1 . Watching movies is great for improving your English. And if you choose films that you enjoy watching, you’ll learn English without even realising it! Here are four movies that are perfect for English learners.
Charlotte’s Web (2006)Story: The power of friendship between a pig(Wilbur)and a spider(Charlotte).
The live-action film, a fine adaptation of E. B. White’s book, will entertain the young audience with cute talking animals and easy-to-follow language. Adults will also be charmed by heartwarming good time and learn to look at the world with curiosity and joy.
Toy Story(1995)Story: A cartoon film about toys that come to life when children and adults aren’t around.
The storylines are clear and the characters use simple but useful language. Though it’s mainly for kids, Toy Story doesn’t feel childish. The story and jokes also attracted adults, so parents would be more likely to take their children to see the film.
Charlie & the Chocolate Factory (1971)Story: Things go wrong when a group of kids get a free tour of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory.
This film is also great for English learners as it is generally easy to follow. And you’ll hear some extracts(选段) from English literature because Willy often quotes well-known writers such as Oscar Wilde and Shakespeare.
The Sound of Music(1965)Story: A young woman (Maria) becomes the nanny for seven children in a house in the Austrian Alps.
The Sound of Music is a musical and listening to music is one of the best ways to improve your English. Many of the film’s songs have become classics because they’re so catchy.
1. Which movie attracts cartoon lovers most?| A．Charlotte’s Web(2006). | B．Toy Story(1995). |
| C．Charlie & the Chocolate Factory(1971). | D．The Sound of Music(1965). |
| A．They are preferred by housewives. | B．They are musicals. |
| C．They are based on classic works. | D．They have children characters. |
| A．A music blog. | B．A language magazine. |
| C．A movie poster. | D．A toy advertisement. |
1. Who is the main audience for the announcement?
| A．Soccer players. | B．Parents of soccer players. | C．The youngest soccer players. |
| 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. |
| A．Some insurance. | B．Some reservations. | C．Some paperwork. |
| A．His name is Steve. | B．His child plays soccer. | C．He is a soccer coach. |
3 . London Theatre Shows
Alice In Wonderland
Each ticket to the show includes free entry to Kew Gardens., Alice in Wonderland is playing at the Kew Gardens from 22 July to 28 August 2023.
Running time: 1 hour 10 minutes with no interval (幕间休息)
Performance days
Matinees (日场): Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Important information: Children under 2 years old go free.
Back To The Future: The Musical
It is based on the iconic Back ta the Future films. Back to the Future: The Musical tickets at the Adelphi Theatre, London are available to book for performances up to 11 February 2024.
Age restrictions: Suitable for general audience aged 6+. Children under 3 will not be admitted.
Running time: 2 hours 40 minutes (including interval)
Performance days
Evenings; Monday, Wednesday. Thursday. Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Matinees: Thursday, Saturday, Sunday.
Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour
This show sees Blippi in the ultimate curiosity adventure. Dance, sing, and learn with Blippi as he discovers what makes different cities unique and special. Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour runs at Rose Theatre, Kingston from 29 August to 9 September 2023.
Age restrictions: Recommended for ages 2+.
Running time: 1 hour (no interval)
Performance days
Matinees: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Dinosaur World Live
Join our brave explorers across unchartered territories to discover a pre-historic world of remarkably life-like dinosaurs. Dinosaur World Live runs from 11 August to 3 September 2023 at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, London.
Age restrictions: 3+
Running time: 50 mins + a 15-minute post show
Performance days
Matinees: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
1. What do we know about Back to the Future: The Musical?| A．It has no performances on Tuesdays, |
| B．Booking starts on 11 February 2024. |
| C．Children under 3 years old can go free. |
| D．It lasts 2 hours 40 minutes without intervals. |
| A．Kew Gardens. |
| B．Adelphi Theatre. |
| C．Rose Theatre, Kingston. |
| D．Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. |
| A．Alice In Wonderland |
| B．Dinosaur World Live |
| C．Back To The Future: The Musical |
| D．Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour |
4 . Food books can bring a culture to life. The following food books are bursting with delicious food, as well as entertaining and engaging storytelling.
 | Pierre Thiam’s latest book aims to share everyday, easy-to-cook recipes like baked ginger-chili plantain kelewele. He explains how so many dishes and ingredients from the American South and other regions can trace their origin to West Africa. The 80 recipes are accessible and present a range of traditional and modern takes on the cuisine. |
 | Fuchsia Dunlop’s book examines classic Chinese dishes, like mapo tofu, soup dumplings and Dongpo pork. This book includes history, philosophy, cooking techniques, and Dunlop’s on-the-ground research conducted over three decades to present a fascinating exploration of this ever-changing cuisine. |
 | Tamar Adler seeks to make leftovers more appealing and lower food waste in the process with her latest book, which contains around 1,500 recipes. This isn’t what you’d call a beautiful coffee table-style cookbook — it’s practical and the creative secrets within are truly mind-blowing. |
 | Natasha Pickowicz is an innovative chef. More Than Cake is her first cookbook, full of invaluable tips like how to build a layer (层) cake. Aside from great baking recipes, this cookbook tries to live up to its name by sharing how baking can provide so much more than just tasty sweets — it can give community, purpose, joy and love. |
1. Who explores Chinese food culture in the cookbook?
| A．Pierre Thiam. | B．Fuchsia Dunlop. |
| C．Tamar Adler. | D．Natasha Pickowicz. |
| A．They are the writers’ latest books. | B．They advocate lower food waste. |
| C．They have the same number of recipes. | D．They aim to share West African dishes. |
| A．Simply West African. | B．Invitation to a Banquet. |
| C．The Everlasting Meal Cookbook. | D．More Than Cake. |
5 . Is your child interested in a camp with Girl Scout (童子军) activities? Attending a summer camp with this focus is a perfect way for them to explore while giving them experience and confidence. Browse our selection and find the perfect fit for your child.
Code Ninjas Camps (CNC)
Transform your child’s love for technology into an exciting learning adventure. Guided by our team of Code Senseis, Code Ninjas Camps empower kids to gain valuable tech skills and make new friends. It’s an unforgettably fun learning experience! Our camps invent, inspire and create to bring out the inventor and creator in your child this Summer and Spring Break.
Fighting Illini Sports Camps (FISC)
The University of Illinois has committed itself to the development of well-rounded summer camp programs for boys and girls. Camps are offered for boys and girls in cheer leading, cross country, golf and swimming. Also offered are camps for boys in baseball, football, gymnastics and wrestling, as well as camps for girls in basketball, gymnastics, soccer, softball and volleyball. Team camps are available in Cheer leading, Basketball, Football and Volleyball.
Girl Scouts of Central Indiana (GSCI)
Campers will enjoy the great outdoors, improve their mental health, make new friends and learn more about themselves! Girl Scouts of Central Indiana has five unique camps, each situated on beautiful sprawling acres, and each with their own special touch. Activities vary by camp program/event/location, and may include: hiking, swimming, jumping on the giant trampoline, horse or pedal car riding. It’s definitely more fun than you’d ever expect for such a great price!
1. Who is CNC intended for?| A．Girls interested in science. | B．Kids fond of sports. |
| C．Teenagers addicted to games. | D．Children keen on adventures. |
| A．Activities are organized outdoors. | B．Activities are available to boys. |
| C．Programming courses are provided. | D．Campers need to be creative. |
| A．Soccer. | B．Hiking. | C．Swimming. | D．Wrestling. |
6 . ABCmouse
ABCmouse is one of the most well-known learn to read apps for children. With its expert-made curriculum, the program offers endless hours of content for children aged 2 to 8. The interactive app offers thousands of activities to help develop this essential skill, with lessons that expose students to math, arts, and science at age-appropriate levels too. The cost after free trial is around $15 per month. Families who purchase a full year’s subscription can get about 70% off the price.
Homer
Homer provides a personalized learning path for children aged 2 to 8. Children will learn reading, math, creative thinking, and problem-solving skills in a fun and engaging way. Instead of a one-size-fits-most approach, Homer customizes learning plans and allows students to take the lead in deciding what they want to work on. The price point is in line with similar apps at about $5 per month after a free trial, or roughly $60 for a full year or $100 for lifetime access.
Hooked on Phonics
Hooked on Phonics is an exceptional tool for homeschoolers, with a wide range of lessons, games, and fun activities. It is one of the most popular brands for teaching kids to read, and its integrated system makes it an ideal option for homeschooling students. Children are introduced to each new concept through a series of fun activities, videos, and even songs. The system is a little bit pricier than other apps, at about $16 per month after a trial month for roughly $1.
FarFaria
FarFaria invites children to join in on a magic al adventure that includes island hopping and the choice between reading the story or having it narrated completely with fun, magical animation. While the free membership offers one story a day, paid subscribers unlock access to unlimited adventures at roughly $8 per month. Readers can either read the books themselves or take advantage of the “read to me” option to have stories read aloud by professional narrators.
1. For an annual subscription to ABCmouse, how much does a family need to pay?| A．$54. | B．$105. | C．$126. | D．$180. |
| A．ABCmouse. | B．Homer. |
| C．Hooked on Phonics. | D．FarFaria. |
| A．Finance. | B．Science. | C．Culture. | D．Education. |
7 . Place an Advertisement or a Legal Notice in Los Angeles Times
Some moments and milestones need to be shared? Place a legal notice, advertise your services, or sell your goods in the award-winning newspaper. No need to be an expert. There’s no responsibility to create an account or provide a credit card until you are ready to check out on our site.
3 Easy Steps
1. Go through Our Choices. Having trouble finding the right choice? We’ll guide you.
2. Design & Schedule Your Ad or Notice. Customize your notice and get real-time price updates (更新).
3. Check Out. Once you check out, you can continue to edit your order until the deadline (最后期限).
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What product or package should I choose?
The Los Angeles Times offers dozens of advertising choices. The simplest way to find the right one for you is to visit our Ad Options page, and use the left hand navigation (导航).
2. What if I can’t find the type of advertisement that I want to place on the Self-Service site?
Please contact us to see if we can find the right choice for you. Our inside sales team can be reached at 1-800-LATIMES, ext. 72769.
3. How far in advance do I need to hand in my advertisement in order for it to run?
You can find the specific deadlines for the product you’re interested in, by visiting the More Info page for that specific product.
4. Do I need to create an account?
Yes, in order for us to schedule your advertisement and charge (收费) you for it, we need you to create an account. But feel free to go through our products and design your advertisement without registering. If you need more information regarding our Privacy Policy, please click here.
1. What can we know about placing an advertisement or a legal notice in Los Angeles Times?| A．You can enjoy the lowest price ever. |
| B．You can edit it whenever you like. |
| C．You don’t need to put in much effort. |
| D．You don’t need to create an account. |
| A．Visit the More Info page. | B．Contact the inside sales team. |
| C．Search the Privacy Policy page. | D．Use the navigation on the Ad Options page. |
| A．A newspaper. | B．A website. | C．A magazine. | D．A guidebook. |
8 . Central Park Picnic Experiences
Having a picnic with family, friends or colleagues at the Pool with iconic views of the NYC backdrop would give you good feelings. We handle all aspects of your event from beginning to end, so you can just show up and have a great time! Fresh baked service! — You can now add games to any picnic experience (details below).
Family-Style Picnic
Serves a minimum of 15 people
Our family-style picnic experience is perfect for big groups! Includes set up & clean up, plus fruits and food. Also includes coolers with ice, blankets, pillows and parasols (遮阳伞). $60.00 per adult, $30.00 per child. Includes a 2-hour picnic with set up and clean up. $50 per add 1 hour.
Social Picnic Party
Serves 10 to 12 people
Comes complete with an entire picnic set up including extra space, blankets, pillows, parasols. The meal is a sampling of sandwiches, roast chicken, potato salad, seasonal greens, local cheese platter, lemonade, water and something sweet for dessert. Perfect for meeting new friends.
We Love This Formal Picnic!
Serves 4 to 10 people
Looking for something more formal? This is special and for you! Includes set up with a set low-rise table for business talk, a great selection of delicious food, flowers, and clean up! Tips not included — and should go direct to your picnic expert.
Birthday Party Picnic
Serves 2 to 18 people
Besides our signature birthday party cake, we also offer a local cheese platter (拼盘), seasonal salad, chips, lemonade and water, plus cookies & brownies for dessert! When you arrive at your picnic spot, one of our picnic experts will have everything set up, ready and waiting for you when you arrive! Includes a 2-hour picnic for 2 with set up and clean up. Add up to 16 additional guests. $50 per add 1 hour. $50 per add 1 guest. Max 18 guests.
Contact us with questions!1. What is a new service for the picnic experiences?
| A．New spots with wonderful views. | B．Whole-process service. |
| C．Allowing for adding games. | D．Offering freshly-made bread. |
| A．$720. | B．$1,020. | C．$1,070. | D．$1,150. |
| A．Expense of picnic. | B．Number of people. |
| C．Age of the group. | D．Purpose of the activity. |
9 . Visit America’s National Parks for Free on These Six Days in 2024
It’s time to plan a visit to your dream national park destination. For a few days each year, every national park in America is free to visit — including hundreds of national monuments, seashores, historic sites and more.
Less than a quarter of them have entry fees, but those that do charge up to $20 per person or up to $35 per vehicle. Revenue (收入) from these fees stays in the National Park Service to cover visitor services, including improving accessibility, restoring wildlife habitat and more.
“National parks are places that awaken senses, inspire curiosity, encourage reflection, and promote joy,” National Park Service Director Chuck Sams said in a statement. “The entrance fee-free days expand opportunities for people to visit their national parks and experience the beauty and history of our country.”
There’s a new addition to the entrance fee-free days in 2024: Juneteenth, which became recognized as a national holiday on June 17, 2021.
National park free entry days for 2024:
●Jan. 15 — Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
●April 20 — First day of National Park Week
●June 19 — Juneteenth
●Aug. 4 — Great American Outdoors Day
●Sept. 28 — National Public Lands Day
●Nov. 11 — Veterans Day
Fees for certain activities like camping and fishing will still be in place. Additionally, parks operated in partnership with outside parties may charge other types of fees. For instance, Waco Mammoth charges an access fee for its dig shelter. That park is run by the Park Service, together with the City of Waco, Texas, and Baylor University. Visitors can find site-specific details on park websites.
1. What are some national parks’ entrance fees mainly used for?| A．Popularizing the country’s history. | B．Paying for visitor services. |
| C．Financing visitors during their stay. | D．Boosting local economies. |
| A．April 20. | B．June 17. | C．June 19. | D．Sept. 28. |
| A．It is cooperatively managed. | B．It hosts some outdoor parties. |
| C．It features camping and fishing. | D．It is free of charge all year round. |
10 . While Alice has her adventures in the Wonderland, you can have your own as well this summer. British contemporary artist Philip Colbert has created a Lobster (龙虾) Wonderland in Changsha, Hunan Province.
Date: July 15
Location: Changsha International Finance Square (Changsha IFS)
About Philip Colbert
His globally welcomed lobster series has won the hearts of a large number of followers. The artist, with a master’s in philosophy, takes lobster as his second personality.
Through large installations, public art theme exhibition and new media art, the artist has introduced works from galleries and created a surreal art scenery in city’s public space with a combination of pop art and local culture.
Features
In Changsha IFS, Colbert’s exhibition, which is the London-based artist’s first large-scale outdoor public art installations, has three major sectors, showcasing his large installations, sculptures and new media arts as well as the special works created for the event.
The opening ceremony, an art carnival, saw the debut (首次登台) of a 12-meter-long Lobster Taikonaut specially made by Colbert. His Lobster Flower and Lobster Shark also found their way in the parade. At the southwest square, people can find Lobster Fountain towering 12 meters and enjoy two major theme sectors, Lobster Island and Lobster Skate Park.
Lobster Rainbow, a lobster breaking through a roof with a rainbow behind it, is the artist’s brand-new work for Changsha IFS. In his works, such as Daydreamer, Colbert also expresses his wish of narrowing the distance between art pieces and people.
1. What is Philip Colbert well known for?| A．Alice Wonderland. | B．Shark experience. |
| C．Lobster series. | D．Rainbow story. |
| A．It took place in the open air. |
| B．There was no special works for the event. |
| C．People can enjoy lobster fountain and lake. |
| D．Lobster Island is the artist’s brand-new work for Changsha IFS. |
| A．A shopping brochure. |
| B．An art magazine. |
| C．A science report. |
| D．A fashion advertisement. |
