1 . Typing.com is an online typing tutor for students of all ages. Typing.com’s proven curriculum helps students from beginners to advanced learners, focusing on technique, accuracy, and speed. The following are some frequently asked questions about typing on our website.
How long does it take to type without looking at the keyboard?An average student without learning differences will learn to touch type within eight to ten hours. They may be touch typing at a very slow speed (8-15 words per minute).
Is it bad to look at the keyboard when typing?Yes. Not only does it prevent you from practicing your fingering, but it also slows you down and makes you type less accurately. It's far more difficult to notice mistakes when you're not looking at the screen.
How do you get faster at typing?The most important technique to learn to type faster is touch typing. This is a technique based on developing muscle memory for your fingers.
How can I learn to type correctly?Focus on accuracy rather than speed. Use the entire keyboard correctly. Learn some keyboard shortcuts. Practice every day.
How do I increase my typing speed?Arrange your fingers properly. The most important step in improving your typing speed is ensuring that you place your fingers correctly on the keyboard. Rest the index finger (食指) of your left hand on the “F” key and the index finger of your right hand on the “J” key.
Is typing.com free?Typing.com is a free online typing tutor and digital literacy (读写能力) platform used by millions of students and education professionals around the world. We aim to provide valuable learning tools to as many school teachers and students as possible.
1. What do we know about typing.com?| A．It charges very little. | B．It is suitable for every student. |
| C．It helps to improve writing skills. | D．It can automatically correct typing errors. |
| A．Managers. | B．Salesmen. | C．Athletes. | D．Teachers. |
| A．To promote a typing website. | B．To share typing experience. |
| C．To correct typing mistakes. | D．To teach typing skills. |
2 . 假如你是天津国际中学的学生李华，协助国际学生服务中心工作。为增进国际学生知华、友华情怀，学校现在寒假期间面向本校外国学生开展“My China Surprise”短视频征集活动，从自身视角讲述在中国学习和生活的经历与感悟。作品上传学校网站 www.tjinternationalmiddleschool.org。请你在广播中发出英文通知。要点如下：
1. 活动介绍；2. 视频要求(如格式，时长，截止日期等)；3. 鼓励参加。
注意：
1. 词数不少于100； 2. 可适当增加细节，以使行文连贯。
Ladies and gentlemen,
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3 . The UK has a rich literary heritage, with cities packed with bookshops, literary landmarks and comfortable cafes. If you love books, try one of these city breaks.
York
Earning a remarkable “bookspiration” score of 9. 4/10, York has claimed the title of the best UK city for book lovers. Having the highest number of reading spots per 100, 000 people among all cities analysed, literary lovers will find themselves spoiled for choice in this city. Home to 20 libraries and 33 highly-rated bookshops, this serves as a significant literary resource for a city of its population size.
Books inspired by York include: The Secret Garden, Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre
Bath
Bath comes second, receiving a final “bookspiration” score of 8. 1/10. Beyond its plentiful quiet reading spots, more than seven libraries and 16 bookshops per 100, 000 people, the city also offers sufficient green spaces, perfect for eager readers to dive into their favourite books. It’s a dream destination for those with a preference for Jane Austen’s works. It’s also host to the annual Jane Austen Festival in September, featuring many immersive(沉浸式的)Regency-themed experiences.
Books inspired by Bath include: Northanger Abbey, Persuasion, Vathek
Belfast
In third place is Belfast, scoring a respectable 7. 3/10. The Northern Irish city has 18 libraries and 55 charming bookshops to choose from. Serving as the backdrop of inspiration for CS Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia, Belfast also has a bookish culture as it plays host to an annual book festival drawing in the nation’s biggest bookworms.
Books inspired by Belfast include: Eureka Street, Mystery Man, The Star Factory
Bristol
Bristol with a score of 6. 8/10 secures fourth place to be a literary lover’s paradise. Thanks to its treasure of bookshops from independent to second-hand, over 17 bookshops per 100, 000 people, the lively South West city makes an incredible destination for book-shopping.
Books inspired by Bristol include: Shadow Dance, Birdcage Walk, Keep Him Close
1. Which city is the source of the inspiration for Wuthering Heights?| A．York. | B．Bath. | C．Belfast. | D．Bristol. |
| A．Rate bookstores of the city. | B．Attend theme-based activities. |
| C．Dive into CS Lewis’s books. | D．Take a South West city tour. |
| A．The best green reading spaces. | B．The highest “bookspiration” score. |
| C．The most attractive book festival. | D．The biggest second-hand bookstore. |
“You'll find there's never a dull moment in this house.”
—Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham
Downton Abbey: The Exhibition, based on the beloved television show, transports you to post-Edwardian England, where the characters and the iconic house come to life. It is now celebrating the holidays in Atlanta, bringing the Crawley family holiday spirit to its halls with stunning Christmas decorations.
Visitors can explore the decorated halls of Highclere Castle and memorable sets in Downton Abbey, complete with beautifully dressed Christmas trees, a lavish holiday feast, lights that illuminate the holiday magic and more.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
·HOURS: 10 a. m. —6p. m.（last ticket sold at 4:30 p. m.）, open weekly from
Thursday to Monday.
Special holiday hours will be available.
Hours are subject to change.
·LOCATION: Perimeter Pointe in Sandy Springs, 1155 Mount Vernon Hwy NE, Atlanta, GA30338
·DIRECTIONS AND PARKING:
About half a mile from Perimeter Mall, the Exhibition is located near the intersection of Mt Vernon Hwy and Abernathy Rd NE. The location is easily accessible by vehicle or by public transit. There is plenty of free parking available, and we are just steps from the Sandy Springs MARTA bus stop.
FAQ
·How do I purchase tickets?
Purchase General Admission tickets here or VIP tickets here or call toll-free 855—750—6229.
·What is the difference between the General Admission and the VIP ticket?
The VIP ticket allows guests to visit the exhibition on the selected date of visit at any time during normal operating hours. The ticket also includes a complimentary audio guide which is not included with the timed-entry ticket.
·How long does it take to go through the exhibition?
Most guests will spend between 60 and 90 minutes exploring the exhibition. Guests are welcome to stay for as long or as little as they would like during hours of operation.
·Can the exhibition accommodate guests who require special access?
The exhibition is fully accessible for the mobility impaired.
·Is the exhibition appropriate for children? What is the age recommendation?
Downton Abbey fans of all ages are welcome. Children 14 and under can visit the exhibition for free when accompanied by a paying adult. Parents and caregivers can make the best judgment about their children's interest and ability to enjoy the exhibition.
·Why do I have to choose a time to enter the exhibition?
Admission is timed-entry where your ticket is for a specific time slot and you may enter anywhere during the 30 minutes after the stated time. For example: a 10:00 a. m. ticket gives entry from 10:00 a. m.—10:30a. m. Please arrive 15 minutes before your time slot. Busy days may involve a short wait to enter.
·Can I book a group event at the exhibition?
Absolutely! Groups of 10 or more receive a discount off retail prices.
1. The purpose of this passage is to________.| A．illustrate the schedule of a Christmas activity |
| B．demonstrate the popularity of a hit TV drama |
| C．offer group visitors easier access to a culture event |
| D．attract and guide people to visit a theme exhibition |
| A．Those with limited mobility won't find it difficult in the visit. |
| B．A five-year-old boy and his father can buy one ticket to enter. |
| C．The visiting time should be strictly arranged within half an hour. |
| D．One of the features of the VIP ticket is the audio guide service. |
| A．a TV guide | B．a tourist brochure | C．a booking website | D．a movie magazine |
5 . Welcome to the “Chicken Soup” family
The first Chicken Soup for the Soul book was released in 1993 and quickly became a holiday favourite. Thereafter, more than 250 books have been put together based on inspiring stories submitted by readers.
On this part of the website, you will find a list of our new book topics, our writing guidelines and our submission form. We welcome your stories, written in English, from all over the world!
Guidelines for a Chicken Soup for the Soul story
1. Tell an exciting, heart-warming or funny story about something that has happened to you or someone you know. Your story should be written in the first person.
2. Don’t be afraid to speak from the heart. We do let you use a pen-name for your story.
3. Keep your story to 1,200 words or less.
4. We love poems that tell a story, but we do not publish poems that seem overly focused on rhyming (押韵) or those which read more like greetings cards.
A few more tips about submitting your stories
1. The only way to submit your stories is via our website. If you have any problems when trying to fill out the form to submit your work, please contact us.
2. Please submit stories that have not been previously published. The only exception to this is if your work has only been published in a small local publication with limited circulation (发行量) or on your own blog.
3. Please do not send us any book manuscripts (手稿), unless through a literary agent (作家代理人), as they will be automatically discarded.
What happens after you submit your story?
Please complete all fields in the submission form. After you press the SUBMIT button, wait for the next screen to come up with a message that says: “Thank you! Your information has been received.” This is the only confirmation that your story has been entered into our database.
We do not send rejection letters, and we occasionally will save a submission for consideration for a future book. But in general, if you have not heard from us 60 days prior to the book’s on-sale date, that probably means we have decided not to use your story.
If we choose your story for a future book, we will notify (通知) you by email and request your permission to print it. You will be paid $200 one month after the publication of the book and receive ten free copies of the book your story appears in. You will also be entitled to buy books from us at half price.
1. According to the article, a Chicken Soup for the Soul story may be anything but a ________.| A．work of fiction | B．narrative poem |
| C．humorous story | D．tale of adventure |
| A．you don’t submit it on your own |
| B．you don’t use your real name in the story |
| C．it has already been published on a large scale |
| D．it seems similar to a story that has already been published |
| A．as soon as you submit your story on its website |
| B．after your story has been published in a new edition |
| C．when your story has been chosen for a future edition |
| D．45 days before its new edition is available for purchase |
6 . Focusing on critical thinking, communication skills and professional knowledge, the USC Leventhal School of Accounting is devoted to maintaining a leadership position in accounting education and research. Our commitment to the highest quality programs and scholarship consistently puts us at the top of accounting education worldwide.
WHAT TO EXPECT
· Our programs offer students the immersive(沉浸式的)experience and help each graduate develop the potential for career advancement to the highest level of professional accounting and management. Graduates finish the programs not only as qualified accountants, but as well-rounded professionals.
· We are committed to exploring knowledge and sharing it through leading academic and professional journals. We design thoughtful courses for a wonderful educational environment at undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral program levels.
· We provide a state-of-the-art education in a dynamic urban setting, with close ties with big accounting firms and business communities, which come for the event Meet the Firms each term, giving students the opportunity to learn about what it’s really like to work in accounting.
WHAT TO DO
Applicants are urged to file a completed application as early as possible. An admissions decision requires the following: a completed online application, two letters of recommendation, a professional resume(简历), an official GMAT or LSAT score report, and an essay. Finalists must also complete an interview.
We are so confident that you will LOVE our programs! All you need to do is join us to start!
1. What do we know about the USC Leventhal School of Accounting?| A．Its courses are organized at different levels. |
| B．It offers opportunities to work in big companies. |
| C．Its main strength is the immersive education. |
| D．It is the world’s best-known accounting school. |
| A．Collecting data for a report. |
| B．Attending an online interview. |
| C．Offering a couple of references. |
| D．Submitting a handwritten application. |
| A．A school introduction. |
| B．An activity arrangement. |
| C．A program announcement. |
| D．An admissions advertisement. |
7 . Top Exhibitions to See in London in 2023
Architectural: Vanishing Points
While we like to think of architecture existing purely in the real world, emerging designers and architects are using platforms like Instagram to create structures in the virtual world. This collection of works, which range from the practical to the fantastical, are all by architects who have gathered significant social media followings.
In the Digital Universe at ROCA London. 8 February—31 July, free.
Flowery: Orchids
This annual festival is back in bloom (开花), this time inspired by the beauty and biodiversity of Cameroon. Just like previous years, the orchids are spread throughout the various zones of the Princess of Wales conservatory and accompanied by sculptures that are just as colourful as the flowers on display.
At Kew Gardens. 4 February —5 March, &16.50—entrance to the gardens included.
Female Abstraction: Action, Gesture, Paint
Art history has often shone a light on the men of Abstract Expressionism, such as Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko. Well, now’s the time to let the most important women of the movement take the limelight in an exhibition that includes works by American artists such as Lee Krasner and Helen Frankenthaler, but spreads the net wider to include the female abstract artists from Europe, Asia and the wider world, with whom most of us will be unfamiliar.
At Whitechapel Gallery. 9 February—7 May, £ 16.50—concessions available.
Powerful Portraits (肖像): Alice Neel
The largest UK exhibition to date of American painter Alice Neel’s work will bring together her figurative pieces from across her 60-year career. Neel went against the popular grain by painting figures when abstract works were most popular, and she painted subjects that other artists ignored — pregnant women, labour leaders, black children, civil rights activists and strange performers. It’s high time we had a major show of her work in London, and the Barbican has duly provided.
At Barbican Art Gallery. 16 February—21 May, & 18.
1. Which of the following exhibitions is held once a year?| A．Flowery: Orchids. |
| B．Powerful Portraits: Alice Neel. |
| C．Architectural: Vanishing Points. |
| D．Female Abstraction: Action, Gesture, Paint. |
| A．On February 8. | B．On January 7. | C．On April 7. | D．On May 8. |
| A．She is 60 years old now. |
| B．Her works didn’t follow the trend. |
| C．She often ignored some common subjects. |
| D．She is the most popular American painter in the UK. |
8 .
 New big pack from Sierra Designs The latest pack from Sierra Designs is the Gigawatt 60L. The pack has an adjustable back system that fits back lengths from 40cm to 53cm. It’s made from durable 300D polyester. Features include a zipped top and side access, oversized side and front pockets. The Gigawatt 60L weighs 1.84kg and costs £130. sierradesigns.com |  Scarpa upgrades its Maestrale boots Maestrale Re-Made ski boots are made from Polymer taken from around three tons of leftover materials. Creating a Re-Made boot from Polymer emits 27% less carbon dioxide than creating a “classic” boot from plant-based Pebax Rnew, which emits 32% less carbon dioxide than Fossil-based Plastics. The design and manufacturing process behind the Re-Made boot were developed by Scarpa’s Green Lab, the production department dedicated to sustainable solutions. A pair costs £500. scarpa.co.uk / ellis-brigham.com |
 Vasque Breeze gets sustainable update The well-established Vasque Breeze hiking boot has been modernised with environmentally friendly materials. It’s now made with recycled polyester and is the first boot to have a VasqueDry Waterproof membrane, which is made from 25% recycled materials. The Breeze is also comfortable to wear with its soft footbed. The Breeze weighs 1120 grams and comes in two widths. It costs £140. vasque.com |  The North Face launches new ski touring clothing The Dawn Turn clothing provides a layering system for ski touring designed to keep you warm, dry and freely moving. It includes a shell jacket, midlayers, trousers and accessories. The Dawn Turn 2.0 jacket won the innovation award at ISPO for its breathable layer. The cost is £350. The Dawn Turn 1.0 Jacket is made from waterproof DryVent. It features a windproof hood and oversized front pockets, and costs £325. thenorthface.co.uk |
| A．The ski athletes | B．The outdoor lovers |
| C．The environmentalists | D．The sports retailers |
| A．Both kinds of boots mentioned in the passage have two different widths. |
| B．The latest big pack from Sierra Designs has a fixed back system. |
| C．The Vasque Breeze hiking boot is both eco-friendly and waterproof. |
| D．The Dawn Turn 1.0 Jacket won the innovation award at ISPO. |
| A．Polymer > Pebax Renew >Fossil-based Plastics |
| B．Fossil-based Plastics > Pebax Renew > Polymer |
| C．Fossil-based Plastics > Polymer >Pebax Renew |
| D．Polymer >Fossil-based Plastics >Pebax Renew |
9 . NEW NATURE WRITER OF THE YEAR 2022
Seeking talented new faces in the world of nature writing in 2022, we set you a challenge: to write about a special place where you feel close to nature. Your many entries traveled from urban park to moorland (荒原); mountain to lake; coast to garden. Reading them was a thrilling reminder of the power of nature to comfort and heal, but also to energize and excite. Choosing a winner was difficult. Thank you to our judges for their thoughtful consideration. One entry stood out as the winner. Scarlet Ribbons is published on our web page. We hope you enjoy it.
OUR JUDGING TEAM
Gillian Burke, biologist
“Achingly beautiful. This piece is near-perfect as far as I am concerned. It hit every mark, delivering all the elements set out in the brief and more. I could read it again and again and again…”
Nicola Chester, author
“I loved the ‘Hlansel’s bread crumbs of the Scarlet Pimpernel path’ that led you back to the past, to a Lost Eden. The line ‘the thaw (融雪) never came for our moorland household’ has such dramatic power.”
Cal Flyn, journalist and author
“What a striking piece of writing. This was lyrical, knowledgeable and showed deep connection to a place. It also came with an emotional hit that made me want to lie down.”
Joe Pontin, editor and chair of the judging panel
“Written with elegance and passion, Scarlet Ribbons transports you to the peaceful summer days of a young child exploring the countryside around the family farm in Yorkshire.”
1. What is the theme of the world of nature writing in 2022?| A．Identifying the best nature-lover. |
| B．Healing the world with nature-lovers. |
| C．Exploring more personal natural places. |
| D．Connecting with one’s unique natural place. |
| A．Gillian Burke. |
| B．Nicola Chester. |
| C．Cal Flyn. |
| D．Joe Pontin. |
| A．A website. |
| B．A newspaper. |
| C．A magazine. |
| D．A guidebook. |
10 . Monthly educational subscription boxes for students can be a great way to develop an interest in a particular subject. If you want to learn something at home while having fun, you can have educational subscription boxes delivered monthly straight to your house.
Spangler Boxes
Spangler Boxes feature a range of hands-on scientific experiments designed by Steve Spangler, who previously hosted a popular science education program on News for Kids Projects focus on STEM-science, technology, engineering and math Examples of projects include exploring lava (岩浆) science, the sound waves, and physical laws.
Finders Seekers Boxes
After receiving a Finders Seekers Box, you’ll explore characters of a new city and culture every month while solving puzzles. Think of a Finders Seekers Box as an escape room challenge that takes place in your living room. Clues and online research tools are available to help in case you get stuck solving the mystery. Each puzzle takes approximately two to four hours to complete.
Creation Boxes
Creation Boxes teach students electronics, digital tips and high-level problem-solving. Each box teaches a lesson and is progressively more challenging. A sampling of the projects includes a mood lamp, an electronic memory game, and a distance detector using an ultrasonic sensor (超声传感器).
Kiwi Doodle Boxes
Kiwi Doodle Boxes are among the most popular boxes on the market. They feature a variety of themes customized to students aged from 8 to 18 and focus on art and design with projects such as a felt botanic garden,an artificial leather sample set, and a handmade soap. These projects introduce students to new crafting materials and techniques and all craft supplies are included in the box.
1. What did Steve Spangler use to be?| A．A scientist. | B．An educator. | C．A TV host. | D．An engineer. |
| A．Features of cities. | B．Online instructions. |
| C．Historical mysteries. | D．Escape room challenges. |
| A．Creation Boxes. | B．Spangler Boxes. |
| C．Finders Seekers Boxes. | D．Kiwi Doodle Boxes. |
