1 . If you are looking for apps to learn English for studying abroad, you might be confused. There are so many apps to choose from. How can you decide which English language learning app is right for you? Our list of top four favourite apps to improve your English will help.
Hello English — Best app for middle learners
If you already understand the basics but want to improve your English, this app is for you. Hello English starts with a language test, and then serves English lessons based on your test results. Hello English supports learners with 23 native languages and lets you play games, watch videos and listen to audio books, too.
Free and paid versions available for iOS, Android and Windows.
Fluent U — Best media-based app
This app sources English-language videos from the real world — including news, music videos and businesses — to help you learn English. Interactive captions (字幕) allow you to tap any word and see more information about it.
Free trial and paid monthly versions available for Android and iOS.
Rosetta Stone — Most multi-use app
This award-winning English language learning app teaches vocabulary and English grammar. Rosetta Stone includes lessons on pronunciation so you can improve your English accent. You can also download audio lessons to learn offline.
Free trial and paid versions available for Android, iOS and Windows.
Duolingo — Most fun app
This personalised English-learning app turns studying into a game. Earn virtual coins to unlock new levels and spend them on fun upgrades. An animated owl (动画猫头鹰) keeps you company and encourages you as you learn. When you have questions, get help from fellow students inside the app using the Duolingo message boards.
Free and paid versions available for Android, iOS and Windows.
1. Which app is recommended for learners already familiar with basic English?A.Fluent U. | B.Rosetta Stone. | C.Hello English. | D.Duolingo. |
A.It offers interactive games for learning. | B.It must be paid in cash to upgrade. |
C.It provides users with different lessons. | D.It relates English learning to fun. |
A.They are available only for iOS. |
B.They offer free and paid versions. |
C.They focus on vocabulary building. |
D.They provide lessons for advanced English learners. |
2 . Mental-health podcasts(播客) are no replacement for therapy, but they can be an excellent resource for information and reflection. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety or depression, these are an uplifting reminder that you’re not alone.
The Happiness Lab
Laurie Santos teaches a course at Yale University called Psychology and the Good Life, where she lectures on the science of happiness. Santos brings that material to a broader audience with her podcast, in which she invites mental health experts to discuss the science behind everyday emotions.
Inappropriate Questions
This podcast approaches mental health from a uniquely empathetic angle. In each episode, hosts Elena Lyle and Harvinder Wadhwa explore how a certain question can unintentionally make the answerer uncomfortable. For example, is it proper to offer the blind help if you don’t know whether they need it? Listeners get personal insights into discrimination, which may help them become more thoughtful communicators.
Disability After Dark
In his podcast, disability rights consultant Andrew Gurza has friendly chats with people about what it’s really like to live with disabilities. The host and his guests discuss their struggles in a world that doesn’t provide enough accessibility, why that impacts their mental health and how they’ve come to find pride in their disability.
Not Another Anxiety Show
Health and wellness coach Kelli Walker uses her podcast to explain to listeners that, although it can be scary, anxiety is a normal part of the human experience. Walker and expert guests describe why anxiety occurs in our brains and bodies and provide information about how it’s possible to live a fulfilled life while dealing with anxiety.
1. Which might be a better choice for worried listeners?A.Disability After Dark | B.The Happiness Lab |
C.Inappropriate Questions | D.Not Another Anxiety Show |
A.They provide information on mental issues. | B.They make listeners proud and considerate. |
C.They can take the place of therapy | D.They invite mental health experts. |
A.Music. | B.Health. | C.Society. | D.Technology. |
3 . The Marvels
Captain Marvel returns to save the planet from evil aliens, but her job is made considerably harder this time by a cosmic glitch that links her to two other superheroines. Every time she uses her powers, she swaps places with cither Photon or Ms Marvel. “The worlds we go to in this movie are bright worlds that you haven’t scene before,” the director told Total Film.
Released internationally from 8 November
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
It’s prequel time again. In December, we’ll get to see the founding of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory in Wonka, but first there’s The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Based on a dystopian (反乌托邦) fiction, the prequel is set 64 years before the previous Hunger Games films.
Released intonationally from 15 November
Napoleon
This film is an epic biopic of Napoleon Bonaparte. It is reported to be three hours long, with six major battle sequences – although it’s as much a character-driven drama as it is a war movie.
On general release from 22 November
Wish
Walt Disney celebrates its 100th anniversary with a carto on that incorporates the themes and animation styles of the studio’s first century. Wish is a musical fairy tale set in a magical land where King Magnifico can grant his citizens’ wishes. But a 17-year-old girl, Asha questions whether the king should keep that power all to himself. She wishes on a star-and the star then falls from the sky to help her. The director claimed that the film was “kind of our love letter to Disney, to Walt.”
Released internationally from 22 November
1. Which film is adapted from a novel?A.The Marvels. |
B.The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. |
C.Napoleon. |
D.Wish. |
A.A magical land. |
B.A powerful king. |
C.A brave girl’s wish. |
D.A love letter to Walt Disney. |
A.5 November. | B.8 November. | C.15 November. | D.22 November. |
4 . MOVIE GUIDE FRIDAY
Harry Potter Ⅲ 14:00—21 :00 Science Fiction Now Harry Potter has been in the wizardry school for three years. He begins a new life. How is everything going? | Mr. Bean 9:00—18:00 Comedy Rowan Atkinson is a great actor. His movie Mr. Bean is coming. It's very funny. Don't miss it. |
Hi Mum 11:00—16:00 Comedy Do you like Jia Ling? She is both the actress and director of this movie. It's so interesting and moving. Come and have fun! | The Monkey King 17:00—22:00 Cartoon It is picked from Journey to the West. This movie describes a brave hero who is fearless to fight against all gods... Children, come and see it! |
A.Comedy. | B.Science fiction. |
C.Cartoon. | D.Action movie. |
A.Harry Potter Ⅲ | B.Mr. Bean |
C.Hi Mum | D.The Monkey King |
A.The Monkey King or Mr. Bean |
B.Hi Mum or Harry Potter Ⅲ |
C.Harry Potter Ⅲ or The Monkey King |
D.Hi Mum or Mr. Bean |
A.Rowan Atkinson | B.Jia Ling |
C.Harry Potter | D.The Monkey King |
A.2:00 a.m. | B.4:00 a.m. |
C.1:00 p.m. | D.9:00 p.m. |
5 . Some of The Best Christmas gifts for her 2023
Christmas is the time of gifting the ones we love and knowing what they are absolutely desperate to get their hands on Christmas morning, so we thought we would help you out. We have done some digging and found some great gifts for any budget for a lovely lady in your life.
1. Avocado Oodie | The Oodie is what we believe to be the ‘uniform of the season’ for sure. If you haven’t invested in an Oodie already, you absolutely should do. They are cozy, and are limiting cost of living costs while doing so. We are a HUGE fan and so much so at least half of our team owns one and lives in them! Buy Now — £39 (reduced from £89 at time of publishing in the Oodie Black Friday sale) |
2. Stanley Quencher | The Stanley Cup is still HUGELY popular to those who love a fashion trend (John Lewis). The Stanley Cup has been a “must buy” this year for those who love an aesthetically (美学上) pleasing purchase. The Stanley brand has been spread across many of influencers pages on social’ media with the buzz for a cup to match your outfit sky rocketing. Buy Now — £44.99, John Lewis |
3. BEATS Solo 3 Headphones | The BEATS brand now cater for the girly girls in our lives with these Rose Gold additions to the collection. You can pick them up with a huge £70 saving- fit for any gymgoers, dog walkers and hikers. They look good and are a top spec purchase. Buy now — £109 at Currys (reduced from £179) |
4. Snailax Foot Warmer | With a detachable foot muff this gift doubles up as a heat pad too (Amazon). While the temperature drops, this is the kind of thing that will tie us over during the chillier months. And, it’s not too expensive too. For £45.99, she will have numerous modes to choose from and enjoy, while it can also be used for a heat pad on other areas too. If she loves a cozy night in, this is the most perfect present. Buy now — £45.99 |
A.Seniors. | B.Teenagers. | C.Adults. | D.Females. |
A.Avocado Oodie. | B.Stanley Quencher. |
C.Snailax Foot Warmer. | D.BEATS Solo 3 Headphones. |
A.A travel brochure. | B.A technology magazine. | C.A consumer column. | D.A user guide. |
6 . Explore the Lower Mississippi River
with the Leader in U. S. Cruising (乘船游)
Delight your senses on this amazing journey along the Lower Mississippi River. From the French Quarter in New Orleans to Beale Street in Memphis, be treated to the fine local flavors, including barbecue, bourbon (波旁威士忌酒)and the blues. Enjoy the simple pleasures and unique treasures found in the small southern towns along the way.
Your Lower Mississippi River Cruise Includes:
8-Days/7-Nights aboard the ship
An exploration of 6 ports (港口) of call with guided trip options at each
All onboard meals, breakfast room service, and our evening cocktail hour
Full enrichment package with guest speakers and nightly entertainment
Call today 888-240-4948 to request a free Cruise Guide.
1. How many stops are there during the journey from New Orleans to Memphis?A.6. | B.7. | C.8. | D.15. |
A.Free meals. | B.Art exhibition. |
C.Night performance. | D.Marriage service. |
A.It is the leader in U. S. cruising. |
B.It is an airline company. |
C.It has branches along the Mississippi River. |
D.It offers passengers the best alcohol. |
A.A health magazine. | B.A scientific report. |
C.A news report. | D.A travel brochure. |
7 . DISCOVER BEAUTIFUL CHINA™
Call for submissions:
photos and short videos
WHO WE ARE
China Daily and its Discover Beautiful China platform (dbc.chinaservicesinfo.com), China Daily Website and China Daily App are calling for submissions of photos and videos from now until October 20. Organizations and individuals, both in China and around the world, are welcome to share with us works depicting the beautiful country of China.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Photos or short videos with four major themes:
• The scenery of China
• The cityscape in China
• Customs unique to China
• The cultural heritage of China
Languages in either English or Chinese are preferred.
WHAT YOU CAN GET
Among prizes/awards to be given to the individual winners, we offer a top prize of up to 10,000 yuan (about$1,496). Winning organizations will receive trophies and certificates for their distinguished contribution. *Some of the best works have a chance to be featured on the China Daily Website, dbc.chinaservicesinfo.com, and China Daily App (with 37 million users).
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
1.Photos
• No more than 10 photos, 5MB maximum for each; with a caption (说明文字) of up to 200 words; format in JPG or PNG
2.Videos
• Format: MP4 or MOV
• Dimension: horizontal: 16:9, vertical: 9:16
• Size: 1GB maximum, less than 4 minutes
• Caption: 200—500 English or Chinese words to give a brief introduction
HOW TO SUBMIT
• Click the button to see the full text of the statement
• CONTACT US: liyang1@chinadaily.com.cn ; lvfu@chinadaily.com.cn
1. What’s the purpose of the above event?A.To share some tips. | B.To collect some works. |
C.To introduce some photos. | D.To recommend some videos. |
A.A 6MB photo. | B.A 2GB video. |
C.A PNG photo. | D.A 5-minute video. |
A.A magazine. | B.A newspaper. | C.A travel brochure. | D.A website. |
8 . Campgrounds
There are two drive-in campgrounds in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Namakanipaio and Kulanaokuaiki.
Namakanipaio
Namakanipaio Campground is operated by Hawaii Volcanoes Lodge Company. It is a large, open grassy area with tall trees. This campground has restrooms, water, picnic tables and barbecue pits (烧烤坑). Campfires are allowed in the barbecue pits only. Maximum stay is 7 days.
Fees:
There is a pay station on site.
Drive-in sites—$15. 00 per night
If there are more than two people in your party, you can expand to four people per site with another tent.
Weather may be cool year-round. Daytime temperature range: 60s to 70s F. Nighttime temperature range: 40s to low 50s F. We suggest that you use a tent with a good rainfly(帆布篷顶)and bring warm clothing for cool days and evenings.
Reservations are required.
Kulanaokuaiki
Kulanaokuaiki Campground is located about five miles down the Hilina Pali Road. The nine campsites at Kulanaokuaiki have picnic tables and tent pads, and are available on a first come, first served basis. There is NO WATER at this location. Checkout time is 11: 00 a. m. Fires are NOT permitted. Stay limit is up to 7 days.
Fees:
$10. 00 a night per site
$5. 00 a night per site for campers who hold the Interagency Senior(Golden Age)and Golden Access passes
Fees may be paid at the campground’s self-registration station.
Pets are not allowed in the campground or anywhere on Hilina Pali Road. Nighttime temperature range: high 40s to high 60s F. Daytime temperature range: high 60s to 90s F. We suggest that you use a tent with a good rainfly and bring warm clothing for cool days and evenings.
Reservations are required.
1. How is Namakanipaio Campground different from Kulanaokuaiki Campground?A.It offers no water at the location. | B.It allows fire in the barbecue pits. |
C.It provides an up to seven-day stay. | D.It has a wider range of temperature. |
A.$75. | B.$50. | C.$25. | D.$15. |
A.Booking in advance. | B.Traveling in a group. |
C.Bringing a high-quality tent. | D.Taking summer clothing for hot days. |
·The Seattle Great Wheel
The Seattle Great Wheel, open to the public in 2012, is a popular landmark in the city located on the west coast. The great Ferris wheel is 175 feet high. Appropriate for all ages, it is a must try ride in the city for a full view of Seattle. Fine dining restaurants and great wheel light shows add up the cheer to the place.
Timings: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Ticket Price: $14 (Adults) $9 (Kids)
·Great Wolf LodgeThe Great Wolf Lodge was opened in 2008 with variety of amusement activities. Attractions like body slides, tube slides, lazy river etc. are featured in the amusement mark, making it perfect for all age groups. Fun rides, fitness centre and food court increase the enjoyment in the park.
Timings: 11:00 AM to 08:00 PM
Entry Fee: $50 per person
·Wild Waves Theme ParkWild Waves Theme Park is one of the major amusement parks in Seattle. It was opened in 1977, serving Seattle’s population with an exciting and fun experience. Rides and attractions in the park are divided into 5 major sections. It also celebrates annual festivals with lights, making the place more attractive.
Timings: 11:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Entry Fee: $34 (Adult) $24 (Children)
·Oaks Amusement ParkOne of the oldest amusement parks around Seattle, Oaks Amusement Park was opened in 1905. Among various amusement divisions, rides, skating rink, miniature golf court are few popular spots. The rides section of the park featuring kiddie rides, thrill rides, family rides, and height rides.
Timings: 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Entry Fee: $10 to $100 (Varies as per the activities)
1. What can visitors do at the Seattle Great Wheel?A.Have a full view of Seattle. | B.Play in the golf court. |
C.Enjoy the festival celebration. | D.Experience the body slides. |
A.$37. | B.$50. | C.$92. | D.$100. |
A.The Seattle Great Wheel. | B.Great Wolf Lodge. |
C.Wild Waves Theme Park. | D.Oaks Amusement Park. |
10 . Tom Sawyer Play Is an Adventure
A 35-minute hand-clapping, foot-stomping musical version of a Mark Twain favorite returns with this Tall Stacks festival.
“Tom Sawyer: A River Adventure” has all the good stuff, including the fence painting, the graveyard, the island and the cave. It is adapted by Joe McDonough, with music by David Kisor. That’s the local stage writing team that creates many of the Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s original musicals, along with the holiday family musicals at Ensemble Theatre.
This year Nathan Turner of Burlington is Tom Sawyer, and Robbie McMath of Fort Mitchell is Huck Finn.
Tumer, a 10th-grader at School for Creative and Performing Arts, is a familiar presence on Cincinnati’s stages. He is a star act or of Children’s Theatre, having played leading roles in “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and “The Wizard of Oz,” and is fresh from Jersey Production “Ragtime”.
McMath is a junior at Beechwood High School. He was in the cast of “Tom Sawyer” when it was first performed and is a Children’s Theatre regular, with five shows to his credit. This summer he attended Kentucky’s Governor’s School for the Arts in Musical Theatre.
Note to teachers: Children’s Theatre has a study guide demonstrating how math and science can be taught through “Tom Sawyer.” For downloadable lessons, visit the official website of Children’s Theatre.
1. Who wrote the music for “Tom Sawyer: A River Adventure”?A.David Kisor. | B.Joe McDonough. |
C.Nathan Turner. | D.Robbie McMath. |
A.They study in the same school. | B.They worked together in ”Ragtime“. |
C.They are experienced on stage. | D.They became friends ten years ago. |
A.Research funding. | B.Training opportunities. |
C.Technical support. | D.Educational resources. |