1 . 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 |
2 . Kings Camps
About Our CampsKings Camps is part of the Kings Active Foundation and is devoted to helping young people reach their potential. We provide sports camps and summer camps at over 40 places across the UK for children aged 4-17. We bring together the very best parts of sports and holiday clubs to provide friendship, fun and exciting adventures for young people from the UK and around the world.
Why Choose Kings Camps※Creative, inspiring camps: We have a strong belief that sport has an important role to play in a happy childhood and our not-for-money state enables us to provide some places and invest in new and creative ways to inspire.
※Learn important life skills: Kings Camps prepare children with important life skills and an understanding that being active is important to health and well-being.
※International students are welcome: We welcome children from outside of the UK who will make friends here by communicating with kids from different backgrounds, but we do require that they at least understand English to make sure of their safety and that of others, and of course their enjoyment.
CommentsRyan has enjoyed every part. When we’ve asked about his day, he’s said it was “amazing and fantastic”. All the staff are extremely friendly, enthusiastic and have a true belief in what they are doing.
— Tracy Lee
Fantastic & friendly staff! It’s an action-packed week of multiple sports. My sweetheart made new friends, overcame swimming fears & came away more confident too! I cannot recommend it enough!
— Kay Court
1. What does Kings Camps aim to do?| A．Mix sports and holiday clubs. |
| B．Get kids to play outdoors. |
| C．Provide adventurous and challenging camps. |
| D．Encourage kids to develop their potential. |
| A．Awareness of safety. |
| B．Love for media. |
| C．Basic English ability. |
| D．Good communicating skills. |
| A．Parents. | B．Teachers. | C．Campers. | D．Staff. |
3 . Discover Nature Schools Programs
Becoming Bears(Kindergarten－2 grade)
By becoming baby bears, children learn from their “parent” to survive the seasons. Kids will find safety in the spring and learn kinds of food bears eat during the summer, and then create a cave for winter hibernation(冬眠)．After learning the skills needed to survive, students will go out of the cave as an independent black bear able to care for themselves.(1.5－2 hours)
Whose Clues?(3－5 grade)
Kids will discover how plants and animals use their special structures to survive. Through outdoor study of plants and animals, kids will recognize their special structures and learn how they enable species to eat, avoid their enemies and survive. Using what they have learned, kids will choose one species and tell how they survive in their living places.(3－4 hours)
Winged Wonders(3－5 grade)
Birds add color and sound to our world and play an important ecological role. Students will learn the basics of birds, understand the role birds play in food chains and go birdwatching using field guides and telescopes. Students will do handson activities. Students will use tools to build bird feeders, allowing them to attract birds at home.(3－4 hours)
Exploring Your Watershed(6－8 grade)
We all depend on clean water. Examining how our actions shape the waterways around us. Go on a hike to see firsthand some of the challenging water quality problems in a city. Students will test the water quality to determine the health of an ecosystem.
·Each program is taught for a class with at least 10 students.
·All programs include plenty of time outdoors. So please prepare proper clothing, sunscreen and insect killers for children.
·To take part in a program, please email dcprogramsmdc.mo.gov.
1. What can kids do at Becoming Bears?| A．Watch bears' performances. | B．Take care of bears. |
| C．Learn how to survive a bear attack. | D．Pretend to be baby bears to learn about bears. |
| A．Whose Clues? | B．Exploring Your Watershed |
| C．Becoming Bears | D．Winged Wonders |
| A．have the same teaching hours | B．have outdoor activities |
| C．are offered during summer holidays | D．are designed for primary school students |
4 . Ticket Information
Due to extremely high demand, tickets for the three traditional end-of-year concerts of the Vienna Philharmonic are drawn(抽签)on the Vienna Philharmonic website. In this way, people worldwide have an equal chance to purchase these highly desired tickets.
Application Period: February 1-28, 2023
During this period, interested persons can apply on this website for tickets to the Preview Performance, the New Year’s Eve Concert, and the New Year’s Concert. The first step toward making an application for tickets is to register for the drawing. The registration is separate from your user account for the Webshop and is specifically for the drawing. Users can enter their ticket preferences for the upcoming concerts during the application period.
Price Categories
The number of tickets for the New Year’s Concert is limited to two, and the number of tickets for the Preview Performance and New Year’s Eve Concert can be up to four. The ticket prices range between 35€ and 1200 € for the New Year’s Concert, 25 € and 860 € for the New Year’s Eve Concert, and between 20€ and 495 € for the Preview Performance. If you wish to change your application, you may only do so during the application period. In March, you will know the results of the drawing.
When Should I Apply?
Within the one-month application period, the actual time of application is irrelevant. An application made on February 1 has the same chances as an application made on February 28. The only way to obtain tickets for these concerts is by taking part in the online drawing! Requests submitted through the postal system, by e-mail or by any other means will not be considered!
For more information, please click here.
1. How much should you pay at least for two tickets for the New Year’s Concert?| A．35€. | B．40€. | C．50€. | D．70€. |
| A．By applying on the website. |
| B．By posting requests through the postal system. |
| C．By making the application as early as possible. |
| D．By sending email to the Vienna Philharmonic website. |
| A．A newspaper. | B．A webpage. |
| C．A music magazine. | D．A tourist brochure. |
5 . San Francisco Fire Engine Tours
San Francisco Winery TourRunning: February 1st through April 30th
This delicious tour goes through the city on its way to Treasure Island where we will stop at the famous Winery SF. Here you can enjoy 4 pours of some of the best wine San Francisco has to offer.(Included in tickets price)
Departing from the Cannery: Tour times upon request.Duration(时长): 2 hours
Price: $90
Back to the Fifties Tour
Running: August 16th through August 31st
This tour transports you back in time to one of San Francisco’s most fantastic periods, the 1950s! Enjoy fun history as we take you through San Francisco for a free taste of ice cream.
Departing from the Cannery: 5:00 pm and 7:30 pmDuration: 2 hours
Price: $90
Spooky Halloween Tour
Running: October 10th through October 31st
Join us for a ride through the historical Presidio district. Authentic fire gear(服装) is provided for your warmth as our entertainers take you to some of the most thrilling parts of San Francisco.
Departing from the Cannery: 6:30 pm and 8:30 pmDuration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Price: Available upon request
Holiday Lights Tour
Running: December 6th through December 23rd
This attractive tour takes you to some of San Francisco’s most cheerful holiday scenes. Authentic fire gear is provided for your warmth as you get into the holiday spirit.
Departing from the Cannery: 7:00 pm and 9:00 pmDuration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Advance reservations required.
1. Which of the tours is available in March?
| A．San Francisco Winery Tour. | B．Back to the Fifties Tour. |
| C．Spooky Hallowen Tour. | D．Holiday Lights Tour. |
| A．Go to Treasure Island. | B．Enjoy the holiday scenes. |
| C．Have free ice cream. | D．Visit the Presidio district. |
| A．Take some drinks. | B．Set off early in the morning. |
| C．Wear warm clothes. | D．Make reservations in advance. |
6 . We offer a programme of lectures by members of the MCLL community and other lifelong learning organisations, as well as university faculty members who have been invited to share their research with us on a variety of topics. View Instructions on How to Register Online.
Lecture 1: Social Media and MisinformationTime: Friday, June 9, 10:00 a.m.
Presenter: Richard Harris
Attendance: Online
A retired American IT professional, Richard Harris, will take us deep into a social media’s business model, its differences from traditional media, recent examples of its use for misinformation and possible solutions that respect freedom of expression. A lively round-table discussion not to be missed!
Lecture 2: Global Mental HealthTime: Friday, June 16, 1:00 p.m.
Presenter: Marc Laporta
Attendance: Online
Mental health was known to the public quite late. Many countries are finding ways to reduce its impact, but many factors get in the way. However, progress is visible, and hope is justified. Mare Laporta will discuss different aspects of mental health and exchange ideas about ways to improve the situation.
Lecture 3: The Silk RoadTime: Friday, June 23, 10:00 a.m.
Presenter: George Lapa
Attendance: Online
The Silk Road refers to a network of routes, covering over 6,400 km, used by traders from the Han Dynasty of China who opened trade in 130 BCE until 1453 CE. The exchange of information gave rise to new technologies and innovations that changed the Western world. Topics such as gunpowder, the compass (指南针), paper-making and printing will be presented.
Lecture 4: South to Textile FactoriesTime: Friday, June 30, 10:00 a.m.
Presenter: Muriel Herrington
Attendance: In person
Between 1840 and 1930 a million French-Canadians left Canada to work in the United States. Many were employed in textile (纺织品) factories in the New England states. In these areas they set up communities where they maintained the French language and culture. In this lecture Muriel Herrington will describe their working and living conditions and show their impact.
1. What will the audience attending Lecture 1 do?| A．Build a social media’s business model. |
| B．Exchange ideas with each other. |
| C．Enjoy more respect and freedom. |
| D．Contact the presenter in advance. |
| A．Marc Laporta. | B．Richard Harris. | C．George Lapa. | D．Muriel Herrington. |
| A．The Silk Road. |
| B．South to Textile Factories. |
| C．Global Mental Health. |
| D．Social Media and Misinformation. |
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. |
| A．Talk shows. | B．Sports programs. | C．Cooking programs. |
9 . Amsterdam is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, famous for its beautiful canals, top art museums, cycling culture and so on. It is the capital city of the Netherlands and often referred to as the “Venice of the North” because of its expansive system of bridges and canals. Here are some of the key points to remember as you plan your trip to Amsterdam.
Must-See Attractions
Most visitors begin their Amsterdam adventure in the Old Centre, which is full of traditional architecture, shopping centers, and coffee shops. You’ll also want to check out Amsterdam’s Museum Quarter in the South District, which is great for shopping at the Albert Cuyp Market and having a picnic in the Vondelpark. The top museums to visit there are the Rijksmusuem, the Ann Frank House, and the Van Gogh Museum.
If You Have Time
There are several other unique districts in Amsterdam, and you should try to explore as many of them as time allows. The Canal Ring is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was originally built to attract wealthy home owners and is a center for celebrity spotting and nightlife today. The Plantage area has most of the city’s museums and the botanical gardens.
Money Saving Tips
●Unless you really want to see the tulips(郁金香) blooming, avoid booking between mid-March and mid-May. This is when hotel and flight prices rise.
●Look for accommodations in Amsterdam’s South District, where rates are generally cheaper than in the city center.
●Buy train tickets at the machine instead of the counter to save a bit of money.
●Instead of hiring a tour guide, hop on a canal boat. They’re inexpensive and will give you a unique point of view of the city.
Check out our homepage to view price comparisons for flights, hotels, and rental cars before you book.
1. What can be learned about Amsterdam from this passage?| A．The Van Gogh Museum lies in the South District. |
| B．The Canal Ring is a place to attract garden lovers. |
| C．The Old Centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
| D．Amsterdam is called the “Venice of the North” because of its location. |
| A．arrange a guided tour | B．buy train tickets at the counter |
| C．reserve a hotel in the South District | D．book flights between mid-March and mid-May |
| A．A magazine. | B．An essay. | C．A report. | D．A website. |
10 . This Tiny Box Will Help You Relax In Terrible Summer Heat!
Traditional Air Conditioners (AC) are outdated. They cost a lot to install and even more to run. They are huge, noisy, and dangerous to clean. You can’t move them around the house with you or take them outside! Thousands of people are now using a much cheaper alternative to cool themselves in the heat and clean their personal air. With over million units sold worldwide, this device is becoming one of the most successful gadgets of 2019. EVERYONE wants this awesome looking box for summer!
What Are We Talking About?
Meet the new AirFreez, an innovative alternative to AC that cools you just the same! It’s a perfect solution for those very hot days and nights! The AirFreez was designed by two Swiss engineers who were fed up suffering the hot summers. They realized that AC units are super inefficient and cost a lot of money to use. The engineers also discovered that none of the traditional AC units were made to travel with.
So, they designed this light-weight, portable Air Cooling box. It uses a very small amount of electricity and all without sacrificing any of the main benefits of a top AC model! It’s tiny, easy to use and it can cool you in seconds!
What Is So Special About This Little Box?
The main benefits of AirFreez are its portability and price.
It is no larger than a lunchbox. Besides, it can be powered by a pocket solar panel or battery pack and you probably have the world’s most portable AC unit.
And There Is One More Thing. The price is just amazing. Most AC units cost at least $300 AND you have to pay for installation PLUS cover the expensive electricity bills each month.
AirFreez costs less than $100 (Actually $53 for each if you buy more than one here). No messy installation, no expensive electricity bills. For a Cooling unit of this quality, this must be the single best price-quality AC unit there is!
How Can You Get An AirFreez?
Now that you are aware of this amazing new invention, here is how to get one-order it from the Official Website for BEST PRICE.
1. Which of the following words can best describe AirFreez?| A．Smart but heavy. | B．Costly but multi-functional. |
| C．Foldable and lasting. | D．Handy and energy-saving. |
| A．It costs less than $53. |
| B．It requires no complex installation. |
| C．It doesn’t consume electricity. |
| D．It is a little larger than a lunch box. |
| A．To advertise Airfreez |
| B．To explain the functions of AirFreez. |
| C．To introduce the inventors of AirFreez. |
| D．To compare AirFreez with traditional AC. |
