1 . What does the man mean?

Advertising     1     (refer) to the activity of promoting a product or service. It has become part of our modern life.

Advertising has always been closely linked with the mass media. In addition to making people aware of a product or service, a successful advertisement can also create a desire to buy, thus     2     (boost) business. That is     3     when a company wants to promote a product or service, it often launches a mass media advertising campaign.

Based on the psychology behind creating a desire to buy, advertisers have developed ways of persuading people into purchasing their     4     (product) or services. A common technique to make an impact is to create     5     memorable slogan, which uses simple but impressive language to make people remember the product or service. Another technique advertisers often employ is     6     (link) their company or product to a “brand ambassador”. Moreover, some advertisements such as product placement     7     (be) not so obvious. We absorb the marketing messages without thinking about them too much, yet they     8     (probable) have an effect on us the next time we go shopping.

In the future, advertising will be more about understanding individual customers and sending them advertisements that are tailored     9    specific needs. Not only will this make them feel     10     (valued), but it will also help companies target their customers more efficiently.

4 . Bristol Old Vic

When the Theatre Royal (now Bristol Old Vic) was built, electricity hadn’t been discovered. For over 250 years the people who have owned, worked inside and visited the theatre have kept records about their activity. These are kept safe at the University of Bristol Theatre Collection, and you’ll discover a range of documents which record the history of the theatre, from its foundation in 1764 up until the present day. Here are some of them.

In 1764 businessmen Alexander Edgar and Thomas Symons suggested building a new theatre between Baldwin Street and the back of Coopers’ Hall in King Street. The estimated cost was f2, 000 to be split among 40 subscribers, but the building work cost more than expected. Owning shares allowed them to influence decisions about the theatre.

Each of the original Bristol Old Vic shareholders was given a silver ticket that promised sight of any performance held at the theatre. As the holders were clever businessmen, they insisted that the silver tickets could be loaned or traded. This enabled them to make some extra money but made it extremely difficult for the theatre managers to keep track of who was allowed to see shows for free.

In May 2016, the theatre celebrated its 250th birthday! As the oldest continuously-working theatre in the English-speaking world, it deserved a proper party, so Bristol-based Limbic Cinema was hired to create a film of the theatre’s historical highlights which was projected (放映) onto the theatre itself.

5 . Mini Camera

Interested in photography? Fujiko has produced an amazing new mini camera — the advanced 1001ix. It is no bigger than a credit card! It is very reliable and easy to use. The Mini Camera is made from an attractive and strong material and not expensive at all. Cost: $199.99.

Remote Headphones

These fantastic headphones from Philips have no wires. You can listen to your favourite programmes while you are walking round the house or garden! You can even go up to sixty metres away from your radio or TV. They give you freedom to move around plus top sound. Excellent value at $80.45.

Feline Floor (地板) Cleaners

Do you find housework tiring and boring? Have you got a cat that walks around your flat all day? Here is the perfect solution. It will change your life. Put the floor cleaners on your cat, and sit back and relax. They are very practical and easy to wash. Special offer — a complete set for only $5.99.

K9 Dogwalker

Is your dog fat? Do you walk it every day? This new product will change your life and your dogs too. It is practical as it can exercise your dog just in your home. It has an attractive design and a reliable electric motor plus a small computer. You can use the computer to plan your dog’s exercise without doing anything. A bargain (便宜货) at $39.99.

8 . In Singapore, it seems like art can be seen at every turn. Throughout the year, festivals, live performances, and concerts add to the vibrancy (活力) of the creative community. Here are some of the biggest art festivals.

SINGAPORE ART WEEK

When: January

Over the course of 10 days, this massive visual art celebration organizes more than 130 art events at museums, galleries, independent art spaces, and public places across Singapore from the city center to the heartland neighborhoods. Visitors can have discussions with artists, and attend art exhibitions and workshops that explore art and culture in Asia. Whether you’re interested in Sudanese architecture or cute Japanese paintings, there’s an event for everyone.

ART SG

When: January

During the biggest art fair in Southeast Asia, more than 150 of the world’s best galleries will showcase their collection of more than 1,000 artists at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Center. From 12-15 January, this large-scale art show highlights paintings, sculptures, and photography from galleries like the influential Gagosian and London’s White Cube.

SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF ARTS

When: May

This annual performance art festival pushes the boundaries of physical and virtual spaces and explores The Anatomy of Performance through music, film, dance, musicals, and plays. The festival’s lineup includes a broad range of programs from local and international artists, ranging from orchestral performances to different styles of modern and traditional dances.

SINGAPORE NIGHT FESTIVAL

When: August

For one week each August, the Bras Basah. Bugis district lights up for this multi-dimensional art festival, with more than a dozen light installations (装置), stage shows, and theater performances. The National Museum of Singapore sponsors the event. It also acts as a major venue for various performances and demonstrations along with the Singapore Art Museum and the Peranakan Museum.