1 .

Art of sushi making Bei Restaurant at the Opposite House offers the last sushi preparation class by Max Levy, a New Orleans-born New Yorker, who learned the art of sushi making from masters in Japan. Classes are scheduled at 11:30 am on Dec.2 or 5. Cost is 388yuan per person, including materials and use of materials. 010-6410-5230	Festive buffet CBD restaurant at Grand Millennium Beijing offers a festive buffet (自助餐), featuring roast turkey, until Dec.30. Turkey will be matched with stuffing, cranberry sauce, bread and butter pudding, honey-glazed ham, brandy fruit cakes, and existing gourmet buffet selections. 010-6530-9383
Christmas dinner party Beijing Minzu Hotel prepares a dinner party on Christmas Eve. There will be song-and-dance performances, with famous French wines and exciting prizes to win. Cost is 1,680—2,580 yuan per person. 6—10 pm, Dec. 24, 1/F, Coffee Mii, Four Seasons Restaurant, 2/F Jin Xiu Palace, and 11/F East Hall and West Hall. 010-6601-4466 ext 162	Christmas shopping Get a gift idea at The Peninsula Beijing, where there is a wide range of offerings, or shop in style at The Peninsula Arcade, for fashion, jewelry, leather and other gifts. Or try online shopping at peninsula. com. The Peninsula Boutique is open daily from 11:00 am—9:30 pm. 010-8516-2888 ext 6691

1. Many customers are attracted to Bei Restaurant for its ______.

A．art of sushi making	B．song-and-dance performances
C．jewelry and leather	D．brandy fruit cakes

2. If you want to buy some Christmas gifts for your friends, you can phone ______.

A．010-6410-5230	B．010-6601-4466
C．010-6530-9383	D．010-8516-2888

3. If you are sure to order delicious Turkey by Dec. 30, you had better go to ______.

A．Bei restaurant	B．Grand Millennium Beijing
C．The Peninsula Beijing	D．Beijing Minzu Hotel

2 . Visit to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Vatican City is not only the smallest country in the world, but also a treasure house of art and history. You can admire the impressive fresco paintings (壁画) of the Sistine Chapel, and explore the Vatican Museums, which house a big collection of masterpieces from ancient to modern times.

Skip-the-line tickets:

The best-selling tickets for access to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Skip (跳过) the line tickets with priority access.

Ticket	Type	Price	Reservation (预定)
Entrance	Full	€17.00/person	€4.00
Entrance	Reduced	€8.00/person	€4.00

Reduced tickets:

Reduced tickets are available to children from 6 to 18 years of age, as well as students between the ages of 18 and 25. It is necessary to present a formal document at the university for the current year. There are no reductions for the over 65s.

Free entry:

Admission is free for children under 6 years of age. It is also free for disabled visitors and their carers. As it is not possible to book in advance, they will have to go directly to the “Special Permits” and /or “Reception” counters located in the entrance hall of the Vatican Museums.

Visit to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with audio guide

Ticket	Type	Price	Reservation
Entrance +audio guide	Full	€24.00/person	€4.00
Entrance +audio guide	Reduced	€15.00/person	€4.00
Entrance +audio guide	Children (under age 6)	€13.00/person	€4.00

1. What does the Sistine Chapel feature?

A．Fresco paintings.	B．Collected treasures.
C．The natural scenery.	D．The style of buildings.

2. Which group can get reduced tickets?

A．Kids under age 6.	B．Students aged 6—25.
C．Adults aged over 65.	D．People with disabilities.

3. How much will a couple with their 5-year-old pay for the tickets with audio guide?

A．€48.00.

B．€61.00.

C．€63.00.

D．€75.00.

3 . The Ultimate Guide to Sussex

Sussex offers beautiful countryside, charming seaside towns and some of the best vineyards (葡萄园) in the UK. Plan your Sussex getaway with our ultimate guide.

Monk’s House

Put your National Trust membership to good use with a visit to Monk’s House purchased by Virginia and her husband Leonard Woolf in 1919. Virginia wrote many of her most celebrated works at the house, including the essay A Room of One’s Own. Admire the weather-boarded cottage’s beautiful antiques, seemingly untouched since 1969, when Leonard died.

Beachy Head

Come to Beachy Head and you’ll be greeted by one of the most splendid coastal stretches in all of Britain. It offers superb views of Eastbourne and the English Channel from 530 feet above the water. Spring through autumn are the best times to visit. Look out for the Beachy Head Marathon, which takes place every October. There’s a pay and display car park, a pub, toilet facilities and, during summer, the welcome sight of an ice-cream truck.

The Long Man of Wilmington

On the grassy ground of Windover Hill—a 235-foot figure known as the Long Man has been here for centuries. Archaeological researchers believe The Long Man of Wilmington actually dates to around the 16th century. If you’re feeling active, hike from The Long Man of Wilmington to East Sussex’s other chalk-carved figure, the Litlington White Horse.

Lewes

This town is just the right size to explore in a day, though do consider staying overnight to make good use of the local restaurants, pubs and wine bars. Lewes is one of the best places to shop in Sussex with a delightful mix of independent, antique and high street brands. If you’re visiting during summer, pack your bathers for a visit to Pells Pool, the oldest known freshwater swimming pool in the UK. You’ll need to pre-book a session.

1. In which place may visitors witness a sports event?

A．Monk’s House.	B．Beachy Head.
C．The Long Man of Wilmington.	D．Lewes.

2. What should visitors do before going to Pells Pool?

A．Book in advance.	B．Apply for membership.
C．Contact a local lifeguard.	D．Learn from experienced bathers.

3. What is the purpose of the text?

A．To introduce special exhibits in Sussex.	B．To show us where to stay in Sussex.
C．To tell us what to explore in Sussex.	D．To advertise the coming events in Sussex.

4 . PUMA Sports Equipment

Create your own performance standards by supporting your game with best-in-class sports equipment.

All our sports equipment for men is created with selected advanced technologies that ensure the greatest comfort, ventilation(透气), and warmth as you battle the chances of game and weather.

Benefits & Features

·Highest quality PU material.

·Balls with machine-stitched 32-panel construction.

·PUMA’s selected technology to keep gloves warm and comfortable in the coldest temperatures.

·CMEVA: our own compression-molded EVA material to ensure lightweight performance.

Guidance on Picking Sports Equipment

·Always keep your goal in mind as you explore your best choices and then choose the product you believe will bring you close to your goal.

·Make sure you have enough space to keep the equipment safe and dry. You can use the equipment measurements to empty a corner of your room for the safekeeping of your purchase.

·Remember it is not just the quality of the equipment but your regular practice and determination that improve your game. Make sure you work on it every single day.

Normally Asked Questions

1. What are the benefits of sports equipment?

High-quality sports equipment can let the player stay focused on their game rather than worry about getting injured or lose their performance to low-quality goods.

2. What are the characteristics of good sports equipment?

Usually, sports equipment should be judged by its strength, cost, hardiness, and anti-movement tiredness.

3. Which sport needs the most equipment?

Though most sports need a lot of equipment, hockey is estimated to be the costliest of all for it needs all sorts of protective equipment.

1. What is an advantage of PUMA’s gloves?

A．It has the cheapest price.	B．It protects against cold effectively.
C．It is fit for various sports.	D．It is made of the strongest material.

2. What can be learned from “Guidance on Picking Sports Equipment”?

A．Where you should fix the sports equipment.

B．What exactly you should do to reach your goal.

C．How often sports equipment should be used.

D．What is needed to use sports equipment.

3. What can high-quality sports equipment help you do?

A．Get enough energy to beat others.	B．Enjoy the game without injuring others.
C．Experience the pleasure of success.	D．Fix your attention on the game.

5 . A One-day Tour of Beijing

Highlights

●A mini group of only 1 to 6 guests, with more personal service.

●Price Beat Guarantee: The 100% lowest fare is here! We beat any price of identical tour services.

●VIP privilege of fast entry to the 600-year-old Forbidden City.

●Smartly hike the Great Wall in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. Ensure at least 2.5 hours to thoroughly enjoy the Great Wall views.

●Unlimited bottles of drinking water and small local snacks are available at no charge.

●In-depth commentary and photography inspirations are offered by your professional English-speaking guide.

●No shopping diversions, no factory stores, no tea ceremony, no shopping site restaurant. Avoid wasting time at any shopping stop. That’s also the reason why we can include more attractions than others.

Tour Price (US$ Per Person)

Adult (>11 years old)	$89
Child (3-11 years old)	$79

Booking Policy

●Baby Price. This tour is free of charge for a child under 3 years old.

●Confirmation: Upon receiving your booking request, confirmation will be sent within 12 hours.

●Payment: Full payment is required at least two days prior to the day trip. We accept payment by PnyPal. Credit Card、Alipay、Wechat and Bank Transfer.

●Cancellation: Your payment can be fully refunded(退还)if you cancel more than 24 hours prior to the trip. If you cancel the order within 24 hours or any unused portion after the day imp begins、your payment cannot be refunded.

●Departures are guaranteed with two persons.

●Guests under 80 can participate in this mini group tour.

1. Which is one of the highlights of the tour?

A．It’s the richest of its kind.

B．It includes some free food.

C．It guarantees the best shopping experience.

D．It ensures unlimited time to view the Great Wall.

2. How much should a couple with a two-year-old kid pay for the tour?

A．$89.

B．$168.

C．$178.

D．$257.

3. What should you do if you want to get a full refund on the tour?

A．Apply at least one day before the tour.

B．Cancel the order when the tour begins.

C．Send your cancellation request after the tour.

D．Show your booking request when the tour begins.

6 . Best places to see wildlife in Canada

Whether you’re keen to see the mysterious spirit bears or listen to the songs of beluga whales, Canada’s varied landform offers dozens of wildlife adventures that are bound to impress you. So grab your camera and set out for a few of the best places to see Canada’s incredible wildlife.

Search for the mysterious spirit bears in the Great Bear Rainforest,British Columbia

Spirit bears are one of the most special animals found in Canada.They are a rare species protected by Canada and can only be found in the Great Bear Rainforest. which is a remote protected area mainly accessible by boat.

Listen to beluga whales sing in Churchill,Manitoba

About 136,000 beluga whales can be found here in Canadian waters in the summer.They are white in color and are nicknamed the“canaries(金丝雀)of the sea”thanks to the sounds they make, which are used to navigate.

Spot a moose (麇鹿) or two at Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario

The moose are one of the most-loved species in Canada,but are surprisingly difficult to find in the wild. If you have your heart set on seeing a moose or two,head to Algonquin provincial Park in Ontario, where you might catch sight of them at dusk or dawn, especially in the spring.

Witness the monarch butterfly migration at Point Pelee National Park,Ontario

Every year thousands of monarch butterflies migrate from Canada to Mexico,where the spend the winter. One of the main points of this migration route is Point Pelee National Park in Ontario. Head there just before sunset or early in the morning for the best views

1. Which species is unique to Canada?

A．Spirit bears.	B．Beluga whales.
C．Moose.	D．Monarch butterflies.

2. What time is it most probably to spot a moose?

A．At dusk in the winter.

B．At dawn in the spring.

C．At midday in the autumn.

D．After sunset in the summer.

3. If you’re an insect lover, which attracts you best?

A．Churchill, Manitoba,

B．Algonquin Provincial Park,Ontario.

C．Point Pelee National Park,Ontario.

D．The Great Bear Rainforest,British Columbia.

7 . Live music is back! Do you want to start booking tickets to shows ahead of time? Here’s a guide to the hottest artists that will be hitting the stage this summer.

Doja Cat

Doja Cat will be celebrating the release (发行) of her album with a July 4th performance in Brooklyn. She’s also set to perform at Miami’s Rolling Loud Festival, Leeds and Reading Festival (UK) and Austin City Limits Festival throughout the summer and early fall.

Madison Beer

Madison Beer will be touring Canada and the US starting in October as a part of her “Life Support” tour.   which is also going international in the spring. Alongside Doja Cat, she’s also playing at Leeds and Reading Festival in the UK over the summer.

Bleachers

Bleachers, the official stage name of songwriter and record producer Jack Antonoff, is officially going on tour across America starting in September. “We don’t waste time live and there has not been a stage where we haven’t shown what we are…we are coming home,” Bleachers said in an Instagram post.

Haim

Our favorite sisters are set to play at various music festivals and shows. By far, we know they’re playing the Life Is Beautiful Festival in Las Vegas and the All Things Go Music Festival in Maryland. If you live in the UK, you’re in luck because Haim also announced that their UK tour is officially rescheduled for this September. They’ll be hitting up Glasgow, Nottingham, Cardiff, Manchester and London!

Billy Joel

Billy Joel will be touring across some cities in the US starting in August and performing at the United States Grand Prix in October. He will be primarily performing in New York City with six shows at Madison Square Garden in the fall.

1. What’ s the purpose of Doja Cat’s July 4th performance?

A．To celebrate a festival.	B．To promote her new album.
C．To support her foreign tour.	D．To collect money for another album.

2. At which of the following can you see two artists mentioned in the text?

A．Austin City Limits Festival.	B．The show at the United States Grand Prix.
C．Leeds and Reading Festival.	D．The shows at Madison Square Garden.

3. Who will bring the audience the enjoyment of group singing?

A．Haim.

B．Billy Joel.

C．Bleachers.

D．Madison Beer.

8 . Fall 2021 Story Contest

Our Fall Contest is open to all fiction and nonfiction writers. We're looking for short stories, essays, memoirs, photo essays, graphic stories, all forms of literary nonfiction, and excerpts (摘录) from longer works of both fiction and nonfiction. Entries (参赛作品) must be previously unpublished, no longer than 15,000 words, and must not have been previously chosen as a winner, finalist, or honorable mention in another contest.

As always, we are looking for works with a strong narrative drive, with characters we can respond to, and with effects of language, situation, and insight that are intense and total. We look for works that have the ambition of enlarging our view of ourselves and the world.

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR WORKS

Awards: First Prize is $2,500, second Prize is $l,000, Third Prize is $500, and up to ten finalists will receive $100 each. All entries will be considered for publication.

Submission Fee: There is a $27 fee for each entry. With your entry, you'll receive three months of free access to Narrative Backstage.

All contest entries are qualified for the $4,000 Narrative Prize and for acceptance as a Story of the Week.

Timing: The contest deadline is November 30, 2021, at midnight, Pacific standard time.

1. Which of the following will be accepted by the contest?

A．A short story once published in a magazine.	B．A novel that entered the 2020 year ten finalists.
C．An essay not ever published with 2,000 words.	D．An essay having won honorable mention in other contests.

2. What will you receive if your entry is accepted?

A．$27 for submission.	B．Qualification for prize money.
C．A guarantee of publication.	D．Free lifetime access to Narrative Backstage.

3. What can we say about the contest?

A．It is held in the UK.	B．It is free for every entry.
C．It charges $100 as entrance fee.	D．It has a deadline of November 30, 2021.

9 . The Nutcracker

Showtime: 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., March 12^th

Tickets: $ 10 per person for groups of 15 or more; $ 15 for individuals

It’s Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece (代表作) of ballet designed and danced by the Conejo Valley’s oldest established dance company. A holiday tradition of entertainment and inspiration will be enjoyed by audience members of all ages. Join Clara and her Nutcracker Prince on their magical journey through the Kingdom of Sweets. This is an unmissable Nutcracker.

The New Shanghai Circus

Showtime: 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., January 22^nd

Tickets: $10 per person for groups of 15 or more; $15 for individuals

For more than 2000 years, Chinese acrobats have been thrilling audience and making acrobatics the “longest running” folk art form in history. The New Shanghai Circus represents the best of this glorious tradition, mixing award-winning acrobatics, traditional dance, amazing costumes and ancient and contemporary music, and theatrical wonder to present a show of great skill and beauty.

Rumpelstiltskin

Showtime: 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., March 24^th

Tickets: $ 9 per person for groups of 15 or more; $ 15 for individuals

It is believed that Daisy can spin straw into gold. A greedy king locks her in a stable and demands that she turn all of the straw into gold. Daisy looks hopeless until a strange little man, Rumpelstiltskin, appears and promises to spin the straw into gold in return for her necklace. The king is delighted but locks her again—wanting twice as much as straw to spin! Who will help Daisy?

1. Who wrote the play The Nutcracker?

A．A dance company	B．The Nutcracker Prince
C．Tchaikovsky	D．Clara

2. What can we enjoy in January?

A．A ballet

B．A fairy story

C．A magic show

D．Chinese acrobatics

3. How much is the cheapest ticket for Rumpelstiltskin?

A．$9

B．$10

C．$12

D．$15

10 . On the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC), red tourism has gained popularity among tourists who flood in to visit historic sites with a modern revolutionary heritage.

Jinggangshan

This is one of the most crucial and splendid chapters of history of establishing Red China as well as a unique and wonderful ecosystem, which is covered with rich forest, rugged peaks and several memorials to the Red Army. The best time to visit is between April and October, with the most temperature timing April and May when the large azaleas (杜鹃花) bloom.

Open: 8:00-17:00 (Feb. 16-Nov. 15). 8:00-16:30 (Nov. 16-Feb. 15)

Xibaipo

It is an old revolutionary base where the leadership of the Communist Party of China was stationed, drawing up the blueprint for a new country. A memorial hall was built to honor the memory of this site. The lake and the hill here add brilliance and beauty to each other and form pleasant scenery.

Open: Tuesdays to Sundays 9:30-17:00 (Xibaipo Memorial Hall)

The Nanhu Revolutionary Memorial Hall

A new exhibition is held with updated display approaches, including phantom imaging (全息影像) and oil painting, which are used to improve visitors' experiences. The exhibition shows four stages of the CPC from its establishment to its achievements.

Open: Tuesdays to Sundays 8:30-18:00 (closed on Mondays)

Former Site of the Editorial Department of New Youth

New Youth started the New Culture Movement and spread the influence of the May Fourth Movement. The site was briefly based in Beijing but moved back to Shanghai in 1920 and also served as the office for the Communist Party of China Central Committee in the 1920s.

Open: Thursdays to Tuesdays 9:00 - 11:30, 13:30 - 16:30 (closed on Wednesdays)

1. Where would visitors learn more about the history of the Red Army?

A．Jinggangshan.

B．Xibaipo.

C．The Nanhu Revolutionary Memorial Hall.

D．Former Site of the Editorial Department of New Youth.

2. What do we know about the Nanhu Revolutionary Memorial Hall?

A．It focuses on Chinese achievements in art.

B．It mainly advertises the coming anniversary.

C．It applies modernized methods to the exhibition.

D．It briefly introduces the rise and fall of Nanhu.

3. When can tourists visit Former Site of the Editorial Department of New Youth?

A．At 1:00 p.m. on Mondays.	B．At 9:00 a.m. on Wednesdays.
C．At 2:00 p.m. on Fridays.	D．At 5:00 p.m on Sundays.