1 . At West Exe School, students have access to a wide range of electronic resources to support heir progress through the curriculum. Below are a range of resources, with a brief introduction of what they are. If you have any questions regarding E-Learning, please do not hesitate to contact Toby Holland who will be able to help you.

Electronic Resources

Type	Brief introduction
Class Charts	Class Charts is the one-stop shop for students, parents and teachers to add and track homework, merits and performances. More details can be available by calling 88097144
Moodle	Moodle is our online learning platform which provides students with a means by which to access lesson content for some subjects, especially math at home.
Heggarty Maths	Heggarty Maths is used to provide students with engaging mathematical challenges. These are largely set for homework and involve watching video content.
Lexia	Lexia is being used by the English department to improve literacy across the school. This highly effective online learning programme is widely considered to be the best of its kind. Lexia Strategies can be accessed here: http ://wwwlexiastrategies.com/
Tassomai	Tassomai is a highly effective, adaptive learning platform for Science. Many schools that have used this platform have seen gains of up to 2 grades in Science through the platform’s engaging design and content.

1. Which type can help students track homework and behaviors in school?

A．Class Charts.

B．Moodle.

C．Lexia.

D．Tassomai.

2. How can you find more Lexia strategies?

A．Turn to Tony Holland for help.	B．Call West Exe School directly.
C．Read the brief introduction in detail.	D．Surf the web for further information.

3. Which type will be suitable for a student interested in science?

A．Heggarty Maths.

B．Lexia.

C．Tassomai.

D．Moodle.

2 . For some, rice is simply bought at the market, ready to take home and steam or boil. But have you ever wondered about the journey the grains of rice take before they reach your plate or bowl, or fork or chopsticks?

Sowing the seeds

First, the seeds are sown. Sometimes, they are planted directly in the fields, but often they are sown in nurseries where they spend their first 30 days putting forth shoots and grow into seedlings (苗).

Transplanting to the fields

After about 30 days, the seedlings are transplanted to the fields. Transplanting is exhausting, tiring work that requires standing in water and repeatedly bending over.

Harvesting

When the mature plants are a golden yellow colour, the new grains are ready to harvest. Sometimes farmers use a mechanical reaper, but often they use only a sharp knife or sickle (镰刀).

Threshing (脱粒)

Threshing separates the grains from the stalks (秆). This can be done with mechanical threshers or combines, but often the stalks are simply pounded against a hard surface. When threshing is done without machinery, the rice is tied into bundles (捆) and dried in the sun first.

Drying the rice

Drying is very important because if the moisture (水分) content is too high, the freshly harvested grains will spoil easily. In many countries, the grains are laid out to dry wherever space is available, from basketball courts to sections of major highways. Wealthy farmers may put large quantities of grains into heated airdryers.

After that, some of these grains, after certain kinds of processing and transporting, will end up in your bowl; others will be saved for the seeds next year.

1. What will happen before the grains are harvested?

A．Grains will be separated from stalks.

B．Seeds are usually planted in nurseries.

C．Seedlings are transplanted to fields by machines.

D．A month after seeds are sown, seedlings will be transplanted.

2. What will rich farmers probably use to dry the grains?

A．Knives or sickles.

B．Mechanical threshers.

C．Basketball courts.

D．Heated airdryers.

3. Why is the above passage written?

A．To tell us the way to process rice.

B．To show the importance of rice to human beings.

C．To introduce a new way of increasing production of rice.

D．To explain what happens before rice becomes our food.

3 . 55-year-old Rob Kenney, who grew up without a father, has been doing his part to make a difference in the lives of kids today.

He created a YouTube channel, called Dad, How Do I, which aims to give youths the valuable lessons a father is meant to give. Launched only two months ago, his channel already has more than two million subscribers (订阅者). Rob teaches children and adults, many of whom are also without a dad, basic skills such as how to tie a tie, how to cook meals, how to repair a lamp and many more.

“I didn’t start this to make money,” Rob told his viewers. “I just thought I was going to help a few people... 30 or 40 subscribers... but it’s turned into a way more than that. And please don’t think I am only aiming this at young men. It is for anybody who feels that they need to learn something.”

Now that his channel has had such huge unexpected success, Rob plans to give his earnings to a number of international charities.

Many viewers have been touched by the warm words Rob shares in his videos. Such simple words, like “I love you”, “You’ve done a good job” and “I’m proud of you,” can have a deep impact on many children, even some adults. He starts each video with an enthusiastic “Hey, kids!”   — but Keiha Danaher said that she was a 33-year-old woman, and she answered back crying, saying, “Hi, dad!”

Rob’s childhood story makes him a role for the kids who watch his channel. By the age of 14, his parents had divorced. He had to move in with his elder brother and learn from the tough life experiences without parents in his life. But that didn’t prevent him from being a good father to his children. His experience shows his viewers that there is always opportunity in the face of difficulties.

1. Why did Rob Kenney create the channel Dad, How Do I in the beginning?

A．To cheer up those who feel upset.

B．To make some money to support his family.

C．To teach children and adults some useful life skills.

D．To offer youths advice on how to get on well with others.

2. What can we infer from Rob’s words in the third paragraph?

A．Rob’s videos are only intended for young men.

B．Subscribers are mainly made up of poor people.

C．The number of subscribers is larger than Rob expected.

D．Rob guesses there won’t be more people to subscribe his channel.

3. What does Rob plan to do in the future?

A．Make his videos more entertaining and instructive.

B．Help more children improve their intelligence.

C．Let more people have sympathy for him.

D．Donate the money he earns to charities.

4. Why are the viewers moved by what Rob shares in his video?

A．They think Rob is just like their real father to take care of them.

B．The words in Rob’s videos are warm and encouraging.

C．Rob’s experiences remind them of their own.

D．Rob’s attitude toward life is always positive.

4 . Born with a disability in her right leg, Mei faced numerous challenges in her daily life. Regardless, Mei refused to let her disability define her.

From a young age, Mei harbored a deep passion for painting. With the support of her loving family, she transformed her wheelchair into a mobile easel (画架), allowing her to create art wherever she went. Every stroke (笔画) of her brush was like a witness to her growth.

As Mei grew older, her talent attracted the attention of the local community. Encouraged by their support, she decided to pursue her dreams of becoming a professional artist. However, Mei soon encountered doubt from others, even her childhood best friends, who questioned her ability to succeed in the art world.

Instead of backing up, Mei pressed on, expressing her frustration (沮丧) into her artwork. Her paintings were beautiful, reflecting the beauty she saw in the world around her. Through her art, Mei found a sense of purpose, proving to herself and others that disabilities could not put out the fire of creativity.

Eventually, Mei received an invitation to showcase her artwork at Guggenheim Museum in New York. Wild with joy, she was unsure if she was ready to face the judgement of the art world. With the support of her family and friends, Mei decided to seize the opportunity.

The show was a great success. Through Mei’s journey, she was able to reach thousands of other people with disabilities who would benefit from her experience. That’s why she is still pressing on and fighting—not because she’s broken, but because she not only has an opportunity to fully achieve her potentials as a disabled person but also the will to inspire everyone else around her.

1. What did Mei face when she decided to become an artist?

A．Apologies from her best friends.	B．Distrust in her ability to succeed.
C．Attention to her painting techniques.	D．Congratulations on her instant success.

2. How did Mei feel when she got invited by the Guggenheim Museum?

A．Saddened.

B．Astonished.

C．Uncertain.

D．Embarrassed.

3. Now that her show was a success, Mei pressed on because of her ______.

A．pursuit to be a professional	B．willingness to inspire others
C．power to transform disabilities	D．aim to make her experience known

4. What would be the best title of the passage?

A．A Challenging Life: Mei’s Story of Determination.

B．From Failure to Victory: Mei’s Valuable Life Lesson.

C．Rejecting Limits: Mei’s Story and Her Artistic Success.

D．Journey of Inspiration: Mei’s Determination to Help Others.

5 . Nova Scotia is a beautiful province located on the eastern coast. It is known for its winding coastal landscapes, attractive fishing villages, and rich maritime (海的) history. Take a look at what you can do while there.

Explore the Cabot Trail:

This scenic drive offers breathtaking views of Nova Scotia’s rugged (有起伏的) coastline, winding through the Cape Breton Highlands. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, vast lookouts, and opportunities for wildlife spotting. Exploring the Cabot Trail allows travelers to lose themselves in the natural beauty of Nova Scotia while experiencing its rich cultural heritage.

Visit Peggy’s Cove:

Peggy’s Cove is a quiet fishing village known for its typical lighthouse standing on rocks overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can wander through the village, admire the picture-like scenery, and take photographs of the coastline. The quietness and beauty of Peggy’s Cove make it a must-visit destination in Nova Scotia.

Discover Halifax’s Waterfront:

Halifax’s lively waterfront is a center of activity, offering a variety of attractions and experiences for visitors. From taking a walk along the boardwalk lined with shops and restaurants to exploring historic sites like the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The waterfront also serves as a starting point for boat tours, allowing travelers to explore the harbor.

1. What makes Peggy’s Cove a must-visit destination?

A．Its cuisine.

B．Its scenery.

C．Its culture.

D．Its people.

2. What can you do on Halifax’s waterfront?

A．Jog along its coastline.	B．Explore its mountains.
C．Take boat tours.	D．Spot wildlife.

3. Where can you find this passage?

A．In a travel magazine.	B．In an adventure journal.
C．In a geography textbook.	D．In a science report.

6 . If you want to learn more about traditional Chinese culture, try these awesome offerings at the following places in Chinatown Singapore during the Five Foot way Festival 2024, which will last from 9 to 17 March, 2024.

Chinatown Visitor Centre

Start an exciting journey with us to explore the fascinating traditional Chinese weddings and modern adaptations. Here you will also have the chance to try traditional Cantonese wedding cakes. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture!

Time: 16 March.11:00-12:30

Ticket: $15.00

Xin Sheng Poets Society

The masters and students from Xin Sheng Poets Society’s calligraphy group are presenting a calligraphy workshop. Sign up now to experience the beauty of their written Chinese characters and take home your own work.

Time: 10 March, 14:00-16:00

Ticket: $18.00

Ping Sheh Open House

Come and join our workshop to explore the costumes and make-ups of Sheng, Dan, Jing, and Chou — the basic roles of Peking Opera. Understanding the designs and their symbolic meanings is crucial for appreciating the Peking Opera performances.

During our interactive session, you’ll learn the basic skills of Peking Opera — singing and acting. Get ready to enjoy a truly unique experience!

Time: 10 March, 14:00-16:00

Ticket: $20.00

Theatre Circle Teahouse

Prepare to dive into Cantonese Opera through our professional workshops. To enhance your experience, we will wrap up the evening with a Cantonese Opera performance led by a very famous actress, Ms Hu Gui Xin.

Time: 15 March.14: 00-15: 00

Ticket: $32.00

1. When will the Five Footway Festival start?

A．On 9 March.

B．On 10 March.

C．On 16 March.

D．On 17 March.

2. How much should each visitor pay for the Chinese-character-writing activity?

A．$15.00.

B．$18.00.

C．$20.00.

D．$32.00.

3. What can visitors do at the last two places?

A．Try some famous Chinese teas.	B．Watch Peking Opera performances.
C．Study basic poem-writing skills.	D．Learn about traditional Chinese operas.

7 . Boxing Day is an institution in the British calendar, but there is no common consensus as to how it got its name. According to some, it can be traced back to the Victorian era when churches often displayed a box into which their parishioners (教区居民) put donations.

However, according to historian Dr Neil Armstrong, the naming of Boxing Day dates back to the 17th century. This was the day, he said, when apprentices would have a box for their employers to tip them a coin or two. While the boxes may have disappeared, the custom of tipping has remained.

In the Victorian age, the custom evolved. On Boxing Day, most tradespeople would give their clients a gift to ensure their custom. There were concerns, said Dr Armstrong, that this was a form of bribery (行贿). This custom declined in the 20th century as fewer people had relationships with their local businesses and shops following the rise of supermarkets and shopping centres.

“It may not be the reason why Boxing Day got its name, but charitable giving was closely associated with Boxing Day in the Victorian era, "said Dr Armstrong. "In the mid-19th century there began to be indiscriminate (随意的) charitable giving. This would often be begging, and children were usually sent out to do this job.” Nevertheless, the habit of generous charitable giving has continued to be associated with the festive period up to the present day.

Boxing Day continued, however, to be a normal working day until 1871, when it was finally classed as a public holiday. "They would often be working until very late on Christmas Eve, so they wanted a break on Boxing Day, "Dr Armstrong said. Then it became known as a day of leisure. Organised sporting events such as football matches became popular—a tradition which has carried on until today.

Boxing Day is observed in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and some other Commonwealth nations. In America, December 26 is known as the Day after Christmas Day, and is observed as a holiday in only a few states.

1. Which of the following is closest in meaning to the underlined word “institution” in the first paragraph?

A．Charity system.	B．Unpopular festival.
C．Local organization.	D．Social convention.

2. How is the passage mainly developed?

A．By giving examples.	B．By making comparisons.
C．By following time order.	D．By making classification.

3. According to the passage, why did the Boxing Day custom of giving gifts decline in the 20th century?

A．Because of the indifferent relationships between people.

B．Because of the rise of supermarkets and shopping centres.

C．Because of a strict policy, which banned this form of bribery.

D．Because of the decrease in the number of tradespeople.

4. What is the author's main purpose in writing the passage?

A．To explain the origin of Boxing Day.

B．To explain how people celebrate Boxing Day.

C．To show that Boxing Day is named after a church donation box.

D．To advise people to celebrate Boxing Day.

8 . Chris Smith’s early life seemed ordinary, similar to any other boy in his small-town class with a cheerful character, sports involvement, and a charming smile. However, his family encountered big trouble, due to his father's dishonest business practices.

He ended up homeless and it all began when Chris's little brother drowned, leading to his father's imprisonment and his mother's emotional shutdown. Chris found himself homeless when his mother left without notice. At 17, he relied on his newly married sister's hospitality, hoping to graduate high school and make it on his own.

Despite challenges, a pivotal moment came from his history teacher, recognizing Chris’s intelligence and warning him of potential regrets if he didn’t graduate. Guidance extended further with Chris’s wrestling coach, teaching him the value of hard work and teamwork over individual achievement.

For Chris, school became a retreat. He would go to the library and gym, finding inspiration in stories of underdogs overcoming odds. Graduation brought a full college scholarship, but financial struggles led to loss of funding. Determined, Chris secured grants and loans, transferring to a smaller college, and graduating in the top 10 of his class.

Undiscouraged by setbacks, Chris earned acceptance to medical school, got married, and faced a new challenge when he and his wife adopted a child in need. Applying for medical residencies, Chris aimed high, including Johns Hopkins, the No. 1 program in the nation. To his surprise, he received the acceptance letter.

Chris, now a practicing radiologist, emphasizes the importance of hard work to students, echoing the encouragement he received. His journey from homelessness to professional success illustrates the transformative power of flexibility, mentorship, and a determined commitment to one’s dreams.

1. Which of the following didn’t contribute to Chris’s homelessness?

A．His father was behind bars.	B．His mother left him suddenly.
C．His brother's death.	D．His father was weak in business.

2. Where did Chris spend a lot of time seeking shelter during difficult times?

A．In his father’s old truck.	B．In the library and the gym at school.
C．In his sister’s hospital.	D．In Johns Hopkins University.

3. What does the underlined word “pivotal” mean in the passage?

A．Ordinary

B．Inspirational.

C．Essential.

D．Emotional.

4. What is the best title for the passage?

A．Chris Smith’s Ordinary Childhood	B．Overcoming Misfortune: Chris Smith’s Journey
C．A Small-Town Star: Chris’s Achievements	D．Financial Struggles and Family Challenges

9 . Indoor Games to Play with Family This Winter

Gather round the table with your favorite warm drinks and try some of the following indoor games with your family and friends.

Escape Rooms

Have you ever been to an escape room? Whether you have or you haven’t，the escape room fun is far from being over, with choices to order your own home escape room tools! You can even find some online free escape room choices to try out for hours of thinking and exploring and lots of fun for everyone who takes part.

Balloon Volleyball

This indoor game is great for keeping active while people are stuck indoors, and it is super fun and doesn’t make a mess. All you need to do is blow up a balloon and throw it at each other, making sure it doesn’t hit the floor，just like volleyball. This is another great game for all ages, even babies.

Pictionary

Have you got any promising artists at home? This game is a classic and fun for kids and adults of almost all ages. All you do is make teams and take some paper and pens to write proper words. You can then either use the real Pictionary cards or go the DIY route, creating your own cards. Write your own song or movie titles for great fun!

Indoor Hopscotch

Hopscotch can be made in so many different ways and doesn’t necessarily have to be played with chalk on the sidewalk. Hopscotch made with popsicle(冰棒) sticks is a great indoor kids’ activity, but it can definitely be enjoyed by the whole family. Make squares creatively from all kinds of materials, maybe even with tape on your footcloth.

1. What is special about Escape Rooms compared with the other games?

A．It takes the most energy to do.	B．It has free choices online.
C．It requires team spirit.	D．It is suitable for all ages.

2. What should you avoid doing while playing Balloon Volleyball?

A．Hitting the balloon too hard.	B．Making the house out of order.
C．Throwing the balloon at each other.	D．Dropping the balloon on the ground.

3. Which game can benefit your language skills?

A．Escape Rooms.	B．Balloon Volleyball.
C．Pictionary.	D．Indoor Hopscotch.

10 . As a child, Liu Wenwen disliked the suona, a “loud, high-pitched” traditional Chinese musical instrument, an ancestral heritage of her family that was to become her career.

Her peers at primary school laughed at her, saying her whole family was engaged only in “weddings and funerals.” Indeed, these are the two major occasions where the horn-like wind instrument is played in China’s rural areas. Liu felt ashamed. People admired things that were modern and international. “Suona, in comparison, was considered an art of the hillbilly.” Her father’s family has performed suona for seven generations.

The music is rooted in Liu’s DNA, but it takes time and hard work to become a skilled musician. The instrument was so loud that it annoyed the neighbors when she practiced at home. “So my parents would wake me up at 4 a.m. every day and take me to practice outside in a park.”

While she followed her parents to play the suona as a child, she only fell in love with the instrument at university. She found suona music beautiful for the first time in 2008, when she entered Shanghai Conservatory of Music to learn the instrument more systematically.

On China’s social media platforms, her name is often followed by a video of her live performance at a concert in Sydney, Australia, alongside award-winning composer Tan Dun in 2017. For her debut on the international stage, she was playing Hundreds of Birds Paying Homage to Phoenix, a masterpiece that often represents excellence in suona performance.

Liu promoted the “hillbilly” music to an international audience, thanks to Tan and his team, who recomposed the traditional music and arranged the piece into an orchestra. “It was a smooth dialogue between a Chinese instrument and a Western orchestra, loved by the musicians and audience alike,” she said. “I felt my hard work had paid off. I trained for over 20 years, probably just to win cheers and applause for traditional Chinese music on the international stage.”

1. What can we learn about Liu from the first two paragraphs?

A．She was born into a musical family.

B．She enjoyed playing the suona as a child.

C．She showed a talent for suona when she was young.

D．She felt ashamed of admiring modern and international things.

2. Why did Liu get up early to practice playing the suona?

A．To get more time for her practice.	B．To avoid disturbing the neighbors.
C．To spend more time with her parents.	D．To make practising the suona a habit.

3. What can we infer from the last two paragraphs?

A．Audience like Chinese instruments better than Western orchestra.

B．Liu’s performance at a Sydney concert got her recognized by the public.

C．Liu promoted traditional Chinese music to the whole world with her parents.

D．Social media is a major platform to carry forward traditional Chinese music.

4. In which part of the newspaper can we read the passage?

A．Technology.	B．Education.
C．People.	D．Entertainment.