1 . BILLIARD   TABLES bought and sold. Mr Villis. (02805) 66 (Bucks).

GIFT CHAMPAGNE. We post a bottle with your message. From £14.50 incl. Orders or details 0642 45733

CHRISTINE’S beauty treatment and body therapy. 402 6499, 0473 4004

SMOKED SALMON

8oz sliced £5.75, 1 lb sliced £ 11, 2 lb 4oz side £16.90, 2 lb 8 oz side £ 19.50, 400 gms offcuts £ 5. Prices include UK 1st class postage. Cheques with order. Cornish Smoked Fish Co.Ltd,Charlestown, St.Austell,Cornwell.

400-YEAR-OLD thatched cottage between Winchester/Basingstoke: 3 dble beds, sec gdn & extras. £ 110,000. (0962)88109

CHATEAU LATOUR, 1964. 24 bottles, £ 75 each.Phone(0227) 9848 evenings.

GOING IN TO BUSINESS? Send £ 7.45 inc p&p for ‘The Beginners Guide to Success in Business.’ Comquip Ltd, 189 Highview, Meopham, Gravesend, Kent. (0732) 22315.

SILVER CROSS detachable coach Pram (navy), shopping tray, excellent clean condition, £30; Carry Cot, £ 5; Baby Bath, £ 2.50; Atari system, joystick and paddle sticks, in good working order, needs a new mains adapter, £40; 5 Atari Cassettes, £10 each, very good condition, ideal Xmas presents. – Apply 34 Kynaston Road, Didcot, Oxon. evenings. 215702

HAVANA CIGARS

And other fine cigars at wholesale prices. Send for list to James Jordan Ltd, Shelly, Huddars-field. Tel,: 0484 60227

C-SCOPE METAL DETECTORS. The ideal family gift to treasure from £ 39.99 to £449.50. Tel. Ashford (0233) 2918 today for free colour brochure.

BEAUTIFUL farm estate, total 700 acres. Diplomats 4 bed 1832 house, £ 220,000 ono. 0639 730825 BEDROOMED HOUSE in quiet mid-Wales village. 1 acre of land, fishing and shooting available. £ 42,000. Tel: 059 787 687 (after 6 p.m.).

THE TIMES (1814-1985). This Xmas give someone an original issue dated the very day they were born, £ 12,50 or 2 for £ 21. Tel 01-486 6305 or 0492 3314

PARTYMANIA, everything for your party in one “fun-tastic” store.- 179 Kingston Road, Oxford 51339, own parking. 37685

OXFORD: lively divorcee, mid forties, bored with solitude and the cat, seeks male, preferably tall, to share local pleasures and pastimes, music, the arts etc. Box (50) 2050.

LADIES NARROW SHOWS. AA and narrower, sizes 2-11. Also wide EE. SAE Muriel Hitchcock Shoes, 3b Castle Mews, Arundel BN18 9DG.

HAVE a very happy birthday Paul!

1. How much will it cost you to get somebody a pound of smoked salmon and a bottle of champagne (with a message)?

A．£ 20.25

B．£ 25.50

C．£ 14.50

D．Almost £ 18.00

2. What is the stuff you can buy that was produced on the day you were born?

A．Birthday cards

B．Christmas gifts

C．Cigars

D．Newspapers

3. Someone is offering a baby bath for sale and where can you get it?

A．PARTYMANIA	B．LADIES NARROW SHOWS
C．SILVER CROSS	D．GOING IN TO BUSINESS?

3 . Citizen science gives curious people the opportunity to become extra sets of hands, eyes and ears in real scientific research. Bringing many people together to document endangered species, monitor water quality or watch the stars makes it possible to do science on large scales and tackle bigger research questions. Here are just five of the hundreds of citizen science projects that you can participate in.

Nature’s Notebook

Volunteers in this project “take the pulse of the planet” by documenting changes in plants, animals and insects to help scientists understand how ecosystems are being affected by climate change. You can join a regional campaign like Mayfly Watch or Pesky Plant Trackers, or choose from over 1, 400 species to watch in North America. Then, log your observations on the Nature’s Notebook mobile app.

Crowd the Tap

Volunteers test the water and pipes in their homes so researchers can map the pipe infrastructure in the United States and identify polluted water supplies. All you need is a penny and a magnet (to determine whether pipes are made of steel, copper, plastic or lead, which is not always obvious visually) . You can also share observations about your tap water like color, smell and taste. If you live near a participating library or school, you can check out a kit to test your water chemistry.

GLOBE Observer

The NASA-sponsored GLOBE project seeks to understand our changing environment and climate through crowd-sourced observations. The project is app-based, and users can upload observations about clouds, mosquito habitat, trees or land cover to give researchers a global picture of how our planet is changing over time.

The Happiness Project

Help psychology researchers understand the relationship between happiness and decision-making by playing games. All you need to participate is the project’s smartphone app to access games that subtly investigate how players approach risky decisions, while periodically asking them to rate their happiness level. Game and happiness scores become data that researchers use to figure out how expectations contribute to happiness.

Exoplanet Watch

Experiment time on big telescopes like Hubble is precious, so NASA needs backyard astronomers to help researchers narrow down when and where to turn their sights to find planets outside of our solar system. Every day, the project posts new exoplanet targets for volunteers to keep an eye on. If you don’t have a telescope, you can still aid the search by analyzing data from others’ observations.

1. What is the primary purpose of citizen science projects, as described in the article?

A．To provide volunteers with opportunities to learn about scientific research.

B．To allow scientists to rely on volunteers for data analysis.

C．To engage curious individuals in scientific research.

D．To highlight the importance of citizens’ contribution to science.

2. What does the underlined phrase “take the pulse of the planet” mean?

A．Monitor the heart rates of endangered species.

B．Record changes in ecosystems to assess the impact of climate change.

C．Observe the behavior of insects and animals.

D．Launch a campaign to raise awareness about climate change.

3. Which of the following statements is TRUE according to the passage?

A．Crowd the Tap aims to raise people’s awareness about water-related diseases.

B．Exoplanet Watch relies only on professional astronomers to search for exoplanets.

C．The Happiness Project investigates the relationship between happiness and games.

D．GLOBE Observer collects observations about our changing environment through an app-based platform.

4 . Overseas Learning

Somerset Yew Wah Classroom, UK

Somerset Yew Wah Classroom program is a unique English language and life education program in the Yew Wah secondary curriculum catered for Grade 6, Grade 8 and Grade 10 students. Established in 2006, the Somerset English learning and cultural center provides a distinctive opportunity for students to experience an authentic English environment. The Centre is located in a traditional English village in Somerset Sibley’s Barn and the Knowle Hall campus, a newly renovated Victorian-era country house built on 15 acres of land in beautiful open parkland, is situated close to our Sibley Barn’s Centre and was established in 2016. The Somerset program provides an excellent cross-cultural experience which enhances self-confidence, independence, teamwork and leadership skills of students. The Somerset program continues upon students’ return to China.

World Classroom

World Classroom is a concept of learning beyond the school building walls. It is an extension of the experimental, project-based learning at the core of the Yew Wah educational model. The World Classroom program is just one of the unique experiences which allow students to sample major cultures of the world, including European, African, Middle Eastern, Pacific and Anglo-American.

Experiencing China

The program provides secondary students with the opportunities to gain insights into Chinese history and culture by visiting various regions of China. This residential program broadens students’ understanding of their own country. Through first-hand cross-cultural experiences, the programs increase students’ understanding of various cultures, promote critical thinking, and help students develop an appreciation of different viewpoints. The programs ultimately help prepare our students for an evolving modern world by nurturing their cross-cultural knowledge and skills, international-mindedness and attitudes on their becoming true global citizens with a commitment to serve the community and society.

Trips and Excursions

Trips and excursions allow students to enhance societal visions, enrich life experiences and strengthen communication and problem-solving skills. Students participate in Hong Kong Hike, one of the most traditional annual outdoor activities where students rely heavily on teamwork and personal willpower to reach the destinations when facing survival challenges. “After the hike, he grew into almost a different person. He became more mature and now capable of taking care of himself, and more responsible,” said a parent of her son. These qualities are exactly what Hong Kong Hike wants to achieve.

1. Why do students participate in Somerset Yew Wah classroom in UK?

A．To do research on British cultures and appreciate beautiful views.

B．To enhance self-confidence, independence, teamwork and leadership skills.

C．To have a special campus tour to Sibley’s Barn and the Knowle Hall.

D．To show their appreciation of British history and their own cultures.

2. Experiencing China program mainly aims to help students to ___________________.

A．be capable of taking care of himself and their parents

B．compare learning in China with learning overseas

C．broaden their understanding of their own country

D．interpret globalization and promote Chinese culture

3. What does the mother of a student think of Hong Kong Hike?

A．It empowers students to have teamwork, willpower and responsibility.

B．It helps students to share a better understanding of the world around them.

C．It works out a way to resolve the conflicts between parents and the students.

D．It enhances students’ international-mindedness and shapes attitudes to others.

5 . How long should my novel be?

This is a question I’m often asked, and it’s certainly not the same answer as how long a piece of string is! So, how long should your book actually be?

If we work backwards, from a production department point of view, a book of approximately 100,000 words will come in somewhere between 300 to 400 pages.     1     I’d suggest that 80,000 words up works well, occasionally stretching to 120,000 words on rare occasions.

Shorter texts are less daunting(使人气馁的) for an agent to submit rather than a block of manuscript so aim to make your publication path easier. There’s an implication that a standard book length should have a tighter handle on pacing, with the reader more readily drawn in. In turn, an overlong novel often indicates to a publisher that there’s potentially extensive editing work to be done by them.

    2     For example, historical fiction could more comfortably sit near the 120,000 mark. Literary fiction can head in the other direction, with 60,000 words still offering a feeling of fundamental worth to the publisher and reader, with an implication that the text is highly developed.

More commonly, issues over length tend to highlight that pacing is an issue, be it too long or too short. Overwriting, in particular, can be an issue for many authors, who might struggle to express their ideas clearly, using complex language that play down the flow of the book. Successful writing contains a clarity of thought that enables the writer to connect with the reader for maximum impact, allowing the story, characters and setting to shine through.

In terms of content, it’s important for an author to prioritise the key themes in the book.     3     Allow your reader to piece together information you delicately work through your text and avoid excess scenes and information, revealing instead what’s needed to keep that tension pulsing. Be brave as you cut back on the unnecessary, keeping a backup copy of your novel just in case you change your mind.

Work intuitively, from the heart, keeping secrets for as long as possible so the reader is forced to read on. In this way, a reader will readily connect with your words.     4    

A．Books do have different thresholds(门槛) according to genre.

B．This is plenty for a typical author’s book, particularly the first one.

C．Yes, there are exceptions to every genre but these are generally rare.

D．Is everything of equal importance and does everything need to be included?

E．Longer books are more expensive to produce and harder to sell in, so it increases their risk.

F．With a firm handle on length, your novel will have increased its chances of commercial publication.

6 . (You may read the questions first)
Section A

Application to get a Virginia Learner’s Permit
Candidate information
1 Name:
	Last Name	First Name
2 Address:
	Street or P. O. Box	Apartment Number
City	State	Zip Code
3. Date of birth:   /   /   4. Telephone number:（       ）
ALL APPLICATIONS HAVE DOCUMENTATION FOR 5-9
5. Form of ID:
6. A copy of your original（Please√）: □school record of student's performance（courses and marks/grades, etc. ） □high school diploma □GED Certificate
7. Residency Proof:            8. Driving exam score（if taken）:
9. Location of certified course:
10. Signature of applicant:
11. Signature of parent of guardian:

Section B

Getting a Virginia Learner’s Permit You must be at least 15 years and 6 months of age to apply for a learners’ permit. This permit allows you to practice your driving skills in preparation for the road test required for a driver’s license. When driving with a learner’s permit, you must be seated next to a licensed driving instructor or a responsible adult over the age of 21 who holds a valid driver’s license.

Required Documentation: 1. Written permission from a parent or guardian (if you are under the age of 18). 2. Certification of school attendance (if you are under the age of 18). 3. One original form of identification that gives proof of your name and date of birth (no photocopies). 4. Proof of your social security number. 5. An original proof of Virginia residency such as a pay stub (存根), school identification card, or school transcript (no photocopies). 6. Certificate of enrollment in a classroom-instructional portion of a state-approved driver’s education program (required for all applicants under the age of 19).

1. Sections A and B are forms for those who apply for driving licenses and__________ as well.

A．employees in high schools in the United States

B．those who are at least 15 years and 6 months

C．graduates from Virginia University

D．professional educators in schools

2. Which question is NOT answered in Section B. about applying for a Virginia learner’s permit?

A．How long is the classroom part of a driver education course?

B．Is a social security number required to get a learner’s permit?

C．When is written permission from a parent required by the state?

D．Are photocopies permissible as original official proof papers?

3. The “Required Documentation” listed in Section B states that learners must_________.

A．have a good educational achievement record

B．obey motor vehicle laws when driving on the highways together

C．show proof of school attendance if not reaching 18 years old

D．be with a licensed driver

7 . BLOSSOMS SHANGHAI, a Six-Year Wait Over Now

HONG KONG film director Wong Karwai’s first television series, Blossoms Shanghai, began its broadcast at the end of December. The drama with 30 ______ is adapted from a 2012 novel of the same name, winner of the 9th Mao Dun Literature Prize in 2015. It aims to ______ stereotypes (刻板老套的印象) about Shanghai and help readers understand its culture.

The TV drama, set in 1990s Shanghai, centers around a young man called A Bao (played by Hu Ge, now a cultural ______ in TV field) who rises from ______ beginnings to become a successful businessman in ten years. Along the way, he receives help from supporters and faces off against rivals to expand his business empire.

The TV adaptation comes out in two ______ one in Shanghainese, the other dubbed (配音) in Putonghua. The former is an effort in particular to stay true to the novel’s ______ flavor, with the major roles taken on by actors born and raised in Shanghai and a large amount of the dialogue had in Shanghainese. Even director Wong himself spoke ______ Shanghainese while working on set.

The success of the TV series can ______ the effort invested in recreating the look and atmosphere of the time. In August 2020, the crew posted a newspaper notice to seek everyday household objects from the period between 1976 and 1995. The appeal received a nation-wide response. Various items from old newspapers to cigarette lighters to ______ , and even a car, were sent to them. Some of these items had interesting stories behind them, which bring strong ______ from the Shanghai citizens for the past days.

In addition, the main setting of the story, “Huanghe Road”, was rebuilt at a 1:1 ______ at Shanghai Film Park in Songjiang.

In typical Wong Kar-wai style, the production took six years to complete. The director has a reputation for being very ______ each and every shot, often requiring actors to perform a scene upwards of ten times. At a promotional event when the cast was asked to provide a reason for people to watch the series, actress Ma Yili said, “I hope you can see our growth and change of the city in this drama and remove the old fixed general image.” Three trailers (预告片) had previously been released. Each trailer also focused on a different part of the series: the first on A Bao’s life before his success, and the story brings us to the old days when almost all the Shanghai citizens invested their savings in stock due to ______ in marketing; the second on him as an influential businessman; and the final one on the era of the drama, which is essential to A Bao's personal struggle.

The TV series has received mixed reviews. On Douban, quite a number of viewers are not happy with its plot which they think is transitioning too rapidly and thus a bit challenging to follow, thus it ______ the viewing. But nearly 80 percent of the viewers have given it a ______ rating. ‘This is not a TV series! This is art!’ said one post on the platform.

1.

A．pages

B．series

C．episodes

D．abbreviations

2.

A．huddle

B．blur

C．illustrate

D．eliminate

3.

A．phenomenon

B．identity

C．essence

D．heritage

4.

A．marital

B．humble

C．prolific

D．overall

5.

A．versions

B．depictions

C．interpretations

D．illustrations

6.

A．flexible

B．artistic

C．local

D．authoritative

7.

A．formal

B．poetic

C．professional

D．authentic

8.

A．be attributed to

B．be intended to

C．be devoted to

D．be accustomed to

9.

A．baggage carts

B．motor sledges

C．sewing machines

D．live-streaming platforms

10.

A．demand

B．significance

C．nostalgia

D．evidence

11.

A．potential

B．scale

C．boom

D．revival

12.

A．particular about

B．irrelevant to

C．upset about

D．rooted in

13.

A．herd behavior

B．vicious circle

C．temporary escape

D．noticeable decline

14.

A．tempts

B．roams

C．disrupts

D．declines

15.

A．cautious

B．standard

C．accurate

D．positive

8 .

A．Find a roommate.	B．Move to a neat room.
C．Post an ad for a cleaner.	D．Reply to an ad.

9 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。1.

A．Protecting against junk food.

B．Selling more junk food to people.

C．Displaying little junk food on TV or in movies.

D．Showing people happily eating unhealthy food.

2.

A．Because people want to be beautiful.

B．Because good-looking people talk a lot.

C．Because good-looking people buy a lot of products.

D．Because good appearance is associated with products.

3.

A．He’s the boss of the BBC.	B．He sells products to the BBC.
C．He doesn't like any advertisements.	D．He trusts anyone who admits mistakes.

10 . What does the man mean?

A．The show he directed turned out to be a success.

B．He enjoyed watching those comedies by famous directors.

C．TV comedies have not improved much since the 1980s.

D．New comedies are exciting just like those in the 1980s.