1 . From cottages surrounded by impressive gardens to days spent exploring sandy beaches and deep woods filled with wildlife, in My Family and Other Animals, English writer Gerald Durrell provided a vivid account of his family’s time on the Greek island of Corfu in the 1930s.
Come for the arresting descriptions of Corfu landscapes and stay for Durrell’s laugh-out-loud tales of his unusual family. This book, Durrell wrote humorously in the introduction, “was intended to be a nostalgic(怀旧的)account of natural history, but in the first few pages, I made the mistake of introducing my family.”
Durrell, later known for his zoo keeping and the preservation of wildlife, was just a child during his family’s five-year stay in Corfu. He is 10-year-old Gerry in the book—curious, passionate about animals and a detailed storyteller of his strange family: his imaginative elder brother Larry with his literary ambitions, lovestruck sister Margo, sporty brother Leslie and his ever-calm, loving mother.
Durrell’s attention to detail is what makes the book so winning, with every sight, sound and smell of the island brought to life. One minute you’ll be laughing as Larry’s clever literary friends walk down to the daffodil-yellow cottage, the next you’ll be catching your breath as Durrell describes swimming at night in the Ionian Sea: “Lying on my back in the silky water, staring at the sky, only moving my hands and feet slightly, I was looking at the Milky Way stretching like a silk scarf across the sky and wondering how many stars it contained.”
My Family and Other Animals is quite difficult to classify, being one part travel, one part autobiography, one part natural history, and one part comedy, with a thread of descriptive language running throughout that sometimes raises it nearly to poetry.
As a real delight to read, it’s the perfect literary escapism for any adult or older teenager who is currently walking down a tough road in life.
1. Which word best describes Durrell’s life in Corfu?| A．Diverse. | B．Busy. | C．Risky. | D．Tough. |
| A．I just introduced my family by mistake. | B．I shouldn’t have introduced my family. |
| C．I gave false information about my family. | D．I couldn’t help introducing my family. |
| A．Durrell’s rich imagination. | B．Some interesting plots of the book. |
| C．The book’s writing feature. | D．Some vivid descriptions of the island. |
| A．To share an experience. | B．To introduce a writing style. |
| C．To recommend a book. | D．To describe an unusual place. |
2 . By reading books, you can learn about different cultures and ways of looking at the world. It might also help you to discover a new favourite series or author.
So that you can choose and buy the new books you want, when you want, the team at National Book Tokens has created Bookily. With a Bookily card, you’ll get a monthly amount of money just for books, and you can spend it in hundreds of bookshops and online.
The benefits of Bookily
With a Bookily card, you receive a monthly books budget. The Bookily card is made from board that is not harmful to the environment and arrives in packaging (包装) with all the information you need to get started. You can also change your card into an eGift, making it even easier to spend whenever you want.
Around the world
We could fill a whole book with reading recommendations from across the world. Here are a few to get you started on your trip:
United States
Front Desk
Mia Tang has a lot of secrets and she wants to be a writer. It will take all of Mia’s courage, kindness, and hard work to get through this year. Will she go for her dreams?
Egypt
Death Sets Sail
Our heroes Hazel Wong and Daisy Wells are hoping for a relaxing cruise (乘船游览) along the Nile, admiring the architecture (建筑) of ancient Egypt. What they discover instead is a strange secret society ...
Holland
The Unadoptables
In 1880, five babies are discovered at the Little Tulip Orphanage. They are determined to stay together. When danger comes, they escape in search of a home.
India
Asha & the Spirit Bird
Asha lives in the foothills of the Himalayas. When her papa suddenly stops sending his wages (工资), her family finds themselves in serious trouble. Asha decides to cross the highest mountains to find her father ...
1. Why did the team create the Bookily card?| A．To introduce global writers. |
| B．To encourage readers to buy books. |
| C．To get new people to join a reading club. |
| D．To recommend bookstores in the world. |
| A．It has been created mainly for online shopping. |
| B．It will be given to readers without any guide. |
| C．It provides readers with a weekly budget. |
| D．It is environmentally friendly. |
| A．Front Desk. | B．Death Sets Sail. |
| C．The Unadoptables. | D．Asha & the Spirit Bird. |
3 . Global English Club
♦ English training in four skills. listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
♦ 4-month (800 yuan), 6-month (1,400 yuan) and one year (2,500 yuan) courses.
♦ Choice of morning or evening classes, 3 hours per day, Mon.-Fri.
♦ All native teachers from Canada and USA.
♦ Tel. 8872806 Add. 306 Xinhua Road
Body-building Club
♦ All facilities(设备) supplied.
♦ On the top floor or Sunny Hotel.
♦ Every evening from 6:00 to 9:00, Mon.-Sun.
♦ Drinks and fruits ready for you during breaks.
♦ Tel. 6353188
♦ Add. 369 Dunhuang Road
Piano Club
♦ One-to-one training on Sat. & Sun. From 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm (150 yuan per hour)
♦ Experienced teachers.
♦ Pianos supplied(设备) for free.
♦ Convenient transportations.
♦ Tel. 8756038
♦ Add. 808 Park Road
1. In English training class you will have________teachers.| A．French | B．Chinese | C．Canadian | D．Italian |
| A．450 yuan | B．800 yuan | C．300 yuan | D．150 yuan |
| A．You have to pay 800 yuan for 4-month English training. |
| B．You have to pay more for using the piano supplied in the class. |
| C．It is very convenient to get to the Piano Club. |
| D．You can enjoy drinks and fruits after body-building exercises. |
4 .
| Hope Book Club A book club is a small group of persons that are reading the same book in order to share different feelings and opinions about the book. The book club meets once a month for an hour of lively discussion. All students (3+), teachers and parents are welcome! Here you can discover a new world, learn new ideas and make new friends! What you should do:★You will read the book on your own and then discuss your reading in the book club. ★You must keep up with your reading so that you can join as a part of your group. The book club will decide what pages or chapters you will read. ★You should take down notes and thoughts as you read. ★Everyone in the book club is expected to join in the discussion. More tips: ★Keep our place clean. ★No pets and no smoking. ★Take good care of books and return them on time. ★You must ask for leave if you cannot join in the discussion. Fees: Kids from 3—7: Free; Kids from 8—18: 10 dollars a month; Adults: 15 dollars a month. If you are interested, call 487-256-656 or 487-266-545, send an email to hopebook@yahoo.com or visit our website at www.hopebookclub.com. |
| A．30 dollars. | B．60 dollars. | C．75 dollars. | D．90 dollars |
| A．One. | B．Two. | C．Three. | D．Four. |
| A．Books aren’t allowed to be taken out of the club. |
| B．Joining in the discussion is encouraged in the club. |
| C．You can choose your favourite books to read in the club. |
| D．The members in the club don’t have to finish what they need to read. |
5 . Metro (地铁) Pocket Guide
Metrorail (地铁)
Each passenger needs a farecard to enter and go out. Up to two children under age five may travel free with a paying customer.
Farecard machines are in every station, Bring small bills because there are no change machines in the station and farecard machines only provide up to $5 in change.
Get one day of unlimited Metrorail rides with a One Day Pass. Buy it from a farecard machine in Metro stations. Use it after 9: 30 a. m. until closing on weekdays, and all day on weekends and holidays.
Hours of Service
Open: 5 a.m. Mon-Fri 7 a.m. Sat-Sun.
Closed: midnight Sun-Thur 3a.m. Fri.-Sat. nights
Last train time varies. To avoid missing the last train, please check the last train time posted in the stations.
Metrobus
When paying with exact change, the fare is $ 1.35. When paying with a smart CARD the fare is $1.25.
Fares for senior /disabled customers
Senior citizens 65 and older and disabled customers may ride for half the regular fare. On Metrorail and Motorbus, use a senior/disabled farecard or Smart card. For more information about buying senior/disabled farecards, Smart cards and passes, please visit MetroOpenDoors.com or call202-637-7000 and 202-637-8000.
Senior citizens and disabled customers can get free guide on how to use proper Motorbus and Metrorail services by calling 202-962-1100
Travel tips
Avoid riding during weekday rush periods — before 9:30 a.m. and between 4 and 6 p.m.
If you lose something on a bus or train or in a station, please call Lost & Found at 202-962-1195.
1. What should you know about farecard machines?| A．They start selling tickets at 9:30 a. m. | B．They make change for no more than $5. |
| C．They offer special service to the elderly. | D．They are connected to change machines. |
| A．At midnight. | B．At 7 p.m. | C．At 5 a.m. | D．At 3 a.m. |
| A．202-673-7000 | B．202-962-1100 | C．202-962-1195 | D．202-673-8000 |
6 . City: Hangzhou
Launched: 2008
Size: 2,965 stations/ 69,750 bikes
Price: $28.59 deposit(押金) + time charge
While taking a look at this city, you may see the best bike sharing in the world. As the second on the planet by size, the Hangzhou Public Bicycle System is one of the most common and useful shares, largely because it’s combined with public transportation: a single card can be used in subway, bus, taxi and bike sharing. Residents and tourists can put down a deposit of 200 Chinese Yuan (about $29) and ride for an hour for free in this scenic city. Each additional hour costs only $0.15. It was also the first new-generation bike-sharing system in China.
City: Barcelona
Launched: 2007
Size: 420 stations/6,000 bikes
Price: $61.93 per year
Barcelona’s Bicycling Program developed Spain’s bike-sharing business in a big way. This program took off like wildfire on wheels, and because four times bigger in one year. It inspired different copycat programs all over the country. Today, Spain has 132 bike-sharing systems. The program is one of the world’s most respected and popular shares. But it is only open to residents and tourists are not allowed to use them.
City: Paris
Launched: 2007
Size: l,751 stations/23,900 bikes
Price: $38. 52 per year/ $2.26 per day
Bike sharing in Paris is the star of the world. Launched in 2007, it is the world’s largest outside of China. Cheap by American standards, you can ride around Paris on a $1.7 day pass—the first half hour of each trip is free. Because this system covers the city with an average of 50 stations per square mile, it’s a favourite with both locals and tourists.
1. What do we know about Barcelona’s Bicycling Program?| A．It has driven the development of Spain’s bike sharing. |
| B．It has once been ruined by fire accidents. |
| C．It is popular among travellers. |
| D．It consists of 175,000 bikes. |
| A．Nothing for an hour. | B．$61.93 per year. | C．$2.26 per day. | D．$1.7 per day. |
| A．They are open to both locals and tourists. | B．They have the same amount of stations. |
| C．They were founded in the same year. | D．They require a deposit of over $30. |
7 . Below is a list of carefully selected activities which can help you kill time and enjoy yourself when you are at your leisure.
San Antonio Missions Baseball
Customer Rating: ★★★★☆ based on 260 reviews
Address: 5757 U.S. 90 San Antonio, TX 78227
Tel: 1-800-987-9852
—The game lasts about 3 hours.
→Suitable for middle school students
→Disabled people are not accepted.
→Both cameras and video cameras are allowed.
→Gift shop on-site.
Schlitterbahn Waterpark San Antonio
Customer Rating: ★★★★☆ based on 180 reviews
Address: 400 N Liberty Ave New Braunfels, TX 78130
Tel: 1-800-987-6952
→Most guests spend about 4-10 hours at the park.
—Suitable for young people
→Cameras and video cameras are not allowed.
→Restaurant and gift shop on-site
Splashtown Water Park
Customer Rating: ★★★★★ based on 210 reviews
Address: 3600 North IH 35 San Antonio, TX 78219
Tel: 1-800-987-9789
→Most guests spend about 4-10 hours at the park.
→Suitable for all ages
—Suitable for healthy people
—Both cameras and video cameras are allowed.
San Antonio Walking Ghost Tour
Customer Rating: ★★★☆☆ based on 100 reviews
Address: 516 E Houston St, Inside Moses Roses Hideout San Antonio, TX 78205
Tel: 1-800-987-9836
Guided walking tour of downtown at night is 1.5 hours and up to 1 mile long.
→Disabled people are accepted.
→Both cameras and video cameras are allowed.
1. What do we know about San Antonio Missions Baseball?| A．It has the best rating. | B．It offers restaurants to customers. |
| C．It doesn’t allow taking photos. | D．It isn’t suitable for old people. |
| A．San Antonio Missions Baseball. | B．Schlitterbahn Waterpark San Antonio. |
| C．Splashtown Water Park. | D．San Antonio Walking Ghost Tour. |
| A．1-800-987-9836. | B．1-800-987-9789. |
| C．1-800-987-6952. | D．1-800-987-9852. |
8 . Many students find it difficult to learn English. Some of them even want to give up. They wonder how they can learn it well. Here are four English classes in Yucai Training Center. Have a look, maybe they can help you to improve it.
| Class 1: For speaking Time: 7:30 p.m. — 9:30 p.m. every Tuesday Teacher: John Smith (the USA) Price: ￥150 for a month Introduction: In this class, you will learn how to talk with others in English and how to sing English songs. | Class 2: For reading Time: 8:00 p.m. — 10:00 p.m. on Mondays Teacher: Jeff Green (the UK) Price: ￥180 for 6 weeks Introduction: We’ll tell you some useful reading strategies and skills. Some for daily reading and some for exam reading. |
| Class 3: For listening Time: 7:00 p.m. — 8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays Teacher: Lin Tao (CHN) Price: ￥100 for 3 weeks Introduction: This class will give you some helpful advice to practice listening. | Class 4: For writing Time: 7:00 p.m. — 9:00 p.m. every Thursday Teacher: Rose (Australia) Price: ￥120 for 4 weeks Introduction: Rose is an experienced teacher. She has her special ways for you to improve your writing. She is also here to be your pen pal. |
| For more information, you can read tomorrow’s newspaper or contact Mr. Zheng at 0769-6653221 or e-mail him at yucai@126.com. | |
| A．the USA | B．the UK | C．CHN | D．Australia |
| A．180 | B．480 | C．550 | D．650 |
① Class 1: For speaking
② Class 2: For reading
③ Class 3: For listening
④ Class 4: For writing
| A．①②③④ | B．②①③④ | C．②①④③ | D．③④②① |
| A．In Class 1, you can learn to sing English songs. |
| B．In Class 2, you will learn how to deal with reading in the exams. |
| C．In Class 3, you can practice speaking. |
| D．In Class 4, you can write to the teacher. |
| A．in a storybook | B．in a newspaper |
| C．in a magazine | D．on the Internet |
9 . The Thai capital Bangkok isn't just a big city full of skyscrapers, shopping malls, and traffic. There are many beautiful spaces providing residents with fresh air and lots of healthy outdoor activities in landscaped areas.
Benjakitti Park
The park has dedicated 'bicycle and jogging tracks around the Lake Ratchada. The water's edge is nicely framed by some pretty plant life, with colourful flowers adding to the quietness. You'll also find skate tracks, a central pavilion with fountains, and an impressive half-circle courtyard that's popular for picnics.
Opening Time: Daily from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Benjasiri Park
Benjasiri Park is the place to be for sculpture lovers, with some of the best examples of Thai sculptures around the park reflecting historical features. The centrepiece fountain hosts multimedia water dance shows 3 times daily. The park offers outdoor sports facilities rarely found at other public parks in Bangkok, including a basketball court, roller skating/skateboarding rink, tennis court, and outdoor swimming pool.
Opening Time: Daily from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Chatuchak Park
Chatuchak Park offers something for everyone at this park. Some may walk or jog along the green tracks line, while others can appreciate nature in the Thai Literature and Herb Garden. The park's northern end has many tennis courts and soccer fields. While you're there, make sure not to miss the Train Museum and Youth Traffic Garden.
Opening Time: Daily from 4:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sanam Luang Park
Sanam Luang Park has been around since the founding of Bangkok in 1782. Take part in the kite flying festival in March in different shapes and sizes floating in the sky. On most days; you can enjoy a family picnic in the breezy late afternoon while watching an exciting game of volleyball.
Opening Time: Daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
1. Which park opens earliest every day?| A．Benjakitti Park. | B．Benjasiri Park. |
| C．Chatuchak Park. | D．Sanam Luang Park. |
| A．Colorful flowers. | B．Traditional sculptures |
| C．Soccer fields. | D．Walking tracks. |
| A．A tennis court. | B．Some skate tracks. |
| C．A volleyball court. | D．Some picnic spots. |
10 . It's been a common problem that most of popular kids' apps contain some form of marketing. App developers and platforms make more money when more ads are viewed or clicked. Children, with their weaker self-control, are a prime target. Some developers use manipulative（操纵性的）approaches like showing a fancy present, which takes the children to an ad when clicked.
Examine before downloading apps. Your children can't download apps without you entering your password, so you can review apps before they are downloaded.
Teach your kids to look for help. When ads pop up inside apps, make sure your kids don't play or download the advertised game immediately.
Make complaint if necessary. Even some school-issued apps pressure families to purchase accounts. If this happens to you, complain to your school district.
Raising kids in the Internet age means teaching them to recognize when someone is trying to sell them new things or new ideas, from toys to misinformation.
| A．Ask your children often. |
| B．Ask about your kid' preferences |
| C．They have to understand the tricks of in-app advertising. |
| D．With proper guidance, kids can grow up to be critical digital thinkers. |
| E．Instead, they should be taught to be alert, and turn to adults for advice |
| F．Then you can read reviews on websites or check-the reviews in the app store |
| G．Unfortunately, there are no laws restricting how many ads can pop up in children's apps |
