1 . London Theatre Shows
Alice In Wonderland
Each ticket to the show includes free entry to Kew Gardens., Alice in Wonderland is playing at the Kew Gardens from 22 July to 28 August 2023.
Running time: 1 hour 10 minutes with no interval (幕间休息)
Performance days
Matinees (日场): Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Important information: Children under 2 years old go free.
Back To The Future: The Musical
It is based on the iconic Back ta the Future films. Back to the Future: The Musical tickets at the Adelphi Theatre, London are available to book for performances up to 11 February 2024.
Age restrictions: Suitable for general audience aged 6+. Children under 3 will not be admitted.
Running time: 2 hours 40 minutes (including interval)
Performance days
Evenings; Monday, Wednesday. Thursday. Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Matinees: Thursday, Saturday, Sunday.
Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour
This show sees Blippi in the ultimate curiosity adventure. Dance, sing, and learn with Blippi as he discovers what makes different cities unique and special. Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour runs at Rose Theatre, Kingston from 29 August to 9 September 2023.
Age restrictions: Recommended for ages 2+.
Running time: 1 hour (no interval)
Performance days
Matinees: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Dinosaur World Live
Join our brave explorers across unchartered territories to discover a pre-historic world of remarkably life-like dinosaurs. Dinosaur World Live runs from 11 August to 3 September 2023 at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, London.
Age restrictions: 3+
Running time: 50 mins + a 15-minute post show
Performance days
Matinees: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
1. What do we know about Back to the Future: The Musical?| A．It has no performances on Tuesdays, |
| B．Booking starts on 11 February 2024. |
| C．Children under 3 years old can go free. |
| D．It lasts 2 hours 40 minutes without intervals. |
| A．Kew Gardens. |
| B．Adelphi Theatre. |
| C．Rose Theatre, Kingston. |
| D．Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. |
| A．Alice In Wonderland |
| B．Dinosaur World Live |
| C．Back To The Future: The Musical |
| D．Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour |
2 . 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. |
| 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. |
| A．To diversify the economy. | B．To attract tourists. |
| C．To conserve the environment. | D．To entertain readers. |
3 . Gabon, on the west coast of Africa, has numerous rainforests, open grasslands, white sand beaches and rushing rivers. Here are four adventures that can let you have unforgettable experiences.
The Wild Species Adventure
The site of this adventure is close to a national park, which has elephants, monkeys, leopards, red river hogs and so on. Visitors can go on a journey by jeep and have a chance to see the country’s natural beauty and different birds in a nearby reserve.
The Fishing Adventure
Gabon has some really big fish and miles of untouched coastlines, and the fishing spots are not packed, because they are wide apart. When fishing, visitors can find themselves in pleasant places, surrounded by palm trees during the adventure. Gabon’s unique lagoon (环礁湖) system provides visitors with a range of fish, all ready for you to join in the fishing contest.
The Private Island Adventure
It is difficult for visitors to find this private island on the sea on booking or a trip advisor, but it is known by locals. It offers small but comfortable rooms to rest. Visitors can try fun activities like wakeboarding and boating. During the whale season, visitors can also rent boats to take a close look at whales by following responsible viewing guidelines.
The Whale Watching Adventure
There is a great diversity of marine mammals to see in this adventure, especially whales. Some of the whales can be found at all time, while others, for example, the humpback whales, only spend a few months from July to September. In this trip, visitors can take splendid pictures of these whales playing around and jumping above the surface of the sea under safety guidance.
1. Which adventure attracts a lover of land animals most?| A．The wild species adventure. | B．The fishing adventure. |
| C．The private island adventure. | D．The whale watching adventure. |
| A．Noisy. | B．Narrow. |
| C．Uncrowded. | D．Unpleasant. |
| A．Whale watching. | B．Private trip advisors. |
| C．Cost-free water sports. | D．A photo-taking service. |
1. Why is Gemma worried?
| A．Because she has a larger-than-life personality. |
| B．Because her best friend Alice is leaving. |
| C．Because she had to find a new friend. |
| A．She is the main character in Best Friends. |
| B．She likes telling touching and funny stories. |
| C．She is thirsty (渴望的) for a real home. |
| A．people can get the two books online only |
| B．people can watch the story of Gemma and Tracy on TV |
| C．Jacqueline Wilson wrote the two books for children |
5 . Volunteers Wanted to Protect the Lake
| Requirements | *Being more than 12 years old *Being free on weekends *Being able to speak Chinese |
| Activities | *Picking up the rubbish along the lake and putting it into different trash cans *Handing out some notices about how to protect the lake |
| Benefits | *Having colorful activities and make some new friends meanwhile *Having lunch and dinner for free *Learning something about garbage sorting (垃圾分类) |
| A．be able to speak English | B．be over 12 years old | C．be free on weekdays |
| A．make some notices about garbage sorting |
| B．have all meals without paying any money |
| C．learn and have fun at the same time |
6 . Our much-loved 100-Word-Story Competition is back!
Our 100-word-story competition is your chance to show the world your storytelling talents!
Your stories should be original, unpublished and exactly 100 words — not a single word shorter or longer! Entries are now open and the submission deadline is January 5, 2024. Multiple entries are allowed per person. We are unfortunately only able to consider UK-based entries.
Rules
Please ensure that submissions are original, not previously published and exactly 100 words long (not including title). Don’t forget to include your full name, address, email and phone number when filling in the form. We may use entries in all print and electronic media.
There are three categories — one for adults and two categories for schools: one for children aged 12-18 and one for children under 12.
Submission
Please submit your stories by 5pm on January 5, 2024 either online or by post addressed to:
Reader’s Digest
100 Word Story Competition
Warners Group Publications
West Street
Bourne
PE109PH
Prizes
The editorial team will pick a short list of entries, and the three best stories in each category will be posted online at readersdigest. co. uk on February1, 2024. You can vote for your favourite, and the one with the most votes will win the top prize and receive ￡1,000. Voting will close on February 29, 2024 and the winning entries will be posted online on April 16, and published in our May 2024 issue.
PS: Reader’s Digest is a member of the Independent Press Standards Organisation (which regulates the UK’s magazine and newspaper industry). We abide by the Editors’ Code of Practice and are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism.
1. Who is likely to qualify for the competition?| A．An Indian primary student. | B．A well-known Chinese writer. |
| C．A British writing lover. | D．An American chief editor. |
| A．January, 2024. | B．June, 2024. |
| C．February, 2024. | D．December, 2023. |
| A．You have to submit your work before February 1, 2024. |
| B．Only one story of yours is allowed to be in the competition. |
| C．Buying one copy of Reader’s Digest is a must to be in the competition. |
| D．Both preschool children and in-school students can participate in the contest. |
7 . Thanks For Giving 4 Miler
Thurs. November 23, 2023
The EventSign up today for the 2023 Thanks For Giving 4 Miler and Kids Dash that will take place this Thanksgiving in New Albany! Come out and join us for a fun kick off to Thanksgiving Day festivities! As always, 100% of our net proceeds go to help those in need.
All are welcome, including competitive runners, joggers, and walkers wanting to enjoy time with friends and loved ones. Registration ends on November 22, 2023.
The FeeThere is no official race fee. You can give as much or as little as you want. However-a $40 minimum donation is required to get our soft T-shirt. Our goal is to feed as many families in Central Ohio as we can. You can help by running our race, spreading the word, or making a donation. You may bring any donation you want, from a can of soup to cash. Let’s make a difference.
Event Day Timeline6:30 am: Race day check-in begins.
8:00 am: Opening ceremony (仪式) begins!
8:15 am: Kids Dash begins!
8:30 am: The Thanks For Giving 4 Miler kicks off!
AwardsThe top three overall male and female finishers will receive a gift certificate. The top three male and female finishers in each of the following age groups will receive a pumpkin (南瓜) pie: 14 and under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 and above. Every participant of the kids race receives a finisher’s medal!
SafetyFor safety, please no bicycles, skateboards, inline skates, or participation with pets.
1. What is Thanks For Giving 4 Miler and Kids Run?| A．A marathon race. | B．A charity event. |
| C．A kid-targeted activity. | D．A holiday get-together. |
| A．A soft T-shirt. | B．A pumpkin pie. |
| C．A gift certificate. | D．A finisher’s medal. |
| A．Bringing a donation. |
| B．Reaching a certain age. |
| C．Registering in advance. |
| D．Wearing safety equipment. |
8 . Here come four most popular clubs in our school! Join us, and we will help you to find your own shining points, lead you to find beauty and to create beauty, and make your campus life as fulfilling and happy as a dream.
Basketball Club
Students will be able to develop their basketball skills further and have the opportunity to compete in basketball games with members from other international schools in Beijing. The club will be available to 10-16 members from Grades 5 to 8, and will practice twice weekly.
Public Speaking Club
The Public Speaking Club will be centered around the personal development of students along with developing public speaking skills. The club will be interested in focusing on all skills in delivering better speeches and improving communication skills. The club will be available to 10-12 members from Grades 7 to 12, and will meet once weekly (Wednesday).
Yoga Club
Yoga not only improves balance, flexibility, and joint stability, but also serves as a peaceful escape from the stress of daily life. Our students will have the chance to physically exercise while reducing some stress from their life. The club will be available to 10-16 members from Grades 7 to 12, and will meet once weekly (Tuesday).
Media Club
The Media Club teaches students the basics of journalism. The club engages in a wide range of activities like interviewing teachers and students, writing about big events on campus, and operating the weekly school radio broadcasts. The club will be available to 8-12 members from Grades 6 to 12 and will meet once weekly (Monday).
1. Which club will attract students who want to get both mental and physical benefits?| A．Basketball Club. | B．Public Speaking Club. | C．Yoga Club. | D．Media Club. |
| A．Set up a school radio. | B．Write imaginary stories. |
| C．Learn public speaking skills. | D．Interview teachers and students. |
| A．In a school introduction. | B．In a research paper. |
| C．In a history textbook. | D．In a guidebook. |
9 . Welcome to www.penpal.me. To get more information, please click (点击) here.➡
WHAT YOU GET
In this website (网站), you can exchange postcards with new pen pals. Share your interests and stories with people from all over the world. Learn about different cultures and languages.
OUR USERS SAY
Jannie (the UK)
After spending some time abroad, I felt lonely back in my home country. Thankfully, I discovered PenPal by accident. With PenPal, I’ve made friends thousands of kilometers away. And I’ve been able to learn some Chinese while doing that.
Mike (Singapore)
Writing postcards has given me a way to relax and take a break. I love to put a personal picture on my postcard and tell the story behind it. Thank you, PenPal, for giving me the chance to meet wonderful people and share my happiness through writing!
Mary (the USA)
It always puts a smile on my face when I open my mailbox and see a new card. Through PenPal, I’ve made a truly great friend, Yokio, in Japan. We talk about many interesting things and share our experiences of everyday life. I hope everyone can find someone they feel so close to.
1. In this text, PenPal is a name of .| A．a story | B．a person | C．a website | D．a postcard |
| A．Share a new mailbox. | B．Exchange letters. |
| C．Go abroad with friends. | D．Learn different languages. |
| A．A magazine. | B．A newspaper. |
| C．A poster. | D．The Internet. |
10 . In the past decade, the use of social media has grown in a way that no one could have guessed. It has turned some teenagers into celebrities (名人) and turned the famous into the infamous, overnight.
A key feature of social media, however, is its volatility. Trends come and go, disappearing almost as quickly as they appeared. So, what were the key social media trends of 2019?
Short video apps such as TikTok and its Chinese equivalent Douyin, took the world by storm. The Telegraph reported that TikTok was ranked 8th on Apple’s App Store in April. And Douyin had more than 300 million domestic monthly active users in June, CNBC said.
Why are these short videos — which are rarely longer than a few minutes — so popular? Jiang Yige, Singapore-based analyst at FengHe Fund Management, has a theory. Short videos are “just right to fill in the little gaps in our busy schedules”, he told CNBC.
These videos — apart from being very convenient — are important to teenagers because they allow them to express themselves, according to Teen Vogue.
The sense of community that users of short video apps get is another appealing feature. Liza Koshy, a user of the US app Musically who has over 2 million followers, said that she was thrilled when anyone said that her video had “inspired” him. “It’s really cool...because I think that as short video creators that’s what we all expect,” she added.
Live streaming is another feature of our social media life that now seems as natural as sunrise. It’s a pretty neat idea: You can watch anyone, anywhere, live.
However, China has taken live streaming to a whole new level. In China, more than 100 million viewers monthly watch a live streaming video. Forbes thought that a number of factors had led to the popularity of live streams. Among them is viewers’ ability to interact while remaining anonymous.
However, the boom in social media may be having side effects too. Fake news is one serious problem it arguably causes. Material shared on these platforms is often not checked for accuracy. The most basic content can be false and can sway users one way or another. We use social media all the time; that doesn’t mean that we understand the influence it is having on us. We should be mindful of both the time we spend on it and its impact on our minds.
1. The underlined word “volatility” in Paragraph 2 possibly means “being ”.| A．changeable | B．steady |
| C．promising | D．violent |
| A．they are very convenient |
| B．they help people kill time |
| C．they provide a sense of community |
| D．they allow people to express themselves |
| A．The information from social media is highly reliable. |
| B．When it comes to social media, people know short videos the best. |
| C．People can’t communicate with each other without social media. |
| D．There is still much room for social media to make improvement. |
| A．Rapid Development of Social Media |
| B．Key Social Media Trends of 2019 |
| C．Short Videos Taking the World by Storm |
| D．Live Streaming — A New Feature of Social Media |
