1 . Most children now chat daily either online or through their mobile phones.
Sometimes the online world, just like the real world, can cause problems, such as bullying (恃强凌弱) or arguments.
A.Going online is great fun. |
B.Computer studies are part of schoolwork now. |
C.The language of chat is strange to many parents, too. |
D.There are some websites that are not suitable for the children. |
E.To keep children safe, your management must cover the family computer. |
F.They are connecting to a huge number of other children all over the world. |
G.Surfing the Internet takes up too much of the time that should be spent on lessons. |
2 . National parks like Yellowstone are popular destinations for both family vacations and adventure trips alike. But there are some places that simply don’t get the love that they deserve despite the fact that they are truly impressive.
Isle Royale National ParkLocated in the heart of Lake Superior, Isle Royale requires a bit of work to reach, but it is well worth the effort. Access is permitted only via daily ferries, which is why larger parks like Yellowstone see more visitors in a day than Isle Royale sees in a year. Wildlife like wolves are frequently spotted by hikers along the park’s scenic trails.
Dry Tortugas National ParkAnother island park, the Dry Tortugas can be found 68 miles to the southwest of the Florida Keys. Accessible only by boat or plane, this park is actually quite small, but it’s packed with history, abundant sea life, and amazing coral reefs. At the center of the park is Fort Jefferson, the largest masonry(砖石)structure in the Western Hemisphere.
Wrangell-St. Elias National ParkCovering more than 13.2 million acres, Wrangell-St Elias National Park is the largest in the entire U.S. system. Remote and mostly undeveloped, this is a park that demands more from its visitors, after all there are just two roads that lead into it. But in return, it gives them a special connection with nature that simply isn’t found anywhere else.
Big Bend National ParkTravelers looking for a truly wild experience should have Big Bend National Park on their bucket lists. Big Bend is well known for its whitewater rafting camping, and hiking although during the summer months it can be intensely warm, keeping many visitors away.
1. What is the main reason for fewer visitors to Isle Royale National Park?A.The terrible work. | B.The dangerous wolves. |
C.The remote location. | D.The inconvenient transport. |
A.Big Bend National Park. | B.Isle Royale National Park. |
C.Dry Tortugas National Park. | D.Wrangell St. Elias National Park. |
A.With its wide roads. | B.With its large area. |
C.With its beautiful scenery. | D.With its special visitors |
3 . Many kids help out around the house with chores such as emptying the dishwasher, putting laundry away, and taking out the trash. In exchange, some kids get allowances or other rewards such as extra computer time.
But some people do not think that kids should get rewards for doing chores. Susie Walton, a parenting educator and family coach, believes that by rewarding kids, parents are sending a message that work isn’t worth doing unless you get something in return. “Running any kind of household is a team effort,” Susie said. “A home is a living space for everyone in the family. It’s important for kids to see that we all have responsibilities in the house, and that families decide together how they want their home to look, and how they are going to keep it looking like everyone wants it to look.”
Other people believe that getting a cash allowance or other rewards motivates kids to do chores, and it also teaches them real world lessons about how we need to work to earn money. There are also new applications that give kids points and digital gifts that can be redeemed (兑取) either online or in the real world. With the Chore Monster app, kids earn digital points by completing chores that they can turn in for real-life rewards such as extra Xbox time or a trip to the mall. “Our goal is to encourage kids to earn rewards.” says Chris Bergman, founder of Chore Monster. “Kids need positive reinforcement to help motivate them.”
What do you think? Should kids be rewarded for doing chores? Or should kids help out around their homes without getting anything in return?
Write a 200-word response. Send it to tfkasks4you@timeforkids. com. Your response may be published in a future issue of Time For Kids. Please include your grade and contact information of your parent or teacher if you want your response to be published. The deadline for responding is 18 February.
1. How does the author start the passage?A.By stating his own experiences. | B.By presenting some facts. |
C.By comparing different views. | D.By listing some evidence. |
A.Kids should be rewarded for doing chores. |
B.Parents decide what kids can do for the family. |
C.Kids have the responsibility to share housework. |
D.Kids can get extra computer time for doing chores. |
A.Chris Bergman’s opinion on raising kids. |
B.Main reasons why kids need encouragement |
C.How to motivate kids to try new applications. |
D.The advantage of rewarding kids for doing chores. |
A.To invite readers to express their opinions. | B.To present the author’s viewpoint about parenting. |
C.To call on readers to reflect on their behavior. | D.To inform readers of two different opinions. |
4 . There are people for whom the motivation lies in their family’s or companions’ duties. For some people, the purpose lies in a soul’s spiritual awakening. Brent Clayton, a firefighter by profession, is such an individual who found his purpose early in life and kept working to fulfill it.
Born on March 3, 1984, Clayton hugely felt the need to serve others. He followed his mission in life and acquired his diploma in Public Safety. He gradually realized the importance of securing people’s lives, which strengthened his faith in his mission. Clayton further pursued his bachelor’s degree from the University of Melbourne and master’s degree from Federation University. Then, Clayton worked in the military for a period before moving into a role with the prison service as a prison guard, the youngest person to ever be employed by the service at the time.
After spending a decade in the fire service including training and recruitment, he gained enough experience to become Australian most prominent fire service recruitment expert. Clayton devoted many years of his life to the firefighter recruitment process and fire service industry. He wanted people to realize the true value of this profession by establishing its significance. To communicate his perspective, Clayton established Fire Recruitment Australia in 2009. He aimed to train the next generation and prepare them for the future. Clayton used his experience and years-long training to prepare candidates who were as enthusiastic about the well-being of the world as him.
Keeping the point in mind, Clayton wrote the book Fire Service Recruitment-The Process to Success. His idea was to join his learning into an accessible medium so others didn’t have to waste years wondering what to do when applying to become a firefighter. After the success of the book, Clayton introduced candidates to a comprehensive test preparation and learning suite to facilitate success throughout each stage of the selection process. This platform helped him as well as his candidates to work together for the betterment of themselves and society at large.
1. What made Clayton’s belief stronger?A.The need of serving other people. |
B.The significance of securing people’s safety. |
C.The diploma he received from Public Safety. |
D.The knowledge he learned from college. |
A.Stubborn. | B.Fearless. | C.Distinguished. | D.Elegant. |
A.Because he was enthusiastic about the well-being of the world. |
B.Because he wanted to carry out academic research. |
C.Because he wanted to realize his dream of being a leader. |
D.Because he hoped to get young people ready for future career. |
A.A book for career success | B.A man with great purpose |
C.An organization for well-being | D.A standard for firefighters |
5 . Welcome to the “Chicken Soup” family
The first Chicken Soup for the Soul book was released in 1993 and quickly became a holiday favourite. Thereafter, more than 250 books have been put together based on inspiring stories submitted by readers.
On this part of the website, you will find a list of our new book topics, our writing guidelines and our submission form. We welcome your stories, written in English, from all over the world!
Guidelines for a Chicken Soup for the Soul story
1. Tell an exciting, heart-warming or funny story about something that has happened to you or someone you know. Your story should be written in the first person.
2. Don’t be afraid to speak from the heart. We do let you use a pen-name for your story.
3. Keep your story to 1,200 words or less.
4. We love poems that tell a story, but we do not publish poems that seem overly focused on rhyming (押韵) or those which read more like greetings cards.
A few more tips about submitting your stories
1. The only way to submit your stories is via our website. If you have any problems when trying to fill out the form to submit your work, please contact us.
2. Please submit stories that have not been previously published. The only exception to this is if your work has only been published in a small local publication with limited circulation (发行量) or on your own blog.
3. Please do not send us any book manuscripts (手稿), unless through a literary agent (作家代理人), as they will be automatically discarded.
What happens after you submit your story?
Please complete all fields in the submission form. After you press the SUBMIT button, wait for the next screen to come up with a message that says: “Thank you! Your information has been received.” This is the only confirmation that your story has been entered into our database.
We do not send rejection letters, and we occasionally will save a submission for consideration for a future book. But in general, if you have not heard from us 60 days prior to the book’s on-sale date, that probably means we have decided not to use your story.
If we choose your story for a future book, we will notify (通知) you by email and request your permission to print it. You will be paid $200 one month after the publication of the book and receive ten free copies of the book your story appears in. You will also be entitled to buy books from us at half price.
1. According to the article, a Chicken Soup for the Soul story may be anything but a ________.A.work of fiction | B.narrative poem |
C.humorous story | D.tale of adventure |
A.you don’t submit it on your own |
B.you don’t use your real name in the story |
C.it has already been published on a large scale |
D.it seems similar to a story that has already been published |
A.as soon as you submit your story on its website |
B.after your story has been published in a new edition |
C.when your story has been chosen for a future edition |
D.45 days before its new edition is available for purchase |
6 . Christmas is a time for eating great food, giving and receiving presents, and most importantly spending time with your family watching some classic Christmas movies.
The Grinch (2000)
This is a Christmas must-watch and one of Jim Carrey’s best performances. It was also originally a nursery tale book written by Dr Seuss. It’s the story of a green monster who wants to ruin Christmas but in the end discovers the power of love and generosity. I promise it’s a great film with plenty of laughs along the way.
Love Actually (2003)
While this is not a personal favourite of mine, people in the UK absolutely love this film. It has many featuring actors and actresses. It might be a little difficult to follow as there are complex plots, so I recommend watching a translated version. However, the heart-warming elements of the film make it worth watching.
Home Alone (1990)
This amusing masterwork is one of my favourite films of all time. It tells the story of a boy, Kevin, who is left alone in his house when his large family forgets to take him on vacation with them. While other family members are away, burglars try to rob the house and Kevin must protect his home by setting traps. The trips, falls and traps will have you laughing out loud as you watch an 8-year-oldboy beat two grown men.
Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
You can’t have Christmas in an English-speaking country without watching this movie. It’s not funny like Home Alone or The Grinch, but it is incredibly touching. It’s about a man who claims to be Santa, but nobody believes him except a lawyer and a little girl. The storyline may seem a little childish but you can enjoy it at any age.
1. Which film is adapted from a fairy tale?A.The Grinch. | B.Home Alone. | C.Love Actually. | D.Miracle on 34th Street. |
A.An unsuccessful family vacation. |
B.A boy protecting his home by himself. |
C.A terrible suffering of a little boy. |
D.An 8-year-oldboy’s practical jokes. |
A.Owing to its moving plot. |
B.Because of its funny story. |
C.Due to its childish storyline. |
D.Because of its famous actors and actresses. |
7 . Top Exhibitions to See in London in 2023
Architectural: Vanishing Points
While we like to think of architecture existing purely in the real world, emerging designers and architects are using platforms like Instagram to create structures in the virtual world. This collection of works, which range from the practical to the fantastical, are all by architects who have gathered significant social media followings.
In the Digital Universe at ROCA London. 8 February—31 July, free.
Flowery: Orchids
This annual festival is back in bloom (开花), this time inspired by the beauty and biodiversity of Cameroon. Just like previous years, the orchids are spread throughout the various zones of the Princess of Wales conservatory and accompanied by sculptures that are just as colourful as the flowers on display.
At Kew Gardens. 4 February —5 March, &16.50—entrance to the gardens included.
Female Abstraction: Action, Gesture, Paint
Art history has often shone a light on the men of Abstract Expressionism, such as Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko. Well, now’s the time to let the most important women of the movement take the limelight in an exhibition that includes works by American artists such as Lee Krasner and Helen Frankenthaler, but spreads the net wider to include the female abstract artists from Europe, Asia and the wider world, with whom most of us will be unfamiliar.
At Whitechapel Gallery. 9 February—7 May, £ 16.50—concessions available.
Powerful Portraits (肖像): Alice Neel
The largest UK exhibition to date of American painter Alice Neel’s work will bring together her figurative pieces from across her 60-year career. Neel went against the popular grain by painting figures when abstract works were most popular, and she painted subjects that other artists ignored — pregnant women, labour leaders, black children, civil rights activists and strange performers. It’s high time we had a major show of her work in London, and the Barbican has duly provided.
At Barbican Art Gallery. 16 February—21 May, & 18.
1. Which of the following exhibitions is held once a year?A.Flowery: Orchids. |
B.Powerful Portraits: Alice Neel. |
C.Architectural: Vanishing Points. |
D.Female Abstraction: Action, Gesture, Paint. |
A.On February 8. | B.On January 7. | C.On April 7. | D.On May 8. |
A.She is 60 years old now. |
B.Her works didn’t follow the trend. |
C.She often ignored some common subjects. |
D.She is the most popular American painter in the UK. |
8 . The most famous war movies reflect the American public’s continuous fascination with World War Ⅱ and the Vietnam War. Many movies of this kind have been wellreceived when they were first shown, but few of them have enjoyed lasting fame and popularity. The films on the list of the five most famous war movies still remain fresh and are popular among many people.
The Longest Day
An allstar cast recreates DDay and the Normandy attack, the greatest landing and aerial (空中的) invasion in history. This is probably the most famous war movie because of the large number of big stars who have roles in the film.
Apocalypse Now
This is a famous war movie because of its description of the Vietnam War and excellent performance from Marlon Brando, Martin Sheen and Robert Duvall. The film, full of memorable scenes and quotes, is widely viewed as a masterpiece of movie making.
The Dirty Dozen
Lee Marvin, playing an officer who thinks and acts independently, is appointed to train twelve prisoners, most of whom have been sentenced to death, to go on a suicide mission to kill several Nazi generals. If any of the men makes it back, they may get a pardon. This is one of the most popular war movies ever made.
Platoon
This famous war movie is the fictional account of a platoon (排) in Vietnam that is divided into two competing groups. The plot is partly based on the director Oliver Stone’s real life experiences.
Midway
This is probably the most famous war movie ever made about navy. It’s based on the battle between Japanese and American aircraft carrier groups near Hawaii in World War Ⅱ that resulted in a decisive American victory.
1. What are the most important themes of the movies mentioned above?A.World War Ⅱ and the Vietnam War. |
B.Competitions in the Vietnam War. |
C.Fights between Nazi generals and soldiers. |
D.DDay landing and the Normandy attack. |
A.describe five most famous movie posters |
B.choose the best war movie among the five |
C.introduce five masterpieces of American war films |
D.celebrate the success of the five American war films |
A.The prisoners will be punished if they fail. |
B.The prisoners might be willing to have a try. |
C.The prisoners might be scared and run away. |
D.The prisoners have to take Nazi generals back. |
9 .
New big pack from Sierra Designs The latest pack from Sierra Designs is the Gigawatt 60L. The pack has an adjustable back system that fits back lengths from 40cm to 53cm. It’s made from durable 300D polyester. Features include a zipped top and side access, oversized side and front pockets. The Gigawatt 60L weighs 1.84kg and costs £130. sierradesigns.com | Scarpa upgrades its Maestrale boots Maestrale Re-Made ski boots are made from Polymer taken from around three tons of leftover materials. Creating a Re-Made boot from Polymer emits 27% less carbon dioxide than creating a “classic” boot from plant-based Pebax Rnew, which emits 32% less carbon dioxide than Fossil-based Plastics. The design and manufacturing process behind the Re-Made boot were developed by Scarpa’s Green Lab, the production department dedicated to sustainable solutions. A pair costs £500. scarpa.co.uk / ellis-brigham.com |
Vasque Breeze gets sustainable update The well-established Vasque Breeze hiking boot has been modernised with environmentally friendly materials. It’s now made with recycled polyester and is the first boot to have a VasqueDry Waterproof membrane, which is made from 25% recycled materials. The Breeze is also comfortable to wear with its soft footbed. The Breeze weighs 1120 grams and comes in two widths. It costs £140. vasque.com | The North Face launches new ski touring clothing The Dawn Turn clothing provides a layering system for ski touring designed to keep you warm, dry and freely moving. It includes a shell jacket, midlayers, trousers and accessories. The Dawn Turn 2.0 jacket won the innovation award at ISPO for its breathable layer. The cost is £350. The Dawn Turn 1.0 Jacket is made from waterproof DryVent. It features a windproof hood and oversized front pockets, and costs £325. thenorthface.co.uk |
A.The ski athletes | B.The outdoor lovers |
C.The environmentalists | D.The sports retailers |
A.Both kinds of boots mentioned in the passage have two different widths. |
B.The latest big pack from Sierra Designs has a fixed back system. |
C.The Vasque Breeze hiking boot is both eco-friendly and waterproof. |
D.The Dawn Turn 1.0 Jacket won the innovation award at ISPO. |
A.Polymer > Pebax Renew >Fossil-based Plastics |
B.Fossil-based Plastics > Pebax Renew > Polymer |
C.Fossil-based Plastics > Polymer >Pebax Renew |
D.Polymer >Fossil-based Plastics >Pebax Renew |
10 . Benefits of Sports
Doing sports is a physical, mental and social adventure. It’s a great way for children to take a break from studies and release extra energy. It also helps them lead fuller and happier lives as regular sports have proven beneficial to overall well-being.
The physical benefits of doing sports are probably the most obvious. Regardless of your fitness level when you start playing sports, you’ll notice an increase in your overall fitness once you’re involved.
Children who participate in sports might also benefit from the social aspect, feeling part of a group, building up responsibility and leadership.
Discipline is another social advantage. Most organized sports require a strict training and practice schedule. As a student-athlete, you need to balance studies and athletics.
There is no shortage of reasons to find a sport to get involved in. Are you ready to go? Pick one and get moving!
A.It’s not just your body that benefits from sports. |
B.Therefore, playing sports is going to make you more fit. |
C.But remember, a child’s self-worth should not be distinguished by victory or loss. |
D.If you play group sports, you’ll be part of a team that takes direction from a coach. |
E.Nearly every sport requires physical activities and the competitive skills. |
F.Among these, learning how to function as part of a team is the most important advantage. |
G.Only with strict discipline can you be successful both in the classroom and in the sports field. |