1 . 2024 Philly Theatre Week

Theatre Philadelphia hosts Philly Theatre Week: a celebration of the artists, organizations, and audiences that have made Greater Philadelphia one of the most vibrant theatre regions in the nation. Audiences will have an opportunity to try something new from our theatre community through a series of productions, readings, interactive events, and much more!

Plan your Philly Theatre Week experience

1. GET THE “WHAT'S ON STAGE” NEWSLETTER:

Delivered to your inbox! Sign up for our email list to receive daily updates during theatre week. Plus, go behind the scenes with artists, performers, and more.

2. SHARE YOUR STORIES:

Use #phillytheatreweek to share your Theatre Week experience online, and to see what else audiences are discovering.

Pay What You Can tickets

This year, all Philly Theatre Week tickets are Pay What You Can. This is a ticketing system that allows all audiences to choose their own ticket price. Each show listing includes information about how each PWYC ticket sale supports their company and artists.

Please note that all Philly Theatre Week tickets are limited and exclusive — they are offerings outside of normal box office ticket sales. If a show is out of Philly Theatre Week tickets, check a company’s official website for regular price tickets. If a Philly Theatre Week option is sold out, please visit the theatre’s official website to find additional tickets.

How can I view events/reserve Philly Theatre Week tickets?

All shows will be listed on www. phillytheatreweek. com on March 4th, when tickets go on sale! Click “Buy Now” and select your tickets.

1. What arrangement can you make for 2024 Philly Theatre Week?

A．Open an email account.	B．Watch shows with artists.
C．Post with a given tag.	D．Exchange letters for updates.

2. What can we learn about Pay What You Can tickets?

A．Their price is all up to the participants.	B．They are intended for the Theatre Week.
C．They offer information about companies.	D．They are cheaper than regular price tickets.

3. Where can you probably see this article?

A．On a company’s website.	B．On a theatre schedule poster.
C．In a travel guidebook.	D．In an advertising brochure.

2 . Do you like high tea? One Sunday each month, and fortnightly during winter, we are serving delicious high tea in the Rainforest Room. You can walk in the beautiful gardens, see the amazing animals, and then join us and the little monkeys from 1:30 p. m. for high tea! Bookings are necessary.

As we all know, tea is drunk by the largest number of people in the world. It has a history of over 4,000 years, and China is the home of tea. You can enjoy high tea as well as the beautiful surroundings happily here.

Your high tea buffet (自助餐) package includes a selection of sweet and savoury items served with tea and coffee and one-hour complimentary access to Melbourne Zoo prior to the high tea starting at 1:30 p. m.

* $ 71.00 per person ($ 64.50 for members)

* $79.00 per person with a glass of beer ($ 71.70 for members)

* $ 36.00 per child of 2~12 years ($ 33.00 for members)

Please note: Purchasing a $36.00 child’s ticket is at a parent’s/guardian’s direction for children under two years old. Guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Dates now available:

Sunday 11 July—Sold Out       Sunday 25 July—Selling Fast

Sunday 8 August                    Sunday 22 August

Sunday 19 September             Sunday 24 October

Sunday 21 November

More dates to be given soon!

BOOK NOW

For more information please call our Event Team at 9285-9440.

1. What will you do in the Rainforest Room?

A．Make tea and coffee.	B．See the animals.
C．Walk in the gardens.	D．Enjoy eating and drinking.

2. If six children (non-members) join in high tea, they have to pay ______.

A．$198

B．$216

C．$426

D．$387

3. Which date can’t you choose now?

A．Sunday 25 July.	B．Sunday 22 August.
C．Sunday 11 July.	D．Sunday 24 October.

3 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. What is the main feature of LearnEnglish courses?

A．The fun.

B．The low prices.

C．The flexibility.

2. What can the workbooks do?

A．Help choose a course.

B．Offer extra written work.

C．Guide the learners’ habits.

3. When will the staff member tell you how to get started?

A．As soon as you register.

B．After you pass a language test.

C．Before you take the taster lesson.

4. What is the talk mainly about?

A．Ways of learning English.

B．Special online courses.

C．Technology and English.

4 . Ever wondered why deep-sea fish look so peculiar or how social media apps track your preferences? The answers to these questions can be found in the videos produced by “Chaizhidao”, a channel on multiple Chinese video platforms, including Bilibili and Douyin, dedicated to popularizing science.

Wang Zhenxing, the founder of “Chaizhidao”, was born in 1992. Recognizing the increasing trend of young people acquiring knowledge through video content, he started pursuing video creation in 2016. His team initially produced both knowledge-based videos and articles. But in 2019, Wang made the decisive commitment to focus solely on video production.

Comprising over a dozen members mainly from Generation Z, Wang’s team boasts diverse professional backgrounds in geophysics, engineering, and design, presenting knowledge in each area in a simple and accessible manner.

However, conveying a complex topic in a digestible 5 to 10-minute video format is not simple. To ensure a comprehensive dissemination of scientific insights, Wang’s team employs a variety of techniques tailored to the nature of the information at hand. For topics rooted in everyday life, they incorporate live-action or real-life footage to foster a sense of relatability with their audience. For more abstract principles, hand-drawn animations serve as an invaluable tool in visually conveying intricate concepts.

In a video discussing the existence of garbled (混乱的) characters in computers, Wang’s team chose to use purely animated illustrations to explain the underlying principles. “We spent nearly three months creating this 15-minute video,” he said. Their hard work has paid off. The channel has attracted over 10 million followers across different platforms.

Sharing knowledge through videos prompted the emergence of “niche knowledge” and “implicit knowledge” categories. Thanks to these video influencers, the implicit knowledge within these fields has now been more widely popularized.

1. What does the founder of “Chaizhidao” mainly focus on now?

A．Producing knowledge-based articles.	B．Creating knowledge-based videos.
C．Designing science-related products.	D．Conducting scientific experiments.

2. Why does the team of “Chaizhidao” use different techniques in video production?

A．To attract more followers.	B．To make complex topics digestible.
C．To improve their video-making skills.	D．To meet the needs of different generations.

3. What can we learn from the video discussing the existence of garbled characters in computers?

A．The video was produced to promote animation.

B．The video was watched by over 10 million people.

C．The video used animations to explain fundamental principles.

D．The video was produced by Wang Zhenxing alone.

4. What does the author mean by saying “the implicit knowledge within these fields has now been more widely popularized”?

A．These types of knowledge have become more fashionable.

B．These types of knowledge have been widely shared and understood.

C．These types of knowledge have attracted more experts’ attention.

D．These types of knowledge have been taught in more schools.

5 . Birmingham is the second largest city of the United Kingdom. It lies near the geographic center of England. It’s one of England’s major industrial and commercial areas. Here’re some places in Birmingham you may be interested in living in.

Solihull

Located 7.5 miles southeast of Birmingham, Solihull offers the best of both worlds for the perfect combination of city and country living. With several top-rated schools, Solihull is a perfect location for families, and with over 1,500acres of parks, there’re plenty of green spaces to keep the kids entertained as well. With easy transport links into Birmingham, it’s a great choice for commuters (通勤人员) and what’s more, Birmingham Airport is located in Solihull.

Erdington

Situated five miles northeast of the city center, Erdington has to be one of the best places to live in and around Birmingham. This is a very well-connected city suburb, with easy motorway access, great bus links and a railway station on the Cross City Line.

Digbeth

If you’re looking to buy your first home in Birmingham, Digbeth could be the perfect choice. The area is a hub for the creative industry, with the Custard Factory and Fazeley Studios both hosting a huge variety of digital and cultural businesses. It’s very tolerant of all kinds of culture, making it one of the most dynamic places to live in.

Edgbaston

Edgbaston is one of the richest areas in Birmingham, well-known for its green spaces and Birmingham Botanical Gardens. There’re many other attractions for those not interested in sports, including the pretty Victorian campus of Birmingham University and multiple Michelin-starred restaurants. It is a suitable place to live in.

1. What’s special about Solihull?

A．It is very suitable for the old.

B．It has the largest park in Birmingham.

C．It is the trading center of Birmingham.

D．It shows the mix of rural and urban life.

2. Which place presents cultural diversity?

A．Digbeth.	B．Erdington.
C．Edgbaston.	D．Solihull.

3. What is the author trying to persuade readers to do in Birmingham?

A．Attend university.	B．Go on a tour.
C．Buy houses.	D．Start businesses.

6 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. What encouraged Mr Roberston to go to the Antarctic?

A．A training course.

B．A program.

C．A report.

2. What was the biggest danger according to Mr Roberston?

A．Falling into ice holes.

B．Losing touch with others.

C．Living in extreme temperatures.

3. What caused the funny noise?

A．The wind.

B．The plane.

C．The device.

4. What was a surprise for Mr Roberston and his wife?

A．They could leave earlier.

B．They got some fresh food.

C．Someone lived near them.

7 . Writing Competitions for High School Students in 2024

Ocean Awareness Writing Contest

Ocean Awareness Writing Contest provides a platform for young people to understand environmental issues through artistic creation and creative thoughts, explore their relationship with the changing world, and become advocates of positive change.

Competition time: The deadline for submission is June 10, 2024. Students can upload their submissions starting from December 24, 2023.

Suitable for students: The contest is an international competition, which is open to any student aged 11—18 in middle or high school.

·Junior Division: 11—14 years old

·Senior Division: 15—18 years old

Young Authors Writing Competition

Young Authors Writing Competition is sponsored by the English and Creative Writing Department at Columbia College Chicago. The competition has grown into a yearly international con test of high school writers. You may enter up to two works (in separate files) in either of the categories: Creative Nonfiction and Creative Fiction. In the Poetry category, you may enter up to two files, but each can have 1—5 poems.

Competition time: The deadline is July 31, 2024.

Suitable for students: Open to students in grades 9—12 worldwide

Leonard L. Milberg’ 53 High School Poetry Prize

Leonard L. Milberg’ 53 High School Poetry Prize recognizes outstanding works by student writers in the 11th grade in the U. S. or abroad. Contest judges are poets on the Princeton University Creative Writing faculty.

Competition date: March 26, 2024

Suitable for students: Students in the 11th grade in the U. S. or around the world

The New York Times Annual Student Review Contest

The New York Times invites students to play critics and write an original review for their New York Times Student Review Contest. Students can review anything that fits into a category of creative expression that The New York Times covers—from architecture to music.

Competition date: April 6, 2024

Suitable for students: Students ages 11—19 anywhere in the world attending middle or high school can participate.

1. How many categories are included in Young Authors Writing Competition?

A．2.

B．3.

C．4.

D．5.

2. In which competition are participants grouped by age?

A．Ocean Awareness Writing Contest.

B．Young Authors Writing Competition.

C．Leonard L. Milberg’ 53 High School Poetry Prize.

D．The New York Times Annual Student Review Contest.

3. What do the four writing competitions have in common?

A．They are international contests.	B．They are organized by colleges.
C．They are intended for all students.	D．They are open to different categories of works.

8 . The Best Smart Water Bottles of 2023 for Better Hydration (补水)

You can expect to pay between $20 and $120 for a smart water bottle. Less-expensive options may include some smart features, like Bluetooth connectivity, hydration reminders, or a power bank that can charge your smartphone. If you’re looking for more advanced smart features, like self-cleaning modes, hydration tracking through an app, or location-tracking, then you may want to consider a more expensive smart water bottle.

Best Overall: Hidrate Spark STEEL Smart Water Bottle

Pros: Frequent hydration reminders Wide range of sizes and colors | Location-tracking feature

Cons: No self-cleaning feature

Best Budget: ICEWATER 3-in-1 Smart Water Bottle

Pros: Can be locked when not in use | Plays music | Easy to use with one hand

Cons: Can’t track your water intake | Only comes in one size

Best Self-Cleaning: Larq Bottle PureVis

Pros: Long battery life | Modern design | Durable

Cons: Can’t track your water intake

Best Durable: CrazyCap UV Water Purifier & Bottle

Pros: Two self-cleaning modes | Comes with a lifetime warranty (保修期) | Wide range of colors

Cons: Can’t track your water intake | Only comes in one size

Best for Tracking Hydration: Gatorade Smart Gx Bottle

Pros: Large capacity       Can be personalized | Set goals in the app

Cons: Not insulated (绝缘) | Might not be as durable

Best Lightweight: Monos Kiyo UVC Bottle

Pros: Durable | Long battery life | Modern design

Cons: Expensive

Best Rechargeable: Philips Water GoZero Self-Cleaning Smart Water Bottle

Pros: Self-cleaning | Dishwasher safe | Two-year warranty

Cons: Can’t track your water intake

1. What do Larg Bottle PureVis and CrazyCap UV Water Purifier & Bottle have in common?

A．They can track the amount of water you’ve drunk.

B．They have the same self-cleaning modes.

C．They cost much more comparatively.

D．They are easy to take with.

2. Which of the following is probably the cheapest to get?

A．Monos Kiyo UVC Bottle.

B．ICEWATER 3-in-1 Smart Water Bottle.

C．Hidrate Spark STEEL Smart Water Bottle.

D．Philips Water GoZero Self-Cleaning Smart Water Bottle.

3. What is special about Hidrate Spark STEEL Smart Water Bottle?

A．It can remind you of bottle cleaning.

B．It’s suitable for forgetful people.

C．Its colors may match its designs.

D．It comes only in one size.

9 . Welcome to American United Travel Company. We’ll help you spend a perfect holiday. For over 6 years, we have been organizing value for money summer holidays, whether it’s a late holiday deal or your main summer holiday. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a luxury 5-star holiday, or you just want to relax and soak up the sun, we’ve got access to the very best flight and hotel deals throughout the world. We are proud to offer you various services unlike other tour companies where we offer one-stop shop for complete tourism.

Our Services Include

Tours. Meet & Assist Services. Airport Transfer. MICE (Meeting, Incentive, Conferences, Exhibitions) private Jets. Ground handling (24 hours) VIP services on arrival & departure. Adventure Tour.

Means of Transportation Reservations

We operate for all means of transportation available in the country, starting with buses for groups to car rental to individuals.

Guidance

We have the most qualified guides who speak French, English, German, Italian, and Spanish. We bank on their communication skills as well as their knowledge in various fields.

Fancy Dinners

We prepare outdoor dinners in particular places such as castles, beaches, old and traditional houses, etc. Usually, these dinners are arranged according to the clients’ choices.

Luggage Concierge

Don’t worry about luggage size and weight when travelling. Give your bags to Luggage Concierge in advance and they will be waiting for you at your destination when you arrive.

Call one of our experienced travel consultants on 18884700610 to secure one of these fantastic deals.

1. What is special about United Travel company?

A．It provides one-stop complete tourism.	B．It supplies the best flight and hotels.
C．It offers transfer service.	D．Its guides speak various languages.

2. What can you do with your luggage before travelling?

A．Send it to your destination directly.	B．Carry it by yourself.
C．Keep it as light as possible.	D．Hand it to Luggage Concierge.

3. What’s the purpose of the text?

A．To diversify the economy.	B．To attract tourists.
C．To conserve the environment.	D．To entertain readers.

10 . Wildlife Preservation Volunteer Programs

Elephant Preservation Volunteer Program in Nepal

This program is suitable for active volunteers who love animals and want to care for the well-being of elephants. No experience is needed as you’ll be working closely with placement staff. The elephant shelter takes in elephants that have medical issues and require care.

Volunteers are accommodated in a local hotel. You should expect to share a room with one other volunteer.

Marine (海洋的) Preservation Volunteer Program in Croatia

This program is suitable for physically fit volunteers who are experienced divers (潜水员). You will use your diving skills to collect marine waste from the bottom of the seabed. You will work within a team on sorting waste out and handing it to the recycling centre.

Volunteers will be accommodated in a hotel. Local workers will clean the accommodation throughout the week.

Victoria Falls Wildlife Volunteering in Zimbabwe

This program is suitable for animal-loving volunteers who want to contribute to protecting amazing creatures and their habitats. Activities include animal tracking, camping out on the reserve and supporting other partner organizations.

Volunteers are accommodated within private rooms at the preservation centre. The accommodation has an open-air area where volunteers can socialize.

Amazon Jungle Preservation Volunteer Program in Peru

This program is suitable for volunteers who care about the environment, like working hard and don’t mind getting their hands dirty. It’s a great opportunity if you’re looking to reset your life by getting out of your comfort zone. You’ll also be developing personally and professionally.

Volunteers are accommodated in local people’s houses. There are running showers but you can expect water to he cold.

1. What do the programs in Nepal and Zimbabwe have in common?

A．They need experienced volunteers.

B．They are suitable for animal lovers.

C．They include dirty work in the field.

D．They require camping out on the reserve.

2. What can be known about the volunteers working undersea?

A．They work on the seabed all the time.

B．They help to keep the environment clean.

C．They are taught diving skills after arrival.

D．They lead a team to explore the marine creatures.

3. Which program provides the hardest living conditions?

A．Elephant Preservation Volunteer Program.

B．Marine Preservation Volunteer Program.

C．Victoria Falls Wildlife Volunteering.

D．Amazon Jungle Preservation Volunteer Program.