words and colorful, hand-drawn pictures. These drawings bring life to his imaginary creatures. The Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, and hundreds of others.
The San Diego Museum, in California, organized the art show. It included about three hundred Doctor Strong’s original drawings and some of his writings.
Most of Doctor Strong’s books, although written in a funny way, have serious messages. For example, in Mc Elligot’s Pool, he describes the danger of pollution. He discusses the arms race in The Butter Battle Book, written in nineteen eighty-four.
Doctor Strong is almost eighty-four years old now. He says he never planned to write stories just for children. He says he writes stories that interest people of all ages. He says he uses easy words so that everyone, even a child, can understand.
1. Doctor Strong is a famous ________in the United States.| A．doctor | B．artist | C．writer | D．reader. |
| A．his eighties when an art show was travelling around the United States |
| B．his fifties when his drawings and writings were published |
| C．nineteen eighty-four wen his book MeEligor’s Pool was published |
| D．his thirties when his first book was published |
| A．they are stories about animals such as cats, elephants and so on |
| B．they are written in easy words with colourful pictures |
| C．he organized the art show in California |
| D．they are written in a funny way |
| A．unreal | B．interesting | C．lively | D．terrible |
| A．to show his original pictures and drawings |
| B．to organize a special art show of his own |
| C．to make his readers laugh or smile when they read his books |
| D．not only to interest people but to expose some serious social problems |
Gary McKee ran 365 marathons in as many days to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support and Hospice at Home West Cumbria.
Gary McKee, 53, from Cleator Moor in Cumbria raised his arms in victory and was cheered by a crowd of supporters as he completed his 365th marathon of the year on New Year’s Eve. As of 4 pm on Saturday, he had raised more than £ 890,000 for the charities Macmillan Cancer Support and Hospice at Home West Cumbria, just shy of (缺少) his £1 million fundraising target. The father of three has gone through 22 pairs of sports shoes and has run 9,563 miles in rain, snow and sunshine to raise money for the charities.
“The support has been amazing and it always is and the West Cumbrians get behind us, but cancer affects everybody so it isn’t just a West Cumbrian thing, it’s a national thing,” said Gary. “I just hope that people do get behind us and we do raise those million pounds.” Gary has not only raised money for two fantastic charities, but he has also sprinkled magic on the local community and brought people together to support him with the challenge.
Chris Young, 29, ran 90 marathons with Mr. McKee. “Gary set a good example to me this year when I began running frequently with him and has given me both physical and mental resilience (适应力) that I don’t know if I would have ever discovered in myself in a million years. I know I don’t just speak for myself on that front as he has inspired not just me or the few, but the entire local community and beyond,” said Chris, “This challenge has raised a great amount of money for two fantastic charities, but the impact Gary has provided to the community and people around him is immeasurable. A lot of people’s lives will be much better off thanks to Gary’s efforts, mine included.”
1. What did Gary do when he completed his 365th marathon? (no more than 10 words)2. What is Gary’s goal of running 365 marathons? (no more than 10 words)
3. How do you understand the underlined part in Paragraph 3? (no more than 10 words)
4. In what ways has Gary McKee influenced Chris Young? (no more than 5 words)
5. What does Gary’s story inspire you? Put it in your own words. (no more than 20 words)
7 . What’s On?
Electric Underground
7.30pm－1.00am Free at the Cyclops Theatre
Do you know who’s playing in your area? We’re bringing you an evening of live rock and pop music from the best local bands. Are you interested in becoming a musician and getting a recording contract? If so, come early to the talk at 7.30 pm by Jules Skye, a successful record producer. He’s going to talk about how you can find the right person to produce your music.
Gee Whizz
8.30pm-10.30pm Comedy (喜剧)at Kaleidoscope
Come and see Gee Whizz perform. He’s the funniest stand-up comedian on the comedy scene. This joyful show will please everyone, from the youngest to the oldest. Gee Whizz really knows how to make you laugh! Our bar is open from 7.00pm for drinks and snacks(快餐).
Simon’s Workshop
5.00pm-7.30pm Wednesdays at Victoria Stage
This is a good chance for anyone who wants to learn how to do comedy. The workshop looks at every kind of comedy, and practices many different ways of making people laugh. Simon is a comedian and actor who has 10 years’ experience of teaching comedy. His workshops are exciting and fun. An evening with Simon will give you the confidence to be funny.
Charlotte Stone
8.00pm-11.00pm Pizza World
Fine food with beautiful jazz music; this is a great evening out. Charlotte Stone will perform songs from her new best-selling CD, with James Pickering on the piano. The menu is Italian, with excellent meat and fresh fish, pizzas and pasta(面食). Book early to get a table. Our bar is open all day, and serves cocktails, coffee, beer, and white wine.
1. Who can help you if you want to have your music produced?| A．Jules Skye. | B．Gee Whizz. | C．Charlotte Stone. | D．James Pickering. |
| A．The Cyclops Theatre | B．Kaleidoscope | C．Victoria Stage | D．Pizza World |
| A．It requires membership card. | B．It lasts three hours each time. |
| C．It is run by a comedy club. | D．It is held every Wednesday. |
| A．5.00pm-7.30pm. | B．7.30pm－1.00am. | C．8.00pm-11.00pm. | D．8.30pm-10.30pm. |
8 . In the city I live in, we have a small local national park full of trees. I like that place very much, although I do wish it was bigger.
One day, I was walking around in the park along a path (小路) when I saw a beautiful squirrel (松鼠) lying in the middle of the path. I stopped and found that there was something wrong with one of its legs.
Just at that time, a man with two little kids was behind me. They were my neighbors. They were going up the same path. I said hello to them. The dad asked me, “Why are you standing still here?” I said,“Look! Here is a beautiful squirrel, but....” Noticing the squirrel, one of the kids shouted, “Quickly dad, catch it for me. I want to put it in my birdcage.” His brother nodded, asking their dad to catch the squirrel.
Then I stopped them.“Please wait. Do you really want to catch it and put it into the birdcage?” My neighbor said, “Yes. I will catch it and take it home.” I said angrily, “Animals are our friends and this is the last place in our city that the squirrel can live in. We must protect them. If we are kind to this tiny animal then we can start to be kind to bigger ones.” My neighbor smiled and said,“You misunderstood me. I will take it home and cure (治疗) it and when it is well, I will take it back to the park and set it free. Do you come long with me?”After hearing his words, I became happy. I followed him with the injured squirrel to his home. A few days later, when the squirrel was well, we took it back to the park and sent it free.
I felt glad that we did a good thing. We should protect animals.
1. Where did the author see the squirrel?| A．In his back yard. | B．In a small birdcage. |
| C．In a local park. | D．In his neighbor’s home. |
| A．It was injured. | B．It was lost. |
| C．It was dead. | D．It was dirty. |
| A．Doubtful. | B．Excited. | C．Anxious. | D．Angry. |
| A．It was killed. |
| B．It was sold. |
| C．It was sent back to the park. |
| D．It was kept in the birdcage. |
| A．treat animals friendly |
| B．communicate with kids sometimes |
| C．go to local parks more often |
| D．get along well with neighbors |
9 . I shared one of the lifeboats with the chief engineer, Tom Fenton. I don't
| A．remember | B．recognize | C．doubt | D．see |
| A．areas | B．ways | C．troubles | D．cases |
| A．pulled | B．carried | C．thrown | D．put |
| A．shadow | B．cloud | C．wind | D．storm |
| A．quiet | B．unusual | C．rough | D．deep |
| A．sun | B．stars | C．rainbow | D．lightning |
| A．crazy | B．bored | C．sad | D．alive |
| A．sank | B．returned | C．drifted | D．appeared |
| A．slept | B．talked | C．played | D．ate |
| A．shocked | B．hurt | C．awakened | D．heated |
| A．body | B．face | C．ears | D．eyes |
| A．shape | B．water | C．bank | D．sky |
| A．Now that | B．Although | C．As if | D．Unless |
| A．get around | B．worry about | C．work out | D．give up |
| A．important | B．ready | C．gone | D．broken |
| A．possibly | B．successfully | C．luckily | D．mostly |
| A．forest | B．island | C．ocean | D．river |
| A．wife | B．doctor | C．patient | D．companion |
| A．ring | B．wake | C．dress | D．bring |
| A．Keeping | B．Turning | C．Getting | D．Looking |
10 . What is Small-sided Soccer?
Small-sided Soccer starts with games of 3-on-3 from the youngest participants and progresses to 4-on-4, 7-on-7, 11-on-11, in a graduated manner for the older groups. Our school’s training course will give kids a better chance to take part in the game and get excited about the game of soccer. The small-sided approach gives each child more individualized attention so they can each improve their skills. And, it’s FUN!
Some general practical information
·Cafeteria is open.
·We supply participants with soccer clothes and football boots.
·Please bring a water bottle for your child.
Soccer season training times
| Team | Saturday | Sunday |
| Tykes | 10:00-11:00 | |
| PeeWees | 11:00-11:50 | |
| BoysE&F | 12:30-14:00 | 13:00-14:00 |
| Girls | 12:30-14:30 |
The cost is $70 per month for Tykes and PeeWees and $115 for all the other teams.
Volunteering
Can I coach?
Of course! Our training course is always looking for volunteer coaches. We will provide coaches with plans for activities and training, and help set up the small-sided fields. It’s a great opportunity to get involved with kids and help develop their love for sports.
How can I volunteer in other ways?
It’s your club and you are welcome to volunteer! There are volunteer opportunities with programs, fields, publicity, facilities, uniforms, website development and the board, to name a few. Let us know how you’d like to help—and we’ll put you to work!
Do parents stay?
Yes. Parents are strongly encouraged to stay and support their children and the club. The club is a volunteer-run organization. Parents and athletes are encouraged to help with clean-up and set-up activities.
If you have any questions about program specifics, please contact recreational soccer coordinator(协调者), Pablo Vercelli, at recreationalsoccer@abfsport.nl. Tel: 043-239-4409.
1. What do you know about the training course?| A．It is a free training course for children. |
| B．It offers three meals a day for free. |
| C．It teaches students according to their interest. |
| D．It will make children get excited about soccer. |
| A．Soccer. | B．Soccer clothes. |
| C．A water bottle. | D．Football boots. |
| A．Both Tykes and BoysE&F have classes on Sunday. |
| B．Both Tykes and PeeWees have the same charging standard. |
| C．Pablo Vercelli was the founder of Small-sided Soccer. |
| D．Parents who help with clean-up don’t need to pay for the course. |
| A．There are two ways to contact the school. |
| B．Parents are not allowed to stay with their children. |
| C．All the coaches in the school are professional. |
| D．Children who are over 11 are not allowed to attend the course. |
| A．In a science fiction. | B．In a newspaper. |
| C．In a medical magazine. | D．In a guidebook. |
