1 . With everything that happened in 2020, many of us are now looking forward to any good news that 2021 has in store for us. Recently, the website Eonline listed the top 21 pop culture events to look forward to in 2021. Let's take a look at two of them.
Marvel Studios
MCU madness
Get ready for a year full of new releases in the Marvel Cinematic Universe! The action already began on Jan 15 with the release of Wanda Vision on Disney+. Also, after a year of patiently waiting, fans will finally get to see Black Widow in theaters on May 7. Then, on July 9, the action-packed kung fu film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings will be shown. Last but not least, the Spider-Man: Far From Home sequel starring Tom Holland will finish off the year of MCU madness with its release on Dec 17.
The Tokyo Organising Committee
2020 Summer Olympics
This year, we can finally celebrate the 2020 Summer Olympics, which was put off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event will be held in Tokyo and is now scheduled from July 23 to Aug 8.
There are a lot of high-energy sports to look out for that will make their first appearance in this Olympic Games. These new sports include skateboarding, surling, sports climbing and karate. Viewers will also see the return of baseball and softball, which were last seen in the 2008 Games.
With about 11,000 athletes from more than 200 countries, the long-awaited Tokyo Summer Olympics is sure to impress and keep you at the edge of your seat with excitement.
1. What does the article tell us about the 2020 Summer Olympics?| A．It will now be held in Paris. | B．It is planned to take place this summer. |
| C．Softball is one of the new sports. | D．Viewers will see the return of e-sports. |
| A．A few of the top movies of 2020. | B．Marvel Studios' shooting plan for 2021. |
| C．A brief introduction of movies on Disney+. | D．The release of new MCU movies. |
| A．In March. | B．In May. |
| C．In July. | D．In December. |
2 . A child's birthday party doesn't have to be a hassle；it can be a basket of fun, according to Beth Anaclerio, a mother of two, ages 4 and 18months.
“Having a. party at home usually requires a lot of running around on the part of the parents, and often the birthday boy or girl gets lost in wild. excitement. But it really doesn't have to be that way," said Anaclerio. Last summer, Anaclerio and her friend Jill Garlisle, a Northbrook mother of a 2-year-old, founded a home party-planning business called "A Party in a Basket." Their goal is to help parents and children share in the fun part of party planning, like choosing the subject or making a cake, while they take care of everything.
Drawing on their experiences as mothers, they have created 10 ready-to-use, home party packages. Everything a family needs to plan a party, except the cake and ice cream, is delivered to the home in a large basket.
"Our parties are aimed for children 2 to 10." Anaclerio said, "and they're very interactive and creative in that they build a sense of drama based on a subject. For example, at the Soda Shoppe party the guests become waiters and waitresses and build wonderful ice cream creations."
The standard $ 200 package for eight children includes a basket filled with invitations, gifts, games and prizes, paper goods, a party planner and the like. For more information, call Anaclerio at 708-864-6584or Carlisle at 708-205-9141.
1. What is the purpose of this passage?| A．To share information about party planning. |
| B．To introduce the joys of a birthday party. |
| C．To announce a business plan. |
| D．To sell a service. |
| A．parents are saved the trouble of sending invitations |
| B．guests play a part in the preparation of a party |
| C．it brings parents and children closer together |
| D．it provides a subject of conversation |
A． | B． |
C． | D． |
Before We Were Yours Author: Lisa Wingate Published in 2017 Before We Were Yours is a touching story about families reunited. It moves deeply almost everyone who reads it. Before We Were Yours is adapted（改编）from real-life historical events, making the novel an interesting read for those who want to find out more about the great happenings in post-war American history. |
Nudge: Improving Decisions about Health, wealth, and happiness Author: Richard H. Thaler and Cass R. Sunstein Published in 2008 The book is written by Richard H. Thaler, the winner of the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 2017, and Cass R. Sunstein and it was named one of the best books of 2008 by The Economist. Every day we make choices-about what to buy or eat, about our children’s health and education, and so on. Unfortunately, we often choose poorly. This book is about how we make these choices and how we can make better ones. |
The Fault in Our Stars Author: John Green Published in 2012 The book is the award-winning author John Green’s most heartbreaking work. The story is told by Hazel Grace, a 16-year-old girl with cancer. She is forced by her parents to attend a support group where she meets and falls in love with 17-year-old Augustus Waters. |
Still Just Kidding Author: Cassandra Calin Published in 2018 Have you ever wondered how a comedy writer comes up with funny ideas and turns them into comics? In this book Cassandra will be telling us all about herself and showing where her ideas come from. Cassandra will even go a step further and show how she designs her comics in a way that is sure to put a smile on even the angriest faces. |
1. What is special about the book Before We Were Yours?
| A．It is written for parents. |
| B．It is based on the real events. |
| C．It describes the history of America. |
| D．It talks about the events during the war. |
| A．Nudge: Improving Decisions about Health, Wealth, and Happiness. |
| B．Still Just Kidding. |
| C．The Fault in Our Stars. |
| D．Before We Were Yours. |
| A．Shocked. | B．Lucky. |
| C．Funny. | D．Sad. |
4 . Geocaching
Common Sense Media says that this expensive but very cool GPS app makes it possible for the whole family to go geocaching, a high-tech treasure hunt game. This app makes it unnecessary to buy a dedicated GPS device. The app taps directly into a database with more than 2 million locations, some within walking distance, and gives you everything you need to find treasures hidden by other enthusiasts.
SkySafari
SkySafari is a powerful mobile planetarium（天象馆）that uses GPS locations to view the night sky. The app comes in multiple versions. The databases, even on the entry-level versions, are large, requiring up to 940 MB of free space depending on the platform. You can learn about astronomy by viewing planets and stars, searching for specific objects of interest or looking at astronomical sightings in that night's sky.
Historypin
Historypin is a great tool to bring families together to share stories. You can learn about the history of any area by searching Historypin's world map by place, time, or subject. Because there are a few different ways to use Historypin's bank of user-contributed knowledge, as well as ways to add content, you can learn how to access and create digital content that's meant to be shared with the general public.
GarageBand
GarageBand is powerful digital music workstation and multitrack recorder. You can create songs in a number of ways, all in an interesting interface. An added bonus is the great editing tools that tighten up any musical performance. You can share your GarageBand songs through social media, email, or text. The app is designed to give everyone an amazing musical experience---and it delivers.
1. What is special about Geocaching?| A．It needs an extra GPS device. |
| B．It helps to collect data. |
| C．It can locate hidden treasures. |
| D．It is a platform for developing games. |
| A．Geocaching. | B．SkySafari. |
| C．Historypịn. | D．GarageBand. |
| A．get families involved | B．enjoy musical performances |
| C．search world maps | D．share what they create |
5 . Field Trips Your Students Actually Want to Go On
Some of the best memories from grade school are made at field trips. Field trips offer students something they can't get from lectures or textbook pages — hands-on fun! Here are some attractions to visit with your students. They ' re great places to make memories and, of course, learn something too!
1. Belle Isle Nature Center (Detroit)
Availability: Wednesday, Thursday or Friday at 10:30 a. m. , 11 :30 a. m. or 12:30 p. m.
Admission: Free
Enjoy both indoor and outdoor animal exhibits. Programs include a deer feeding, a hands-on activity and discovery time.
2. Diamond Jack's River Tours (Detroit)
Availability: Monday — Friday, May 1 to Oct. 31 at 9: 30 a. m. , 10: 30 a. m., 11 :30 a. m. or 12:30 p. m.
Admission: $ 9/person
See 16 miles of the U. S. and Canada Detroit River shoreline, ocean-going and Great Lakes ships, a light house, the fire boat, parks, a mail boat and much more.
3. Arts & Scraps(废品)(Detroit)
Availability: Monday, Wednesday or Friday
Admission: Varies by age and number in group
Let your students , imaginations run wild. They'll think, create and learn while re-imagining recycled industrial materials.
4. Detroit Institute of Arts (Detroit)
Availability: Tuesday — Friday at 9:30 a. m. , 11 :00 a. m. or 12:30 p. m.
Admission: Free admission and bus transportation for students
Lead your own visit or let one of the DIA Gallery Teachers guide you. All guided field trips explore art to build skills in creativity, problem solving, critical thinking and active learning.
1. What do you know about field trips?| A．They take place in open fields. |
| B．They all charge for an entrance fee. |
| C．They are available throughout weekdays. |
| D．They are connected with nature or art. |
| A．Arts & Scraps. | B．Detroit Institute of Arts. |
| C．Belle Isle Nature Center. | D．Diamond Jack's River Tours. |
| A．Teachers. | B．Parents. | C．Students. | D．Scientists. |
6 . Camp memories last forever! We make sure they are unforgettable!
Shadow Ridge Summer Camps offer so many exciting things for campers to do. Unlike other camp programs that include horses as a small part of their program, at Shadow Ridge horses are the program! We are 100% horse from stable (马厩) management, nature walks, and track rides to bedroom furnishings.
Horses help us achieve many of our aims. Girls can learn to develop responsibility, self-confidence and personal connections in their lives while having fun. Using horses as a wonderful tool for education, our camps offer an interesting place for growth and learning.
Imagine each girl having her very own horse to spend time with and a best friend to love and take care of. Each camper is responsible for a horse for the week. Our riding program provides a lot of riding and lesson time. Campers will learn how to take care of the horse and the tack (马具), as well as how to ride. Days are filled with horse-related activities to strengthen the connection between each girl and horse, as the girls learn to work safely around the horses.
At Shadow Ridge we try to create a loving, caring family atmosphere for our campers. We have “The Bunkhouse” (4 girls), “The Wranglers Roost” (4 girls), and “The Hideout” (2 girls) in our comfortable 177-year-old farm house. All meals are home cooked, offering delicious and healthy food for the hungry rider.
Our excellent activities create personalized memories of your child’s vacation. Each child will receive a camp T-shirt and a photo album (usually 300-500 pictures) of their stay at camp.
Our camps are offered during June, July and August 2011, for small groups of girls aged 13-16 years, not only from Canada but also other parts of the world.
We will send you full program descriptions at your request.
1. What is the main purpose of the passage?| A．To talk about camping experiences. |
| B．To attract people to the camps. |
| C．To describe the programs of the camps. |
| D．To explain the aims of the camps. |
| A．Horses play a central role in the activities. |
| B．Campers learn to cook food for themselves. |
| C．Campers are required to wear camp T-shirts. |
| D．Horse lessons are offered all the year round. |
| A．understand horses better |
| B．enjoy a family atmosphere |
| C．achieve an educational purpose |
| D．have fun above other things |
| A．horse riders | B．teenage girls |
| C．Canadian parents | D．international travelers |
Dinosaurs Destroy Detroit (Michigan Chillers) | |
| By Johnathan Rand Brand: Audio Craft Pr Inc Paperback (215 pages)  | List Price: $5.99* Lowest New Price: $10.22* Lowest Used Price: $0.25* Product Description: No details |
Michigan’s Most Haunted, A Ghostly Guide to the Great Lakes State | |
| By Sandy Arno Lyons SkateRight Publishing Perfect Paperback (100 pages)  | List Price: $11.95* Lowest New Price: $11.95* Lowest Used Price: $14.84* Usually ships in 24 hours* Product Description: The author spent the summer traveling around the state of Michigan collecting ghost stories from Michigan hotels, B&B’s, restaurants and more. More than 25 true tales, from 8 properties, are featured along with history, pictures and contact information. |
Detroit & Ann Arbor: A Great Destination (Explorer’s Guides) | |
| By Jeff Counts Brand: Countryman Press Released: 2011-10-03 Paperback (256 pages)  | List Price: $19.95* Lowest New Price: $8.92* Lowest Used Price: $2.89* Usually ships in 24 hours* Product Description: There is great ethnic cuisine, extraordinary pre-war architecture, world-class museums, and a homegrown soundtrack, from Motown rhythm and blues to the undeniable pulse of rap. |
Moon Spotlight Detroit & Ann Arbor | |
| By Laura Martone Avalon Travel Publishing Paperback (110 pages)  | List Price: $7.99* Lowest New Price: $4.03* Lowest Used Price: $4.33* Usually ships in 24 hours* Product Description: Moon Spotlight Detroit & Ann Arbor is a 110-page compact guide covering the best of Southern Michigan, including Detroit’s treasured Belle Isle and one-of-a-kind The Henry Ford, the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, and the W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary, one of America’s pioneer wildlife conservation centers. |
1. If you want to buy a second-hand book that is cheapest among these four books, how much should you pay?
| A．$11.95. | B．$4.33. |
| C．$0.25. | D．$2.89. |
| A．Michigan’s Most Haunted, A Ghostly Guide to the Great Lakes State. |
| B．Dinosaurs Destroy Detroit (Michigan Chillers). |
| C．Moon Spotlight Detroit & Ann Arbor. |
| D．Detroit & Ann Arbor: A Great Destination (Explorer’s Guides). |
| A．Laura Martone. | B．Jeff Counts. |
| C．Sandy Arno Lyons. | D．Johnathan Rand. |
8 . About the Irish Experience
The Irish Experience is a program for North American high school students. This program takes place over a four-week period in July. For two weeks the students will live in the beautiful university town of Cork in the South of Ireland. They will attend classes in an informal and relaxed atmosphere.
Traditional Irish music is alive in Cork City and can be heard most nights in some of the pubs in the city centre. There are several theatres in the city. A visit to one of these will be part of our schedule. Cork is also the gateway to the beautiful south-west part of Ireland and we will be taking in all the sights of West Cork and Kerry.
The other two weeks will be spent at University College Dublin, a short bus ride from the centre of Dublin, one of the oldest capital cities in Europe with one of the youngest populations — almost 50% of the city`s people are under 25 years old. Staying at student apartments on the university campuses, students will have the opportunity to meet young people of many different nationalities.
The students will enjoy a true Celtic cultural experience and a sense of Irish history and culture through guided tours to various historical sites in Dublin—The Cliffs of Moher in County Clare and the Neolithic passage tombs in Newgrange, County Meath.
1. What can we learn about the Irish Experience?| A．It admits college students. | B．It is hosted by universities. |
| C．It`s a summer study abroad program. | D．It aims to advertise universities in Ireland. |
| A．They will visit a theatre. | B．They will study at West Cork. |
| C．They will play live music at a pub. | D．They will spend a whole night at a pub. |
| A．It is the oldest city in the world. | B．It has a very young population. |
| C．It attracts people under 25 years old. | D．It has people of different nationalities. |
9 . Let’ s explore the nature!
Are you interested in animals and nature? Want to enjoy your summer holiday and learn something fun and useful?
Here comes your chance! Youth Explorer has prepared you with a three-day summer programme full of hands-on activities and live animal encounters (相遇)-----giraffes, snakes, tigers, you name it! You will be spending time at the Fun Zoo exploring topics like animal care, animal handling and a lot more! The details of the programme are as follows:
Age group: Students aged 8--16
Sections: There are 2 programmes for you to choose from. Each programme is limited to 15 participants.
Programme A
Dates: 8---10 July
Days: Monday to Wednesday
Times:10:00a.m.----4:00p.m
Programme B
Dates: 11-13 August
Days: Tuesday to Thursday
Times:10:00a.m.----4:00p.m
Programme fees: $230 for members, $ 250 for non-members
How to apply: Simply come to our centre to get an application form. Submit your completed form on or before 10 June.
Notice:
1) No lunches are provided due to individual food preferences and allergies. Participants may either bring a lunchbox or buy lunch at our restaurants
2) Both programmes will be put off for one day if the following happens: Typhoon signal number 8 or above.
Come and join us now! Don’t miss this chance!
1. What can be learnt about Youth Explorer’ s summer programme?| A．It is suitable for animal lovers | B．It is held at its centre |
| C．It is full of sports activities | D．It is family-friendly. |
| A．It sets a fixed fee | B．It provides free lunches |
| C．It favours middle school students | D．It may be affected by the weather |
| A．A news report | B．An art show review |
| C．An advertisement | D．A lesson plan |
10 . Having fun at winter camp
Here's a list of some winter camps in Los Angeles to choose from. No matter what you choose, they'll be happy!
Photo Camp
This adventure begins with a basic overview of camera functions and ends with an exhibition featuring the kids' work from the week. Through games and expeditions（短程旅行），campers will develop their photographic eye and learn new ways of seeing.
Ages; 8 — 16
Dates: Jan. 5 — Feb. 5
Skill/Experience Level；Beginning/intermediate
What to Bring: flashcards, lunch, camera *（we have cameras for those who don't）
CodeREV Kids Tech Camps
CodeREV Kids Tech Camps are the camp experience in education and fun. Whether learning to write code, 3D model or develop the next great app or game, your kids and their friends will love sharing in the confidence-boosting experience of creating with technology.
Ages: 12 — 16
Dates; Dec. 17 ---Jan. 11
Skill/Experience Level：Beginning
Digital Dragon
Students will encounter a different activity every day, selected by our instructorsfroma lot of favorite builds & tech exploration, including battling robots, game design, digital art projects and scratch programming! Students will take a break and walk to the nearby park for lunch and games.
Ages：16 --- 18
Dates：Oct. 15 --- Dec. 15
Skill /Experience Level: Intermediate
Iverbe Virtual Dance Camp
Students will learn a variety of techniques（modern, jazz and ballet）. They will learn part of a dance each day. The goal is to have fun, get moving and learn more about dance! No prior experience necessary.
Ages: 9 and up
Dates: Jan. 5 — Feb. 5
Skill/Experience Level：Beginning
1. What should students bring to the Photo Camp?| A．A camera. | B．Flashcards. |
| C．A photo album. | D．A notebook. |
| A．Both are intended for beginners. |
| B．Both teach children skills to make robots. |
| C．Both help children improve programming skills. |
| D．Both encourage students to explore the nearby park. |
| A．It is a two-week winter program. |
| B．Students have to be over 10 years old. |
| C．Students can learn different kinds of dance. |
| D．Students are required to have basic dancing skills. |
