1 . Four Not-So-Scary Books for Halloween
These seasonal picks are fun to read and aren’t meant to be frightening.
Halloween Ball
By Perdita Cargill and Honor Cargill, illustrated by Katie Saunders
(Tiger Tales)
In this new Diary of an Accidental Witch series, Bea is on the planning committee for her school’s Halloween Ball. She’s excited and a little scared too. Bea wants to come up with good ideas, but she’s nervous her dad will find out about her magic powers.
Ages 9 and under
Lumber-Jackula
By Mat Heagerty, illustrated by Sam Owen
(Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers)
Jack’s mom is a lumberjack, and his dad is a vampire. But Jack doesn’t want to follow in their footsteps.(He loves to dance more than anything and will have to get up a lot of courage to follow his dreams. The art in this graphic novel has many fun details.
Ages 8-12
The Pug Who Wanted to Be a Pumpkin
By Bella Swift
(Aladdin)
Peggy, a pug, is worried that going trick-or-treating with Chloe, the little girl in her family, will be scary. After all, Peggy is afraid of monsters, ghosts, and most certainly the dark. Will she be brave enough to put on her pumpkin costume and be by Chloe’s side on Halloween?
Ages 7-10
The Pumpkin War
By Cathleen Young
(Wendy Lamb Books)
In Madeline Island, Wisconsin, it’s a tradition to grow pumpkins that can be hollowed out and used as a type of paddle boat. During last year’s boat race, Sam’s pumpkin ran into Billie’s pumpkin and broke it. Billie hasn’t forgiven Sam for what happened. Will they become friends again before this year’s race?
Ages 8-12
1. Which book is recommended to five-year-old readers?
| A．Halloween Ball. | B．Lumber-Jackula. |
| C．The Pug Who Wanted to Be a Pumpkin. | D．The Pumpkin War. |
| A．Care. | B．Friendship. | C．Courage. | D．Family. |
| A．Western Festival. | B．Book Club. |
| C．Seasonal Favourites. | D．Novel Review. |
2 . Join Us in Creating the Sweetest Candy Experience
Search Engine Copywriter
Pay: $80, 000 every year
Job Description:
We are looking for a creative, hardworking person to join our team as a content developer. The responsibilities of the content developer include creating new and interesting content for our website and popularizing that includes product descriptions, social media and technical work.
Shopify Developer
Pay: $120, 000 every year
Job Description:
Candy Funhouse is looking for a Shopify Developer to manage, and improve the e-commerce (电商) store hosted on Shopify. Reporting to the Chief Technology Officer, you’ll be responsible for developing new product pages, and running A/B tests to continuously improve site performance.
Chief Candy Officer
Pay: $100, 000 every year
Job Description:
We are looking for the world’s first and only Chief Candy Officer! This chance is work-from-home. The job includes deciding whether or not to give each treat with the official “CCO (Chief Candy Officer) Stamp of Approval”.
Social Media Personality
Pay: $110, 000 every year
Job Description:
We’ve got a pretty sweet brand, and we want someone to help make that brand as wonderful online as it is in real life. We’re looking for someone with good knowledge of both candy and pop culture, a natural ability to relate to fans, and someone who is willing to do the work necessary to help the brand be great on social media.
1. Which post offers the best pay?| A．Shopify Developer. | B．Chief Candy Officer. |
| C．Social Media Personality. | D．Search Engine Copywriter. |
| A．Popularizing a brand on social media. | B．Developing new product pages. |
| C．Creating fun product description. | D．Managing the e-commerce store |
| A．Privacy Center. | B．Job Search. |
| C．Modern Technology. | D．Company Review. |
3 . 
China Daily, China Daily Website, the China Daily App and the Discover Beautiful China platform are calling for submissions of photos, illustrations and videos from now until the end of December, 2023.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FORPhotos, illustrations or short videos with four major themes:
■Special topic for the 2023 submissions could include specific experiences of culture or tourism you have enjoyed, including but not limited to:
＊ “Famous mountains I have explored in China”
＊ “Rivers in China that have left a deep memory for me”
＊ “I have climbed the Great Wall”
＊ “My stories of learning Chinese culture”
WHAT YOU CAN GET1. We will select the works of individuals and organizations separately.
2. We offer three types of prize respectively for photos, illustrations and short videos.
3. Individual winners will receive cash prizes and certificates; and winning organizations will receive certificates for their distinguished contribution.
4. Some of the best works have a chance to be featured on the China Daily Website.
FORMAT OF WORKS·PHOTO/ILLUSTRATION:
No more than 10 images, 5 MB maximum for each; with an introduction of up to 200 words in either English or Chinese, offering background information of the work.
·SHORT VIDEO:
Format: MP4 or MOV.
Size: 1 GB maximum, up to 4 minutes.
Caption: No more than 200 English or Chinese words to give a brief introduction.
Music: Music is optional for the video, but if included, it must have obtained international copyright from a legitimate source.
Quality: Clear and stable image.
1. Which of the following is qualified for the submissions?| A．“My Chinese friends in France”. |
| B．“My stories of the Grand Canal”. |
| C．“My growing coffee business in China”. |
| D．“My experiences of playing football in Shanghai”. |
| A．You will be given money and certificates if you win. |
| B．You will compete with other individuals and organizations. |
| C．You will have your works displayed on the China Daily App. |
| D．You will be given certificates for your distinguished contribution. |
| A．A piece of music. | B．Copyright of photos. |
| C．A brief introduction. | D．The Chinese language. |
4 . There are many podcasts (播客) that teach English and you can listen to them anytime. Here is a list of some of the best podcasts that you must see.
Learn English Podcast
This podcast has three levels.The first is for beginners, the second is for intermediates (中级学生) and the third is for upper intermediates. If a person wants to learn Business English,then episodes are also made for him.Every podcast is short but very informative. Worksheets and vocabulary tasks are also included.
Speaking Broadly
This podcast is made for advanced learners. Explained through discussion and interviews, each episode has non-native English speakers and every recording also has expert feedback. You will see some common mistakes made by English learners and you can improve your English by learning from those mistakes.
The English We Speak
This podcast airs one episode daily and every episode is only three to four minutes, which talks about phrases and idioms.There are two people in each episode who communicate with each other. Whatever level you are,you will find it rewarding
Elementary Podcast
This podcast is mainly for beginners and intermediate level learners. The length of a podcast is around 25 minutes but you can pause it anytime and continue whenever you want. The hosts of each episode are different.
1. Which podcast provides exercises going with it?| A．Learn English Podcast. | B．Speaking Broadly. |
| C．The English We Speak | D．Elementary Podcast. |
| A．It records just expert speakers. | B．It aims at beginners. |
| C．It presents some typical mistakes. | D．It provides feedback from listeners. |
| A．They have the same length. | B．They are both interactive. |
| C．They share the same contents. | D．They are suitable for beginners. |
5 . Welcome to our stand-up comedy classes
This is the workshop where beginners have grown into headliners and headliners have grown into stars. Our workshop stresses stand-up comedy writing and performing — the two key components of stand-up comedy.
Our classes are conducted by award-winning, comedy director and writer Stephen Rosenfield and his stand-up staff. They are conducted so that when it’s time for your club performance, you will have solidly written, funny material and you will be well rehearsed and ready to perform beyond your expectations. These stand-up comedy classes are offered to both beginners and advanced students. The workshop consists of group classes, private coaching sessions and a performance at Gotham or West Side Comedy Club.
Seats available: 2
Start date: May 17th
In-person show: May 20th at Gotham Comedy Club
Live streamed show: May 22nd on YouTube
Fees:
If you are a first time student: $410. If you are a returning student: $350.
We accept cash, checks or credit cards.
Your instructor: Becky Veduccio
Becky has been a professional comedian, writer and actress for over 15 years. She has performed stand-up comedy in New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and London. Besides, she has appeared in commercials, theater and feature films. And she competed in the 2018 season of America’s GotTalent.
Her film works include Return to Me, Maid in Manhattan and Random Hearts. As a writer, she was chosen as one of Parenting. com’s top five “Favorite Mommy Bloggers” for her humorous articles on the website. In 2015, she won the New York Press Club Award for humorous writing. As an instructor, Becky has taught stand-up comedy to every age group — from elementary school kids and teenagers to university students and adults. She believes everyone has a comedic voice.
1. What can be learned about the workshop?| A．There are three seats left at present. | B．It focuses on both writing and acting. |
| C．There are online shows on May 20th. | D．It is specially designed for headliners. |
| A．$10. | B．$50. | C．$60. | D．$80. |
| A．She is an experienced performer. | B．She contributes a lot to magazines. |
| C．She became an overnight success. | D．She hosted America’s Got Talent. |
6 . Many libraries around the world are as amazing in their architecture and organization as they are in the huge amount of knowledge they contain. With shelves and shelves of books, various collections and amazing historical and cultural displays, there are plenty of undiscovered wonders.
Beinecke Rare Book Library (New Haven, Connecticut)
Yale University has one of the most beautiful college campuses in America, and one of its most interesting features is the Beinecke Rare Book Library. It is one of the largest buildings in the world devoted to rare books and manuscripts (手稿) of famous people. From 2015-16 the library building was closed for 18 months for major improvement. Inside there is a statue of its main founder that rises up high.
Vennesla Library (Vennesla, Norway)
Located near the southernmost tip of Norway, Vennesla Library is more than a collection of books—it’s a city cultural center and meeting place. The building hosts a coffee shop, open meeting spaces, classrooms for children and adult education courses, and a cinema. It is mainly built out of wood. The long, thin beams (横梁) on the inside were designed to look like the inside of a whale.
Suzzallo Library (Seattle)
Among the many beautiful features of the campus at the University of Washington, such as its cherry flowers and a light rail station, Suzzallo Library was built in the Collegiate Gothic style. Its buttresses (扶壁) are decorated with 18 statues featuring famous academics and writers such as Plato, Shakespeare, Leonardo da Vinci, Dante, Galileo, Beethoven, Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin.
Library of Muyinga (Muyinga, Burundi)
A school for deaf children, the Library of Muyinga in Burundi was built with local techniques and traditions. A rope hammock (吊床) that hangs between the first and second floors of the library serves as part of the children’s reading room, a great place for indoor activities.
More information of them is just a click away.
1. Which one is suitable for people who want to appreciate statues?| A．Beinecke Rare Book Library. | B．Vennesla Library. |
| C．Suzzallo Library. | D．Library of Muyinga. |
| A．It is mainly intended for children. | B．It is built in the shape of a whale. |
| C．It is located within the campus. | D．It is a kind of culture complex. |
| A．A culture magazine | B．A travel brochure. |
| C．A website. | D．A historical book. |
7 . Featured August Programs in the National Portrait Gallery
Kinship: An Artist Talk with Sedrick Huckaby
Join us for an artist talk with Sedrick Huckaby, whose life-size paintings and sculptures refer to universal human connections and honor figures central to his life — his family members and those close to him. The artist will discuss the importance of community and kin (亲属) to his practice. This event will take place in Sedrick Huckaby’s Kinship gallery space from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Aug. 5.
Weekend Workshop: Mindfulness in the Museum
Join Art Educator Sean Murphy for an interactive workshop in mindfulness and art. Inspired by the exhibition, Kinship, participants will be guided through breathing exercises, and a mindfulness activity before visiting the galleries and creating their own mindfulness books. This workshop will take place in G Street Lobby from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Aug. 12.
Expressive Arts Workshop: Family Memory Box
Family memories can connect us to those important in our lives. Join us in this interactive art making workshop to create “family memory boxes” to hold special photos, items, and memories of loved ones. No previous art making experience is required. This workshop will take place in G Street Lobby from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Aug. 19.
Virtual Portrait Signs: A Tour in ASL
Join us for a virtual tour of 1898: Imperial Vision and Revisions, which is the first major Smithsonian museum exhibition to examine the War of 1898 and the legacy of this controversial chapter in history. This deaf-led presentation will include voice interpretation. This exhibition will take place from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Aug. 19. The Zoom link will be emailed on the morning of the program. Questions? Please email Jonesve@si.edu.
1. Which programs share the same theme?| A．Family Memory Box and A Tour in ASL. |
| B．Mindfulness in the Museum and Family Memory Box. |
| C．An Artist Talk with Sedrick Huckaby and Family Memory Box. |
| D．An Artist Talk with Sedrick Huckaby and Mindfulness in the Museum. |
| A．It is the first major Smithsonian museum exhibition. |
| B．Its presentation will be emailed to visitors. |
| C．It is an in-gallery tour led by the deaf. |
| D．It is friendly to hearing challenged people. |
| A．To provide people with some places to visit. |
| B．To involve more people in the programs. |
| C．To train more people to become artists. |
| D．To introduce the gallery to visitors. |
8 . Online jobs have opened the door for many people to earn a living (谋生) or make some extra money from the comfort of their homes. This includes teens as well. If you’re looking for such a job, here are some choices you can consider.
Customer Service
If you are 16 years old and over, you have a chance to work with Uhaul as a customer service person. You just need to have a good pair of head-phones and high-speed Internet in order to do this job. Basic pay starts at $7.50an hour.
Sell Items Online
Selling items online is one of the easiest ways to make quick cash. Teens can turn it into a good business by selling things on Bonanza. You need to start sorting through (分类) items at your home that are no longer being used and list them for sale.
Take Surveys
Another easy task teens can do to earn money is to take surveys online. You don’t need any work experience to do this and can be as young as 13 years old to get started. Survey sites like VIP Voices, Swagbucks, Harris Poll, E-Poll, and Paid Viewpoint allow teens to start taking surveys for cash and gift cards. And your opinions should be expressed clearly in English.
Etsy
Do you love to make new things? You can open up an Etsy shop to share your works. Etsy is great for DIYers who can create new products. If you are under 18, you just need a parent who is willing to help manage your shop.
1. What does Bonanza allow teens to do?| A．Learn about computer science. | B．Make money out of their old items. |
| C．Test new products for customers. | D．Receive training in customer service. |
| A．Having a good knowledge of English. | B．Having a good pair of headphones. |
| C．Having some related work experience. | D．Having a wide range of interests. |
| A．They enjoy buying things online. | B．They are interested in history. |
| C．They have a creative mind. | D．They are good at collecting used things. |
Summer Culture Welcome a student from France or Spain into your family!Exchange (交换) students from Spain and France are looking for welcoming, fun and loving hosts who will share life and culture with them for a few weeks in June, July and August. Stays can be from 4 to 6 weeks. What to do with your exchange student:Movies/ Museums/ Beach/ Cooking/ Community projects/ Volunteering/ Shopping/ anything you can think of... |
| Requirements to hosts: Loving and active family One stay-at-home host parent Willing to take students to places of interest once a week Contact information: If you are interested and would like more information, please contact: Shirley Wentzell 909-918-6715 Email: Shirley(@uceus.com |
| A．10 days. | B．5 weeks. | C．2 months. | D．1 year. |
| A．be rich and well-educated. | B．have good full-time jobs. |
| C．speak Spanish and French. | D．take students on a trip every week. |
| A．letter | B．notice | C．poster | D．diary |
10 . Bike Rental & Guided Tours
Are you looking for a fun and eco-friendly way to explore the city? Look no further than Bike Rental & Guided Tours! We offer bike rentals and guided tours for individuals and groups of all ages.
Bike Rentals:
Our bike rental service is perfect for those who want to explore the city at their own pace. We have a wide range of bikes available, including mountain bikes, city bikes, and electric bikes. All of our bikes are well-maintained and equipped with safety features such as lights and helmets.
Guided Tours:
Our knowledgeable and friendly tour guides will take you to share interesting facts and stories along the way. You can choose from a variety of themed tours, such as the Historical Landmarks Tour, the Cultural Heritage Tour, or the Food and Market Tour. Our guided tours are not only educational but also a great way to meet fellow travelers and make new friends.
Booking Information:
To rent a bike or join a guided tour, simply visit our website or give us a call. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. Our staff will assist you in choosing the right bike or tour package based on your preferences and needs. We also offer special discounts for students and group bookings.
Safety First:
At Bike Rental & Guided Tours, your safety is our top priority. We provide safety instructions and guidelines before each rental or tour. It is important to follow traffic rules and wear protective gear while riding. Our guides are trained in first aid and will be there to assist you in case of any emergencies.
So why wait? Grab a bike or join a guided tour. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in a whole new way.
1. Who is the passage intended for?| A．People who want to explore the city in an environment-friendly way. |
| B．People who want to explore the city at a fast pace. |
| C．People who are very familiar with the city. |
| D．People who are not good at riding bicycles. |
| A．By visiting their office or sending them an email. |
| B．By visiting their website or giving them a call. |
| C．By visiting their website or sending them an email. |
| D．By visiting their office or giving them a call. |
| A．Making money. |
| B．Providing quality service. |
| C．Providing safety instructions and guidelines. |
| D．Providing discounts for students and group bookings. |
