1 . Fun facts about Antarctica

At the southernmost point of the world, you find Antarctica a giant mass of ice that’s its own continent. You, may not know much about the continent, so why not read on?

There’ s a lake that runs blood red in Antarctica.

As though someone has cut into the ice, the properly named Blood Falls come out over the Taylor Glacier. The water is extremely high in iron and salt, and when it comes into contact with the air, it shows the special red color against the pure white surroundings. The water here is three times saltier than ocean water, and therefore, too salty to become ice.

Antarctica has its own treaty (条约).

Because the environment of Antarctica is so delicate and unique, there is a treaty saying that only peaceful research can be done there. In 1959, 12 countries signed this treaty, with the number now sitting at 53. This also makes it certain that Antarctica doesn’t end up being caught in an international conflict, and that the continent is only used for scientific purposes and sensible traveling. The treaty prevents army and nuclear activities, and also mineral mining.

There is a unique phenomenon in Antarctica called diamond dust.

While there are low levels of precipitation (降水) in Antarctica, that doesn’t mean the air is clear of nature’s beauty! The air is so cold there that moisture (水汽) can condense while air-borne. This results in ice falling to the ground. The sun’s light will cause the ice to shine, creating a shining shower called diamond dust. It happens when the skies are clear, known as clear-sky precipitation.

If any of these Antarctic facts have increased your interest in visiting this unique continent, be sure to get in touch with the team al Aurora Expeditions today.

Phone：+61 (0)2 9252 1033

1. What do we know about the Blood Falls?

A．The water has been polluted.	B．The water comes from a river.
C．The water is rich in iron and salt.	D．The water usually freezes in winter.

2. The last fun fact is mainly about________.

A．where moisture comes from	B．how diamond dust is formed
C．where diamond dust can be found	D．how precipitation can be increased

3. What is the text most probably?

A．A tour report.	B．research plan.
C．An advertisement.	D．An exploration guide.

2 . Volunteer Wildlife Transporters Needed!

What is a wildlife transporter?
● Wildlife transporters help get rescued sick, injured and orphaned wildlife from a rescuer, carer or vet clinic to a wildlife hospital or a wildlife carer.
● All wildlife will be securely contained for safe transport, so no handling experience is required.
What equipment do I need?
● A reliable vehicle with air-conditioning and sufficient room to place transport carriers. A standard SUV is sufficient.
● Basic rescue supplies
—Cardboard boxes of various sizes
—Plastic rescue baskets
—Pet carriers
● Other supplies
—Second-hand towels, pillowcases or other soft cloth for lining and covering transport carriers
—Notebook and pen/pencil for marking boxes and completing paperwork
—Packing/sticky tape to secure cardboard boxes and to attach paperwork to the animal’s carrier
● Specialised transport carriers
Some wildlife (such as koalas, snakes) will already be contained in a more specialised transport carrier by the rescuer and the animal will remain in that carrier for transport. You do NOT need to have these specialised carriers.
How do I get started?
● Become a Wildcare member—join online at https://wildcare.org.au/help-us/join/.
● Register for and attend a Rescue and First Aid for Wildlife workshop—all training workshops are free for members.
● Get your basic supplies ready as listed above.
● Complete the online Rescue/Transport List Application Form.
●Join the Wildcare members-only Facebook groups—Wildcare Wildlife Transport Facebook group/Wildcare Community Facebook group.
Then what?
● Keep us up to date with your contact details so we can get in touch quickly and easily.
● Keep an eye out for posts from wildlife rescuers and carers asking for assistance with transporting.
● Keep your mobile handy so you don’t miss calls for help.
1. What equipment does a volunteer wildlife transporter need to have?

A．Metal rescue baskets.	B．An air-conditioned car.
C．Some specialized carriers.	D．New towels or pillowcases.

2. What is a volunteer wildlife transporter expected to do?

A．Pay for the training workshops.	B．Ask for assistance when necessary.
C．Update their contact information in time.	D．Complete the application form with a pen.

3. What type of writing is the text?

A．A review.

B．A report.

C．A paper.

D．An advertisement.

3 . As an alternative to going straight from high school to college, many young adults are taking a gap year as a chance to travel, volunteer or explore new skills. We’ve rounded up a selection of some of the top gap year programs, which will help you get started searching for your perfect post-graduation experience.

The Leap

As a UK-based organization, it offers volunteer travel options in both group-structured and independent plans. The Leap creates amazing hands-on opportunities to travel while working on sustainability projects, such as repairing coral reefs in South Africa or conservation efforts on the beaches and forests in Costa Rica. The organization is responsible for half tuition costs.

Workaway

Workaway encourages cultural exchange through work, from working on a farm in British Columbia to teaching art to children in Peru. Living expenses will be provided as long as young adults work there. This can be a good option to gain some new skills and see the world for free.

Habitat for Humanity (HFH)

This nonprofit organization offers full-year service positions at local habitat organizations across the US. In this program, participants can learn and develop new skills while serving a critical role in helping HFH build, create or improve homes for those in need. There is a small living allowance for those who qualify.

Where There Be Dragons (WTBD)

WTBD has some of the most in-depth foreign travel programs available. It offers political science, history, sustainability, economics and language immersion in remote locals as well as those closer to home. WTBD offers college credits as part of their programs. This program is one of the most expensive options, but financial aid is available.

1. What does the program of The Leap focus on?

A．Cultural exchange.	B．Handicraft-making.
C．Individual planning.	D．Environmental projects.

2. What do these four programs have in common?

A．They operate in groups.	B．They offer college credits.
C．They provide financial aid.	D．They are conducted in the UK.

3. Who is the text intended for?

A．Travel enthusiasts.	B．High school graduates.
C．Charity organizers.	D．College teachers.

4 . Become a Volunteer for Los Angeles Animal Services

Thank you for your interest in our volunteer team! We are looking for volunteers who want to make a difference in the lives of abandoned animals in our care.

We need friendly, outgoing and personable volunteers to assist the public and work with the staff in our animal shelters and at on-site and off-site adoption events.

Our dogs, cats, rabbits and other animals are in need of care, attention, walking, playing, socialization and engaging with people. You may choose to work with any or all of our animal populations.

Volunteers are also needed to assist with other important roles such as adoptions, greeting customers, photography, videography, playgroups, humane education, public relations and some office tasks.

Volunteer opportunities are available during our business hours. Tuesday to Saturday: 8: 00 am to 5:00 pm. Sunday: 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Shelters are closed on Mondays and on holidays.

Apply online today!

1. Once your application receives preliminary (初步的) approval, you’ll receive orientation (培训) materials and the volunteer agreement to review and sign.

2. Once you return all the necessary paperwork, you’ll have access to our volunteer entrance and other resources, to start your online and on-site training.

3. Once you complete your First Day Classroom and First Day On-site Training, you’ll be able to help with Boredom Busters Daily Enrichment for the animals, and also to train to work with dogs, cats, rabbits, or all three!

Join us and start making a difference! Los Angeles Animal Services recognizes the contributions made by volunteers and is committed to providing a volunteer program that offers challenging opportunities where volunteers can make a difference in the lives of the animals Los Angeles Animal Services cares for.

If you have any questions, please contact the Los Angeles Animal Services Volunteer Office at ani.volunteers@lacity.org.

1. Who will most probably be interested in the program?

A．People who love animals.	B．People who desire to find a job.
C．People who want their pets adopted.	D．People who plan to volunteer on holidays.

2. When is the right time to volunteer at the shelters?

A．From 11: 00 am to 5:00. pm on Monday.	B．From 8:00 am to, 11: 00 am on Sunday.
C．From 2: 00 pm to 5: 00 pm on Sunday.	D．From 8: 00 am to 5: 00 pm on Monday.

3. What should you do before getting the volunteer agreement?

A．Read orientation materials.	B．Submit the application.
C．Visit the volunteer entrance.	D．Receive professional training.

5 . Yellowstone Poster Exhibition to Be on View at UW’s Coe Library

A first-of-its-kind exhibition that focuses on the history of Yellowstone National Park posters will be on display at the University of Wyoming’s Coe Library beginning Tuesday, February 1.

“Wonderland Illustrated” will present posters and poster-style illustrations of the park spanning from the 1870s through 2022. The exhibition will be located on Level 3 of Coe Library. It will be on view through Tuesday, May 31.

The exhibition takes place at the same time as this year’s 150th anniversary of the creation of Yellowstone National Park. The posters in the exhibition serve the purpose of both advertising and art.

“We’re thrilled to be working with Yellowstone collectors Jack and Susan Davís, and Larry and Thea Lancaster to bring this exhibition to the University of Wyoming as part of year-long celebrations recognizing Yellowstone’s 150th anniversary,” says Tamsen Hert, head of UW Libraries’ Emmett D. Chisum Special Collections. “This exhibition involves the history of printing, art, photography and advertising over 16 decades. The images reproduced are found on travel brochures, postcards and maps—many of which are held in our collections.”

One poster from the exhibition—Henry Wellge’s “Yellowstone National Park” from1904—was recently purchased with donated funds and is now part of UW Libraries’ Emmett D. Chisum Special Collections. Wellge, a productive bird’s-eye-view artist, designed the piece for the Northern Pacific Railroad, which used it to advertise the park. This is a unique piece, as posters such as this one were printed on soft paper and very few have survived.

1. How long will the exhibition “Wonderland Illustrated” last?

A．Two weeks.

B．Three months.

C．Four months.

D．One year.

2. What is a purpose of the exhibition?

A．To remember a famous artist.	B．To raise fund for Coe Library.
C．To mark the anniversary of a national park.	D．To tell the history of the University of Wyoming.

3. What do we know about the 1904 poster Henry Wellge designed?

A．It is rare in the world.	B．It is in black and white.
C．It is printed on cloth.	D．It is owned by a professor.

6 . Influential Art

Sheila Metzner: From Life Jan. 20, 2024-Feb. 25, 2024 This exhibition celebrates the artistic skill of the internationally respected American photographer Sheila Metzner. Her unique style integrates aspects of Pictorialism andModernism to create an aesthetic (美感),which not only stands out in the history of photography but also becomes very closely associated with the best of 1980’s fashion,beauty and decorative arts trends.

William Blake: Visionary Jan. 17, 2024-Feb. 24, 2024 A remarkable printmaker, painter, and poet, William Blake (1757-1827) developed a very wildly unconventional world view. By combining his poetry and images on the page through unique drawing techniques, Blake created some of British art’s most striking and lasting imagery. This major international loan exhibition explores the artist-poet’s imaginative world through his most celebrated works.

Alfredo Boulton: Looking at Venezuela (1928-1978) Daily, through Jan.16, 2024 Alfredo Boulton was one of the most important intellectuals of the 20th century inLatin America and an influential photographer of the modern period. Through his large collection of works, Boulton generated a new cultural definition of Venezuela. This exhibition explores Boulton’s wonderful photography, his relationships with modern artists and his influence on the formalization of art history in his country.

Eugèn e Atget: Highlights from the Mary & Dan Solomon Collection Daily, through Jan. 25, 2024 Around the turn of the 20th century,photographer Eugène Atget broke new artistic ground. Walking at dawn with his heavy camera, he photographed the soul of Paris and its surrounding areas by focusing on its old alleyways, shop fronts, architectural details,staircases and street sellers. This focused exhibition features highlights from the artist’s work, which continues to influence quite a few photographers today.

1. What did Sheila Metzner and Alfredo Boulton have in common?

A．They shaped artistic expression.

B．T hey explored cultural diversity.

C．They photographed American life.

D．They focused on modern photography.

2. What is Eugène Atget’s photography mainly about?

A．French fashions.	B．Natural landscapes.
C．Architectural designs.	D．Urban street scenes.

3. Which exhibition is suitable for whoever studies words and images?

A．William Blake: Visionary.

B．S heila M etzner:F rom L ife.

C．A lfredo B oulton:L ooking at Venezuela(1928–1978).

D．E ugène A tget: H ighlights from the Mary & Dan Solomon Collection.

7 . Writing anything imaginative and questioning usually comes down to one ordinary question: what if? What if there were ghosts who could move through the walls? What if a man were to turn into salt? What if there was a book of real predictions? These questions form clear starting points, while character, setting, and the beginning point are key parts.

In this masterclass with Natasha Pulley, the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Watchmaker of Filigree Street and creative writing lecturer, you will be guided through the strategies that help craft magical realism, from story planning to the final completion.

Combining practical writing exercises with theory and discussion, this masterclass will give you the tools and inspiration to build your ideas into a novel.

Course content

Finding your ideas quickly and easily

Extending the outline into more complex world-building

How to use historical language to enrich your work

How to think about novel structure

Course Details

Date: Thursday 12 October 2023

Time: 6: 30 pm - 9: 00 pm

You will be sent a link to the online class 24 hours prior to the start time. Please email masterclasses @theguardian. com if you do not receive the access link 24 hours before the scheduled start time. If you require any adjustments to enable your participation in this course, please get in touch with us through email as well.

1. What is the main objective of this masterclass?

A．To teach the process of publishing journals.

B．To guide participants in turning ideas into novels

C．To provide instructions on writing book reviews.

D．To explore and discuss theories of magical realism.

2. What might be taught in this masterclass?

A．Finding ideas to compose a lecture.

B．Obtaining inspiration to craft a bestseller.

C．Learning to analyze the structure of a novel.

D．Applying historical language to enhance writing

3. What should you do if you don’t receive the link as scheduled?

A．Reach out to Natasha Pulley for help.	B．Seek support from fellow participants.
C．Contact the course provider via email.	D．Check the course website for updates.

8 . In September, thousands of monuments, civic buildings and private homes throw open their doors to offer a rare glimpse of normally of-limits spaces. Here are some less-known treasures around the UK.

Guided tour of Gladstone’s Library, Hawarden

Gladstone’s Library in Hawarden will be running special tours as part of the Open Doors-Wales festival. It was built as a memorial to prime minister Wiliam Gladstope, Take a tour of beautiful Reading Rooms housing 150,000 books.

September 16, 10 am-2 pm, booking required.

Britannia Panopticon Music Hall, Glasgow

The atmospheric Britannia Panopticon will be showing off its collection of theatrical relics, props and costumes. Sample Victorian items at the world’s oldest surviving music hall without booking.

September 15 and 16, 11 am-5 pm and September 17, 12 pm-5 pm

Gothic Temple, Stowe Gardens

Visitors to Stowe Gardens will be offered a rare chance to see inside the 18th century Gothic Temple. Though it’s normally rented as a holiday let, its circular rooms and mosaic ceilings will be open to prebooked visitors for one weekend.

September 16 and 17, 10: 30 am-4: 30 pm, free of charge

Appleton Tower: School of Informatics, Edinburgh University

As part of Scotland’s Doors Open Days festival, Edinburgh University’s Appleton Tower will be offering tours of the world-leading School, including a visit to the study suite on Level 9 which offers far-reaching views of the Edinburgh skyline.

September 23, 11 am-2 pm, booking in advance.
1. What can visitors do at Britannia Panopticon Music Hall?

A．They can appreciate theatre-related items

B．They can listen to the oldest surviving music

C．They can visit a study room with far-reaching scenery.

D．They can read in Reading Rooms with 150,000 books in store.

2. Which of the following will appeal to architecture fans?

A．Gothic Temple. Stowe Gardens

B．Britannia Panopticon Music Hall, Glasgow.

C．Guided tour of Gladstone’s Library. Hawarden

D．Appleton Tower: School of Informatics, Edinburgh University

3. What do Guided tour of Gladstone’s Library and Appleton Tower have in common?

A．They both last for four hours.	B．They both require early reservations
C．They both honor world famous figures	D．They both offer special views to visitors.

9 . In February Chen Qiqi was riding on a field trip, seeking interesting plants in South China’s Hainan province. Suddenly, she ______ and gave other passengers a shock.

As the car pulled over, she jumped off and ______ to a plant. Chen ______ the plant at close quarters, while taking pictures and shooting it from various angles. “It was Entada phaseoloides (榼藤) and I couldn’t wait to share it with my ______,” she says.

She applied for studies of ______ protection at college in 2016. The college study has given her ______ knowledge of plants and the plant-hunting ______ has made her have a good ______ of the natural world. These led to her option of becoming a teacher at a (n) ______ education institute after graduation.

However, the lockdown interrupted her plans so she couldn’t ______ with it. Instead, she picked up skills of video shooting, which ______ her to be a plant video blogger. Her short videos cover a ______ range of plants, including red spider lily, box bean and air plants, etc. In Chen’s ______ on TikTok, over 100 videos explaining varieties of plants have earned her almost 1 million followers.

“I feel proud and my job is ______ when people say they know about some plants because of me. As for her future plans, Chen says she ______ to carry on exploring the world of plants.

1.

A．hesitated

B．screamed

C．stopped

D．collapsed

2.

A．drove

B．walked

C．rolled

D．rushed

3.

A．cut

B．smelt

C．removed

D．observed

4.

A．audience

B．students

C．passengers

D．staff

5.

A．plant

B．community

C．food

D．wildlife

6.

A．formal

B．previous

C．systematic

D．abstract

7.

A．choice

B．degree

C．experience

D．requirement

8.

A．taste

B．command

C．view

D．comment

9.

A．nature

B．health

C．life

D．environment

10.

A．conflict

B．proceed

C．compare

D．end

11.

A．forbade

B．reminded

C．enabled

D．forced

12.

A．narrow

B．new

C．superb

D．diverse

13.

A．account

B．idea

C．profile

D．setting

14.

A．amusing

B．valuable

C．challenging

D．practical

15.

A．pretends

B．manages

C．longs

D．ceases