2 . Interlibrary Loan is the service that the Osterhout Free Library offers for free to our patrons (顾客). You can use Interlibrary Loan to borrow an item (books, DVDs, music CDs, etc.) from within the continental 48 states if it is unavailable in the Luzerne County Library System.

How to request an Interlibrary Loan item
·To request an Interlibrary Loan item, you must either call the Osterhout Free Library, or come to our Information Services Desk.
·You must know exactly what item(s) you would like. We do not accept requests for general topics, for instance, “I would like books on antique cars.”
·Be sure to check the Luzerne County Library System’s catalog before asking Interlibrary Loan for an item.
Interlibrary Loan Processing
·When a patron requests Interlibrary Loan items, they are allowed to request more than one item, but there is a maximum of 5 requests in the system per patron.
·When the item comes in, the patron will be contacted via phone to ask him/her to pick it up. If the item is not able to be obtained, the patron will be notified via e-mail.
·If you wish to renew your Interlibrary Loan item, you must call us at least one week before the due date.
Interlibrary Loan Penalties (处罚)
·Interlibrary Loan overdue fees are $0.50/day per item.
·The following actions will result in an additional $3.00 per item fine:

(1)Returning an Interlibrary Loan item to any library other than the Osterhout Free Library.

(2)Returning an Interlibrary Loa n item without the paperwork with the due date.

1. What is a must when you borrow a book from Interlibrary Loan?

A．Renewing the book 3 days in advance.	B．Specifying your desired book.
C．Visiting the Osterhout Free Library.	D．Giving priority to Interlibrary Loan.

2. What’s a privilege for patrons of the Osterhout Free Library?

A．Being reminded of an unavailable item by e-mail.

B．Borrowing at least 5 items at a time.

C．Being given unlimited renewal of an item.

D．Having a free delivery service.

3. How much fine will you pay for just an item’s delayed return for 2 weeks?

A．$4.	B．$6.5.
C．$7.	D．$3.5.

3 . The Chinese Students and Scholars Association in the UK held a Spring Festival gala (庆典) on Wednesday in London to count down to the Chinese New Year. More than 900attendees, including representatives from British universities and education institutions, as well as Chinese students and scholars, joined to enjoy a feast of Chinese culture.

This year’s Chinese New Year falls on Saturday, and 2024 is the year of the dragon based on the Chinese zodiac. The dragon is considered by the Chinese people to represent dignity, prestige, and fortune.

The festival gala, with a theme of “Soaring Dragon’s Spring Melody”, featured Chinese folk music, dance, singing, martial arts performance and more.

During the event, Zheng Zeguang, China’s ambassador to the UK, made a speech to the attendees, highlighting major accomplishments achieved in the past year and stating China’s future development focuses.

He pointed out that China will determinedly pursue high-quality development and Chinese modernization to advance the great rejuvenation (复兴) of the Chinese nation. China will also call for an equal and orderly multipolar (多级的) world as well as for inclusive economic globalization that benefits all, Zheng noted. “Our motherland has bright prospects for future growth,” he said.

The ambassador praised Chinese students and scholars for being hardworking and behaving in a controlled way, saying that the number of Chinese students in the UK has significantly increased due to the transformation of China. “I hope you will carry on the tradition of patriotism. I hope you will ai m high and work hard. I hope you will unit e and help each other, as well as make friends widely. I hope you will grow into the backbone of the nation in the near future,” he said.

Alistair Fitt, vice-headmaster of Oxford Brookes University, extended warm wishes of good fortune and prosperity in the year of the dragon and expressed hope for progress in Sino-British relations. “I am very sure that our two great nations will continue to expand all of our very successful relationships,” he said.

1. What does the underlined word “prestige” in Paragraph 2 mean?

A．The condition of being strange and alone.	B．The condition of being respected and admired.
C．The condition of being large and frightening.	D．The condition of being followed and monitored.

2. Why has the number of Chinese students significantly risen in the UK according to Zheng Zeguang?

A．Advertising activities have been organized well in China to promote British universities.

B．Chinese students are most attracted by the scenery in the UK.

C．The education fees in the UK have been reduced.

D．Great changes have taken place in China.

3. What does Alistair Fitt mainly express in the last paragraph?

A．His suggestions.

B．His surprises.

C．His arrangements.

D．His expectations.

4. What is the best title for the news report?

A．Spring Festival gala brings joy to Chinese students in UK

B．Chinese students in UK count down to Chinese New Year

C．Warm wishes of good fortune expressed in year of dragon in UK

D．China’s ambassador to UK states China’s future development focuses

4 . Thanksgiving isn’t just a holiday in the US. Some other countries have their own versions of Thanksgiving.

Brazil

Legend has it that Joaquim Nabuco, Brazil’s first ambassador (大使) to the US, enjoyed the American holiday so much that he persuaded his government to set up a similar day of thanks. Dia de Acao de Gracas is also celebrated every year on the fourth Thursday of November to give thanks for the fall harvest. The Brazilian holiday ends with a colorful and noisy carnival(狂欢节) and parade.

Japan

Japan’s version of the holiday, called “Kinro Kansha no Hi” or Labor Thanksgiving Day, is observed on November 23. It originated from an ancient rice harvest festival called Niiname-sai. Later, the holiday’s purpose was to celebrate the rights of workers. Today, Labor Thanksgiving Day is mainly observed with small acts of community service. Children often mark the occasion by handing out thank-you notes to firefighters, police officers, and other frontline workers.

Canada

Thanksgiving in Canada is a low-key affair with no big parades or retail sales. The holiday mainly focuses on families and friends getting together for a meal. While many parts of the country get the day off, it is an optional (可选择的) holiday in Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador. As a result, the celebrations often take place the weekend before the holiday.

Ghana

Ghana celebrates its version of Thanksgiving in August or September. As the story goes, the Ga settlers arrived in Ghana in the 16th century after facing lots of hardships during their travels across Africa. They celebrated their first harvest in Ghana with a feast, and a tradition was born. Before the festival, there is a month-long ban on noise, especially drumming. Similar to Thanksgiving, Homowo is a festival of food.

1. What probably led to the birth of Dia de Acao de Gracas in Brazil?

A．The development of agriculture.	B．A demand from Americans in Brazil.
C．A government official’s suggestion.	D．The influence of traditional Brazilian culture.

2. What can be learned about Japan’s version of the holiday?

A．It begins with an exciting carnival.

B．Rice sales are a big part of the holiday.

C．Celebrations can take place before Labor Day.

D．It encourages kids to express gratitude for hard work.

3. In which country can you best enjoy the quiet before its Thanksgiving?

A．Canada.

B．Ghana.

C．Brazil.

D．Japan.

5 . How to overcome gym anxiety

Here are some practical tips to help you overcome anxiety in the gym and create a positive, empowering experience for yourself.

Set realistic expectations

The first step in overcoming gym anxiety is to set realistic expectations. Understand that everyone starts somewhere and that the gym is a place for personal growth and improvement.     1     Every individual in the gym is on their own unique fitness journey.

Plan ahead and familiarise yourself

    2     Before heading to the gym, plan your workout routine and familiarise yourself with the equipment you intend to use. Research exercise techniques and watch instructional videos to gain confidence and knowledge. By doing so, you’ll enter the gym with a sense of purpose and direction.

Start slowly and gradually

Ease into your gym routine by starting with exercises and machines you are comfortable with.     3     Taking small steps will not only help you build physical strength but also improve your mental resilience (韧性), empowering you to tackle new challenges.

    4    

Having a gym partner can provide huge support and motivation. Consider finding a friend who shares your fitness goals or seeking guidance from a personal trainer. A supportive companion or an expert can provide guidance, encourage you during workouts, and help remove anxiety by offering tips and feedback.

Practice mindfulness techniques

Mindfulness exercises can be powerful tools to fight anxiety in any setting, including the gym.     5     Focusing on your breath and being present in the moment can help calm your mind and remove anxiety. Additionally, practicing mindfulness during your workout can enhance your mind-body connection, allowing you to fully involve yourself in the experience.

A．Find a gym partner or seek professional help

B．Fight gym anxiety and unlock your true potential

C．Remind yourself that progress certainly takes time.

D．Feeling prepared can significantly reduce anxiety levels.

E．Stepping foot inside a gym can cause feelings of anxiety.

F．Prior to your workout, take minutes to engage in deep breathing or thinking.

G．Gradually introduce new exercises or equipment as you become more confident.

6 . As the second largest city of the Republic of Korea, Busan draws global attention. Here are some routes for visitors to have fun.

The First Route

Start off at the Haeundae Beach, where you can take a walk, sip a coffee, or try local fishcakes before heading up to BUSAN X the SKY. This observatory occupies the top floors of the city’s highest structure, where you’l1 be attracted by the wonderful urban views. You can also visit the old Haedong Yonggunsa Temple along the route.

The Second Route

With its popular Songdo Cable Car moving quickly over the water to a park, this route offers amazing views of the city’s traditional core. It’s just a quick taxi to the Yeongdo Island, home to some of Busan’s oldest neighborhoods, including the Huinnyeoul Culture Village. Overlooking the water, the whole picture that you can see is arguably the most romantic scene.

The Third Route

As a port city, you should head to the old harbor district of Nampo-dong to find its real charm. This is where you’ll find the Jagalchi Market, the open-air seafood market that’s not only a strong wave to the senses but also the city’s living and beating heart. Walk along its gathering as you see fresh seafood from the sea, along with the vendors (摊贩) who sell it all.

The Fourth Route

Shinsegae Centum City is not far from the Gwangalli Beach, a crowded area of sand,cafes, and eateries looking out across the water to the Gwangan Bridge. There will be a cool drone (无人机) show on Saturday in the evening of a hot summer and a fireworks festival in November. For a unique experience, book a sunset stand up paddle boarding (SUP) trip to the bridge back with professional surfers.

1. What do the first two routes have in common?

A．They both have cool drone shows.

B．They both have thrilling water parks.

C．They both have historical attractions.

D．They both have popular coffee stores.

2. What makes the third route special?

A．Its SUP trip above the water.	B．Its open and wide view.
C．Its scenic walking hotspot.	D．Its impressive market.

3. Which route provides the flying object show?

A．The Fourth Route.	B．The Second Route.
C．The Third Route.	D．The First Route.

7 . Starting a daily running routine needs determination. Looking back on my old running routine, it wasn’t so much the passion that affected my sticking to a regular schedule — but it was the environment. There had to be no rain pouring down, there had to be not many people on the basketball court and the ambient (周围的) temperature had to be just right. Or maybe I was just making an excuse for myself not to get up at 5 in the morning?

I was quite successful at doing so when I was 15 and when it was summer. When I was overweight, I ate more snacks than the actual full meals in a day, and I hardly got off the sofa. One summer day, I decided that it was time to put a stop to the idea that I was just the fat kid. I didn’t want to put in that box anymore. There was a tipping point (临界点) where inspiration happened, and discipline (自律) just took over from there. I needed to make sure that I ran 10 laps of the park a day — this was the contract (契约) I made with myself that summer. And if I achieved that, I knew I’d be closer to my goal of being just a kid with normal weight.

Ten laps, six days a week — sometimes no breakfast, hardly a bite at dinner, one snack a day—this lasted two months. I’d lost over 30 pounds that summer, which was roughly a quarter of my body weight. Some days, I didn’t have the motivation. But the contract I made with myself kept reminding me — if I’d break it, would I even bother making future self-contracts anymore? There were sleepy days, and there were days when I should have rested my trembling knees, but discipline won over them all.

1. What do we know about the author’s past running routine?

A．It was made by the author’s parents.	B．It mainly depended on the environment.
C．It referred to many people at site.	D．It failed in the end.

2. What can we infer from the fact that the author was overweight?

A．The author didn’t live a healthy lifestyle.

B．Summer is a season for people to be fat.

C．Good eating habits could make one put on weight.

D．Getting up late made him a fat kid.

3. Why did the author keep the contract that made with himself?

A．He felt looked down upon when he was fat.

B．He couldn’t find a right word to describe his size.

C．He made up his mind to achieve his goal of losing weight.

D．He was too fat to find the right size of clothes or shoes.

4. What can be the best title for the passage?

A．My Running Routine Was Affected by the Environment.

B．It Was Unpleasant to Be Overweight.

C．I Made a Contract on Running.

D．Discipline Helps Achieve My Goal.