1 . “My Story of Chinese Hanzi” International Competition Kicked off

The 2023 “My Story of Chinese Hanzi” international competition kicked off on June 12, 2023. This year’s theme is “Homeland”. We invite people to participate and share stories of exchanges, understanding and friendship among civilizations.

Who can participate in the competition?

Foreigners who work, live or study in China and neither they nor their parents speak Chinese as their mother tongue. Foreigners residing overseas who are also non-native speakers of Chinese.

How will the competition be held?

The competition consists of an online preliminary round, online semi-finals and offline finals. The online preliminary round includes two parts. Contestants (竞争者) will answer questions online. Upon completing the questions, they will be directed to a new page where they should write their favorite Chinese character. A poster image showcasing their handwritten Chinese character will be generated to share on WeChat. They must send a one-minute self-introduction video. The video should meet the following criteria: Format: MP4; Quality: 1080p; Duration: Not longer than one minute. The top 40 contestants will advance to the semi-finals. In the second round, contestants will participate in a video conversation where they will each take turns speaking on the spot. The top 10 contestants with the highest scores will advance to the finals.

At the finals, the finalists will each deliver a seven-minute speech. Judges will evaluate and score the speeches based on several criteria: the core message, their expressiveness, their proficiency (熟练) in the Chinese language and the effectiveness of their speeches in promoting cross-cultural understanding. These scores will be used to determine the final champion and other awards.

Awards

Each winner will receive a certificate, a souvenir and a cash prize that could be as high as 10,000 yuan. There will be a special award for the champion of the overseas competition zone.

1. Who can take part in the competition?

A．A Chinese student studying overseas.

B．A foreigner speaking Chinese as his native language.

C．A foreign student whose parents are Chinese-speaking.

D．A foreigner working in China not using Chinese as his mother tongue.

2. Which is one of the criteria to evaluate speeches at the finals?

A．The background of the story.	B．The main idea the story conveys.
C．The participants’ pronunciation.	D．The participants’ enthusiasm.

3. What is the purpose of the text?

A．To educate.

B．To advertise.

C．To introduce.

D．To advise.

2 . Four best photobooks in 2023

Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake

Following 2020’s smash hit Entangled Life, mycologist Merlin Sheldrake return s just in time for Christmas with an amazing illustrated edition. At over 240 pages, Sheldrake’s passion and knowledge leap off every spread. From the microscopic (微观) to the splendid, the colour images create an entertaining experience.

Anna Atkins: Cyanotypes by Peter Walther

Often copied, seldom improved on, the elegant cyanotypes (氰化钾照片) of Ann a Atkins are timeless. First created in the 1840s, cyanotypes use light-sensitive iron salt solution and exposure to sunlight to create beautiful Prussian blue prints. Peter Walther’s book is comprehensive, 660 pages long, and is perfect for Atkins’ fans or anyone keen to learn.

The Earth in Our Hands by Thomas Pesquet

Thomas Pesquet’s breathtaking collection of photographs taken from the International Space Station(ISS)follows in the footsteps of astronaut Don Pettit’s Spaceborne. Pesquet took more than 245,000 images over two missions, with his book including 200 of these. It is the closest most of us will get to being on the ISS — a really immersive read.

Looking at Trees by Sophie Howarth

Sophie Howarth’s absorbing book features 26 of the world’s leading photographers, including Nicholas J. R. White and Anna Beeke. From a framed Hollywood juniper in California to a surreal (超现实的) image of Halfway Gardens in Gauteng, South Africa, Howarth asks us to value trees at a time of environmental challenge. A book you will return to.

1. How many pages are contained in the book Anna Atkins: Cyanotypes?

A．Over 240.

B．660.

C．About 200.

D．Over 26.

2. Which book’s pictures were taken in the International Space Station?

A．Entangled Life.	B．Anna Atkins: Cyanotypes.
C．The Earth in Our Hands.	D．Looking at Trees.

3. What does Sophie Howarth call on people to do with his book?

A．Value trees.	B．Take pictures.
C．Go on a trip.	D．Maintain a good image.

3 . Books for Young Readers

Ivy+Bean by Annie Barrows and Sophie Blackall

Ivy is quiet; Bean is loud and goofy. Ivy wants to be a witch; Bean wants to play games. Naturally, they’re going to end up being best friends and getting into all kinds of scrapes together since their approach to pretty much everything—from discovering dinosaurs to starting their own summer camp—is “Why not?” (For ages 6 to 10)

Ways to Make Sunshine by Renée Watson and Nina Mata

Ryan Hart wants to see the good in everybody, even when she gets teased for having a boy’s name. She has a lot to deal with—her dad’s been laid off and the family has to move to a smaller house. But when Ryan runs into problems, she’s always looking for ways to make sunshine. (For ages 7 to 10)

Better Nate Than Ever (series) by Tim Federle

The budding drama club kids in your life will love this trilogy (三部曲) about a small-town boy with big Broadway dreams. Nate Foster longs to get away from Jankburg. Pennsylvania to star in a Broadway show. And then something amazing happens. There’s an open casting call for a Broadway musical based on E. T. He just has to get there. (For ages 10 and up)

New Kid by Jerry Craft

Fans of Raina Telgemeier will love Jerry Craft’s sympathetic graphic novel about seventh-grader Jordan, who’s trying to fit in at the fancy new private school where he’s one of the few kids of color in his grade. And all he really wants to do is draw comics—so how can he stay true to himself and his neighborhood, and still figure out his new school? (For ages 8 to 12)

1. Which word can best describe Ryan Hart?

A．Responsible.

B．Optimistic.

C．Reliable.

D．Enthusiastic.

2. Which book is about a boy pursuing his dream?

A．Ivy+Bean.	B．Ways to Make Sunshine.
C．New Kid.	D．Better Nate Than Ever(series).

3. What is the purpose of the text?

A．To persuade.

B．To advertise.

C．To recommend.

D．To entertain.

4 . Which writer are most of the class writing about?

A．Ernest Hemingway.

B．F. Scott Fitzgerald.

C．William Shakespeare.

5 . There are hundreds of great national nature reserves in China. Now feast your eyes on the following amazing ones.

Qinghai Lake National Nature Reserve

Qinghai Lake, China’s largest saltwater lake in Qinghai Province, is a key body of water for lots of animals and birds. As an important stopover, migratory birds (候鸟) would rest in this area during their movement trip every year. The reserve became a national nature reserve in the year of 1997.

Bayanbulak National Nature Reserve

The only Bayanbulak Wetland, in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, is at the foot of Tianshan Mountains, which makes itself suitable for migratory birds. Bayanbulak means “rich spring water” in Mongolian, meaning that the area is rich in water. Every year, swans (天鹅) from different places fly here for nesting, which became a national swan reserve in 1986.

Rongcheng Swan National Nature Reserve

As one of the largest wintering places for swans in China, this reserve in Shandong Province mainly protects whooper swans (大天鹅), which make it different from other nature reserves. In 2007, it was changed into a national nature reserve. Now every year, thousands of whooper swans arrive here to spend the winter, making it an important resting and wintering place for themselves.

Sanya Coral Reef (珊瑚礁) National Marine Nature Reserve

This reserve focuses on protecting coral reefs and their living environment in Sanya City, Hainan Province. In 1990, it became a national nature reserve. This reserve is on the coast, so the area of the reserve has good water quality and many kinds of creatures,

1. What do the first reserve and the second reserve have in common?

A．The area of wetland.	B．The geography of them.
C．The year of becoming the national reserve.	D．The friendly environment for migratory birds.

2. What makes the Rongcheng Swan National Nature Reserve special?

A．Its saltwater lake.	B．The whooper swans.
C．Its rich spring water.	D．The warm climate.

3. Which place best suits coral lovers?

A．Bayanbulak National Nature Reserve.	B．Qinghai Lake National Nature Reserve.
C．Rongcheng Swan National Nature Reserve.	D．Sanya Coral Reef National Marine Nature Reserve,

6 . 2024 Seattle Marathon’s Summer Events

The Seattle Marathon Association (SMA) is a non-profit organization proud of providing a quality running event in the Pacific Northwest. Join us for our annual family-friendly run at Seward Park with views of Lake Washington and Mount Rainier. Dogs welcome! Choose your distance: 5k, 10k or Half Marathon! Kids are welcome to participate in the Kids Fun Run, a quick 1k run with specially provided snacks waiting at the end.

Event schedule

At 3:00 PM, June 21 — Early Packet Pickup

At 7:00 AM, June 22 — Event Day Registration & Packet Pickup

Registration fees

Events	Early Bird Pricing (Now-Feb. 29)	Regular Pricing (Mar. 1-Jun, 20)	Race Day Pricing (Jun. 21-22)
Half Marathon	$62.00	$82.00	$122.00
10K Run/Walk	$35.00	$52.00	$72.00
5K Run/Walk	$31.00	$42.00	$62.00
Kids Fun Run	$20.00	$25.00	$25.00

Cash prizes and awards

All finishers will receive an event me dal and a technical fabric shirt.

●Top 3 overall men & women participants in the 5k (must come in under 25min), 10k (must come in under 45min) and Half Marathon (must come in under 1hr 30min) races will receive cash prizes at the finish line.

●In addition, in the week following the race, non-cash awards will be emailed to the top three runners in each age division. Age divisions are as follows: 14 and under,15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80-89 and 90+.

Free entries for the best athletes

We offer free entries for athletes who can prove qualifying time(s) within the last 2 years. Please note that we only offer free registration and do not cover any transportation, accommodation, food or visa fees. Please contact us with proof of your qualifying time(s) within the last 2 years for a free entry to the race.

1. What will a child receive after finishing the kids Fun Run?

A．Cash prizes.	B．Special snacks.
C．Track shoes.	D．Free accommodation.

2. How much will a couple pay if they register for 10K Run/Walk in May?

A．$70.00.

B．$84.00.

C．$104.00.

D．$144.00.

3. What is required for free registration for athletes?

A．Having received event medals twice.

B．Offering evidence of their qualifying times.

C．Completing the Half Marathon in 90 minutes.

D．Ranking among top three in their age divisions.

7 . Thru hiking (徒步旅行) for long distances with your equipment on your back ________ placing yourself at the mercy of other people’s kindness. I thought it would be ________ to share some of the amazing experiences I’ve had regarding kindness of ________. Experiencing people’s kindness has left me inspired.

The first kindness is the Trail Angels who ________ their doors to hikers for support. They ________ rides to town for food or equipment and then provide essentials like showers, laundry and ship packages. They are people who ________ care for those who are away from home and need help.

Trail Magic can ________ at any time or place. The day I was climbing Mt. Baden Powell, there were two Japanese ladies sitting on the hillside resting. As I ________, they began clapping, stopped me, asked me about the trip, shared me some fruit and one woman bowed low and said, “I respect you.” Wow! What ________ words to hear!

One Saturday morning in the San Gabriel mountains, as we crossed a highway, trail runners in their vehicle pulled over to ________ us fruit. An hour down the trail, day hikers stopped and asked about our trip, opened their packs of ________ and asked, “What would you like to eat.” A few miles further we ________ Glennwood Cabin (格伦伍德小屋) and were fed pizza and drinks. At 9: 00 a. m. we were all pumped up and talking about this ________ day of kindness.

Now I am preparing for the next section hike to the Mojave desert. Thank you God for those who show a ________ heart and express the spirit of ________.

1.

A．risks

B．means

C．suggests

D．enjoys

2.

A．inspiring

B．confusing

C．surprising

D．annoying

3.

A．passers-by

B．passengers

C．strangers

D．friends

4.

A．adjust

B．open

C．fix

D．change

5.

A．provide

B．receive

C．prove

D．count

6.

A．anxiously

B．eagerly

C．sincerely

D．randomly

7.

A．occur

B．work

C．guess

D．arise

8.

A．looked

B．warned

C．approached

D．backed

9.

A．meaningful

B．wonderful

C．hopeful

D．helpful

10.

A．lend

B．show

C．sell

D．offer

11.

A．drink

B．food

C．luggage

D．cigarette

12.

A．came about

B．got down

C．came across

D．torn down

13.

A．amazing

B．shocking

C．disappointing

D．interesting

14.

A．hard

B．broken

C．calm

D．warm

15.

A．hope

B．honesty

C．bravery

D．kindness

8 . People Who Made a Difference in Health Care

In the history of human, there were great people who made a difference in health care. Doctors, nurses, research scientists and those who brought in new medicine and techniques helped save millions of lives.

Hippocrates (460-377 BC)

Hippocrates was a great doctor of ancient Greece. Through his careful examination of patients, treatments and success rates, he was able to vastly improve his medical treatment. Hippocrates built up one of the great libraries of medical science in Kos. He is also credited with the Hippocratic oath (誓言) which is still sworn (宣誓) today by medical practitioners.

Florence Nightingale(1820-1910)

British nurse. By serving in the Crimean war, Florence Nightingale was instrumental in changing the role of the nursing profession. Her dedicated service won widespread admiration and led to a significant improvement in the treatment of wounded soldiers.

Dr. Henry Heimlich (1920-2016)

Heimlich was an American surgeon and medical researcher. He came up with a creative and simple procedure to help choking victims. It involves a technique of abdominal thrusts where a person stands behind and applies pressure on the diaphragm to increasingly apply pressure. It is claimed that this has saved the lives of up to 50,000 people. Heimlich himself used it on two people, including an old lady in his nursing home. It is included in guidelines for dealing with choking victims.

Alexander Fleming (1881-1955)

Scottish Biologist, pharmacologist and botanist who discovered penicillin. He discovered penicillin by accident but recognized its antibacterial (抗菌的) properties. Fleming later shared the Nobel Prize in Medicine (1945) with Howard Florey and Ernst Boris Chai n who succeeded in making it commercially available.

1. What was Florence Nightingale’s contribution?

A．Making penicillin commercially available.

B．Building a great library of medical science.

C．Changing the role of the nursing profession.

D．Inventing a creative and simple way to help choking victims.

2. Who is a Nobel Prize winner?

A．Hippocrates.	B．Florence Nightingale.
C．Dr. Henry Heimlich.	D．Alexander Fleming.

3. What is the purpose of the text?

A．To educate.

B．To introduce.

C．To advertise.

D．To advise.

9 . Here is a great way for you to explore the beautiful countryside and colorful Chinese minority culture of southeast Guizhou during three days. With this 3-day Guizhou tour, you can appreciate the amazing wooden architecture of the Dong ethnic minority, discover a mysterious branch of the Miao ethnic minority, hike among the terraced fields, dress up in the traditional dress of the Dong people, and try their special tasty food. Here is a suggested plan of a journey.

DAY 1 Arrive in Zhaoxing Dong Village

Meet your personal guide at Congjiang train station. Drive to Zhaoxing Dong Village (about 10 minutes). Explore beautiful Zhaoxing Village in the afternoon. Your guide will walk around with you, explaining the style of the Dong wooden buildings, local customs, and the Dong people’s lifestyle. And the Dong people’s dancing and singing evening show is very enjoyable.

DAY 2 Zhaoxing Rice Terraced Fields Hike and Villages

Drive to Huanggang Dong Village in the morning. On the way, you will stop to hike around the terraced fields. Enjoy great views of the rice terraces and the villages on the mountain slopes (山坡).

Explore peaceful Huanggang Village and Zhanli Village, where you will see more of the authentic culture of the Dong.

Visit Biasha Miao village in the afternoon. Enjoy their traditional dancing and their ceremony with guns.

DAY 3 Zhaoxing Departure (离开)

Visit a batik (蜡染) workshop in the morning. Learn and experience making batik in the Dong style. Make a unique souvenir on your own (with guidance).

Transfer to Congjiang Train Station for your departure.

1. What can you do during the three-day tour?

A．Taste Dong people’s traditional drinks.

B．Try on Dong people’s traditional clothes.

C．Plant crops among the terraced fields.

D．Live Dong people’s traditional lives in the village.

2. Which activity can be enjoyed on both Day 1 and Day 2?

A．Watching Dong people’s evening shows.

B．Hiking around the terraced fields.

C．Visiting Dong people’s villages.

D．Making your own batik in the Dong style.

3. Where may you read this passage?

A．In a travel journal.	B．In a geography textbook.
C．In a government report.	D．In a tour handout.

10 . Windy City Harvest Farm Tours

Visit one of the Windy City Harvest farm sites and learn more about our program. We offer different tours which include information about the program history, job-training mission, and growing practices. All profits from the tour fees help fund the education of the city.

SITE

North Lawndale Farm

This farm site is located on the west side of Chicago on a 1/5-acre (英亩) lot. It has been a training site since our programme was launched in 2003. Currently this space can serve up to 20 people at a time.

McCormick Place Farm

It is a 3/5-acre rooftop farm at McCormick Place West in cooperation with Savor Chicago, the food service team for McCormick Place. Produce grown on the rooftop farm is harvested and then delivered directly to Savor Chicago. This 12-year-old farm is a sought-after training site for WCH program participants.

Washington Park Farm

Established in 2012, Washington Park Farm is a major job-training center. Located on the east of Chicago Park District, this 3/4-acre site hosts up to 25 participants during the growing season.

PRICE

Tour	Price
Nonprofit and School Group	$5 per person(starting at $50)
Private Group	$10 per person (starting at $100)

ADMISSION

Reservation is required. Provide payment in the form of check or money order payable to Windy City Harvest or in cash upon your arrival at the tour site except Washington Park Farm. For groups interested in visiting two or more farm sites during the tour, an additional fee will apply. It’s important to note that tour groups should arrange for their own transportation.

1. What is special about McCormick Place Farm?

A．It is the smallest farm.	B．It has the longest history.
C．It is on the top of a building.	D．It provides courses for job seekers.

2. How much will a family of 7 as a group pay for a tour of a farm?

A．$100.

B．$75.

C．$50.

D．$35.

3. What do we know about the admission?

A．Washington Park Farm is free.

B．Booking in advance is a must.

C．Four kinds of payment are mentioned.

D．A lower price is offered for the second site.