1 . Do you ever hear a friend speak on a topic with the belief that “everyone”thinks the same way? Do you often find yourself surrounded in a social media feed that is completely tailored to you and your beliefs, reading along without the immediate realization?
A social media echo chamber (回声壁) is when one experiences a tailored media experience that leave out opposing viewpoints and differing voices. Social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube connect groups of like-minded users together based on shared content preferences. As a result, people see and take in information according to our preexisting beliefs and opinions. Social media companies therefore rely on algorithms (算法) to assess our interests and flood us with information that will keep our attention. The algorithms focus on what we “like”, and “share” to keep feeding content that makes us comfortable.
In order to truly get access to all information and to evaluate our media, we must give ourselves the opportunity to step out of our comfort zone. While this becomes increasingly challenging, there are things we can do. The first step is to beef up your media consumption sources. Adding in a few media sources with differing opinions will allow you to at least understand what people are saying outside of your echo chamber. Next, read each thing you see with a critical eye. Make sure that each thing you accept as truth is truly fact. Lastly, attempt to search out reliable new sources that are known for trying their best to leave out false information. By accepting that our media buffet on social media is a product of our present beliefs and opinions, we can work to make sure we are not simply stuck in a social media echo chamber.
1. What is a result of the social media echo chamber?| A．People contact like-minded online users effectively. |
| B．People keep reading for more differing viewpoints. |
| C．People rely on algorithms to evaluate their interests. |
| D．People only get information confirming their beliefs. |
| A．Track. | B．Improve. |
| C．Provide. | D．Identify. |
| A．Criticizing fake news on social media. |
| B．Exposing ourselves to opposing voices. |
| C．Researching primary sources of information. |
| D．Accepting our present beliefs and opinions. |
| A．To call on people to use algorithms frequently. |
| B．To ask people not to take in information blindly. |
| C．To promote the use of various social media sites. |
| D．To inform people of new technology developments. |
2 . 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. |
3 . Master Gardener Volunteers Wanted
What is a Master Gardener?
A master gardener is a citizen that is interested in gardening and can fulfill the training and volunteer hours necessary. Requirements vary by county and state,and the course is tailored for that specific region. You will receive special education on the soils in your area,the types of native plants，insect and disease issues，basic botany，and other information pertinent(相关的)to your gardening zone.
The educational opportunity to learn specifics about where you garden will not only help you be-come a better gardener but is then passed along to the general public in lectures,clinics,and through newsletters.
What Qualifications Must You Meet?
Anyone can apply to be a Master Gardener——you don’t need to be an expert or have a degree. You do, however, need to:
●Have certain experience or know a little about gardening or landscape management.
●Be willing to share horticulture(园艺学)information with others.
●Be willing to attend a training program and can devote time to volunteering and continuing education.
Besides,to become a Master Gardener volunteer, each applicant needs to complete an application,prepare background screening paperwork and schedule an interview with Extension staff.
What Does the Training Involve?
Training sessions are offered one day a week over a three-month period and are led by expert educators in the region. Approximately 60 hours of classroom instruction and field study and 50 hours of volunteer internship(实习)work are required to complete the program and become certified. In order to remain a certified Master Gardener,30 hours of volunteer work and 10 hours of continuing education or advanced training are required each year.
1. What does a Master Gardener do?| A．Promote gardening practices abroad. |
| B．Train volunteers to help with agriculture. |
| C．Teach the youth about diets and agriculture. |
| D．Donate time to the local gardening extension. |
| A．Having some relevant knowledge. | B．Acquiring excellent teaching skills. |
| C．Completing given training sessions. | D．Obtaining rich volunteer experience. |
| A．About 40 hours. | B．Three months. | C．About 150 hours. | D．About 110 hours. |
4 . Science and Technology Camp
•Full-day camp for students aged 12-14
•Four-week program July 5-30 | Monday-Friday, 9 am to 4 pm
Week 1 | July 5-9
Week 2 | July 12-16
Week 3 | July 19-23
Week 4 | July 26-30
•Registration begins June 1, 2023 — register for minimum two weeks.
•Fees: $75 registration fee. $795 per week. Full payment must be made at time of registration.
•The deadline for the cancellation to receive a full refund is June 15, 2023.
Camp Structure
Camp days are comprised of eight sessions with two sessions per day while the final day of the week is reserved for overviews and reflection. The morning sessions begin at 9 am to 12 pm followed by one hour for lunch. (Campers should bring their lunches.) Afternoon sessions are scheduled from 1 pm to 4 pm with 15-minute breaks midway through each session. Snacks are provided at break time. (Food allergies should be reported at the time of registration.)
Camp Content
Science and Technology camp above all emphasizes entertainment while teaching students about how websites are designed using various coding languages, rocket design, practical applications of math and physics, and how to build your own hydraulics system.
Camp Personnel
The camp is headed by the husband-and-wife team of Doctors James and Sophie Clark who are experts in the fields of computer science and mechanical engineering. Our mission is to make sure everyone feels fully supported and excited to be here.
1. What is the lowest cost of attending the Science and Technology camp?| A．$75. | B．$795. | C．$1590. | D．$1665. |
| A．Rocket science. | B．Fun in learning. | C．Coding language. | D．Hands-on experiences. |
| A．Mechanical engineers. | B．Medical doctors. | C．A married couple. | D．Computer technicians. |
5 . 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. |
6 . Weald & Downland Living Museum
Fun fact
Over 50 historic buildings from across the Weald and Downland area have been dismantled (拆除) and then reconstructed across a lovely 40-acre site in the South Downs national park. The collection of buildings represents almost a thousand years of rural life in south-east England: furnished just as they would have been in the past — complete with the homes, farms and public buildings. There’s a sense of exploring a real village as you wander between them along green paths, stopping to climb the stairs of a 17th-century craftsman’s (工匠) cottage to lie on the straw bed or sheltering from a shower in a smoky, 14th-century hall.
Getting there
The Stagecoach 60 bus service from Chichester to Midhurst stops just five minutes away at Grooms Yard, Singleton. The nearest railway stations are Chichester (2 miles) and Haslemere (7 miles). The museum is on Town Lane in Singleton, reached via the A286 from Chichester to Midhurst. Parking is free and there are disabled parking spaces opposite the museum shop.
Value for money?
Yes. It’s not cheap but it’s a special experience that easily fills a day. Plus, it’s a valuable cause worth supporting. Adults ￡14, children 5-17 and students ￡6.50, under-4s free, family ￡38 (two adults and two children) or ￡25 (one adult and three children).
Opening hours
Daily 10am-5pm (last entry 4pm).
1. What can visitors do in Weald & Downland Living Museum?| A．Take a shower in the hall. |
| B．Stay overnight at a cottage. |
| C．Learn construction techniques. |
| D．Explore rural life centuries ago. |
| A．￡25. | B．￡34.5. | C．￡38. | D．￡41. |
| A．It charges parking fees. |
| B．It has varied opening hours. |
| C．It is inconveniently located for bus riders. |
| D．It offers the disabled thoughtful service. |
7 . As one of the best travel agencies, we highly recommend China as your travel destination. This ancient and modern country has diverse natural beauty and splendid culture. Here are three most beautiful places in China that you should visit with us!
Guilin & Yangshuo—China’s Most Beautiful Karst Landscape (喀斯特地形)
| RECOMMENDED Guilin Tours: ■4-Day Guilin Scenic and Ethnic Discovery ■5-Day Dynamic Guilin and Yangshuo Tour ■6-Day Guilin, Yangshuo, and Longsheng Tour |
When looking for natural beauty, Yangshuo comes first in Chinese minds for its karst hills and rivers, which have inspired many poets and artists. Taking a 3-hour family-friendly hike is a good way to enjoy the Li River’s beauty. We can take you to less-crowded sites to get away from the touristy parts of Yangshuo and enjoy the painting-like scenes in peace.
The Yellow Mountains and Villages Nearby
| I RECOMMENDED Yellow Mountains Tours: 3-Day Ancient Villages and Yellow Mountains Tour 3-Day Escape to Huangshan from Shanghai or Hangzhou 4-Day Trekking in the Yellow Mountains |
The Yellow Mountains have their classic “four natural wondersn: peculiar pines (奇松), oddly-shaped rocks, seas of clouds, and hot springs. The villages around the Yellow Mountains are considered among the most beautiful villages in China. Hongcun, a set for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, was one of them. We offer tour guidance of walking or biking among these ancient villages. You may as well stay in a typical Hui-style hotel.
Zhangye’s Danxia Landscape — Rainbow Mountains
| RECOMMENDED Zhangye Tours: ■6-Day Zhangve and Dunhuang Photography Tour ■8-Day Qinghai Lake, Zhangve, and Dunhuang Tour ■11-Day Tour from Xi’an to Kashgar including Zhangye |
In China’s remote northwest, Zhangye is deeply loved by photographers due to its Danxia landscape, which is vividly named u Rainbow Mountains When the sun shines on the mountains, their colors look like an oil painting when the sun shines on the mountains, their colors look like an oil painting when the vast rocks are simply set against a pure blue sky. See it by yourself and you will fall in love with it. Do remember to register for discounted accommodations!
1. What is recommended to do in Guilin?| A．Hiking. | B．Boating. | C．Climbing mountains. | D．Admiring rocks. |
| A．Yangshuo. | B．The Yellow Mountains. | C．Zhangye. | D．All the above. |
| A．To attract tourists. | B．To sell products. | C．To offer suggestions. | D．To educate readers. |
8 . A Four One-day Trips in the UK
The First Light Pavilion, Cheshire
It’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, York
This 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, Greenwich
The Cutty Sark, one of just two surviving tea sailing ships in the world, is launching a new 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 entry to the ship), rmg.co. uk/cutty-sark
The Intelligence Factory, Buckinghamshire
A 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 when 9,000 staff members helped win World War II. The permanent exhibition 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 the pavilion in Cheshire?| A．Learn how to make a sundial. |
| B．Watch the launch of a satellite. |
| C．Use a telescope to observe stars. |
| D．Interact with astronomers in the centre. |
| A．£36. | B．£57. | C．£56. | D．£45. |
| A．Recent repair work. |
| B．Advanced equipment. |
| C．The same period of history. |
| D．Bird’s eye view of the cities. |
9 . Ben Miller is a British actor, as well as a productive writer for children. Here, he shares his favorite books.
King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table by Roger Lancelyn Green
I loved reading when I was little. My parents were both English teachers, and our home was full of books. Dickens was a family favorite. But the book that really fired my imagination was King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table by Roger Lancelyn Green.
Buy King Arthur and His Knight of the Round Table here
Diary of a Nobody by George and Weedon Grossmith
I’m a fool for a classic, and I’m so glad I finally managed to finish Diary of a Nobody by George and Weedon Grossmith. Put simply, its the funniest book I’ve ever read, with text by George and illustrations by Weedon.
Buy Diary of a Nobody here
Exhalation by Ted Chiang
It’s never too late to have your life changed by a book， and it happened to me again recently when I read Ted Chiang’s collection Exhalation. Story of Your Life, one of the best in it, inspired the sci-fi alien visitation classic Arrival. I love that too, but each and every piece in Exhalation is its match in imagination.
Buy Exhalation here
Ben Miller’s new book The Night We Got Stuck in a Story is available now.
* This post contains some links, so we may earn a small amount of money when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
1. Who wrote the book Ben Miller considers the most amusing?| A．Dickens. | B．Roger Lancelyn Green. | C．Ted Chiang. | D．George and Weedon Grossmith. |
| A．Fairy tale. | B．Poetry. | C．Science fiction. | D．Comics. |
| A．To advertise some books. | B．To attract new subscriptions. |
| C．To recommend a famous actor. | D．To share Miller’s reading habits. |
10 . Liu Yexi has taken Douyin by storm. As of Nov 17, the virtual idol, who performed on the social media platform on Oct 31, had only released two short videos but attracted over 5 million followers.
Different from other virtual idols, Liu is defined as a “virtual beauty vlogger”. In her first video, Liu is doing makeup with an eye brush while dressed in a traditional Chinese costume.
When she turns around, the onlookers are terrified, except one boy. Then Liu slightly brushes the boy’s eyes, allowing him to see the fantasy world in her own eyes. The internet users marveled(使...惊叹) at its storyline, science-fiction elements and special visual effects with cyberpunk style. Liang Zikang, the CEO of the production team, told China Newsweek that the team spent two months making the video.
Liu’s instant popularity online further reflects that the virtual idol industry in China has been booming. There are over 32,400 virtual idols that have opened accounts on video-sharing platform Bilibili in the past year, seeing a year-on-year rise of 40 percent, Chen Rui, the CEO of Bilibili, said in a speech.
“Compared with real idols and stars, the virtual ones seem to be more approachable for fans,” Shine News noted. Additionally, these virtual web celebrities(名人) won’t have scandals(丑闻).
As more young people are fascinated by these virtual figures, their commercial(商业的) value has been on the rise. Generally, they earn money by online concerts, livestreaming and related products. For example, Luo Tianyi, a well-known virtual singer, cooperated with livestreamer Li Jiaqi to promote goods in 2020.
Therefore, some people are wondering whether they will replace real humans. “These socalled virtual idols have real human teams to back them up and control them. They are not really virtual.” Ding Daoshi, an independent analyst in the internet sector, told the Global Times. The real virtual idol will come when artificial intelligence achieves a new level of selflearning and self-training and then interacts with others, he added.
1. What do we know about Liu Yexi?| A．She becomes an online celebrity. | B．She creates a virtual fantasy world. |
| C．Her song becomes famous overnight. | D．Her costume wins her great popularity. |
| A．Beginning. | B．Arriving. | C．Growing. | D．Falling. |
| A．Their various styles. | B．Their friendly character. |
| C．Their commercial value. | D．Their wonderful performance. |
| A．Doubtful. | B．Objective. | C．Favorable. | D．Indifferent. |
