1 . People have been predicting (预测) the death of cable TV (有线电视) for a long time, but this really might be it. Just a decade (十年) ago, nearly all Americans — more than 85 percent of U.S. households — paid for packages of TV channels from cable or satellite ( 卫 星) companies. That started to drop slowly at first and then far more quickly in the past few years. Now, the share of American homes that pay for traditional TV service is approaching 50 percent, according to expert Craig Moffett and S&P Global Market Intelligence’s Kagan research group.
For comparison, cellphones were around for decades before the percentage of Americans who didn’t have a landline ( 座 机) at home reached 50 percent, around 2017. Maybe it seems predictable that cable TV would go the way of the landline. I promise you that it was not necessarily obvious, even once Netflix started to take off. Old habits die hard. Old industries that make a lot of people rich die even harder. And don’t forget that some new technology habits catch on fast but don’t stick.
What may be a final drop in America’s cable TV industry is a big deal. It shows that technology can change deep-rooted ways of doing things slowly, and then suddenly.
Ian Olgeirson, a research director at Kagan who has been following America’s TV market for about 20 years, told me that he was surprised by how quickly the monthly cable bill went from being standard to outdated for many Americans. Olgeirson and other TV experts I’ve been speaking to didn’t single out a turning point in cable TV’s big drop. They said the downward trend ( 趋 势) was more like a series of progressive changes building up.
It’s clear that the cable TV system that for decades brought joy and headaches to tens of millions of Americans is wearing thin. The wild card is whether Americans keep turning away from cable and satellite TV relatively slowly, or whether it will fail suddenly.
I have always loved TV. I felt like a real grown-up when I first started to pay a huge bill for television, partly to watch my favorite football team. I had reduced my cable TV package, but then a few months ago I was told that my bill was going to increase by about $10 a month. That was it. I’m a no-cable household now, too.
1. What does paragraph 1 mainly tell us about cable TV?| A．Its falling popularity. | B．Its increasing payments. |
| C．Its various TV channels. | D．Its high service standard. |
| A．To prove technology can change the world. | B．To show it is not easy for cable TV to go away. |
| C．To illustrate there is no market left for cable TV. | D．To explain technology can bring fortune to people. |
| A．America’s TV market was down suddenly. |
| B．The death of cable TV will come in about 20 years. |
| C．Americans turned away from cable TV so quickly. |
| D．There are still many Americans showing interest in cable TV. |
| A．Cable TV won’t be replaced by satellite TV | B．Cable TV brought joy to Americans |
| C．Cable TV has existed for decades | D．Cable TV is the new landline |
2 . Why Subscribe to Reader’s Digest?
The world’s best-loved general-interest publication contains something for everyone. Reader’s Digest magazine is bursting with stories, articles, advice, recipes, reviews, tips, jokes and anecdotes. Each issue is small enough to fit in your handbag or pocket, but big enough to keep you entertained for weeks on end.
From regular columns packed with information to gripping (扣人心弦的) human-interest stories and helpful how-tos, our magazine offers knowledge, positivity and humour. In this month’s issue you’ll find...
An interview with Hugh Dancy:
The newest addition to the cast of Downton Abbey on New York, Law & Order, and the nostalgia (怀旧) of playing an English gentleman.
Saving the sound of the Stradivaius:
Meet the experts fighting to save the unbeatable sound of history’s greatest violins, meeting the love of her life.
Community Power:
Across the UK, communities are coming together to save their pubs, shops, and more.
If Grace Dent ruled the world:
The restaurant critic shares her manifesto (宣言) for world domination.
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Plus, make sure you always keep up to date with all of the top stories, news and promotions from Reader’s Digest by subscribing to our weekly newsletter.
1. If readers want to know about an actor, which one should they read?| A．Community Power. | B．If Grace Dent ruled the world. |
| C．An interview with Hugh Dancy. | D．Saving the sound of the Stradivaius. |
| A．£22.99. | B．£3. | C．£47.88. | D．£24.89. |
| A．A part of a fiction. | B．An introduction. | C．An advertisement. | D．A research report. |
3 . The ebike has become an essential item, and even the King has been spotted riding one. According to the market research company Mintel, sales have almost tripled over the past five years. While ebikes have become increasingly commonplace, they are still undeniably expensive. You can pick up a perfectly adequate push bike for £300, but most ebikes cost nearly £2,000. Now, Cycling Electric, designed to help consumers choose an ebike, offers the following recommendations.
Best folding bike
Carbo Model X
Price: £2, 799 | Weight: 13.3kg
Range: up to 34 miles
This is one of the most convenient bikes, from a little-known label. The lightweight Carbo X is the perfect example of convenience thanks to its carbon frame and belt drive, instead of a metal bike chain. This makes it lighter and less likely to get messy than an electric Brompton, with its more traditional, oily chain.
Most stylish
Temple Cycles Classic
Price: from £2, 995 | Weight: 19kg
Range: up to 74 miles
This Bristol-based brand is known for its elegant pushbikes, which are hand-built in the city. This is its electric version. It’s a very sleek and functional commuter option and not too heavy. Temples have fewer proprietary (品牌专卖的) parts and so are serviceable in any bike shop. Stylish as they may be, the VanMoofs and the Cowboys can be a bit more complex to get back-up and service.
The money-no-object option
Riese & Müller Nevo4 GT Vario GX
Price: £5, 380 | Weight: 28.4kg
Range: up to 93 miles
This is a prime example of the attention to detail delivering a high-quality experience in functionality, comfort and practicality — if you can afford it. It has the capacity to handle 25kg of luggage in a pannier, powerful road lights and a beautifully smooth motor.
1. What is the advantage of the Temples over other stylish ebike brands?| A．They are more lightweight. | B．They have more functions. |
| C．They have easier access to service. | D．They are more comfortable. |
| A．Carbo Model X. | B．The VanMoofs and the Cowboys. |
| C．Temple Cycles Classic. | D．Riese & Müller Nevo4 GT Vario GX. |
| A．An online post. | B．A magazine column. |
| C．A market research report. | D．An official document. |
4 . Global Works provides international travel programs that help teens learn about the world.
Costa Rica: Wild Adventure
This service program brings you into a wildlife reserve, where you will do some voluntary work to help protect local animals. After an overnight white-water rafting (漂流) trip you get to work on sea turtle (海龟) protection projects on Costa Rican beaches!
GRADES: 9-12 DAYS: 21 DESTINATION: Costa Rica FOCUS: Wildlife Protection
AVG.GROUP SIZE: 18 Students/3 Staff
Fiji Islands: Sunny Service and Island Immersion (沉浸)
Looking for an unforgettable travel program? Join our Fijian family! Experience Fijian life firsthand and contribute to service projects that bring us to the heart of the local community. In this teen volunteer program, you will have a chance to play with the local kids and teach them English!
GRADES: 9-12 DAYS:17 DESTINATION: Fiji Islands FOCUS: Working with Children
AVG.GROUP SIZE: 16 Students /2 Staff
Puerto Rico:Hurricane Relief
This is a hands-on service trip focused on hurricane relief and disaster prevention efforts. Home repair work is the heart of this program. The projects we work on will help families and communities to deal with a future hurricane.
GRADES: 9-12 DAYS: 8 DESTINATION: Puerto Rico, United States
FOCUS: Building Services
AVG.GROUP SIZE:18 Students /3 Staff
France: French Immersion
Want more than just a standard France teen travel program?This French adventure has it all! From the Palais de Versailles to the French Alps, your journey introduces you to some of Frances most attractive sites and stories.
GRADES: 9-12. DAYS: 21 DESTINATION: France FOCUS: French Immersion
AVG.GROUP SIZE: 18 Students /3 Staff
1. What will you do if you are accepted into the travel program in Costa Rica?
| A．Rebuild homes for local families. |
| B．Enter a local swimming competition. |
| C．Help protect local animals. |
| D．Teach local kids English. |
| A．Costa Rica: Wild Adventure. |
| B．Fiji Islands: Sunny Service and Island Immersion. |
| C．Puerto Rico: Hurricane Relief. |
| D．France: French Immersion. |
| A．target grades | B．destination | C．group size | D．focus |
5 . Welcome to Verywell Fit. We aim to help you live a happier, healthier, and more balanced life. Our expert team is ready to provide you with trustworthy product recommendations and share reviews you can trust.
How we find deals
In today’s world, it’s hard to know what a real deal is. That’s why we regularly surf the Internet to provide you with the biggest discounts we see in our research and let you know when some of your favorite brands are having their yearly sales. We monitor shopping trends to bring you the best offerings.
Our testing process
Before we test any product, our team of writers and editors carefully researches the marketplace, and then interviews experts, including certified trainers and physical therapists, to get guidance on what to look for and how to evaluate it. Next, we come up with a selection of products for each test. These products cover a range of retailers(零售商), prices, user reviews, brand authorities, and more. In addition to the objective testing results, we also weigh qualitative insights.
Why trust Verywell Fit
The product recommendations from Verywell Fit are purely editorial. We occasionally receive products to test and review for free, but we buy the majority of the products we test. And while we receive affiliate commissions(佣金)on some of the products we recommend, we make it a rule that we never let retailers affect our content and product coverage.
Before we test products, we read the latest studies on product safety and interview experts for best practices. Last but not least, our writers and editors are also experts in their own right.
Contact us
If you have questions, comments, or opinions you’d like to share with our team of editors, please feel free to email us at commercefeedback@dotdash. com.
1. Why does Verywell Fit regularly go to the Internet?| A．To get detailed information on products. |
| B．To provide discounts on famous brands. |
| C．To bring customers up-to-date ideas. |
| D．To find the most favorable products. |
| A．It does market research. | B．It contacts retailers. |
| C．It communicates with experts. | D．It groups products into different types. |
| A．Being objective. | B．Being enthusiastic. |
| C．Looking for all-round benefits. | D．Exploring wider coverage of products. |
6 . Now Enjoy Brilliant College Courses In Your Home Or Car
Scientific Secrets for a Powerful Memory
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How Conversation Works: 6 Lessons for Better Communication
Successful conversations help you advance professionally and make, maintain, and deepen relationships. In just six lectures, How Conversation Works: 6 Lessons for Better Communication will each you key strategies that can surely improve your ability to speak with anyone from strangers to your manager.
Course No.9382
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The Art of Public Speaking: Lessons from the Greatest Speeches in History
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The Secrets of Mental Math
In The Secrets of Mental Math, award-winning Professor Benjamin teaches you the basic strategies of mental mathematics. This powerful ability to perform mental calculations will give you an edge in business, at school, at work or anywhere else that you come across math.
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1. What do Course No. 9382 and Course No. 2031 have in common?| A．They are the cheapest courses of all. |
| B．Their readers have the same purpose. |
| C．They both teach some strategies for speaking. |
| D．They share the same discount for every lecture |
| A．$180. | B．$250. | C．$280. | D．$300 |
| A．The public. | B．The students. | C．The officers. | D．The educators. |
7 . Volunteering
Volunteers are the heart of Scottish Mountain Rescue, which was founded in 1965. Our 25 Member Teams are made up entirely of volunteers (around 850 of them in total). Mountain Rescue volunteers are people drawn from all walks of life. They together provide tens of thousands of hours of service to the country saving many lives each year. They are ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
What it takes to join a Mountain Rescue Team:
·Experienced hill walker or mountaineer
·Have a full mountain kit with suitable mountaineering clothing and personal equipment
·Under 75 years old
·Knowledge of basic first aid, a first aid certificate would be preferable
·Have a reasonable level of fitness
·Live in or close to the geographical area that the team you wish to join covers
·Have made a commitment to remain in the area of the team that you wish to join for a reasonable period
How to join
Please find your local team and use the map to locate your nearest team. Please contact the team to find out if they are currently recruiting (招募) and to find out more about their joining criteria (标准).
Our roles are flexible and can fit in with your schedule, whether you want to contribute regularly or occasionally. Please check the News pages for details of current recruiting or contact us at info@scottishmountainrescue.org to find out more about volunteering for Scottish Mountain Rescue.
If you think we could do better please contact Elsie Riley, by calling our office on 01479 861370 or email elsie@scottishmountainrescue.org and we will deal with your complaint quickly.
1. what do we know about Scottish Mountain Rescue?| A．It is a newly registered rescue charity. | B．It represents 850 Member Teams. |
| C．It has 25 full-time employees. | D．It is an all-volunteer group. |
| A．Above 18 years old. | B．Have full mountaineering tools. |
| C．Obtain a doctor’s certificate. | D．Make a commitment to attend all call-outs. |
| A．By contacting the local team. |
| B．By calling Elsie Riley on 01479 861370. |
| C．By emailing elsie@scottishmountainrescue.org. |
| D．By contributing to info@scottishmountainrescue.org. |
8 . Best cheap family vacation in the US
Yellowstone,Wyoming
No other place on earth is like Yellowstone National Park. With challenging hikes into the backcuntry as well as disabled-accessible (可到达的) wooden boardwalks, the wonders of Yellowstone re for everyone. Bring a tent and get here early to take advantage of the affordable campgrounds, seven of which are first-come, first-served and five require reservations, all with fire pits for barbecues.
Hunter Mountain, New York
Hunter Mountain is an all-year-round destination. During the summer, there are paths to hike, trails to mountain bike along, nearby streams to play in and so much open space. During the winter, it’s one of a few locations on the east coast that offers really good skiing and snowboarding runs.
Destin Harbor, Florida
Seek fun in the sun in Destin, Florida, known for its fishing spots, white sand beaches and being less expensive than other popular destinations in the stale. Family-friendly activities include boating, snorkeling, parasailing or just strolling along the Destin Harbor Boardwalk. Use the money you saved for a sunset ride on &glass-bottom boat or a high-speed racer.
Sequoia Canyon National Park, Calfornia
To really impress your kids, head to Sequoia Canyon National Park where they can meet General Grant, the second largest tree in the world. The park also boasts 240 caves, parts of the Kings River, and the towering Moro Rock. Sequoia National Park also has some of the darkest skies in the country, making it one of the best places to observe the night sky.
1. Which of the following destination is accessible to the disabled?| A．Destin Harbor. |
| B．Hunter Mountain. |
| C．Yellowstone National Park. |
| D．Sequoia Canyon National Park. |
| A．Watch the night sky for the stars. |
| B．Put up a tent on the campground. |
| C．Take a ride on the glass-bottom boat. |
| D．Have a snowboarding experience in winter. |
| A．A big tree. | B．A large stone. | C．A campground. | D．A popular stream. |
9 . Check out what’s coming soon, and what’s in development. Playbill will update these listings when new information is made available.
THE COLLABORATION at Samuel J. Friedman Theatre
The play tells a true story in New York. Fifty-six-year-old Warhol’s star is falling. Jean is the new wonder-kid taking the art world by storm. When Jean agrees to work together with Warhol on a new exhibition, it soon becomes the talk of the city. The two artists set foot on a shared journey, both artistic and deeply personal, which redraws both their worlds.
ALMOST FAMOUS at Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre
Based on the 2,000 film of the same name, the musical features Pulitzer winner Kitt and a book by Crowe, who earned an Oscar award for penning the original film based on his own teenage experience. The coming-of-age story tracks a 15-year-old music fan named William who follows the emerging band Stillwater on tour.
THE PIANO LESSON at Ethel Barrymnore Theatre
The play is the fourth in Wilson’s Century Cycle, which digs into the Black experience in every decade of the 20th century. Set in Pittsburgh’s Hill District in 1936, it centers around a brother and a sister involved in a battle over a piano carved with the faces of their ancestors.
KIMBERLY AKIMBO at Booth Theatre
Kim is a bright and funny high school girl, who happens to look like a 72-year-old lady. And yet her aging disease may be the least of her problems. Forced to deal with family secrets, and possible crime charges, Kim is determined to explore happiness in a world where not even time is on her side.
1. What kind of play is THE COLLABORATION?| A．A romance. | B．A sci-fi story. | C．A fairy tale. | D．A life story. |
| A．Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. |
| B．Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre. |
| C．Ethel Barrymore Theatre. |
| D．Booth Theatre. |
| A．Struggles against crime charges. |
| B．Cutting-edge film technology. |
| C．Award-winning performances. |
| D．Teenagers’ growth experiences. |
10 . Unusual Libraries Around the World
There are 2.7 million libraries spreading across the globe, and while there are many beautiful ones, there are also a number of unique ones.
Haskell Free Library and Opera House, Quebec, Canada and Vermont, US
The Haskell Free Library and Opera House, a special library spanning two countries, is stationed on the border between Canada and the United States and serves people from both countries. The main entrance is on the American side, but the majority of collection of the books are in Canada. There’s even an official American-Canada borderline running right across the library’s floor.
Deichman Bjørvika, Oslo, Norway
Praised by many as a library of the future, the Deichman Bjørvika, city of Oslo’s new main library, has one hundred unread and unpublished texts. They are stored in a specially designed room lined with wood from the forest, making the library the world’s most secretive one. It witnesses different authors add their works to the collection that will not be available for reading until 2114.
Seashore Library, Qinhuangdao, China
Quietly sitting on an isolated (孤零零的) stretch of beach of Qinhuangdao in northern China, the Seashore Library has been called the world’s loneliest library. People have to walk across the sand to reach the doors. The building is designed to promote people’s connection with ocean, so the main reading room features a layered design to ensure that everyone has a good view of the sea.
Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Alexandria, Egypt
Bíbliotheca Alexandrina is considered as a revival (复兴) of an ancient library in the Alex-andria 2,300 years ago or so. Characterized by its circular, tilting form, the building spans 160 meters in diameter (直径) and reaches up to 32 meters in height, while also diving some 12 meters into the ground.
1. What highlights the Haskell Free Library and Opera House?| A．It crosses two countries. |
| B．It is accessible only by boat. |
| C．It has the largest collection of books. |
| D．It is modeled after an ancient library. |
| A．To promote the stretching beach. |
| B．To help visitors get rid of loneliness. |
| C．To involve visitors in the natural world. |
| D．To make it the world’s loneliest library. |
| A．Haskell Free Library and Opera House. |
| B．Deichman Bjørvika. |
| C．Seashore Library. |
| D．Bibliotheca Alexandrina. |
