1 . It can be really challenging to learn a language well without living in a country full of native speakers! You have to find something captivating! Here’s the solution: TV series.
Game of Thrones
You should really start watching it. The language is beautiful and easy to follow. Drama, love and good characters mark the show and there are actors from all over the world. You won’t know what’s going to happen at the ending. This is a must-see!
Sherlock
A British masterpiece. Is there any language learner who has not heard of Sherlock Holmes and his friend John Watson? The writers placed the stories into London in the 21st century, so it’s basically a modern version of the original stories. Here you have everything that an English language leaner could wish for. British accents, good acting, long and interesting conversations with a sense of British humour.
Friends
Everybody knows Friends, which couldn’t be missed off of this list. With many different accents to be heard and a variety of dialects, this is the perfect show for English learners. The plot is relatively simple to understand. Six friends battle with tough jobs, complicated relationships and life in Manhattan, New York. In parts of the show there are also British accents to listen to and learn.
How I Met Your Mother
It is one of the most successful situation comedies in the United States, attracting the audience all over the world. It’s about the life of five friends that live in New York, focusing on their work and their favourite leisure time activity: sitting in their favourite bar. You get to know many modern American expressions and can enjoy various dialects that make the show even more engaging.
1. Which of the following has an unexpected ending?| A．Game of Thrones. | B．Sherlock. |
| C．Friends. | D．How I Met Your Mother. |
| A．American dialects. | B．American humour. |
| C．British accents. | D．Complicated acting. |
| A．It is about five American students’ daily life. |
| B．There are many formal expressions in the show. |
| C．It’s the most successful situation comedy in the US. |
| D．It enjoys popularity among audience around the world. |
2 . Joining in one of the overseas volunteer programs is a fantastic idea for high school students during vacations. Here are some popular programs.
Student exchange programs
Student exchange programs can be an excellent way for high school students to travel on a budget and promote cross-cultural understanding. These programs range in length from a couple of weeks to a full year of classes in a foreign high school. Fees vary by program, but students are often responsible for expenses like airfare and food.
World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms
Another great option is World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms(WWOOF). If you are interested in working on a farm, you can do that with WWOOF in exchange for free room and board. Opportunities are available in over 500 countries, and the time commitment is up to you to decide. Each country has its own set of rules regarding minimum age, but WWOOF in German, Portugal, UK, and Italy accept those under the age of 18.
Virtual Volunteering in Nepal
While the idea of virtual volunteering might not sound quite as exciting as jetting off to new destinations, the reality is that volunteering from your own home can be advantageous. Not only do you not have to worry about buying a plane ticket or paying for expensive housing, but you can also do a part-time job while still getting an immersive(沉浸式的)international experience. Students can work on any number of projects, from English language education to community development.
GVI: Volunteering for Teens
Specifically offering volunteer programs for high school students, GVI(Global Vision International)encourages students between the ages of 15 and 17 to explore the greater world. With programs about cultural immersion, wildlife conservation and community development, high school students can learn to become a global citizen. GVI programs are available in 11 countries and last one to two weeks.
1. What is the advantage of WWOOF to high school volunteers?| A．Accommodation can be free. | B．No countries set the age limit. |
| C．It advocates organic farming. | D．The time commitment is short. |
| A．Student exchange programs | B．Virtual Volunteering in Nepal |
| C．GVI: Volunteering for Teens | D．World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms |
| A．They will be offered more job opportunities. |
| B．They are to be qualified enough to be leaders. |
| C．They can gain some international experiences. |
| D．They will progress in academic performances. |
3 . Which Louvre Museum Ticket is Best for You?
If you are Short on Time
Go for: Skip-the-line Tickets
Guide: Expert guide/audioguide
These entry tickets provide skip-the-line access, allowing you to bypass long queues. Go on a carefully tailored 2 to 3-hour guided tour with an audio headset to keep you from missing out on any explanation.
If you are on a Budget
Go for: Direct Entry Tickets
Guide: Audioguide
Get guaranteed entry within 30 minutes and explore the world’s most visited museum with an optional audio guide available in 10 languages at an affordable rate. These day-long valid tickets will let you walk around and browse through both the 38,000 permanent works and the many temporary exhibits at your own pace.
If you are a Solo Traveler
Go for: Small-Group tour
Guide: Expert guide
Small group tours offer great personalized and interactive experiences. With fewer people, you can engage with your guide and group and explore the Louvre in depth. See the Louvre’s most notable pieces like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, the Winged Victory, and more.
If you are Travelling with Kids
Go for: Skip-the-line tickets
Guide: Expert guide/audioguide
With skip-the-line tickets, you can avoid long queues into the museum. The short, specialized tour will also focus on the major highlights of the Louvre, making them perfect for families with kids. A professional guide will accompany you, providing fascinating insights in a kid-friendly manner.
1. What is the primary advantage of the tickets for visitors short on time?| A．Exclusive access to VIP exhibits. | B．Extended access for the whole day. |
| C．Avoiding long queues. | D．Free admission for solo travelers. |
| A．Access to VIP exhibits. | B．A day-long validity. |
| C．Free audio guide in 10 languages. | D．Special discounts on temporary exhibits. |
| A．They guarantee the same major highlights. |
| B．They provide specially catered insights. |
| C．They offer visits of approximately the same length. |
| D．They include quick access and a guided tour. |
4 . Taking toddlers to the hairdressers isn’t always a walk in the park. But worry no more. There are lots of great kids’ hair salons in Singapore that make the whole process a breeze.
LA Kids Cowboy
Wouldn’t it be good if you or your partner could head somewhere for a quick cut and have the kids’ hair cut at the same time? Sure would, which is why we’re loving LA Kids Cowboy. It’s Singapore’s first parent-child haircut and styling concept. Cut s are a great value of $20, making it a cheap and cheerful barber for kids.
Bonbon Blowout Bar
Bonbon Blowout Bar comes with individual tablets and sweets, so haircuts won’t seem like such a terrible affair for kids. The full-service salon provides haircuts, styling, and hair perm services for children from $28; and if it’s their first haircut, your kid will even bring home a First Haircut Certificate!
BabySpa
If you’re looking for a baby haircut, look no further. At BabySpa, your kids’ hair is in good hands. The wonderful stylists will ensure the gentles t of haircuts while your baby watches Barney, sitting in a toy car. BabySpa also offers a bathing service for kids up to age two.
Kids ‘N’ Me
This kids’ hairdressers over at United Square are a firm fan favorite. It’s down to the experienced hairstylists, who are known and loved for their awesome kids’ haircuts for football matches, from simple “short back and sides” to a full-on Mohawk. We hear children can even have their hair sprayed with temporary hair d ye for special occasions!
1. Where will a boy probably have a haircut for a football match?| A．At LA Kids Cowboy. | B．At Bonbon Blowout Bar. |
| C．At BabySpa. | D．At Kids ‘N’ Me. |
| A．An adult haircut. | B．A toy football. | C．A bathing service. | D．A Haircut Certificate. |
| A．Parents. | B．Hairstylists. | C．Children. | D．Athletes. |
5 . As far as fantastic drives go, few can compete with Highway 395. Here’s what you need to know before starting a road trip along it.
▲ What to Know About Driving on Highway 395
Highway 395 begins in Hesperia, a city about 90 minutes east of Los Angeles. It then continues for 1,300 miles until its end point at the Canadian border (边界). While the entire drive is beautiful, its most famous section runs from the Los Angeles area up to Reno, Nevada.
▲ Where to Stop Along Highway 395
CONVICT LAKE
Convict Lake, one of California’s clearest bodies of water, is a beloved destination for photographers. During your drive, you can pull over for a photo, or quickly hop on a boat and cast a fishing line to see what you can catch.
MAMMOTH MOUNTAINM
Just around the corner, you’ll find Mammoth Mountain, one of America’s best ski destinations. Mammoth is renowned for its extended ski season, often lasting until July, and offers excellent terrain (地形) for all skill levels.
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
During your drive, pay n visit to Yosemite National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, you can watch climbers make their way up Half Dome, feel the power of Yosemite Falls, and enjoy the beauty of Tuolumne Meadows.
▲ When to Drive on Highway 395
Because many attractive places along Highway 395 are all-season destinations, there’s really no wrong time to depart on this road trip. However, it’s important to remember the road can get rather dangerous in winter. Check the highway website before leaving to ensure you’re aware of the conditions.
1. Where is this text probably taken from?| A．A travel website. | B．An official document. |
| C．A science report. | D．A geography textbook. |
| A．They are places suitable for sports fans. |
| B．They show the historical changes in America. |
| C．They have beautiful views and excellent terrain. |
| D．They offer chances for people to get close to nature. |
| A．It starts in Los Angeles and ends in Canada. |
| B．There isn’t a bad time to start a road trip along it. |
| C．No special preparations are needed before leaving for it. |
| D．Its most famous destinations are in the Los Angeles area. |
6 . ABCmouse
ABCmouse is one of the most well-known learn to read apps for children. With its expert-made curriculum, the program offers endless hours of content for children aged 2 to 8. The interactive app offers thousands of activities to help develop this essential skill, with lessons that expose students to math, arts, and science at age-appropriate levels too. The cost after free trial is around $15 per month. Families who purchase a full year’s subscription can get about 70% off the price.
Homer
Homer provides a personalized learning path for children aged 2 to 8. Children will learn reading, math, creative thinking, and problem-solving skills in a fun and engaging way. Instead of a one-size-fits-most approach, Homer customizes learning plans and allows students to take the lead in deciding what they want to work on. The price point is in line with similar apps at about $5 per month after a free trial, or roughly $60 for a full year or $100 for lifetime access.
Hooked on Phonics
Hooked on Phonics is an exceptional tool for homeschoolers, with a wide range of lessons, games, and fun activities. It is one of the most popular brands for teaching kids to read, and its integrated system makes it an ideal option for homeschooling students. Children are introduced to each new concept through a series of fun activities, videos, and even songs. The system is a little bit pricier than other apps, at about $16 per month after a trial month for roughly $1.
FarFaria
FarFaria invites children to join in on a magic al adventure that includes island hopping and the choice between reading the story or having it narrated completely with fun, magical animation. While the free membership offers one story a day, paid subscribers unlock access to unlimited adventures at roughly $8 per month. Readers can either read the books themselves or take advantage of the “read to me” option to have stories read aloud by professional narrators.
1. For an annual subscription to ABCmouse, how much does a family need to pay?| A．$54. | B．$105. | C．$126. | D．$180. |
| A．ABCmouse. | B．Homer. |
| C．Hooked on Phonics. | D．FarFaria. |
| A．Finance. | B．Science. | C．Culture. | D．Education. |
7 . Do you have a story to share?
Traces welcomes article submissions (提交)from historians, genealogists (系谱学者), family history researchers, and history lovers.
·Ancest or stories
·Historical research and news
·Research tips
·Character studies
·Historical building profiles
·Antiques, collections, and preservation
·Personal heirlooms
Please note that all article submissions will be reviewed by the editor. The editor has the right to refuse submissions.
Articles are between 1,000 and 1,200 words (except personal heirloom submissions, which are 100-200 words). If imagery is available, it must be high resolution (300 dpi).
Send your submissions to eden.cox@executivemeida.com.au.
1. Who decides whether your article will be accepted?| A．History lovers. | B．Historians. |
| C．Genealogists. | D．Editors. |
| A．An imagery with low resolution. | B．A research tip of around 200 words. |
| C．An ancestor story of around 1,100 words. | D．A personal heirloom of around 1,200 words. |
| A．A note. | B．A story. | C．An advertisement. | D．An encyclopedia. |
8 . Four villages in China were named Best Tourism Villages 2023, an award by the World Tourism Organization(UNWTO). They are Xiajiang village from Zhejiang province, Huangling village from Jiangxi province, Zhagana village from Gansu province and Zhujiawan village from Shanxi province. The decision was announced at the 25th session of the UNWTO General Assembly in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on Thursday local time.
Xiajiang village
Located in East China’s Zhejiang province, it has earned a striking spot for its unspoiled natural beauty and a unique cultural heritage that spans from traditional folk culture to historical “red culture”. This picturesque corner of East China is now witnessing waves of tourists. A 140-kilometer lakeside track weaves through the amazing setting, giving riders the chance to bury themselves in the natural beauty of the Qiandao Lake area. This inviting experience attracts cycling enthusiasts from all over the world.
Huangling village
Set in a mountainous region with terraced fields(梯田), forests, and rivers, Huangling village is famous for its breathtaking natural scenery, traditional architecture, and the preservation of ancient customs. Its ancient houses are characterized by whitewashed walls, black-tiled roofs, and carefully carved wooden elements. These architectural features provide a glimpse into China’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Zhagana village
The village has also been named as a globally important agricultural and cultural heritage site by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Zhagana is located at an altitude of 3,000 to 3,300 meters and is surrounded by mountains, with the highest peak reaching 4,500 meters. The steep mountains and old Tibetan-style houses make up a “grand stone palace” or an ancient city built by natural rock walls. It has changed from a closed mountainous village to a scenic spot where tourists can enjoy a slow and leisurely life.
Zhujiawan village
Zhujiawan village covers an area of 126 square kilometers with over 1,200 species of animals and plants. The village has 25 intangible cultural treasures, including the Zhashui Fish Drum and traditional brewing(酿造)practices. Additionally, it is home to 17 tangible cultural relics, such as ancient Qinling Mountain houses, time-worn road remains and the historic Xiaoyi Hall site. In recent years, Zhujiawan village has made full use of its ecological strengths to develop tourism. During this year’s tourist peak season, Zhujiawan Village is receiving over 15,000 visitors daily.
1. Which village would cyclists prefer?| A．Huangling village. | B．Xiajiang village. |
| C．Zhagana village. | D．Zhujiawan village. |
| A．They are located at the riverside. |
| B．They are surrounded by high peaks. |
| C．They have houses in ancient styles. |
| D．They have won another global award. |
| A．Observe a variety of living species. |
| B．Explore the remains of a lakeside track. |
| C．Experience traditional farming practices. |
| D．Visit ancient farms in Qinling Mountain. |
| A．An art magazine. | B．A travel brochure. |
| C．A history textbook. | D．A news report. |
9 . High School Competition 2023 Announcement
The CIVIC MUSIC MKE High School Competition is a well-known Milwaukee competition for high-school-age musicians. Musicians compete for the chance to perform (表演) on the Showcase Performance and to be one of four musicians to receive a total of $1, 500 in Young Artist Scholarships (奖学金), and one jazz musician to receive the Lee Guse Memorial Jazz Scholarship.
APPLY BY: August 15, 2023
COMPETITION DAY: October 21, 2023
SHOWCASE PERFORMANCE: December 12, 2023(Milwaukee Youth Art s Center)
REQUIREMENTS.
•Open to high school singing and instrumental students in grades 10-12 who live in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Waukesha, Washington or Racine County.
•Four to six minutes of performance time is required. The timer will stop the performer at six minutes.
•All students are expected to perform with an accompanist (伴奏者) and must provide their own.
HOWT OA PPLY:
•Online application will be open after July 31 and closed after August 15.
•Please feel free to email info@civicmusicmilwaukee. org with any questions.
JUDGES (裁判) FOR T HE 2023 COMPETITION:
•SINGING: David Hoffman, Wendy Rowe
•INSTRUMENTAL :Paul Hauer, James Ripley
•JAZZ: Johanna Brahm
1. When can you sign up for the competition?| A．On July 31. | B．On August 12. |
| C．On October 21. | D．On December 12. |
| A．A chance to perform at Milwaukee Youth Arts Center. |
| B．A six-minute personal performance video. |
| C．A place at a music school in Washington. |
| D．A $ 6, 000 Young Artist Scholarship. |
| A．David Hoffman. | B．Wendy Rowe. |
| C．James Ripley. | D．Johanna Brahm. |
10 . Founded in 1764 by French traders, St. Louis today is the fifteenth largest urban area in the United States. There are many attractive destinations for tourists.
American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog
Dog lovers who visit St. Louis won’t want to miss this 14, 000-square-foot museum. Inside are over 500 paintings, prints, watercolors, and a variety of other dog art objects.
The Museum is open year round, Tuesday through Saturday 10 a. m. to 4 p. m. , and Sunday 1 p. m. to 5 p. m. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors over 65 and students from 13-24, $5 for children under 12. Also active military can get a discount for $10.
Anheuser Busch Brewery (啤厂)
The Anheuser Buxch Brewery tour is not just for beer lovers. The tour includes the historic Brew House. Then the tour continues to the modern Bevo Packaging Plant. The best will be the Budweiser Clydesdale stables. The tours are always free.
Gateway Arch
Designed by Eero Sarinen and Hannskari Bandel, it took over two years and 900 tons of stainless steel to build. It is the tallest of the country’s National Monuments. The Arch is part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. About one million people per year come to the top of the Arch, where there is an observation platform providing a great view of the city.
St. Louis Zoo
First version of the St. Louis Zoo opened in 1904 at the St. Louis World’s Fair, but until now it has grown into one of the chief zoos in the world. The passenger train takes visitors around the Zoo, which contains over 9, 000 animals of over 800 species.
The Zoo is open every day but Christmas and New Year, with summer hours of 8 a. m. to 7 p. m. , winter hours of 9 a. m. to 4 p. m. , and the rest of the year 9 a. m. to 5 p. m. Admission to the Zoo is free; however, there are fees for some attractions, like Sea Lion Show, Zooline Railroad etc.
1. How much should a family pay if parents take two children, 16 years old and 3 years old, to visit American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog?| A．$50. | B．$45. | C．$40. | D．$30. |
| A．It was completed within two years. |
| B．President Jefferson was buried there. |
| C．You can see the city clearly on the top of the Arch. |
| D．It is the largest of the country’s National Monuments. |
| A．On Christmas. | B．On New Year’s Day. |
| C．At 4: 30 p. m. in winter. | D．At 4: 30 p. m. in spring. |
