1 . Searching the OED
How to use the quick search
The quick search bar can be found on the OED (Oxford English Dictionary) homepage and at the top of every entry page, and finds main dictionary entries, such as alphabet, break, xylophone. It also finds phrases and compounds listed within main entries, such as to look up or alphabet book, and different forms of spellings such as dictionaries.
Wildcard searches
A wildcard is a symbol which stands for any character. The question mark? represents the occurrence of any one single character, and the asterisk* represents the occurrence of any number of characters (or no character at all). Wildeards are useful if you do not know how to spell a word, or if you want to find several terms beginning with the same root.
How to use the advanced search
An advanced search is a full search of the entire dictionary text which is for readers who have logged in or subscribed to the dictionary. Advanced search can be especially useful for very specific searches. You can use the search area functionality to search by each section of an entry. You can also use filters to narrow your search to match certain criteria.
Browsing by categories
Categories allow you to explore the dictionary through groupings of words in, for instance. a subject or from a particular origin. If you want to find all the Caribbean borrowings in English, or find the first word related to friend to enter the dictionary, this is the function for you.
Further explore your search by using the options that appear on the right-hand side of the results page.
1. What will you use if you want to look up some terms beginning with the same root?| A．The quick search. | B．The advanced search. |
| C．Wildcard searches. | D．Browsing by categories. |
| A．Matching certain criteria. | B．Registering for the dictionary. |
| C．Searching with specific words. | D．Searching with purpose. |
| A．To promote a search engine. | B．To recommend a shopping website. |
| C．To tell learners how to surf the Internet. | D．To explain how to use an online dictionary. |
2 . Edinburgh is famous for its many museums where you can learn its rich history.
Museum on the MoundLocated in the heart of Edinburgh’s city center, this appealing museum takes a fresh look at money — and much, much more. You will see coins and banknotes from over the ages, including the first Scottish banknote printed in 1727. There are also interesting interactive displays and you can even try your hand at opening a safe!
The Writers’ MuseumIt is housed in the beautiful Lady Stair’s House, a category A listed building. The collection celebrates the legacy (遗产) of Scotland’s literary contributions, with special emphasis given to Sir Walter Scott, Robert Louis Stevenson and Robert Burns. The museum is home to numerous paintings, books and manuscripts (手稿), and you can also see Burns’ writing desk and Scott’s chess set.
Our Dynamic EarthIt celebrates the beauty of the earth via technology. Interactive exhibits allow visitors to experience earthquakes, the ocean floor, ice ages and mountains by the use of computer software. Particularly interesting is the “tour” around the eleven Earthscapes. It is educational fun for the whole family and can serve as a good introduction to concepts surrounding the formation of the planet and the creatures we share the earth with.
National Museum of ScotlandThe diverse collections here include the history of Scotland with exhibitions of international interest. The natural world, science and technology, discoveries, art, and world cultures are all explored. There are interactive elements and activities to suit children of all ages, including science experiments and musical instruments.
1. Which might be the most attractive to finance majors?| A．Our Dynamic Earth. | B．Museum on the Mound. |
| C．The Writers’ Museum. | D．National Museum of Scotland. |
| A．They have an artistic atmosphere. | B．They have interactive exhibits. |
| C．They provide hands-on activities. | D．They showcase world cultures. |
| A．Play with your family. | B．Tour the world virtually. |
| C．Design computer software. | D．Learn about ancient creatures. |
3 . Young Writers Awards
About the Contest
Bennington College has a unique literary tradition. We’ve bad twelve Pulitzer Prize winners, three US poet laureates, four MacArthur Geniuses, and two of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people. In celebration of this, Bennington launched the Young Writers Awards to promote excellence in writing at the high school level. Students are invited to enter with the following work:
● Poetry: A group of three poems
● Fiction: A short story (1,500 words or fewer) or one-act play
● Nonfiction: A personal or academic essay (1,500 words or fewer)
Three students among all the finalists are selected in each category (类别) as first-, second- and third-place winners. We welcome participation of both US and international students.
Awards & Rules
First-place winners in each category are awarded a prize of $1,000; second-place winners receive $500; third-place winners receive $250.
● No charge for entrance. Fees for accidents caused by participants are required.
● All entries must be original work reviewed, approved and guided by a teacher. We will use your teacher as a contact for the competition should we have any questions. For homeschooled students, please also contact a teacher to assist in your writing even if you have experience in such competitions.
Young Writers Awards finalists and winners are also qualified for college scholarships at Bennington if they choose to apply for this college and get admitted. Young Writers Awards finalists who gain admission to Bennington College will receive a $10,000 scholarship every year for four years, for a total of $40,000. Young Writers Awards winners admitted to Bennington will receive $15,000 every year, for a total of $60,000.
1. What can be learned about the Young Writers Awards?| A．It’s a long-time tradition. |
| B．It rewards three winners at last. |
| C．It accepts participants worldwide. |
| D．Finalists will be admitted to Bennington. |
| A．Find a teacher to help with the entry. | B．Pay an entry fee on time. |
| C．Have related writing experience. | D．Hand in a personal essay. |
| A．$10,500. | B．$15,500. | C．$40,500. | D．$60,500. |
4 . Four One-Day Trips in the UK
First Light Pavilion,CheshireIt's a newly-designed visitor centre at the Jodrell Bank Observatory. It is inspired by the Lovell Telescope and is designed to act like a sundial (日晷). Visitors can experience a meteor shower (流星雨)，operate a radio telescope and launch a digital satellite there.
£8.50 adults/£6.50 children,jodrellbank.net
Clifford's Tower, YorkThis 800-year-old tower is all that remains of York Castle. It was a treasury (财宝库) and prison, but its inner space was damaged by fire in 1684. Now, after a £5 million project by English Heritage, the ruin is reopening. Walkways will replace the lost first floor. A new roof floor will provide views of York Minster, the city and the North York Moors beyond.
£8.10 adults/£4.80 children, english-heritage.org.uk
The Rig Climb Experience,GreenwichThe Cutty Sark, one of just two surviving tea sailing ships in the world, is launching anew experience. For the first time, visitors will be able to step from the main deck and arrive at the top platform. Visitors will hear tales of life at sea in the 19th century and the tough conditions sailors had to work in.
£21 adults/£12 children (includes general entering the ship), rmg.co.uk/cuttysark
The Intelligence Factory, BuckinghamshireA newly-restored building at Bletchley Park is opening as the site's biggest ever exhibition space. The Intelligence Factory in Block A will focus on the years 1942-1945 when9,000 staff members helped win World War II. The exhibition lasting for a long time will include objects, personal stories and interactive elements, showing how operators handled huge amounts of information. There is also a space for temporary exhibitions-the first is on data visualisation.
£21 adults/£12.50 children, bletchleypark.org.uk
1. What can visitors do at First Light Pavilion in Cheshire?| A．Learn how to make a sundial. |
| B．Use a telescope to observe stars. |
| C．Watch the launch of a satellite. |
| D．Interact with astronomers in the centre. |
| A．£22.5. | B．£28. | C．£57. | D．£58.5. |
| A．Recent repair work. | B．Advanced equipment. |
| C．The same period of history. | D．Bird's eye view of the cities. |
5 . Green Line Performing Arts Center
Upcoming Programs:
First Monday Jazz Series: Crosswind
Monday Feb 4 | 7-9 pm
First Monday Jazz is a free monthly event showcasing local Chicago jazz artists.
Green Light Series: South Side Story Time
Sunday Feb 17 |10-11 am
Bring your kids to listen, learn, sing, dance, and interact! South Side Story Time is a small gathering that centres on readings for its young attendees along with the chance for their parents to socialize. Open to families with children of all ages.
Sistergirls and Freedom Fighters: Stories in Celebration of Women’s Power and Grace
Wednesday Feb 20 |7-8 pm
Join us for an evening of storytelling featuring the dynamic singing, in the Spirit by Emily Hooper Lansana.
This performance will highlight a range of stories that demonstrate women’s creative and political genius from folk heroines to Nobel Peace Prize winners.
Family Saturdays: Art together
Every 1st Saturday of the Month | 3-5 pm
Explore your child’s artistic curiosity with hands-on art workshops designed to stimulate creativity and play. These interdisciplinary workshops are exciting for the entire family, offering activities from music to arts and crafts. Come to learn something new! Appropriate for families with children. Registration is encouraged.
Follow Arts + Public Life on Facebook for more event details and a full list of all upcoming performances.
1. When can people enjoy jazz in February?| A．At 8 pm every first Monday. | B．At 4 pm every other Saturday. |
| C．At 7 pm every first Wednesday. | D．At 9 pm every other Monday. |
| A．It lasts two hours. | B．It is organized by Emily. |
| C．It is a prize-winning performance. | D．It celebrates women’s achievements. |
| A．Activity types. | B．Event frequency. |
| C．Target participants. | D．Registration requirements. |
6 . The year 2023 saw a wide variety of TV and internet variety shows in China, offering amazing entertainment to audiences. Here are 4 popular variety shows of the year. It’s never too late to start enjoying them.
Become a Farmer (Feb. -Jul., iQIYI)
The farming-themed reality show took Chinese social media by storm, shining a spotlight on agriculture. In an effort to connect young urban Chinese with the agricultural industry, the show invites 10 young men from various fields to experience life on the farmland.
Great Escape Season 5 (May-Sept., Mango TV)
This reality show has taken viewers on an immersive journey. It enlisted well-known celebrities, who faced challenges within intricately designed escape rooms. They had to search for hidden clues, solve puzzles and decipher codes to. unlock the rooms in which they are trapped.
The Big Band 3 (Aug. -Oct., iQIYI)
The Big Band 3 showcases various musical genres with 27 bands from China. In the 2023edition, folk Chinese musicians took center stage, with notable performances by Wayina from Guangxi and Anda Union from Inner Mongolia.
Call Me By Fire, Season 3 (Aug. -Nov., Mango TV)
Featuring a lineup of 32 male entertainers, this season showcased performances in both group and solo formats, with participants ranging in age from 27 to 55. Throughout the season, the participants showcased their versatility by exploring various forms of artistic expression, including singing, dancing and acting.
1. Which show will make audiences feel immersive?| A．Become a Farmer. | B．The Big Band 3. |
| C．Call Me By Fire, Season 3. | D．Great Escape Season 5. |
| A．They centre on farming. | B．They were produced by iQIYI. |
| C．Their participants are male. | D．They showcase various musical genres. |
| A．They made a hit in 2023. | B．They featured well-known celebrities. |
| C．They were aired in the first half of 2023. | D．They showcased various musical performances. |
7 . Bristol Old Vic
When the Theatre Royal (now Bristol Old Vic) was built, electricity hadn’t been discovered. For over 250 years the people who have owned, worked inside and visited the theatre have kept records about their activity. These are kept safe at the University of Bristol Theatre Collection, and you’ll discover a range of documents which record the history of the theatre, from its foundation in 1764 up until the present day. Here are some of them.
BEGINNING
In 1764 businessmen Alexander Edgar and Thomas Symons suggested building a new theatre between Baldwin Street and the back of Coopers’ Hall in King Street. The estimated cost was f2, 000 to be split among 40 subscribers, but the building work cost more than expected. Owning shares allowed them to influence decisions about the theatre.
SILVER TICKET
Each of the original Bristol Old Vic shareholders was given a silver ticket that promised sight of any performance held at the theatre. As the holders were clever businessmen, they insisted that the silver tickets could be loaned or traded. This enabled them to make some extra money but made it extremely difficult for the theatre managers to keep track of who was allowed to see shows for free.
250TH BIRTHDAY
In May 2016, the theatre celebrated its 250th birthday! As the oldest continuously-working theatre in the English-speaking world, it deserved a proper party, so Bristol-based Limbic Cinema was hired to create a film of the theatre’s historical highlights which was projected (放映) onto the theatre itself.
1. Where can you find the three mentioned documents?| A．At Baldwin Street. |
| B．At Coopers’ Hall in King Street. |
| C．At Bristol-based Limbic Cinema. |
| D．At the University of Bristol Theatre Collection. |
| A．By creating a film about its history. |
| B．By building Bristol-based Limbic Cinema. |
| C．By releasing silver ticket in memory of the birthday. |
| D．By making a film projected in theatres across England. |
| A．To compare the theatre and others. |
| B．To change people’s view on Bristol Old Vic. |
| C．To introduce some information of Bristol Old Vic. |
| D．To recommend a movie related to the theatre. |
8 . The 2024 “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreigners across the Globe—Calligraphy and Painting Challenge has been officially announced.
This competition invites painting, calligraphy, and Chinese language enthusiasts from all around the world to take part in this exciting event.
Participants are encouraged to submit their creative themes for the contest, with the theme selection process being determined through public nominations.
If you’re interested, feel free to submit the theme that you believe fits best with the requirements of the competition.
Here are the requirements:
Who Can Apply
The call for creative themes for the Calligraphy and Painting Challenge is open to any Chinese language enthusiasts worldwide, with no limit to age or nationality.
Submission Dates
Submissions will be accepted from June 15, 2024, to 12:00 PM on June 30, 2024(Beijing Time.)
Announcement Date
The selected theme for the Calligraphy and Painting Challenge will be announced on July 1, 2024, which also marks the official start date of the submission period for works under the selected theme.
Submission Methods
Participants can send their theme and related information to chinesebridge@chineseplus.net. “Chinese Bridge” also accepts direct messages on its official account on Facebook, Instagram, WeChat, and Weibo.
1. Who can be invited to the competition?| A．Tom who is crazy about Spanish. |
| B．Sandy who is creative in writing. |
| C．Lucy whose nationality is Chinese. |
| D．Bill who loves Chinese and calligraphy. |
| A．June 12, 2024. | B．July 1, 2024. |
| C．June 20, 2024. | D．July 15, 2024. |
| A．To build a competition organization. |
| B．To provide information about a competition. |
| C．To announce the opening of a competition. |
| D．To collect creative themes for a competition. |
9 . Typing.com is an online typing tutor for students of all ages. Typing.com’s proven curriculum helps students from beginners to advanced learners, focusing on technique, accuracy, and speed. The following are some frequently asked questions about typing on our website.
How long does it take to type without looking at the keyboard?An average student without learning differences will learn to touch type within eight to ten hours. They may be touch typing at a very slow speed (8-15 words per minute).
Is it bad to look at the keyboard when typing?Yes. Not only does it prevent you from practicing your fingering, but it also slows you down and makes you type less accurately. It's far more difficult to notice mistakes when you're not looking at the screen.
How do you get faster at typing?The most important technique to learn to type faster is touch typing. This is a technique based on developing muscle memory for your fingers.
How can I learn to type correctly?Focus on accuracy rather than speed. Use the entire keyboard correctly. Learn some keyboard shortcuts. Practice every day.
How do I increase my typing speed?Arrange your fingers properly. The most important step in improving your typing speed is ensuring that you place your fingers correctly on the keyboard. Rest the index finger (食指) of your left hand on the “F” key and the index finger of your right hand on the “J” key.
Is typing.com free?Typing.com is a free online typing tutor and digital literacy (读写能力) platform used by millions of students and education professionals around the world. We aim to provide valuable learning tools to as many school teachers and students as possible.
1. What do we know about typing.com?| A．It charges very little. | B．It is suitable for every student. |
| C．It helps to improve writing skills. | D．It can automatically correct typing errors. |
| A．Managers. | B．Salesmen. | C．Athletes. | D．Teachers. |
| A．To promote a typing website. | B．To share typing experience. |
| C．To correct typing mistakes. | D．To teach typing skills. |
10 . To celebrate the 100th anniversary of Reader’s Digest(读者), we’re relaunching (重新推出) our much-loved 100-Word-Story Competition with prizes of up to £1, 000 to be won.
Our 100-Word-Story Competition is your chance to show the world your story-telling talents. There are three categories—one for adults and two for schools: one for children aged 12-18 and one for children under 12. Your stories should be new, unpublished, and exactly 100 words—not a single word shorter or longer! Multiple entries are allowed per person.
The editorial team will pick a shortlist of three in each category and post them online on1st November 2023.
You can vote for your favourite, and the one with the most votes will get the top prize. Voting will close on30th November 2023 and winners will be published in our December issue.
More details:
·Complete the entry form below to enter. Include your full name, address, email and phone number when filling in the form.
·Prizes:
Adults category: the winner will receive £1, 000 and a Serious Readers High Definition Floor or Table Light (value up to £399.99).
12-18s category: the winner will receive a £200 book voucher.
Under 12 category: the winner will receive £100 of book vouchers.
·Need some help with writing your story? Click here to checkout our handy guide!
·Please keep an eye on our Twitter or Facebook for more up-to-date news.
1. How many categories are there in the story competition?| A．Two. | B．Three. | C．Four. | D．Five. |
| A．A prize worth £399.99. | B．£100 of book vouchers. |
| C．A £200 book voucher. | D．An issue of Reader’s Digest. |
| A．A speech. | B．A website. | C．A guidebook. | D．A news report. |
