1 . How many advertisements have you seen in your life?     1     Advertisements are a great way to make people aware of products, issues, and more. But has advertising become a problem for society? If let me rate the current online advertising risks, I would probably give 2 points.     2    

Advertising makes us associate happiness with consumerism (消费主义). After they’ve achieved to ruin our self-esteem (自尊), advertisements are trying to fool us into thinking that only products and services can make us feel better.     3     What is it? You guessed right: Shopping. Once they achieve to make you feel ugly, they sell you beauty products so you can improve on your ugliness. Once they manage to make you believe that you are not important, they sell you expensive clothes so you can attract the attention of others. And so on and so forth.

    4     We have an economic system in which people have to make money in order to survive—and this can be clearly seen in the advertising industry. By showing you what the ideal life is supposed to be, and then making you compare your ordinary life to it, they slowly lead you to believe that you’re not beautiful, intelligent, confident, and so on, until they fully convince you that you are basically not good. The reason? To make you feel insecure so that they can then emotionally control you.

In short, advertisements promise you happiness, provided that you spend money in return. The result?     5    

A．Advertising pushes us to make money.

B．Advertising makes us feel that we’re not good enough.

C．So what exactly are the main problems of advertising on society?

D．The average person sees between 280 and 310 advertisements per day.

E．Without shopping, advertisements tell you that you can’t find happiness.

F．In other words, advertisements create a problem and then offer us a solution to it.

G．Consuming stuff you don’t even need and leading to waste that is pollution our planet.

2 . Whether you are planning a trip to London or simply have an interest in museums, these are some must-visit destinations.

The British Museum: Located in London, the British Museum is one of the oldest and most renowned museums in the world. It houses a vast collection of artifacts from different cultures and civilizations, including the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon Sculptures, and the Portland Vase.

The National Gallery: Also located in London, the National Gallery is home to an impressive collection of Western European paintings, ranging from the 13th to the 19th centuries. Some of the highlights include works by Vincent van Gogh, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo.

The Natural History Museum: Another London-based museum, the Natural History Museum is known for its extensive collection of natural history specimens, including dinosaurs, minerals, and rare plants. It is a great place for visitors of all ages to learn about the natural world.

The Victoria and Albert Museum: Also known as the V&A, this museum is located in London and is dedicated to art and design. It houses a vast collection of objects, ranging from ancient Chinese ceramics to contemporary fashion.

The Tate Modern: Located in London as well, the Tate Modern is a modern art museum that houses a diverse collection of contemporary art, including paintings, sculptures, and installations. It is a must-visit destination for fans of modern and contemporary art.

These are just a few of the many museums in London that are worth visiting, each museum offering a unique and enriching experience. Bring your passport and go!

1. Where can visitors find an extensive collection of natural history specimens?

A．The British Museum.	B．The National Gallery.
C．The Tate Modern.	D．The Natural History Museum.

2. Which museum is a must-visit destination for fans of modern and contemporary art?

A．The Victoria and Albert Museum.	B．The Tate Modern.
C．The Natural History Museum.	D．The National Gallery.

3. Who is the article intended for?

A．Tourists planning to visit London.	B．Students studying art history.
C．Lovers collecting ancient artifacts.	D．Citizens interested in museums.

3 . England Tours

Rick Steves England tours provide the best value for your trip to Europe. Browse Rick’s best England tours and vacation packages.

Family Europe: London to Florence in 13 Days Tour

$4,485 per person

Family Europe: London to Florence in 13 Days delivers a colorful mix of must-see cities. Along the way, you will encounter some fascinating bits of art, history, and culture — as well as a couple of castles, a boat, plenty of hiking, and even a swimming pool or two. Our stress-free Europe vacation package provides great guides, central hotels, all sightseeing — and memories to last a lifetime. And on this tour, kids aged 8 —19 get a $200 discount!

Best of London in 7 Days Tour

$4,495 per person

London has just what you need for a quick escape: direct flights, the best live theater scene on the planet, and an inviting pub on every corner. During your week-long stay in London, your Rick Steves guide will lead to the Tower, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s, and even take you on a train trip to Windsor Castle.

Best of England in 14 Days Tour

$4,395 per person

Our two-week tour of England offers a delightful mix of big-city thrills and village charm. Your Rick Steves guide will welcome you in the elegant Georgian town of Bath. From there you’ll be guided to King Arthur’s Glastonbury, flower-boxed Cotswold villages, and Caernarfon Castle. You’ll also be treated to the spectacular scenery of the Lake District.

Best of South England in 10 Days Tour

$4,595 per person

Starting in Canterbury and ending in Bath, our Best of South England tour brings you to the very roots of British history and culture. Your Rick Steves guide will introduce you to locals who have talents to share and stories to tell. You’ll also learn about and taste the delicious seafood and traditional Cornish pasties.

1. Which tour is probably the cheapest for a teenager?

A．Family Europe: London to Florence.	B．Best of London.
C．Best of England.	D．Best of South England.

2. What can tourists enjoy during the Best of South England?

A．Sea bathing.	B．Local school visits.
C．Local stories.	D．North Ireland’s history.

3. What service is offered in all of the four tours?

A．Direct flight.	B．Guided tour.
C．Village walk.	D．Delicious seafood.

4 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. What does informative advertising focus on?

A．Telling the details of the product.

B．Giving information about related industries.

C．Introducing special functions of the product.

2. What products is informative advertising often used for?

A．Clothing.

B．Household products.

C．Office supplies.

3. What does the second type of advertising highlight?

A．The benefits of the products.

B．The good name of the company.

C．The key functions of the products.

4. What is said about the third type of advertising?

A．It is banned in some countries.

B．It is not allowed to be used for some products.

C．It can’t refer to competitors’ names in some countries.

5 . Magazines make great reading materials for kids. Libraries often have a large selection of periodicals (期刊) for every age group and reading level, and for many areas of interest. And some magazines may even have issues going back years and even decades! Below is a list of some of them!

Military Kids Life

It is about finding the bright side of life as a military kid! Inside each quarterly issue, your child will encounter inspiring stories, articles, and photographs! (8 to 16 years)

Faces

With articles, folk tales, and hands-on projects, Faces magazine takes young readers around the world for an honest and objective view of how children in other regions live. (9 to 14 years)

Make

Make magazine publishes tested projects, skill-building tutorials, in-depth reviews and inspirational stories, accessible by all ages and skill ranges. (9 to 18 years)

Brio

Brio magazine for teen girls has a fresh new look that includes more pages filled with inspiring profiles, cultural insights, health & beauty tips, faith-filled features and added fun! (13 to 18 years)

Please note: Though all the magazines on this list are written for children, some issues may contain content that you may feel inappropriate for your child. As always, please review all reading materials before giving them to your child to read.

1. Which magazine can help develop kids’ international awareness?

A．Faces.	B．Make.
C．Brio.	D．Military Kids Life.

2. What can be learned from the text?

A．All the magazines are proper for children.

B．Magazines are usually published for children.

C．Some magazines have back issues in libraries.

D．Only magazines for kids are accessible in libraries.

3. What is the purpose of this passage?

A．To argue.	B．To inform.
C．To entertain.	D．To persuade.

6 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. Who is the main audience for the announcement?

A．Soccer players.

B．Parents of soccer players.

C．The youngest soccer players.

2. What do we know about the youngest group?

A．They are too young to play.

B．The transportation will be arranged by the speaker.

C．There aren’t enough players to make teams.

3. What is required to join the weekend camps?

A．Some insurance.

B．Some reservations.

C．Some paperwork.

4. What can we learn about the speaker?

A．His name is Steve.

B．His child plays soccer.

C．He is a soccer coach.

7 . Whether you are a lifelong bookworm or are trying to develop a love for reading in your kids, the 2024 Miami Book Fair is for you.

• When and Where Is the Fair?

This much-loved South Florida event will be held from May 12 to 18, 2024 at the MDC Wolfson Campus Plaza in Downtown Miami.

• What to Expect at the Fair?

This year, the fair will feature more than 400 celebrated authors from around the world. There will be a rich collection of writers and their works of almost every type under the sun. Readers can not only explore arts and crafts, but also experience face painting and book giveaways. For green writers, it’s a place to connect with their favorite editors. For book lovers, it’s an opportunity to get autographs (亲笔签名) from many popular authors and ask them some questions. During this week-long book feast, you will find a group of events running from morning to night.   

• How Much Does the Fair Cost?

On Friday. the fair is free. On Saturday or Sunday, it is 10 for an adult for one day, or you can get a two-day pass for $15. Kids under age 12 can attend for free and the kid aged 13-18 is $5 per day.

So mark your calendars, head to Downtown Miami, and enjoy yourself in the heart of the city’s literary scene.

1. What can visitors do at the fair?

A．Donate used books.	B．Explore Downtown Miami.
C．Enjoy a dinner party.	D．Interact with popular authors.

2. How much should a couple with two kids under 12 pay for the Sunday fair?

A．$ 30.

B．$25.

C．$ 20.

D．$ 15.

3. What is the purpose of the text?

A．To advertise a fair.	B．To raise money.
C．To introduce a city.	D．To recommend books.

8 . About Byron

Whether you’re in Byron for fun or work, there are plenty of things to do to fill your spare time.

Byron, Georgia makes travel sweeter with its slower pace and breathtaking attractions. It’s full of historic sites, museums, shopping malls, and more. In this city at the center of Georgia’s peach industry, you can take a vacation that leaves you rested, not annoyed.

Events

Georgia Peach Festival-June

Fall Market Days-September

Georgia National Fair-October

Byron Christmas Parade-December

Local attractions

Byron Welcome Center

Located in the Peach Shops, the Byron Welcome Center is your first stop in our area. The Byron Welcome Center is ready to help you make the most of your stay in Byron, Georgia.

North Peach Park

North Peach Park is the place for traditional festivals, movies in the park, and many other events. The park has picnic shelters, playgrounds, football fields and soccer fields all year round. North Peach Park also has an indoor, climate-controlled multi-purpose room.

The Big Peach Shopping Mall

One of Georgia’s major shopping malls, and Central Georgia’s biggest and best variety of goods, the Big Peach has something for everyone! Open seven days a week and located directly off I-75, the Big Peach is Central Georgia’s favorite shopping destination.

Party Playground Indoor Fun Center

Let the kids work out some energy with an hour or two at the Party Playground Indoor Fun Center. This room full of safe and soft play equipment will let your little ones run, jump and play, rain or shine. It’s also a great place to have a birthday party.

Contact us

For more information, contact us at (478) 956-2409

Email: byronwelcomecenter@gmail.com

1. When is the best time to enjoy delicious peach in Byron?

A．June.

B．September.

C．October.

D．December.

2. Which attraction best suits people with children?

A．North Peach Park.

B．Byron Welcome Center.

C．The Big Peach Shopping Mall.

D．Party Playground Indoor Fun Center.

3. Where is the text probably taken from?

A．A course plan.

B．A travel brochure.

C．A journal.

D．An encyclopedia.

9 . As far as fantastic drives go, few can compete with Highway 395. Here’s what you need to know before starting a road trip along it.

▲ What to Know About Driving on Highway 395

Highway 395 begins in Hesperia, a city about 90 minutes east of Los Angeles. It then continues for 1,300 miles until its end point at the Canadian border (边界). While the entire drive is beautiful, its most famous section runs from the Los Angeles area up to Reno, Nevada.

▲ Where to Stop Along Highway 395

CONVICT LAKE

Convict Lake, one of California’s clearest bodies of water, is a beloved destination for photographers. During your drive, you can pull over for a photo, or quickly hop on a boat and cast a fishing line to see what you can catch.

MAMMOTH MOUNTAINM

Just around the corner, you’ll find Mammoth Mountain, one of America’s best ski destinations. Mammoth is renowned for its extended ski season, often lasting until July, and offers excellent terrain (地形) for all skill levels.

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

During your drive, pay n visit to Yosemite National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, you can watch climbers make their way up Half Dome, feel the power of Yosemite Falls, and enjoy the beauty of Tuolumne Meadows.

▲ When to Drive on Highway 395

Because many attractive places along Highway 395 are all-season destinations, there’s really no wrong time to depart on this road trip. However, it’s important to remember the road can get rather dangerous in winter. Check the highway website before leaving to ensure you’re aware of the conditions.

1. Where is this text probably taken from?

A．A travel website.	B．An official document.
C．A science report.	D．A geography textbook.

2. What do the three recommended places to visit have in common?

A．They are places suitable for sports fans.

B．They show the historical changes in America.

C．They have beautiful views and excellent terrain.

D．They offer chances for people to get close to nature.

3. What can we learn about Highway 395?

A．It starts in Los Angeles and ends in Canada.

B．There isn’t a bad time to start a road trip along it.

C．No special preparations are needed before leaving for it.

D．Its most famous destinations are in the Los Angeles area.

10 . Do you have a story to share?

Traces welcomes article submissions (提交)from historians, genealogists (系谱学者), family history researchers, and history lovers.

·Ancest or stories

·Historical research and news

·Research tips

·Character studies

·Historical building profiles

·Antiques, collections, and preservation

·Personal heirlooms

Please note that all article submissions will be reviewed by the editor. The editor has the right to refuse submissions.

Articles are between 1,000 and 1,200 words (except personal heirloom submissions, which are 100-200 words). If imagery is available, it must be high resolution (300 dpi).

Send your submissions to eden.cox@executivemeida.com.au.

1. Who decides whether your article will be accepted?

A．History lovers.	B．Historians.
C．Genealogists.	D．Editors.

2. What submission is likely to be accepted?

A．An imagery with low resolution.	B．A research tip of around 200 words.
C．An ancestor story of around 1,100 words.	D．A personal heirloom of around 1,200 words.

3. Where is this text probably taken from?

A．A note.

B．A story.

C．An advertisement.

D．An encyclopedia.