1 . Dark Sky Parks Around the World
Warrumbungle National Park
Situated in the central west slopes of New South Wales is Australia’s only dark sky park, Warrumbungle. The park has served as a dark sky park since July 2016. Its crystal-clear night skies and high altitude (海拔) make it a natural, educational and astronomical heritage site in the southern half of the earth. Tourists can use Australia’s largest optical telescope within the park boundaries to view the auroras (极光), the Milky Way and faint shooting stars.
Sark
Sark is a Channel Island near the coast of Normandy under the protection of the UK. It was the World’s First Dark Sky Island set up in January 2011. Its historical and cultural blend (交融) attracts over 40,000 tourists annually. With no motor vehicles and public lighting on the island, there is an exceptional view of the dark skies. A rich Milky Way is visible in the dark night skies from the shores of the island.
Pic du Midi de Bigorre
Pic du Midi de Bigorre in France was designated as a dark sky park in December 2013 making it the second largest dark sky park in the world. The park covers 3,112 square kilometres spread across the Pyrenees National Park and UNESCO’s World Heritage site, Pyrenees-Mont Perdu. The park attracts over one hundred star watchers every year. The Observatory Midi-Pyrenees, which was built in 1870,is one of the world’s highest museums at a height of 2,877 metres above sea level.
Ramon Crater/Makhtesh Ramon
Ramon Crater is a unique1,100-square-kilometre nature reserve located in the Negev Desert in Israel. In 2017, Ramon Crater became the first designated dark sky park in the Middle East. Its location, rough climate and forbidding landscape that are characteristic of the Negev have largely defeated historical attempts for human settlement, making it a great place to view the night skies. Stargazers usually camp in the desert to have an uninterrupted view of the stars, planets and the Milky Way.
1. Which was the first to be designated as a dark sky park?| A．Sark. | B．Pic du Midi de Bigorre. |
| C．Warrumbungle National Park. | D．Ramon Crater / Makhtesh Ramon. |
| A．The auroras. | B．The planets. |
| C．The Milky Way. | D．Shooting stars. |
| A．It’s a natural heritage site. | B．It covers 3,112 square kilometres. |
| C．Its geographical conditions are tough. | D．It’s a great place for humans to settle in. |
2 . Childhood is particularly important for learning. We obviously can't do all the work as every child is different. However, we're hoping that these learning apps for kids can help!
ClassDojo
Price: $2.99
Download on Amazon App Store
ClassDojo is one of a few virtual classroom style learning apps. Using this app, parents, students, and teachers can all interact with one another. Unlike many, it doesn't replace the classroom experience but acts more as a positive reinforcement (强化) and communication tool to help keep everyone on the same page. The most important thing is that you'll need to find teachers who would want to use this kind of tool.
Cram.com Flashcards
Price: $ 169. 4 per year/$29. 95 per month
Download on Ubuntu Software
Cram.com Flashcards is a study app. It allows you to create flashcards about any subject. This is a great study aid for almost anybody. The app features cross-platform syncing (同步), and provides access to over 75 million flashcards that others have made, and it works both offline and online.
Duolingo
Price: Free with in-app purchases
Download on George Play
Duolingo is one of the best learning apps for kids when it comes to learning a new language. It has a variety of language supports, including Spanish, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Irish, Danish, and even English. What makes the app so great is that it's completely free to download and use.
DragonBox series
Price: $24. 99 or $27. 99
Download on App Store
The DragonBox series are a set of education games that help kids learn basic math. There are five learning apps for kids in total. All five of them deal with numbers to some extent. Math is hard to understand sometimes so it might be good to teach these concepts via the app. All five games require an up-front payment, but none of them have in-app purchases.
1. When using ClassDojo, you should ________.| A．keep up with others | B．get support from teachers |
| C．use it in your classroom | D．be able to make flashcards |
| A．$149. 75. | B．$75. | C．$29. 95. | D．$169. 4. |
| A．Learn high-level math in a fun way. | B．Figure out difficult math problems. |
| C．Design educational games about math. | D．Master math concepts through games. |
A drama series named “Medal of the Republic”
The series tells heart-warming stories about
Among the recipients are Tu Youyou, awarded with the 2015 Nobel Prize,
“Medal of the Republic”
4 . Between 1 November and 7 December 2021, three locations across London will give visitors the chance to explore a collection of collaborative projects, all working to address climate change in unique and creative ways. All the exhibitions are free.
1 to 11 November: Paternoster Square, next to St Paul's Cathedral, London EC4M 7BP
12 to 29 November: Aldgate Square, Aldgate High St, London EC3N 1AF
30 November to 7 December: Guildhall Yard, off Gresham Street, London, EC2V 5AE
The exhibitions will show the work of nine Creative Committees-global actions developed to provide creative responses and solutions to the climate challenge through art, science and digital technology. The aim for these committees is to stimulate global conversations about climate change and to inspire transformational change.
We look forward to seeing you onsite. Join the global conversation and come and see how you can:
·create green space in your city with Green Space Atlas
·learn to make plant graffiti（涂鸦）with Trees for Life
·step up to the climate challenge with Millipede's virtual shoe shop
·set up a school Eco-Committee with Connecting the Climate Challenge
·be inspired to reuse and recycle with Tales of Care and Repair.
1. If you are available on November 20th, which place should you go to enjoy an exhibition?| A．Paternoster Square | B．St Paul's Cathedral | C．Aldgate Square | D．Guildhall Yard |
| A．It will charge a small fee. | B．It will last for more than 2 months. |
| C．It encourages citizens to submit works. | D．It aims to solve climate change from new perspectives. |
| A．Green Space Atlas. | B．Trees for Life. |
| C．Tales of Care and Repair. | D．Connecting the Climate Challenge. |
5 . The Blue Cafe' Theatre
The Artist is a movie set in a neighborhood of the French capital, by the River Seine. Made in 1940, this black and white movie has made cinema history. A romantic drama that will make you cry, it is well worth watching. Don't worry if you don't know French; you can read the subtitles(字幕). Showing Sunday morning in the Blue Cafe' Theatre.
Elmstreet Village Cinema
Ask me that again! A great movie for all ages, young and old. It's a movie with something for everyone! Set in a New York college, it sells the story of a girl who is so pretty that every boy falls to her. But all she wants to do is study! Now showing until Sunday, Special afternoon tickets at 10% discount for the 4:00 pm matinee(午后场).
The Orange Cinema Company
Star Traveler is a great movie for science-fiction fans who like to have a good laugh at the same time. It may not be the best film of all time, but it certainly is the funniest. You will love Wil, the star traveler, who gets lost in space, chased by green aliens. Showing from Saturday at all Orange Cinemas , 7: 00 pm, 9: 00 pm and 11:30 pm.
Findley Park Cinema
Dance all the way! A musical romance, set in an arts & dance school in the US, the film will have you singing along and tapping(轻叩) your toes from beginning to end. Doors open on Saturday at 5:00 pm for the early showing.
1. What do we know about The Artist?| A．The story happened in Paris. | B．It is a color movie |
| C．It is a movie in English. | D．It is funny. |
| A．The Artist. | B．Dance all the way. | C．Star Traveler. | D．Ask me that again. |
| A．The Blue Cafe' Theatre | B．Findley Park Cinema |
| C．Elmstreet Village Cinema | D．The Orange Cinema Company |
6 . Improve your reading, writing and math skills
Through the Literacy and Basic Skills program, you will learn reading, writing, math and other basic skills (e. g. computer) to help you prepare for:
● employment
● college studies
● independence
● school credit
These courses are free and available in English or French. There are courses designed for local people and Deaf people as well.
RequirementsTo take these courses you have to:
● be an Ontario resident
● be 16 years old or older
● have reading, writing and math skills below the grade 12 level
Learn in a classroomYou can take these free classroom courses at more than 300 locations across the province.
Find out more by contacting Employment Ontario.
Learn onlineYou can learn online as one way of the Literacy and Basic Skills program.
Four different organizations in Ontario offer free online courses tailored to you. Find out more about learning online:
● in French
● in English
● as a local person
● as a Deaf person
1. What will the program fail to help you prepare for?| A．Employment. | B．College studies. |
| C．Entrance exam. | D．Independence. |
| A．Two. | B．Three. |
| C．Four. | D．Five. |
| A．Entertainment. | B．Education. |
| C．Health. | D．Science. |
7 . Watching the latest Hollywood movie in a great cinema brings about a lot of excitement. Here are the best movie theaters in the world.
Prasad—Hyderabad, India
Can you think of anything better than a movie viewed on a screen measuring 97×117 feet? Prasad has the answer. It has been screening movies since 2003. Every day, it gets round 1,500 inquiries (咨询) on its phone booking system.
Castro Theater—San Francisco, United States
Back during the 20s, movie palaces with huge reception halls and video halls were put up for the pleasure of customers. This theater, with a cathedral façade (立面), is one of the last from that period.
Cine de Chef—Seoul, South Korea
Want to go out for dinner and a movie? Here you get to do both. And the food is not just the typical popcorn and soda, but a real meal made up of French and Italian cuisine (菜肴).
Secret Cinema—Worldwide
Secret Cinema is a group based in London that holds monthly screenings of a movie. You have to sign up for it, and they will tell you where and when to go for the movie. Hired actors will then act out the scenes from the film.
1. What makes Prasad well-known?| A．Its long history. |
| B．Its large-sized screen. |
| C．Its special decoration. |
| D．Its phone booking system. |
| A．Online payment is required. |
| B．You can watch movies in palaces. |
| C．Actors will present the scenes live. |
| D．You can watch movies every week. |
| A．Prasad. | B．Castro Theater. |
| C．Cine de Chef. | D．Secret Cinema. |
| A．To advertise. | B．To educate. |
| C．To persuade. | D．To introduce. |
8 . TALENT ON PARADE
It is time for the Smithdale Student Activity Club’s yearly talent show. In the past, the club has had performers sing, dance, and play the violin, guitar, or piano. This year the show will be called “Talent on Parade”, and we are looking for performers with great new ideas. In addition, we have planned two important changes for this year’s show.
Two Shows Instead Of One
First, “Talent on Parade” will be held on two nights. Performers in the Wednesday night show will include students in Grades K-5. Performers in the Friday night show will include students in Grades 6-12.
Smithdale High School Hall Wednesday, May 11, 6:30 P.M. Friday, May 13, 7:30 P.M.
No Tryouts (预选)
The second change is that this year’s performers will be chosen in a new way. No tryouts will be held. The first twenty acts to sign up for each show will be accepted. Others will be put on a waiting list in case someone has an act that is not allowed. You’ll be told by telephone or e-mail if your act is included.
If you do not wish to perform but would enjoy helping backstage with lights or sound, print “stagehand” in large letters at the top of the permission slip (同意书).
Rules For Acts
1. Each student chosen to perform must turn in a permission slip signed by a parent or guardian(监护人).
2. All performers must be at the school one hour before the show time.
3. Performers must provide their own transportation to and from the school.
4. Each act is limited to three minutes.
5. No act may have more than five people in it.
6. Performers must provide their own music (tapes, CDs, or instruments) and costumes.
7. Singers may sing with or without musical accompaniment, but they may not sing along with a recorded voice on a CD or tape.
1. The twenty-first act to sign up will be allowed to be performed only if____.| A．a performer is unable to attend | B．a performance is shortened |
| C．the performance is original | D．the performer is approved |
| A．telephone number | B．musical recording |
| C．costume drawing | D．permission slip |
| A．Before 6:30 P.M. | B．Before 5:30 P.M. |
| C．After 6:30 P.M. | D．After 5:30 P.M. |
| A．In a city evening paper. | B．On an entertainment website. |
| C．On a school news board. | D．On the wall of a music store. |
Hearst Castle is a park on the central California coast and a National Historic Landmark. It was designed by Julia Morgan for William Randolph Hearst from 1919 until 1947. In 1957, the owner donated the fortune to the state of California. Since that time, it has been a state historic park where its large collection of art and antiques are open for public tours. Despite its location far from any urban center, the site attracts roughly one million visitors per year.
Guided Tours
•Tour One is recommended for first time visitors. It now includes the movie, Hearst Castle Building the Dream.
•Tour Two gives visitors a closer look at the main house’s upper floors, Mr. Hearst’s private suite, the libraries, and the kitchen.
•Tour Three looks at the Castle’s North Wing, guest rooms and guest house Casa Del Monte.
•Tour Four includes the impressive gardens and grounds, the largest guesthouse, the wine basement, and the Hidden Terrace.
•The evening tour is a special tour that allows visitors to experience the Castle at night as one of the Hearst’s own visitors might have.
Ticket Prices
Hearst Castle accepts VISA, Master Card, American Express and Discover. Free day use parking is available for automobiles, motorcycles, tour buses and recreational vehicles.
| Tours | Adult | Ages 6－17 |
| Tour 1 | $24 | $12 |
| Tours 2,3 or 4 | $24 | $12 |
| Evening tour | $30 | $15 |
* Children under 6 are free when accompanied by a paying adult.
Reservation(预订) Information
While tickets may be purchased at the Visitor Center upon arrival, tour reservations can be made online now or by calling 18004444445,see below for times.
| Reservation Call Center Hours | ||
| Dates | Monday－Friday | Saturday－Sunday |
| March－September | 8 am－6 pm | 8 am－6 pm |
| October－February | 9 am－5 pm | 9 am－3 pm |
Visit www.hearstcastle.org for more information.
1. If you are quite interested in wine，which tour will you choose?
| A．Tour Two. | B．Tour One. |
| C．Tour Four. | D．Tour Three. |
| A．$36. | B．$60. |
| C．$48. | D．$75. |
| A．At 8 am on Monday in February. |
| B．At 6 pm on Saturday in October. |
| C．At 7 pm on Friday in September. |
| D．At 9 am on Sunday in March. |
