1 . If you look for great books for children that have stood the test of time, below you’ll find the best ones for 2022.
Aunty’s Wedding
by Miranda Tapsell
The book tells us a story about an island girl preparing for her aunty’s wedding, but she needs to know what a wedding is all about. This lovely picture book talks about family, culture and love.
For ages 3-6.
Freedom, We Sing
by Amyra Leon
This is a powerful book that explores what freedom means. Through conversations with a mother and her young daughter, this beautiful picture book discusses the way to live freely and be themselves. For ages 4 and up.
Ways to Make Sunshine
by Renée Watson
Ryan lives with her parents in Portland happily, but when Ryan’s dad loses his job, things start to change. This is a story of a black girl growing up and dealing with family pressures bravely. For ages 6 and up.
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
by Bill Martin
This book helps kids learn how to recognize different animals and name all the colors by the interesting pictures. It’s a perfect book for children who are just starting to read. For ages 1 and up.
1. Who is the writer of Aunty’s Wedding?| A．Miranda Tapsell. | B．Amyra Leon. | C．Renée Watson. | D．Bill Martin. |
| A．Love. | B．Culture. | C．Freedom. | D．Family. |
| A．Aunty’s Wedding. | B．Freedom, We Sing. |
| C．Ways to Make Sunshine. | D．Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? |
2 . Harry Potter-themed Dinnerware Sets Are Coming
If you are trying to make your dining room look like Hogwarts’s great hall which means, you know, the vaulted (拱形的), star-surrounded ceilings, Target might just be your choice. The company is now selling a variety of Harry Potter-themed dinnerware sets produced by pop culture designer Toynk. These new additions include Marauder Map dinnerware set, a Hogwarts emblem (徽章) bowl set, and more.
The Harry Potter Marauder’s Map 3-Piece Porcelain Setting Set
It is currently going for $39.99 and includes a dinner plate, salad plate, and bowl. Each piece has a special golden design of the famous map. In particular, the plate pays respect to the Animagus forms of characters James Potter, Sirius Black, Peter Pettigrew, and Remus Lupin, otherwise known as the original creators of the Marauder’s Map. These fine porcelain pieces are hand-wash only.
The Harry Potter Houses 4-Piece Porcelain Dinner Plate Set
It is the perfect choice to add a little bit of color and magic to your table. Each fun plates takes after one of the four Hogwarts houses. You can own the set for $44.99.
The Harry Potter Ravenclaw 16-Piece Porcelain Dinnerware Set
If you’re Team Ravenclaw, you can show your pride with the Harry Potter Ravenclaw 16-Piece Porcelain Dinnerware Set. This $89.99 set is decorated with the house color and symbol and includes salad plates, dinner plates, bowls, and mugs.
The Harry Potter Hogwarts Emblem Bowl Collection
Looking for new bowls? The Harry Potter Hogwarts Emblem Bowl Collection is perfect for serving snacks, as well as salads, soups and meals. You can own it for $29.99.
Looking to add some more wizardry magic to your table? You can shop more Harry Potter at Toynk.com/HarryPotter.
1. Which set can you own if you have 30 dollars?| A．The Harry Potter Ravenclaw 16-Piece Porcelain Dinnerware Set. |
| B．The Harry Potter Marauder’s Map 3-Piece Porcelain Setting Set. |
| C．The Harry Potter Houses 4-Piece Porcelain Dinner Plate Set. |
| D．The Harry Potter Hogwarts Emblem Bowl Collection. |
| A．The pieces of the set are hand-wash only. |
| B．The set contains four types of dinnerware. |
| C．Each piece of the set has a golden design of the map. |
| D．The design of the set is to show respect to James Potter. |
| A．A novel. | B．A film review. |
| C．An advertisement. | D．A travel brochure. |
3 . Here are four events you won’t want to miss this week.
World Classic Opera Gala
Presented by the China National Opera House, the World Classic Opera Gala will present audiences with famous Chinese operas including The Long March, The Red Detachment of Women and Red Guards on Honghu Lake and Western operas including Tosca, Rusalka, Rigo letto and Le Nozze di Figaro.
Dates: Dec 24-25 Place: National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA), Beijing
Drama The Dream of the Red Chamber
Produced by Shanghai Dramatic Arts Center, the drama The Dream of the Red Chamber is based on the Chinese treasured literature classic of A Dream of Red Mansions. After four years of development, the drama was condensed (压缩) into a six-hour visual feast from the 700,000-word masterpiece.
Dates: Dec 25-26 Place: Shanghai Culture Square, Shanghai
2021 Guardian Art Book Fair
Covering an area of 1,400 square meters, the first Guardian Art Book Fair will display more than 5,000 highlight art books from over 40 top art publishing houses both at home and abroad. In addition, as one of the exhibitors, the National Library of China Publishing House will exhibit over 100 books.
Dates: Dec 22-26 Place: Guardian Art Center, Beijing
Musical Story for Kids-The Waltz Kingdom
During his lifetime, Austrian composer Johann Strauss was known as the “Waltz King”, and was largely responsible for popularizing the waltz in 19th century Vienna. In this concert combining music and videos, children and their parents can enjoy lively stories accompanied by the music of The Waltz Kingdom produced by the Four Seasons Chamber Orchestra.
Date: 10:30 am, Dec 25
Place: National Library Arts Center, Beijing
1. What is special about the drama The Dream of the Red Chamber?| A．It is intended for opera lovers. | B．It is a 700,000-word masterpiece. |
| C．It is a drama adapted from a classic. | D．It is held in the city of Shanghai. |
| A．Drama The Dream of the Red Chamber. | B．2021 Guardian Art Book Fair. |
| C．World Classic Opera Gala. | D．The Waltz Kingdom. |
| A．It was produced by Johann Strauss. |
| B．It is shown in the Guardian Art Center, Beijing. |
| C．It has been a popular story since the 19th century. |
| D．It’ll give the audience a feast for eyes and ears. |
4 . 21 Days China Panorama Tour
Beijing, Xian, Lhasa, Chongqing, Yangtze Cruise, Yichang, Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Guilin, Hong Kong
The most complete tour, seeing a panoramic view of China from cities with different characters Suitable for those tourists who have enough time and hope to see China as much as possible Best Travel Time: Suitable for the whole year, best from April to November.
Price from $ 3972 3575
Tour Price (US$ per person)
| Hotel Class | Group Size | Dec. ~ Feb. | Mar. ~ Nov. |
| Economy Hotel ★★★ | 2 ~ 5 pax | $5003 4503 | $5360 4824 |
| 6 ~ 9 pax | $3972 3575 | $4328 3896 | |
| Comfortable Hotel ★★★★ | 2 ~ 5 pax | $5399 4859 | $5801 5221 |
| 6 ~ 9 pax | $4367 3930 | $4769 4292 | |
| Deluxe Hotel ★★★★★ | 2 ~ 5 pax | $5992 5393 | $6800 6120 |
| 6 ~ 9 pax | $4960 4464 | $5769 5192 |
♦Domestic (国内的) flight or high-speed train as specified
♦Private transfer (换乘) between the airport or railway station, attractions, and hotels
♦Private licensed English-speaking guide and driver service
♦Hotel accommodation with daily breakfast on sharing basis
♦All attraction entrance fees as specified
♦Meals mentioned in the itinerary, Chinese local food
♦China Life Tourist Accident/Casualty Insurance
♦Tibet Permit
Price excludes:
*International Air tickets or Train Tickets to enter or leave China
*Tips to your tour guide and driver on your own discretion
*China Entry Visa Fees
*Personal expenses
*Optional tours, meals, activities and services
Remarks:
※ Prices are valid (有效的) from Mar 1, 2021 to Feb 28, 2023, except Chinese public holidays, local fairs or events.
※ No guide on the flight and Yangtze River cruise.
※ Recommended hotels are subject to change in actual booking
1. Which is possibly the cheapest tour choice?
| A．A group of 8 during the Christmas. |
| B．3 university students in the summer vacation. |
| C．A couple in economy hotels during the China’s National Day. |
| D．5 family members in comfortable hotels during the Spring Festival. |
| A．This tour is most suitable for university students. |
| B．Foreigners to Tibet are required to get special passports. |
| C．It’s likely that you will pay $5393 at most during the Beijing Winter Olympics. |
| D．If you leave China ahead of time, you won’t have to pay the transport fare. |
| A．announcement | B．report | C．notice | D．advertisement |
5 . Four Great Waterfront Resorts (度假胜地)
Waking up near the water at these wonderful waterfront resorts must be quite an impressive experience for you.
West Oaks Resort
West Oaks Resort is just steps away from some of the best attractions in Okoboji-Arnolds Park Amusement Park, Queen’s Court shopping center, and downtown bars and restaurants. If that isn’t enough, it has a to-die-for view of sunsets, a unique experience for vacationers. The lakeside condos (公寓) in it are equipped with a kitchen, a living room, a master bedroom and an outdoor pool.
Arrowwood Resort & Conference Centre
Located between the beautiful Brooks National Golf Club and the scenic Iowa Great Lakes, Arrowwood Resort & Conference Centre in Okoboji promises a memorable getaway. Spend a day swimming outside, boating on the lake, or staying indoors to explore Water Play-land. Moreover, no trip here is complete without dining at the Minerva’s Restaurant & Bar. With several award-winning dishes, it’s the best place for steak and seafood.
Fillenwarth Beach Resort
A stay at Fillenwarth Beach Resort includes a wonderful cruise (乘船游览) aboard one of the two 49-foot, custom- made cruisers on popular West Lake Okoboji. Or set sail on your own with free access to the resort’s sailboats, rowboats, and paddleboats. The resort also provides guests with accommodations ranging from lakefront houses, studios and penthouses to a collection of cottages and apartments.
Grand Harbor Resort & Waterpark
It is the first themed indoor water park in Iowa with 25, 000 square feet of water attractions. Guests will enjoy water slides, indoor and outdoor tube rides and a water playground. When it comes to the accommodation, Grand Harbor Resort & Waterpark has plenty of rooms where you can overlook the historic town.
1. What highlights West Oaks Resort?| A．The award-wimming food. |
| B．The amazing sunset views. |
| C．The wonderful indoor activities |
| D．The convenient public transportation. |
| A．Enjoy the tasty homemade food. |
| B．Experience the unusual customs. |
| C．Go boating on West Lake Okoboji. |
| D．Have fun at the indoor water park. |
| A．West Oaks Resort. |
| B．Arrowwood Resort & Conference Centre. |
| C．Fillenwarth Beach Resort. |
| D．Grand Harbor Resort & Waterpark. |
Jane Hutcheon
Journalist, author and former foreign correspondent (通讯员) Jane Hutcheon knows a thing or two about conversations, and in Rebel Talk she draws on her rich experience in the art of guided conversations to help us begin and nurture conversations. Rebel Talk looks at ways to: transform poor conversation habits; speak up about problems; generate energy, passion and optimism; stop lecturing and giving uninvited advice; and most importantly, learn by humble listening.
From Earth: Create Your Own Natural Apothecary (药剂师)
Charlotte Rasmussen
The makings for simple skincare and medicinal home treatments can be found in your own garden or kitchen. From Earth's recipes employ pure and natural ingredients such as lily and rose and will inspire you to enlarge your herb knowledge. Beautifully photographed, this step-by-step guide explains how to use carrier oils, butters and dried flowers and is the perfect guide for anyone wanting to find a more comprehensive way of life.
Burning Questions
Margaret Atwood
Fans of Margaret Atwood, the creator of The Handmaid's Tale and more than 50 other works of fiction, poetry and essays, will be interested in her collection of essays and occasional pieces from 2004 -21. Full of wit and wisdom, Atwood focuses on subjects such as the climate crisis, freedom, debt, tech, the rise of Trump and a pandemic. Other topics include: When to offer advice to the young? (only when asked); So what if beauty is only skin deep?
Here Goes Nothing
Steve Toltz
If you like your fiction left-of-centre, then this book's for you. Angus Mooney struggles for most of his life, until he meets his wife, marriage celebrant Gracie (whose wedding ceremonies are anything but traditional). Just when things are starting to work out, an old guy with a terminal illness breaks into their house and asks to stay until he dies. When Angus does some research on their ‘guest’, he wakes up the next day in the ‘afterlife’.
1. What might you get from Rebel Talk?| A．How to solve problems. | B．How to stop a conversation. |
| C．How to learn in speeches. | D．How to talk productively. |
| A．Jane Hutcheon. | B．Charlotte Rasmussen. |
| C．Margaret Atwood. | D．Steve Toltz. |
| A．Rebel Talk. |
| B．From Earth: Create Your Own Natural Apothecary. |
| C．Burning Questions. |
| D．Here Goes Nothing. |
7 . The new season is coming, which means that we can look forward to a whole lot of new exhibitions. For those who want to make their schedule available for a visit, Fashion United has selected various fashion exhibitions.
Marche et Demarche: A History of the Chaussure
The Musee des Arts Decoratifs has been focused on shoes since this fall. The exhibition zooms in on the different ways of walking, from the Middle Ages to the present day and from the West to non-European cultures. More than five hundred objects will be on display. The exhibition can be visited until Nov. 20, 2022, at the Musee des Arts Decoratifs in Paris. Pricing: $25
Thierry Mugler: Couturissime
Thierry Mugler is a successful fashion designer from France. The exhibition “Thierry Mugler: Couturissime” is now visiting Europe for the first time with the opening in the Kunsthal in Rotterdam (鹿特丹当代美术馆). The multimedia approach of the exhibition deserves a special mention. Not only have videos and sounds been added to the set-up, but the 4D presentation in one of the rooms and projections on the walls in another take the exhibition to the next level. The exhibition can be visited until Oct. 30, 2022, in the Kunsthal in Rotterdam. Pricing: Free
Zandra Rhodes: Fifty Years of Fabulous
The exhibition of fashion designer Zandra Rhodes in London is worth your time. Rhodes is known for her unique and outspoken prints, and her works show that she was initially inspired by the pop art movement. In total, there are 100 styles and 50 fabric (布料) samples to admire. The exhibition can be visited until Dec. 22, 2022, in the Fashion and Textile Museum in London. Pricing: $10
Bags: Inside Out
A bag often says a lot about the wearer. The new exhibition of the Victoria & Albert Museum looks at the function, status and craftsmanship behind a bag. More than 300 objects are used to illustrate the theme. Bags from the royal family, celebrities and well-known fashion houses are given a place in the show. The exhibition can be visited until Dec. 22, 2022, at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. Pricing: $30
1. What do we know about Marche et Demarche: A History of the Chaussure?| A．Five thousand objects will be exhibited. | B．Visitors can enjoy Zandra Rhodes’ works. |
| C．Shoes in different periods will be on show. | D．It is an event about the pop art movement. |
| A．Its ticket costs more than the other three. |
| B．Visitors can enjoy a 4D presentation. |
| C．Some of its exhibits can be viewed online. |
| D．Visitors can appreciate dresses from around the world. |
| A．Both of them charge the same admission fee. |
| B．A popular designer will attend the two exhibitions. |
| C．The themes of the two shows are related to the latest bags. |
| D．Both of them can be visited on Dec. 20, 2022. |
8 . Attractions
Boulders
Visit Wales’ largest indoor climbing centre for packed fun! Boulders promises a fantastic day out for all, offering: birthday parties; climbing sessions for beginners; children’s school holiday activities; all equipment.
Boulders specializes in introducing people of all abilities into this vertical world in a fun, safe and inclusive way.
St Catherine’s Park, Cardiff CF24 2 RZ
+44(0) 2920484880
www.boulderssuk.com
Big Pit National Coal Museum
Big Pit is a real coal mine and one of Britain’s leading mining museums. With facilities to educate all ages, Big Pit is an exciting and informative day out. Enjoy a multimedia tour of a modern coal mine, exhibitions in the pithead baths and historic buildings open to the public for the first time. Go 300ft underground with a real miner!
Blaenafon, Torfaen NP4 9XP
+44(0) 3001112333
www.museumwales.ac.uk
Adventures Wales Activity Centre
Wales’ premier AALA Licensed outdoor adventure activity centre offering; Weekend packages are available and include a great choice of activities, hotel accommodation and return transport into the city centre for a great night out in Wales’ capital city. The Centre also caters for children’s parties, school residential stays and company team events as well as offsite activities such as surfing. kayaking and raft building challenges.
Moor Lane, Nottage, Porthcawl CF36 3 EX
+44(0) 1656782300
www.adventureswales.co.uk
Bute Park & Arboretum
Bute Park, containing the former pleasure grounds of Cardiff Castle, is a green oasis (绿洲) right in the heart of the city centre and a “must see” for anyone visiting Cardiff. It is one of the largest urban public parks in Wales, and comprises a broad mix of historic landscape, urban woodland, horticultural(园艺的) features and river corridor.
Cardiff city centre, Cardiff CF119 HW
+44(0) 2920872730
www.bute-park.com
1. Which phone number will you probably dial to arrange kids’ school vacation?
| A．+44(0) 2920484880. | B．+44(0) 3001112333. |
| C．+44(0) 1656782300. | D．+44(0) 2920872730. |
| A．In Boulders. | B．In Big Pit National Coal Museum. |
| C．In Adventures Wales Activity Centre. | D．In Bute Park Arboretum. |
| A．See a coal exhibition. | B．Try surfing adventures. |
| C．Enjoy a world of nature. | D．Taste an urban kayaking. |
9 . Four Pet-Friendly Hotels
Montage Palmetto Bluff
Location: Bluffton, South Carolina
Price: $150 pet fee, rooms start at $645 a night
In this great riverside hotel, your pet will be treated to a fancy pet bed, toy gifts, and a special menu. For you there’re spa treatments, golf and eight dining experiences. With 20,000 acres (英亩) to explore, you and your dog can spend hours visiting and playing.
Kinship Landing
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Price: $49 per night pet fee, rooms start at $249 a night
Inside this new hotel, you’re greeted with hundreds of green plants, along with an event space that houses nearly a forest. You can also order your dog a bowl made with sweet potatoes and eggs at the hotel’s café, and then head out to travel in the Rocky Mountains.
Inn By The Sea
Location: Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Price: $544 a night in a pet-friendly single-bedroom room, 2-night stay required
In the hotel, book the pet package, and your dog will receive a personalized bed and a toy dog, a bowl, and an evening selection from the pet menu. You will be provided with a list of nearby walking paths and pet-friendly beaches. The hotel also gives a temporary (临时的) home to dogs that are looking for their forever families. 154 have been adopted (领养) by guests.
Kimpton Sawyer Hotel
Location: Sacramento, California
Price: No pet fee; rooms start at $249 a night
There’s no limit on pets you can bring — so pack up your dog and your cat. Awaiting them will be pet beds, food, water bowls and a list of pet-friendly restaurants and parks. When the free nightly wine party begins in the hall, your pet can join you for socializing.
1. Which hotel provides chance to explore the mountains?| A．Kinship Landing. | B．Montage Palmetto Bluff. |
| C．Inn By The Sea. | D．Kimpton Sawyer Hotel. |
| A．Its guests can take pets to the party. | B．Its guests might adopt a pet there. |
| C．It offers spa treatments to its guests. | D．It serves pets sweet potatoes and eggs. |
| A．To Bluffton, South Carolina. | B．To Sacramento, California. |
| C．To Cape Elizabeth, Maine. | D．To Colorado Springs, Colorado. |
10 . These are the best online fitness programs that you should sign up for this year, with so much variation that there’s bound to be a class that suits you perfectly. These virtual fitness classes can help you to feel renewed energy for your fitness goals.
Peloton Digital
Cost: $12.99 a month Trial period: 30 days
As one of the world’s best online fitness programs, Peloton Digital offers better and more enjoyable at-home workouts. You don’t need a Peloton bike to use the Peloton app. The Peloton Digital app gives you access to this world-beating online fitness training program on your phone, tablet or laptop, so you can work out wherever you are.
Fitbit Premium
Cost: $9.99 a month Trial period: 90 days
Fitbit Premium is ideal for beginners and people returning to exercise after a long break. It offers audio workouts for runners and walkers, and these focus on things like pace and relaxation. Fitbit’s online fitness program displays an average amount of calories you can expect to burn per workout in the home.
Daily Burn
Cost: $19.95 a month Trial period: 30 days
Daily Bum could be the best online fitness training program for those who want to lose weight through a combination of regular exercise and a healthy diet. It helps people to not only lose weight, but to then maintain their new healthy weight. You will get a personalized plan recommending specific workouts to help you achieve your goals.
Obe Fitness
Cost: $27 a month Trial period: 7 days
Obe Fitness is the best choice for you as it features live workouts each day to keep you entertained and challenged. This is the closest real-life workout class at home. There are more than 100 live classes on offer each week. Perfect if you feel energized when you know classes are happening in real-time, and you’re following along—instructors even shout out to you to keep you focused.
1. Which program is suitable for cyclists?| A．Peloton Digital. | B．Fitbit Premium. |
| C．Daily Burn. | D．Obe Fitness. |
| A．Its entertaining at-home workouts | B．Its low price and long trial period. |
| C．Its combination of exercise and diet. | D．Its real-life workout classes at home. |
| A．They satisfy beginners' needs. | B．They offer personalized plans. |
| C．They provide virtual classes. | D．They suit people losing weight. |
