1 . Attractive lakeside cottages and cabins

Lafitte’s Landing Guest Quarters, Uncertain, Texas

There are five cottages featuring high ceilings and spacious bedrooms. Lafitte’s is a certified Backyard Wildlife Habitat, so you don’t have to go far for bird-watching. Explore the lake on a steamboat, or head to Caddo Lake State Park for night adventures such as Owl Nights and Bat Watches.

Rates: Summer nightly rates range from $559 to $1,899

Lake Placid Lodge, Lake Placid, New York

With 17 cabins sitting along the shores of Lake Placid, the arts-and-crafts-style Lake Placid Lodge offers an exciting summer lake experience. Lakefront cabins come outfitted with hand-built beds and stone fireplaces. Go for a hike, or hit the lake for swimming, fishing, or boating.

Rates: Rates are $120 per night for double occupancy; each additional person is $20 per night.

Lake Crescent Lodge, Olympic National Park, Washington

Its cottages and cabins are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Choose between one-and two-bedroom Singer Tavern Cottages, or stay in the always favored (and often booked) Roosevelt Fireplace Cabins. Spend your days hiking in the surrounding Olympic National Park, or exploring Lake Crescent by boat.

Rates: Nightly rates for cottages and cabins range between $317 and $398.

Tamarack Lodge Resort, Mammoth Lakes, California

It is on the peaceful shores of the Twin Lakes. Choose between recently built Deluxe Cabins and old wood-and-stone cabins. Swimming, fishing, boating, biking, and hiking are popular pastimes.

Rates: Summer cabin rates range from $369 to $999 per night.

1. Where can you observe bats at night?

A．At Caddo Lake State Park	B．At Lake Placid
C．At Olympic National Park	D．At the Twin Lakes

2. If three people share one room in Lake Placid Lodge, how much will they pay?

A．$60

B．$120

C．$140

D．$360

3. Which of the following is difficult to reserve?

A．Cottages at Lafitte’s Landing Guest Quarters	B．Cabins at Lake Placid Lodge
C．Deluxe Cabins	D．Roosevelt Fireplace Cabins

2 . Educational APP Store

Busuu

Busuu helps you learn English language on the go and the lesson's quality is guaranteed as it is based on CEFR language framework. Lessons range from beginners to advanced learners. Busuu is actually a great English app if you want to improve your spoken English by talking with native speakers.

Duolingo

Duolingo is one of the best English language apps today and highly recommended for English beginners. The system of the app helps you learn English quickly by spending twenty minutes a day. Duolingo structures your lessons that teach you about seven new words based on a topic and skill points being awarded for completing the lesson.

Memrise

Memrise uses some creative and easy ways to remember English words. The focus of this app is to help the users expand their vocabulary by learning English words in an effective way. Memrise also offers an offline mode to continue learning without Internet connection.

Rosetta Stone

Rosetta Stone is designed differently from average language apps on the marketplace today. It's trying to teach us English the way we'd learn it if we were children starting to learn the language. It has exercises designed to help you learn basic words. A variety of lessons are offered that Rosetta Stone has been using for years.

1. Which is most helpful for speaking?

A．Busuu.	B．Duolingo.
C．Memrise.	D．Rosetta Stone.

2. What is unique about Memrise?

A．It works online or offline.

B．It serves English beginners.

C．It promises quick progress.

D．It helps develop vocabulary.

3. What does the Educational APP Store intend to do here?

A．Inspire language learners.

B．Show its high technology.

C．Compare ways of learning.

D．Promote its latest products.

3 . Music for Life Learning music is important for the educational and personal development of young people!

Learning an instrument: how do pupils choose?

All our teachers are highly qualified and experienced musicians, and pupils can learn to play a wide range of instruments, from the keyboard to the drums(鼓). We have open days when new pupils who are unsure which instrument to choose can come to the centre. They are able to speak to teachers about which instrument might be best for them, and they can also see and hear classes in action.

Who is responsible for buying the instruments?

Parents usually have to provide instruments. But parents of beginners are advised not to buy an instrument until they are told that a place is available. They should also find out from the teacher the most suitable type of instrument to get.

When and where do lessons take place?

Lessons are available in many schools, usually during the day. If there is no lesson available for a particular instrument in a particular school, other arrangements can be made at one of our music centres for lessons on Saturday afternoons or weekday evenings.

How are pupils taught?

Pupils can learn in small groups, in classes or individually, depending on their needs. Small groups of three pupils have lessons that last thirty minutes. Class lessons last forty-five minutes and have at least ten pupils. Individual lessons are offered only to pupils who have some experience.

Starting young: when can pupils begin?

Children are never too young to become interested in music. We have special “Musical Youth” classes for children from the age of 3 to 8. These are designed to encourage young children to enjoy music through a variety of activities including singing, musical games, listening and movement. “Musical Youth” classes take place on Saturday mornings with groups of about 18 children. A parent or other adult must attend each session, and they are encouraged to sit with their children and help them with the activities.

1. What can we learn from the passage?

A．New pupils can see classes on an open day.

B．Pupils can learn special instruments on Sundays.

C．Parents must accompany pupils during the learning process.

D．Teachers at the centre can provide the right instruments for pupils.

2. What is the best choice for children with some experience?

A．Lessons for groups of ten.	B．Individual lessons.
C．Lessons for small groups of three.	D．Special “Musical Youth” classes.

3. The passage is intended for _____.

A．teachers	B．parents
C．musicians	D．pupils

4 . Best Places to Visit in the UK

United Kingdom has long been a popular European tourist place for many because of its beautiful countryside, historic cities, top museums and outstanding theaters. Here are some of the best places to visit in the UK.

Cambridge

Cambridge is a beautiful English city located on the River Cam just north of London. As the home to one of the world’s top universities, the University of Cambridge, it has all of the cultural and entertainment choices you might expect from a college town.

Chester

Located on the River Dee in Cheshire, England, Chester is more than 2,000 years old, which means there is plenty of history, culture and architecture lasting several centuries. The ancient walls around the city are one of Chester’s biggest tourist attractions.

Stonehenge

Stonehenge, one of the most famous sites in the world, is home to some of the most important Neolithic and Bronze Age finds and structures in the UK. It was not until 1600 BC that Stonehenge came to be completed.

Lake Distric

Located in northwest England, the Lake District is the second largest National Park in the UK. The main attractions are the lakes, mountains and hills. It is England’s famous destination for hiking and climbing.

1. What will you do in Cambridge?

A．Do various shopping.	B．Meet famous people.
C．Visit the top university.	D．Enjoy wonderful music.

2. What is special about Chester?

A．It is a college town.	B．It offers exciting scenery.
C．It is a city with a long history.	D．It has a great many monuments.

3. Which destination will you choose if you want to go hiking?

A．Cambridge.	B．Chester.
C．Stonehenge.	D．Lake district.

5 . Want to explore new cultures, meet new people and do something worthwhile at the same time? You can do all the three with Global Development Association(GDA). Whatever stage of life you’re at, wherever you go and whatever project you do in GDA, you’ll create positive changes in a poor and remote community(社区).

We work with volunteers of all ages and backgrounds. Most of our volunteers are aged 17-24. Now we need volunteer managers aged 25-75. They are extremely important in the safe and effective running of our programmes. We have such roles as project managers, mountain leaders, and communication officers.

Depending on which role you choose, you could help to increase a community’s access to safe drinking water, or help to protect valuable local cultures. You might also design an adventure challenge to train young volunteers.

Not only will you help our young volunteers to develop personally, you’ll also learn new skills and increase your cultural awareness. You may have chances to meet new people who’ll become your lifelong friends.

This summer we have both 4-week and 7-week programmes:

Country	Schedule
	4-week programmes	7-week programmes
Algeria	5 Jul. — 1 Aug.	20 Jun. — 7 Aug.
Egypt	24 Jul. — 20 Aug.	19 Jun. — 6 Aug.
Kenya	20 Jul. — 16 Aug.	18 Jun. — 5 Aug.
South Africa	2 Aug. — 29 Aug.	15 Jun. — 2 Aug.

GDA ensures that volunteers work with community members and local project partners where our help is needed. All our projects aim to promote the development of poor and remote communities.

There is no other chance like a GDA programme. Join us as a volunteer manager to develop your own skills while bringing benefits to the communities.

Find out more about joining a GDA programme:

Website:www.glodeve.org

Email:humanresources@glodeve.org

1. What is the main responsibility of volunteer managers?

A．To seek local partners.	B．To take in young volunteers.
C．To carry out programmes.	D．To foster cultural awareness.

2. The programme beginning in August will operate in ________.

A．Egypt

B．Algeria

C．Kenya

D．South Africa

3. The shared goal of GDA’s projects to ________.

A．explore new cultures	B．protect the environment
C．gain corporate benefit	D．help communities in need

6 . Need a Job This Summer?

The provincial government and its partners offer many programs to help students find summer jobs. The deadlines and what you need to apply depend on the program.

Not a student? Go to the government website to learn about programs and online tools available to help people under 30 build skills, find a job or start businesses all year round.

Jobs for Youth

If you are a teenager living in certain parts of the province, you could be eligible(符合条件) for this program, which provides eight weeks of paid employment along with training.

Who is eligible: Youth 15-18 years old in select communities(社区).

Summer Company

Summer Company provides students with hands-on business training and awards of up to $3,000 to start and run their own summer businesses.

Who is eligible: Students aged 15-29, returning to school in the fall.

Stewardship Youth Ranger Program

You could apply to be a Stewardship Youth Ranger and work on local natural resource management projects for eight weeks this summer.

Who is eligible: Students aged 16 or 17 at time of hire, but not turning 18 before December 31 this year.

Summer Employment Opportunities(机会)

Through the Summer Employment Opportunities program, students are hired each year in a variety of summer positions across the Provincial Public Service, its related agencies and community groups.

Who is eligible: Students aged 15 or older. Some positions require students to be 15 to 24 or up to 29 for persons with a disability.

1. What is special about Summer Company?

A．It requires no training before employment.

B．It provides awards for running new businesses.

C．It allows one to work in the natural environment.

D．It offers more summer job opportunities.

2. What is the age range required by Stewardship Youth Ranger Program?

A．15-18.

B．15-24.

C．15-29.

D．16-17.

3. Which program favors the disabled?

A．Jobs for Youth.	B．Summer Company.
C．Stewardship Youth Ranger Program.	D．Summer Employment Opportunities.

7 . Thanksgiving is an important festival in North America.We interviewed several students from the US and Canada.Here is what they have told us about their Thanksgiving experiences.

Josie from New York，USA

“In America，Thanksgiving is celebrated every year at the end of November.It is to remember the first group of people from Europe to live in America.When they first arrived，they found the environment strange.But they learned to survive after some native American friends showed them how to grow and find food.Thanksgiving is meant to be a traditional celebration.”

Todd from California，USA

“Thanksgiving is the first day of Christmas shopping.That means we have four weeks to buy Christmas presents for our families and friends.For me and my friends，the most important part of the festival is the big football game on TV.The match is watched by millions of people all over America.Thanksgiving is seen as an exciting day for football！”

Ian from Saskatoon，Canada

“In Canada，Thanksgiving is held on the second Monday in October.On the Sunday before Thanksgiving Day，many people go to church.Thanks is given for all the good things that happened to them during the year.I always give thanks for the nice big turkey I'm going to have at the family dinner！Like all festivals，Thanksgiving is about food！”

Katie from Maritimes，Canada

“On Thanksgiving Day，we have dinner with all our cousins，aunts and uncles.It is always very busy.Sometimes we have two Thanksgiving dinners because we go to both our grandparents' houses.The dinner is usually attended by more than twenty people at each house！My mother and my aunts do all the cooking but the washing－up is done by me and my cousins.And that's not an easy job！But I don't mind because Thanksgiving is meant to be a time to give thanks.”

1. People in the USA and Canada ________．

A．all have the same opinion of Thanksgiving

B．have different opinions of Thanksgiving

C．feel that Thanksgiving is about food

D．have no interest in Thanksgiving

2. When is Thanksgiving celebrated every year in Canada?

A．On the second Monday in October.

B．On the second Monday in November.

C．At the end of October.

D．At the end of November.

3. Where does the person who thinks that Thanksgiving is a traditional celebration come from?

A．New York.	B．California.
C．Saskatoon.	D．Maritimes.

4. What is the main idea of this passage?

A．Students learn to give thanks on Thanksgiving.

B．Many students like spending Thanksgiving at home.

C．Students have different experiences on Thanksgiving.

D．Thanksgiving is an important festival in North America.

8 . The annual World Economic Forum took place in Davos, Switzerland, in Jan. 23-26, 2018. What did Chinese entrepreneurs （企业家）speak in the forum? Are there some quotable quotes for you?

★Jack Ma, founder and executive chairman of Alibaba Group

“I think globalization cannot be stopped — no one can stop globalization, no one can stop trade. If trade stops, the world stops. Trade is the way to dissolve (结束) the war not cause the war,” said Ma in Davos, “Google, Facebook, Amazon and Alibaba — we are the luckiest companies of this century. But we have the responsibility to have a good heart, and do something good.”

★Richard Liu, founder and chief executive officer of JD

“Business is not only a way to make money but also a way to contribute yourself, to help people,” Liu said in a speech in Davos. “How can we face the fractured (分化的) world? That’s the topics of the Davos this year. I think a very important thing in business is cooperation. If we can unite, work together, if we work very closely, I think we can bring more hope to the people and we can build more trust between the people, countries and companies and partners,” he said.

★Jane Sun, CEO of Ctrip

“Tourism is a sunrise industry. Since I entered Ctrip, every year there are new comers, which, first of all, shows that tourism is booming.” Sun told Sina.com in Davos. “We invested heavily in ABC．A refers to AI, B is big data, and C is cloud computing. As we continue to expand overseas, these three will be very good weapons for us. So we think those mean opportunity,” she said.

★Hu Xiaoming, president of Aliyun

“In 2018, people will see the development in various countries more closely connected with cloud computing. More manufacturing enterprises and financial institutions will start to use ‘cloud’, and cloud computing will increase the efficiency of technology and finance,” Hu told Xinhua in Davos.

1. What do Chinese entrepreneurs like Jack Ma and Richard Liu focus more on?

A．Earning more money.	B．The joined efforts of mankind.
C．Reducing production costs.	D．The role of science in business.

2. What is the main business of Ctrip?

A．Tourism.	B．The creation of AI.
C．Computer.	D．Financial service online.

3. What does Hu think will promote global economic development?

A．Economy recovery.	B．The World Economic Forum.
C．Cloud computing.	D．Financial efficiency.

9 . Each time Chinese New Year is approaching, preparations are underway around the world. Here are some Chinatowns for those outside of China wishing to mark the day.

London

Although it may not be as large or as long-built as others, having only become a center for the Chinese community during the 1950s, London’s Chinatown is perfectly formed little firework that knows how to see in the year with a bang. Decorated with red lanterns, previous years have seen shows with acrobatics（杂技）, martial arts（武术）,dance and opera nearby.

San Francisco

San Francisco’s Chinatown is perhaps the most famous in the United States. The city was the main entry-point for Chinese who had crossed the Pacific to the USA during the early 19th century. Between the Grant Avenue and the Stockton Street, this historic area is a local treasure, attracting more visitors per year than the Golden Gate Bridge.

Bangkok

With an about 100-year-old history, the Thai capital’s Chinatown contains complex streets offering all kinds of tasty treats, clothes, toys and antiques. Sunday market days are such a good time to get the full atmosphere of the neighborhood. The area is also known for its gold dealers, whose shops line the road.

Mauritius

Found in Port Louis, this Mauritian Chinatown shows the island nation’s rich multicultural diversity. Established in the early years of the 20^th century by settlers from China, its tiny shops and restaurants serve locals and visitors. During the Chinese Spring Festival, the most exciting sight is the Dragon Dances on Rue Royale when Chinese musicians and dancers perform the traditional lion dances through the streets.

1. According to the text, which of the following has the longest history?

A．London’s Chinatown.	B．San Francisco’s Chinatown.
C．Mauritius’s Chinatown.	D．Bangkok’s Chinatown.

2. What’s special about Bangkok’s Chinatown?

A．It is crowded with Chinese restaurants.	B．It is the major entrance for the Chinese.
C．It is well-known for its gold business.	D．It is when you can enjoy fireworks.

3. If you want to enjoy the Dragon Dances, you can go to ______.

A．Rue Royale in Port Louis, Mauritius	B．the Sunday market in Bangkok
C．the Grant Avenue in San Francisco	D．the Chinese community in London

10 . Everyone should choose the right hair dryer for fine hair, because an unsuitable hair dryer can damage our hair. You can buy hair dryers from a recognized discount store or from online discount stores. If not, it is always better to buy it from a reliable and well-known beauty store in your area. Here are some of the top products.

Conair iSeries Infiniti Hair Dryer

It is designed with the technology which is quite useful for less curly and more manageable hair. Some other features of this hair dryer include 3 heat and 2 speed settings, a foldable handle and removable filter(过滤器). It also comes with 2 years’ guarantee. The average cost of it is around $38.

Click here for more information.

Sedu Revolution   Pro 6000i Dryer

This is the latest model of dryers from Sedu, and comes with powerful air flow.

It is one of the most popular professional dryers in the market. It comes with 6 heat settings, a long-lasting AC motor and the instant cold shot button. This dryer has 2 years’ guarantee and is available at $160.

Click here for more information.

CHI Nano Dual Air Flow Hair Dryer

It is lightweight hair dryer that comes with infrared(红外线的)technology indicator lights and a noise-free speed motor. This hair dryer also comes with a year’s guarantee. The average cost of it is around $255.

Click here for more information.

BabylissPro Carrera 2 Hair Dryer

If you want a hair dryer which helps achieve smooth and curly-free hair, then BabylissPro Carrera 2 Hair Dryer is a good choice. It has compact(简洁的)design and various powerful styling features. This dryer is available at $100.

Click here for more information.

To protect your hair, remove the excess (过多的)water with a towel before using the dryer. Work on the lowest setting, as more heat can cause damage to the hair. Whenever drying your hair, you should keep moving the hair dryer.

1. What can we know about Sedu Revolution Pro 6000i Dryer?

A．It is suitable for less curly and more manageable hair.

B．It has powerful air flow and variable temperature settings.

C．It is the latest model of dryers from Sedu which makes no noise.

D．It is the most professional dryer in the market and has a long guarantee.

2. Which hair dryer should Mary choose if she wants to make her hair smooth and straight?

A．Conair iSeries Infiniti Hair Dryer.

B．Sedu Revolution Pro 6000i Dryer.

C．CHI Nano Dua Air Flow Hair Dryer.

D．BabylissPro Carrera 2 Hair Dryer.

3. To protect our hair, when using hair dryers, we should ____.

A．avoid blowing the hair with high heat

B．keep moving our heads when drying our hair

C．avoid making the hair dryer too close to the hair

D．make our hair dry with a tower before we use the dryer