1 . France has the most beautiful castles (城堡) throughout Europe. Here are some of the best French castles to visit. You’ll surely want to visit one of them during your travels in France. Have a look and enjoy!
Chateau de Versailles
The Chateau de Versailles is about 20 kms southwest of Paris. When the castle was built, Versailles was a small village. Today, however, it is a famous area in Paris. The castle was built as a small hunting lodge (乡间小屋) for Louis XIII in the 1620s. Years later, he made it bigger. Later, Louis XIV also made it larger, making it one of the largest palaces of the world.
Chateau de Chambord
The Chateau de Chambord is one of the largest castles around the world. It sits in the Loire Valley. Beijing at the heart of Europe’s largest enclosed wooded park, Chambord, it was built for King Francis I to serve as bunting lodge. It is one of the world’s most well-known castles in the world because of its French Renaissance (文艺复兴) building.
Chateau de Chenonceau
As one of the most famous castles in the Loire Valley, the castle was built during the 11th century on the River Cher. It was passed through many hands. The castle was not destroyed during the French Revolution because it was the only bridge across the river for many miles.
Chateau de Chantilly
This historic castle sits in the town of Chantilly, France. This beautiful castle is made up of two buildings: the Petit Chateau built around 1560 for Anne de Montmorency, and the Grand Chateau which was destroyed during the French Revolution and rebuilt in the 1870s. There are many interesting pieces of 17th century history concerning (关于) the castle. Every two years a fireworks competition is held in the castle gardens.
1. What do we know about the Chateau de Versailles?| A．It was first built for Louis XIII. |
| B．It sits in a small village. |
| C．It serves as a hunting place. |
| D．It was the largest castle in the 1620s. |
| A．It was built by a famous French king. |
| B．It hid in the Loire Valley. |
| C．It was for from Paris. |
| D．It played a very important role. |
| A．The Chateau de Chenonceau. |
| B．The Chateau de Versailles. |
| C．The Chateau de Chantilly. |
| D．The Chateau de Chambord. |
2 . If you have no difficulty in understanding what native English speakers say in daily life, there is a whole new world of brilliant podcast (播客) series to explore. If you aren’t sure where to start, have a look at these:
 | The Joc Rogan Experience ★★★★★ The Joc Rogan Experience is a great learning device because of its interesting English conversations between Rogan and his guests. At the time of writing there have been over 1,660 episodes with subjects ranging from comedy and science to politics and sports. Rogan is also a famous stand-up comedian, so the show is full of cultural references and idioms. |
 | This American Life ★★★★★ This American Life is a great choice for English learners who want an insight into the culture of the USA. It is a mixture of journalism and storytelling, focusing on real-life tales from citizens of all regions of the country. The stories are new and varied. One episode was taped for 24 hours in an all-night restaurant; another interviewed workers on strike. |
 | The Writer's Voice ★★★★☆ The New Yorker is a famous American magazine, and every week it prints a new short story. In this podcast, the week's story is read aloud by its writer. The published work covers a wide range of life experiences across the United States and beyond. It's a great way to enjoy some of the best new fiction in the country. |
 | Overheard at National Geographic ★★★★★ National Geographic is a much-loved American magazine (and TV channel) famous for incredible stories and photography related to science and the environment. Overheard is about the discussions Nat Geo employees have had while taking breaks. Expect crazy stories from explorers, photographers, and scientists from around the world. |
| A．have interaction with hosts |
| B．have good English competence |
| C．be interested in being a podcaster |
| D．be familiar with American social life |
| A．The Writer's Voice. |
| B．This American Life. |
| C．The Joe Rogan Experience. |
| D．Overheard at National Geographic. |
| A．They enjoy great popularity. |
| B．Their stories are set in America. |
| C．They are attached to magazines. |
| D．Their works are updated weekly. |
3 . We’ve tested hundreds of mom-approved products that happen to make perfect Mother’s Day gifts. Here are our recommendations.
Babbel
If your mom has always wanted to learn a new language, give her the gift of gab with Babbel. Each online course will be personalized by her interests and molded into bite-sized lessons so she can easily learn at her own pace. It’s a great budget-friendly option for diving into a new language. We tested it and found it to be a fun and effective language learning tool.
Thermo Works Thermapen Mk4
When it comes to the best digital meat thermometers, it doesn’t get better than Thermo-Works. We highly recommend the Thermapen ONE, which was the fastest and most accurate thermometer we tested and would have been our top pick if it wasn’t so expensive. But it’s waterproof, precise and fast-acting.
A Bouqs Subscription
Fresh flowers at Mom’s doorstep will always be appreciated, especially on Mother’s Day. This year, instead of just one bouquet, gift her a subscription to Bouqs. You can change the frequency of the delivery along with the type of blooms she receives—roses one month, sunflowers the next. She may adorably text you a picture of her bouquet every month it arrives and remind you to maintain the subscription. Go ahead and switch it up to keep Mom on her toes.
A Personalized Collage(拼贴画)
There are few gifts better than personalized ones, especially when it comes to the mom who pretty much already has everything. With services like Minted, you can upload your own photos for a collage and watch your beautiful creation come to life. Customize the frame and color theme to best match mom’s style and watch her fall in love with her new heartfelt gift.
1. What might discourage people from choosing the Thermapen ONE?| A．Price. | B．Function. | C．Accuracy. | D．Appearance. |
| A．It can be canceled at random. | B．It texts to remind renewing. |
| C．It restricts to monthly deliveries. | D．It offers wide choices of flowers. |
| A．Life. | B．Wellness. | C．Literature. | D．Entertainment. |
4 . Endangered Species (濒危物种) Books for Kids
Will We Miss Them? Endangered Species
Written from the unique view of a 13-year-old author, this book interests children in the lives and challenges of endangered species, helping other young people learn about these animals as the first step toward saving them.
♦Author: Alexandra Wright
♦Publication Date: September, 2011
Almost Gone: The Worlds Rarest Animals
Have you ever seen a wombat or an Eastern barred bandicoot? Probably not. These animals are almost gone from the earth, and they’re not alone. Simple, informative text and cul-paper paintings introduce basic endangered species knowledge to young children.
♦Author: Steve Jenkins
♦Publication Date: January, 2016
A Poetic Journey into the Wild
Take a journey across land and sea to meet 21 endangered and threatened animals. Lovely paintings and poems introduce amazing animals from around the globe and show the dangers they face. The book also lists activities and organizations that provide more detailed information about endangered species protection.
♦Author: Rachel Allen Dillon
♦Publication Date: February, 2019
Eyewitness: Endangered Animals
This DK Eyewitness book is an exploration of endangered animals around the world, including factors that are driving them toward extinction (灭绝) and ways that we can help them survive. Blocks of text and diverse photographs keep readers turning the pages.
♦Author: Ben Hoare
♦Publication Date: August, 2015
1. Which book is written by a teenage author?| A．A Poetic Journey into the Wild. |
| B．Eyewitness: Endangered Animals. |
| C．Almost Gone: The World's Rarest Animals. |
| D．Will We Miss Them? Endangered Species |
| A．Activities of hunting wildlife. |
| B．Poems about amazing animals. |
| C．Paintings about some extinct animals. |
| D．Surroundings of the endangered wildlife. |
| A．To list some endangered animals. |
| B．To encourage protection of animals. |
| C．To introduce endangered species books. |
| D．To call on readers to fight illegal hunting. |
5 . With exams just around the comer, now is a good time to explore some of UCL’s lesser-known (鲜为人知的）study spaces and get down to some revision. Here are some good choices for you:
UCL Senate House Hub
UCL Senate House Hub opened in 2015 and provides 144 study spaces. What’s more, you can check how many spaces are available online, before you head to the place. Located on the 3rd floor of the South Block of Senate House, the center has room for individual and group study in traditional library spaces, as well as armchairs and computers.
UCL Eastman Dental Library
The newly-redecorated UCL Eastman Dental Library is located halfway along Gray’s Inn Road and is open from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 8 pm. The library has 72 study spaces and many IT facilities (设备）.The library also has a study room for meetings, and a computer room with a whiteboard.
UCL Language & Speech Science Library
UCL Language & Speech Science Library (LaSS) has disabled access and has recently been redecorated to add extra study spaces. With only 49 spaces, LaSS is smaller than most UCL libraries and tends to fill up quickly, so get there early to avoid disappointment.
Senate House Library
This one may be cheating as Senate House Library is not technically a UCL library. However, all UCL students and staff can register (注册）for free membership online. With millions of books and journals, Senate House Library offers some places which are a little less used by UCL students but perfect for students who want to focus on some hard work.
1. Who are the four places mainly introduced to?| A．Those who loves reading. |
| B．Those who is preparing for exams. |
| C．Those who likes learning online. |
| D．Those who prefers to study in libraries. |
| A．Make an appointment in advance. |
| B．Check the library’s opening hours. |
| C．Check whether there are available seats. |
| D．Check whether there are available armchairs. |
| A．Two. | B．Three. | C．Four. | D．Five. |
6 . Need a fall fix? Try one from these great places.
1. Mackinac Island, Michigan
The only way to reach this famed car-free island is by boat and ferry, and once visitors arrive, they are attracted by the history, scenery and fall colors. “It’s a throwback to years past, a little town, and there’s a big state park as well,” Blackwell says. “ You’re allowed to have boats all around the island.”
2. Tellico Lake, Tennessee
With nearly 400 miles of shoreline, this waterway flowing out of the Great Smoky Mountains is largely unexploited, well-protected in its natural state. Fall visitors find a range of colors reflecting in the clean waters, says Blackwell, who vacationed in the area with his family as a child. “The thick forest there just allows you to see more greenery and wildlife."
3. Dillon Reservoir, Colorado
With an hour from Denver, this lake is home to what claims to be the nation's highest sailing club, at an altitude of more than 9,000 feet. Marinas in the towns of Dillon and Frisco make it easy to get out on he water and to see the bright yellows and golds of fall leaves. “ People are surprised that there's boating in Colorado, and you can see the mountains just before the snowball," Blackwell says.
4. Lake Monroe, Indiana
The state’s largest lake is surrounded by more than 13,000 acres of protected forest and three recreation areas, making it an ideal place to see fall colors, particularly from oaks and the tulip poplar, the state tree. “ It’s a gem (宝石) in southern Indiana," says Blackwell, who grew up in the area. “There are lots of different activities: canoeing, kayaking and fishing.”
1. What is special about Mackinac Island?| A．It’s like a modern city. | B．Visitors can’t take a boat around it. |
| C．Visitors can see various wildlife there. | D．Visitors can’t go there by cars. |
| A．Mackinac Island, Michigan. | B．Tellico Lake, Tennessee. |
| C．Dillon Reservoir, Colorado. | D．Lake Monroe, Indiana. |
| A．Blackwell once travelled there. | B．They are all famous tourist destinations. |
| C．They are surrounded by thick forests. | D．Visitors can enjoy fall colors there. |
7 . Independence is something that can be difficult to achieve. But don’t worry because here we have four books that can help you. If you don’t buy less than three of them, you’ll be given a 20% discount!
The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey
Taking care of your finance is hard. Dave Ramsey, a famous businessman, is here to take you on the whole process of planning your finance, and show the myths of cash advances and debt consolidation (债务重整), to make sure your finance is healthy.
Price: $14.49
Grace’s Guide by Grace Helbig
Grace Helbig shared her tips to becoming a grown-up. The book is full of personal stories of Helbig, her struggles and the lessons she learnt from failing many times. This book is your on-the-go fun read with pictures and drawings of Helbig, and worksheets (作记录) to practice.
Price: $7.95
The Oh She Glows Cookbook by Angela Liddon
Having suffered from eating disorder and living on diet, Angela Liddon promised to eat healthily forever. She threw out her fat-free butter spray (黄油喷雾) and low-calorie frozen dinners after learning how to properly cook. This book contains more than 100 recipes (食谱) covering breakfast, salads, soups, power snacks and the main dishes for a healthy meal at any time of the day. We all know that healthy eating is all part of being independent.
Price: $22.22
Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed
Life can be hard, especially when it comes to relationships with others. In the book, Strayed gives advice on love and life. She writes about different subjects: a son rejected by his parents, a mother who has lost her child. And the message hidden throughout all her advice is always that, if you want a good life, you have to create it.
Price: $8.76
1. How much will you save at least if you buy three of the listed books?| A．$5.68. | B．$6.24. | C．$8.95. | D．$9.10. |
| A．It is about how to grow up healthily. |
| B．It is mainly about how to work better. |
| C．It is based on its author’s life experience. |
| D．It teaches readers to learn from others’ life stories. |
| A．Grace’s Guide. | B．Tiny Beautiful Things. |
| C．The Total Money Makeover. | D．The Oh she Glows Cookbook. |
8 . Orange County Museum of Art — Visionaries Lecture Series
Every Monday From June 8 to July 31, 2015
1.30 pm – 3.30 pm
Spend the coming art year answering the question — how did contemporary art become contemporary? Discover the unexpected connections between the past and present and experience the sudden changes that shocked the art world.
LOCATION. 850 San Clemente Drive, Newport Beach
INFORMATION. 949-759-1122
Discovery Science Centre. Festival of Toys
Now through July 3, 2015
You're invited to bring your children and to be exposed to Mexican culture through toys and games of the past and present. This interactive exhibit features hand-made toys for play. Challenge each other in traditional Mexican games, play with authentic dolls and masks, and learn about the cultural significance of Mexican toys.
LOCATION. 2500 N. Main St. Santa Ana, CA 92705
INFORMATION. 714-542-2823
Donna O'Neill Land Conservancy
Friday, July 10, 2015
Work off those holiday calories with a three-to-four-mile hike through the Conservancy. Hike up the North Ridge trail, across Middle Ridge and wind down into Gato Road. Experience the sights, sounds and warmth of our Grassland and Coastal Sage Serub communities. $10.00/Adult; $5.00/Child (8 to 18); Free/Child under 8
LOCATION. The Donna ONeill Land Conservancy
INFORMATION. 949-489-9778
Casa Romantica Poetry Reading Series
Readings are usually held at 7.00 pm every Wednesday from July to August, and are free and open to the public. Promoting and celebrating the many poets living and writing in Orange County and offering the best poetry of Southern California and beyond in a setting both historic and beautiful. the Casa Romantica Cultural Center Gardens.
LOCATION. 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, CA 92672
INFORMATION. (949) 489-2139
1. An art student who wants to learn about art history will go to _____.| A．The Donna O'Neill Land Conservancy |
| B．850 San Clemente Drive, Newport Beach |
| C．2500 N. Main St. Santa Aria, CA 92705 |
| D．415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, CA 92672 |
| A．It offers kids fun ways to learn about culture. |
| B．It collects and sells hand-made toys to kids. |
| C．It allows kids to communicate with Mexicans. |
| D．It helps kids know the industry of Mexican dolls. |
| A．$15 | B．$20 |
| C．$25 | D．$30 |
9 . There are many theme parks in Florida. These amusement parks are designed for kids big and small and have plenty to offer adults, too.
Magic Kingdom
Orlando is the center of theme parks in Florida. Of all the parks, no trip to Orlando would be complete without a visit to Magic Kingdom. The center of Disney world, with Main Street USA and Cinderella's Castle, is here at Magic Kingdom. There are rides for kids of all ages as well as shopping and dining.
Epcot
After Magic Kingdom, the best-known theme park in Disney World is Epcot. This is a good place for curious kids who want to learn about the planets, the stars, and the workings of the human body. The good and wine festival is another big draw to Epcot.
Animal kingdom
When it comes to the top 4 Florida theme parks, Animal kingdom must be on the list. You may have had the chance to go to a zoo before, but Animal kingdom brings the concept of a zoo to new heights. Sure you can go on the safari (狩猎旅行), but there are also rides on different animals, even dinosaurs.
Universal's Island of Adventure
If your kids have the need for speed, you will surely want to check out Universal's Island of Adventure. Here roller coasters and thrill rides will combine the magic of the movies with plenty of twists (旋转) and turns. You'll also find Wizarding World of Harry Potter here---something the whole family is sure to enjoy.
1. Epcot would most probably attract those who love ________.| A．rides | B．science | C．animals | D．work |
| A．Having rides on different animals. |
| B．Allowing people to watch new movies. |
| C．Having many different kinds of animals. |
| D．Allowing people to learn about dinosaurs. |
| A．Epcot |
| B．Magic Kingdom |
| C．Animal Kingdom |
| D．Universal's Island of Adventure |
10 . The Bristol International Balloon Festival is a world-class hot air ballooning festival and is recognized as one of the UK’s top five outdoor events. Founded in 1978, the Festival has become a symbol for Bristol, the same as Brunel’s famous Suspension Bridge.
Held in the rolling hills of Ashton Court on the edge of Bristol, the Festival is hugely popular and completely free, attracting around half a million people from across the country and beyond. This year, for the first time, visitors will get to see how a hot air balloon is made. To celebrate its 40th anniversary, the world’s largest hot air balloon producer, Cameron Balloons, will take on the challenge of constructing a passenger-carrying balloon, on site, in about four days.
Other events to look forward to at the Bristol International Balloon Festival include daredevil stunts(冒险特技表演) from the Red Arrows, over 250 trade stalls, local and international food stalls, and a funfair(露天游艺集市). Here’s what’s on in detail:
Thursday 11th August:
12 pm Gates Open and Trade Village open
6 pm Special Shapes Ascent — a number of hot air balloons will take to the sky
9:30 pm Nightglow and Firework Finale — 30 or more balloons will glow in time to music
10:30 pm Gates Close
Friday 12th August:
6 am Hot Air Balloon Mass Ascent
9 am Trade and Entertainment Village open
12 pm Arena(竞技) Entertainment and Tethered Balloons
6 pm Hot Air Balloon Mass Ascent
8:30 pm Gates Close
Saturday 13th August:
6 am Hot Air Balloon Mass Ascent
9 am Trade and Entertainment Village open
12 pm Arena Entertainment and Tethered Balloons
6 pm Hot Air Balloon Mass Ascent
9:30 pm Nightglow and Firework Finale
10:30 pm Gates Close
Sunday 14th August:
6 am Hot Air Balloon Mass Ascent
9 am Trade and Entertainment Village open
12 pm Arena Entertainment and Tethered Balloons
6 pm Hot Air Balloon Mass Ascent
1. On which day can’t you see the Hot Air Balloon Mass Ascents twice?| A．12th August | B．11th August | C．13th August | D．14th August |
| A．Visitors can see how a hot air balloon is made every year. |
| B．The festival was founded in the rolling hills of Ashton Court. |
| C．Cameron Balloons is the world’s largest hot air balloon producer. |
| D．The festival is hugely popular only because it is completely free. |
| A．origin and history | B．new challenges |
| C．time and place | D．main activities |
