1 . Whether you’re brand new to hiking or looking to discover your next favorite trail (路线), hiking apps might be the tool to help you get there. Take a look at the list below and choose one that meets your needs.
1．G-GPS
G-GPS is one of the most popular navigation (导航) tools designed for remote mountainous areas. For some hikers, dependable maps and an easily searchable trail database are a must for a hiking app. G-GPS has both, which makes it a great option for beginners and expert hikers alike. It provides data like pace, distance and increased height. Moreover, it works fine when you’re offline and without cell service.
If you’re a fan of cold-temperature hiking, this app’s paid version ($40) has a winter map choice that displays features to help navigate in snowy weather.
2．P-Finder
Many hikers tend to have the experience of standing on a peak, looking at another mountain and wondering “What peak is that?”
If you’d like to avoid the problem, P-Finder might be the app for you. It takes the guesswork out of your exploration, thanks to its unique offering: a 360° view of mountain peaks and their names from your current location, requiring no Internet connection. Plus, all levels of hikers can use it, especially for finding new peaks to hike.
Added bonus: The app has some practical functions, which allow you to take some breathtaking shots and then automatically (自动地) label each peak with its correct name.
You can buy the app for $5 on its official website.
3．N-Land
N-Land Digital is a Canadian nonprofit that helps expert hikers to learn more about their local history and the Indigenous territories (土著领地).
By entering your address, a number of links will appear with the names of different Indigenous nations. Clicking on those links, you will be taken to a page specifically about that nation, language, or treaty, where you can view some sources, give feedback, and learn a little more. You can even do this if you’re offline. This app is an ongoing project, and maps of new territories are regularly added.
You’ll likely want to use this app together with another app such as A-Trails or V-Ranger, if you’re also seeking navigational help.
1. Which app can provide a whole view of mountain peaks?| A．G-GPS. | B．P-Finder. | C．N-Land. | D．A-Trails. |
| A．They suit all levels of hikers. |
| B．They should be used with other apps. |
| C．They are free of charge in the app stores. |
| D．They can be used without Internet connection. |
| A．To recommend apps for hikers. | B．To introduce various hiking trails. |
| C．To encourage people to go hiking. | D．To compare different kinds of apps. |
2 . 2023 Illustration(插画) Competition
Welcome to enter for the Communication Arts Illustration Competition, most respected and admired in the industry for creativity in illustration. Each winner will receive a professionalized Award of Excellence, a trophy (奖杯) and a certificate. This award is one of the most desired awards. If chosen, winning will place you in the highest position of your industry.
What To Enter WithAny illustration first published or produced from Jan. 2023 to Jan. 2024 is qualified. Entries may originate from any country. Descriptions in English are necessary for the judges to read.
Entries Can Be Submitted (提交) In The Following FormatsDigital Images: RGB images in JPG format with a maximum file size of 2 MB. GIF images may be livelier, but would be turned down, and so would the PNG ones.
Dlustration Competition Categories & Entry FeesCategory | Single illustration | Series of illustration |
Books (covers, jackets, etc.) | $40 | $80 (limit of 5) |
Motions (media for films, videos, etc) | $90 | $180 (limit of 3) |
Student Work | $20 (Image) $45 (Video) | $40 (limit of 5) $90 (limit of 3) |
Late Fees
Entries must be registered no later than Jan. 13,2024. Entries registered after that date will be charged a fee of $ 10 each. No entries can be registered after Jan. 27, 2024.
1. What will the winner get?| A．A tailor-made award certificate. | B．A chance for overseas study. |
| C．Widely accepted in the industry. | D．Prize money from Communication Arts. |
| A．An image with 1MB JPG format. | B．A motion published within 2 years. |
| C．A series for jackets of 10 illustrations. | D．A student work without English introduction. |
| A．$ 80. | B．$ 120. | C．$ 110. | D．$ 90. |
3 . Booking a vacation has never been more convenient. As your one-stop vacation planner, VME has everything you need to book an unforgettable getaway. If you aren’t sure where to go, check out our most popular destinations (目的地):
Nashville
Nashville is the capital of the state as well as the capital of country music. Nicknamed “Music City”, Nashville is where many of the most legendary performers got their start.
Things to do
There are many amazing activities to enjoy in Nashville. For country music lovers, there truly is nothing better than watching a show at the legendary Grand Ole Opry.
Pigeon Forge
Home to the Great Smoky. Mountains, the Pigeon Forge area of Tennessee is a must-see. This beautiful region is filled with natural wonders and amazing shows.
Things to do
The Smokies are known for the entertainment offered within its shadow! Be sure to head out to beloved dinner shows in Pigeon Forge such as Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Show, Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Show, and the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster (过山车).
Myrtle Beach
If coastal views and oceanic adventures are just what you want, then Myrtle Beach is the place for you! This city is known for its great beaches and adventures that offer up unique opportunities to create the most unforgettable memories.
Things to do
There are many awesome things to do in Myrtle Beach! Set out on the sparkling (波光粼粼的) waters to look for dolphins on the Myrtle Beach Dolphin Sightseeing Cruises (航行) before returning to the city to visit Ripley’s Aquarium (水族馆). No matter what sort of adventures you are looking to have, there is something for everyone.
San Antonio
Home to rich Texan and American history, San Antonio is a great place to visit for a combination of history and modern attractions.
Things to do
Whether you want to get in some thrills at SeaWorld or see the shops, restaurants and entertainment of the Riverwalk on the Go Rio San Antonio Riverwalk Cruise, your trip to San Antonio will be a blast (狂欢).
1. Who would most probably want to take a trip to Nashville?| A．Those who like hiking. |
| B．Those who love Texan history. |
| C．Those who are into country music. |
| D．Those who like oceans and beaches. |
| A．Nashville. | B．San Antonio. |
| C．Pigeon Forge. | D．Myrtle Beach. |
| A．Go on a cruise to watch dolphins. |
| B．Shop at bookstores of the Riverwalk. |
| C．Visit an aquarium and take a roller-coaster ride. |
| D．Visit some attractions to learn about American history. |
| A．In a book review. |
| B．In a travel journal. |
| C．In a social magazine. |
| D．In a travel agency website. |
4 . Explore your world—Mirthy
Online events to help you discover, learn and connect
Who is Mirthy?
Mirthy is one of the most popular websites for online events and already loved and trusted by more than 45,000 people. It was designed to create an inclusive community where people can learn, share, and connect with others through a variety of events that are active, sociable, and uplifting. It’s all about fulfilment and wellbeing.
There are some online events each month to try, from craft workshops (手工工坊) to fitness sessions. For example, according to our event calendar, this week you can attend gardening classes and singing lessons. So whether you have a desire to get fitter or to pick up a new skill—signing up for classes and events with Mirthy could be just what you have been looking for.
How does it work?
Sign up via the online registration form at Mirthy.com. Then you can take a look through the calendar of upcoming events and see what takes your fancy.
Once you register for an event, you will then receive a link on email ready for you to join the live event. If your plans change and you can’t make it, you will receive a link for a 7-day replay that you can watch at a time that is convenient for you!
Best of all, it’s completely FREE to join!
Join Mirthy for free today, and you can enjoy any 4 events every month, for free! If you’re up for more, then you can either select and book additional events on a pay-as-you-go basis, normally for £2.99 each, or you can upgrade to the Premium membership giving you full free access to all events for only £4.99 per month.
If you choose to go for the Premium membership, there’s no contract. You simply upgrade your membership and you can cancel anytime.
1. Mirthy is intended to_________.| A．improve people’s fitness | B．organize sociable events |
| C．provide craft workshops | D．create an online community |
| A．Make art crafts. | B．Talk about fitness experience. |
| C．Learn songs. | D．Study wild plants and animals. |
| A．People can sign up for the events online. |
| B．The events can be watched again at any time. |
| C．People can upgrade their membership for free. |
| D．No more than 4 events are offered each month. |
| A．To share a lifestyle. |
| B．To recommend a website. |
| C．To introduce online events. |
| D．To explain a registration process. |
EcoCentral
This website is all about looking after the Earth. There are facts about different animals, as well as information about forests, deserts and oceans. You can upload your own videos onto the site for everyone to see.
TeenPress
This is one of the best sites on the web for teenagers who love writing. You can share your work with others, and there are message boards where you can chat about things that are important to you.
ChannelTwenty
On this site you can watch a daily news program and search for information about big news stories. There are also videos on different subjects, articles about famous bands, games and competitions.
Inside-the-cover
Finding out about your favorite writers is easy on this site. There are lots of interesting articles and information about the latest books. You can read blogs by well-known writers and post questions to them. And you are likely to get replies from them.
Tune-in
There are millions of songs on this website for you to download or listen to online. You can save your favorite songs in your own list. If you’re in a band, you can record your music and upload it. The website is large, but the menus are easy to use.
ScienceZone
There’s lots of information on this site about maths, chemistry and biology. You can visit some of the world’s most famous museums, or watch wildlife via webcams. There are also some very cool games, such as Save the Planet.
1. TeenPress is a website for teenagers who _____.| A．enjoy writing | B．care about the Earth |
| C．like watching the news | D．are interested in music |
| A．take writing classes | B．listen to songs |
| C．learn about the latest books | D．watch news programs |
| A．EcoCentral. | B．ChannelTwenty. |
| C．Tune-in. | D．ScienceZone. |
| A．introduce websites to teenagers |
| B．teach teenagers to design(设计) websites |
| C．encourage teenagers to create websites |
| D．compare(比较) different websites for teenagers |
6 . For some of us, the excitement of seeing a performance at a European opera house is just not enough. Fortunately, opera houses throughout Europe open their backstage doors to the public. Take advantage of these opportunities to look behind the scenes of some of the world's great opera houses.
Teatro alla Scala Opera House Tours—Milan
Discover the activities within the opera house on a backstage tour of the La Scala theater in Milan. The tour also includes an overview of the history of the theater and guides you through the auditorium(观众席) and the theater boxes.
Paris Opera House Tours—Paris
While it is possible to walk around the public areas of the beautiful Paris Opera House on your own, guided tours are also offered and are led by an English-speaking guide. During the 90- minute tour, you will learn about the theater's history and its architecture. You will also have an opportunity to visit the grand staircase.
Royal Opera House Tours—London
It is one of the most comprehensive of the opera house tours in Europe. The guide at the Royal Opera House takes you through sections of the backstage area to the props (道具) room, where workers build the sets, the costume shop and the ballet studios. There's a chance that you will even catch the ballet dancers backstage in practice in their big ballet studio.
La Fenice Opera House Tours—Venice
Teatro La Fenice in Venice offers a couple of options for visitors. A self-guided tour of the beautiful halls and grounds with a voice guide is available at the box office. Guided tours are also available with an expert that will explain the history of the opera house from its origins to its rebuilding.
1. In which opera house might you be able to see a costume shop backstage?| A．The Teatro alla Scala Opera House | B．The Paris Opera House |
| C．The Royal Opera House | D．The La Fenice Opera House |
| A．They all offer free guided tours. |
| B．They all open their backstage areas to the public. |
| C．They are all free to the public. |
| D．They are all located in France. |
| A．In a sports magazine | B．In an adventure novel |
| C．In a history book | D．On a culture website |
Would you like to have your writing published in this magazine?
Then let us know! We pay for stories, anecdotes and jokes:
Anecdotes and Jokes $50
What’s made you laugh recently? A funny sign? A colleague’s behaviour? Got a joke? Send it in for Laughter is the Best Medicine!
Email: Juliet@sws.com
Smart AnimalsUp to $100
Send us a tale about the strange behaviour of unique pets or wildlife in up to 300 words.
Email: audrey@sws.com
Power of LoveUp to $150
Acts of generosity can change lives or just give you that warm feeling full of love. Share your moments in 100-500 words.
Email: susan@sws.com
My Story$350
Do you have an inspiring or life-changing story to tell? Your story must be true, unpublished, original and 800-1000 words.
Email: nanjc@sws.com
For more information, please visit: http://www.sws.com./share
1. How much will the magazine pay for a joke to be published?
| A．$50. | B．$100. | C．$150. | D．$350. |
| A．Anecdotes and Jokes | B．Smart Animals |
| C．Power of Love | D．My Story |
| A．juliet@sws.com | B．susan@sws.com |
| C．Audrey@sws.com | D．nanjc@sws.com |
| A．describe strange behaviour | B．contain less than 800 words |
| C．be real and original | D．be published before |
