1 . Chicago Children’s Museum
In brief:
This museum offers plenty of fun activities for kids. However, this is one of the few Chicago museums not “fun for the whole family” as adults and older kids will be bored to tears.
Address: 700 East Grand Ave. (Navy Pier), Chicago
Phone: 312-527-1000
Public transportation:
CTA bus lines #29 (State Street), #65 (Grand Avenue), and the #66 (Chicago Avenue) all serve Navy Pier.
Parking rates:
*Monday through Thursday: $20
*Friday through Sunday: $24
*Holidays: $24
Hours:
*Monday through Friday: 10 am—5 pm
*Saturday and Sunday: 10 am—8 pm
Entrance fees:
*Adults: $12
*Children: $12
* Seniors (65+): $11
*Children (under 5): free
Activities:
Located on one of Chicago’s top tourist attractions, Navy Pier, the museum offers three floors of activities for kids, including:
*Play It Safe—all about home safety
*Inventing Lab—provides parts and instructions for creating things
*Kids Town—a playroom recreating a Chicago neighborhood where kids can pretend to do things like shopping for groceries and driving a CTA bus
*Climbing Schooner—a three-floor climbing building
*My Museum—kids get to create various art projects that are “all about me”
*Skyline—learn about skyscrapers (摩天大楼) and design your own
*Treehouse Trails—a play area designed like a forest
*Waterways—water activities showing how pumps and dams work
1. Why is the museum mainly designed for kids?| A．Because it is easy for the museum to make money from kids. |
| B．Because the government orders it to do so. |
| C．Because adults and older kids are likely to be tired of these activities. |
| D．Because adults have many other things to do. |
| A．$ 36. | B．$ 48. | C．$ 60. | D．$ 71. |
| A．Play it safe | B．Inventing Lab | C．My Museum | D．Waterways |
| A．gain experience in home safety | B．know more about high buildings |
| C．learn how pumps and dams work | D．experience Chicago neighborhood life |
2 . Making an advertisement for television often costs more than a movie. For example, a two-hour movie costs $6 million to make. A TV commercial can cost more than $6,000 a second. And that does not include the cost of paying for air time (播送时间). Which is more valuable, the programme or the ad? In terms of money—and making money is what television is all about—the commercial is by far the more important.
Research, market testing, talent, time and money—all come together to make us want to buy a product. No matter how bad we think a commercial is, it works. The sales of charm went up once the ads began. TV commercials actually buy their way into our head. We, in turn, buy the product.
And the ads work because so much time and attention are given to them. Here are some rules of a commercial ad making. If you want to get the middleclass buyers, make sure the announcer has a tough, manly voice. Put some people in the ad who work with their hands. If you want to sell products to upperclass audience, make sure that the house, the furniture, and the hairstyle are the types that the group identifies with. If you want the buyer to feel superior to the character selling the product, then make that person so stupid or silly that everyone will feel great about himself or herself.
We laugh at commercials. We don’t think we pay that much attention to them. But evidence shows we are kidding ourselves. The making of a commercial that costs so much money is not kid stuff. It’s big, big business. And it’s telling us what to think, what we need, and what to buy. To put it simply, the TV commercial is a form of brainwashing.
1. TV commercials are more important than other programmes to television because ________.| A．they bring in great profits |
| B．they require a lot of money |
| C．they are not difficult to produce |
| D．they attract more viewers than other programmes |
| A．persuade people to buy the product |
| B．show how valuable the product is |
| C．test the market value of the product |
| D．make them as interesting as TV movies |
| A．the middleclass buyer likes to work with his hands |
| B．the more stupid the characters, the more buyers of the product |
| C．ad designers attract different people with different skills |
| D．an upperclass buyer is more interested in houses and furniture than a middleclass buyer |
| A．few people like to watch TV commercials |
| B．TV commercials are a good guide to buyers |
| C．TV commercials often make people laugh |
| D．people do not think highly of TV commercials |
3 . If you have a chance to talk with a historical figure, who would you like it to be? What would you like to know about the past or share from today? China in the Classics, a new TV show based on Chinese classics started by China Central Television (CCTV) in February, is exploring such possibilities.
In the first episode, the host of the show, Sa Beining, meets ancient Confucian scholar Fu Sheng, who interpreted Shangshu — The Book of Documents. Regarded as one of the five classics of ancient Chinese Confucianism masterpieces, the book records many firsts in the country. Even the expression zhongguo (China) is used there first.
The episode ends with the host bringing Fu to today’s modern society, where the scholar is happy to find children learning the same things he had learned in his childhood. It increased the rating of the series with viewers giving it 9 out of 10 on Douban, a film and TV show reviewing website popular among young people.
The success of China in the Classics doesn’t surprise Shen Haixiong, head of the China Media Group. Shen said in an article in the journal Qiushi, “We are happy to see the program is popular among the public, but we are prouder to find that innovative interpretation of Chinese classics is arousing young people’s interest in Chinese culture.”
Therefore, TV channels have been making bold attempts in recent years to attract today’s younger generations. The Nation’s Greatest Treasures, CCTV’s cultural show in 2017, showcased China’s history and culture through antiques in the top-class museums, and fired up the audience. The treasures include the 3,300-year-old Yinxu Ruins in Henan Province and the 1,300-year-old Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region.
CCTV should make a variety of programs showcasing classics and cultural traditions to appeal to the young generation’s aesthetics, said Zhou, a professor at the School of Arts and Communication, Beijing Normal University.
1. Why is The Book of Documents mentioned in paragraph 2?| A．To introduce a historical figure. | B．To inform us of the host. |
| C．To show the popularity of the show. | D．To describe a new TV show. |
| A．Surprised. | B．Confused. | C．Satisfied. | D．Neutral. |
| A．Chinese treasures. | B．Another TV programme. |
| C．Yinxu Ruins in Henan. | D．Young Chinese audience. |
| A．CCTV Produces Some Famous TV shows | B．TV Shows on Chinese Classics Grow Popular |
| C．Scholars Focus Attention on Chinese Classics | D．China in the Classics Fires up the Audience |
4 . Disney+ has arrived in the UK and the timing couldn’t be better. With the coronavirus keeping people indoors, its collection of family-friendly movies is just what we need right now. Here we’ve picked out some of the best films on Disney+ UK to help get you started.
Togo
The year is 1925 and a deadly epidemic has struck the Alaskan town of Nome. The only cure is 600 miles away and a massive storm is about to strike the region. The only hope of getting to the vaccine（疫苗）lies with Leonhard Seppala, and his lead sled dog. Togo. The entire mission to save the town relies upon Togo’s ability to face the challenging conditions. Added to all that, Togo is based on a true story.
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids
Wayne Szalinski creates an electromagnetic shrinking machine. Naturally, he accidentally shrinks his own children, plus the kids from next door and then unknowingly throws them in the trash. To become their normal size again, the six-millimeter-tall children must make their way across the family’s yard and back to the house. It’s something filled with danger when you’re smaller than an ant. An absolute classic.
Cheaper by the Dozen
Tom Baker and his wife Kate have 12 children. When Tom gets his dream job as a college football coach, he relocates the entire family causing upset among his children. Kate’s book gets published, meaning she has to spend some time away from the family and without her the Bakers’ lives are pure chaos. A classic comedy.
Up
Pixar’s Up can claim one of the most moving opening scenes of any movie. In a little over 90 minutes, director Pete Docter takes us on the journey of Carl, an old widower who is seeking out Paradise Falls. Carl’s trip, in his flying house, is made in memory of his wife, Ellic, who had always wanted to visit the Falls. The film won two Oscars—Best Animated Feature and Best Original Score.
1. Why will Togo have to travel a long distance with its owner?| A．To compete for a great prize. | B．To escape the coming storm. |
| C．To save the town from starvation. | D．To get the cure for a serious disease. |
| A．They are sci-fi films. | B．They are comedies. |
| C．They describe family stories. | D．They focus on schooling. |
| A．Carl’s deep love for his late wife. | B．Carl’s strong desire for risk-taking. |
| C．Carl’s unusual ability to create things. | D．Carl’s special way to travel around. |
5 . Stuck at home? These famous museums offer virtual tours you can take on your sofa. According to Fast Company, Google Arts&Culture teamed up with over 2,500 museums and galleries around the world to bring you virtual tours and online exhibits.
Guggenheim Museum, New York
Google’s Street View lets visitors tour the Guggenheim’s famous spiral (螺旋式) staircase without ever leaving home. From there, you can discover incredible works of art from the Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Modern and Contemporary times.
Pergamon Museum,Berlin
As one of Germany’s largest museums, Pergamonhas a lot to offer — even if you can’t physically be there. This historical museum is home to plenty of ancient works including the Ishtar Gate of Babylon and, of course,the Pergamon Altar.
Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam
Anyone who is a fan of this tragic, gifted painter can see his works up close (or, almost up close) by virtually visiting this museum — the largest collection of artworks by Vincent Van Gogh, including over 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and over 750 personal letters.
The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles
European artworks from as far back as the 8th century can be found in this California art museum. Take a Street View tour to discover a huge collection of paintings, drawings, sculptures, manuscripts, and photographs.
To see more of Google Arts&Culture’s collection of museums, visit the collection’s website.
1. Which one will you visit if you like modern art?| A．Pergamon Museum. |
| B．Guggenheim Museum. |
| C．The J. Paul Getty Museum. |
| D．Van Gogh Museum. |
| A．One who is fond of tragic films. |
| B．One who enjoys European artworks. |
| C．One who likes paintings of Van Gogh. |
| D．One who is interested in ancient artworks. |
| A．It is one of the largest museums in the USA. |
| B．It is the only home to artworks in California. |
| C．It includes all forms of artworks in the world. |
| D．It exhibits European artworks from the 8th century. |
6 . The Tanzania Conference
The Tanzania Conference will be held in order to create direct communication between the conservation (保护) workers. It is sponsored by the Rufford Small Grants (RSG), a group that funds nature conservation projects across the developing world.
This conference, chaired by Hudson Laizer, will bring 49 people from 7 countries.
Two rounds of Experience Sharing Presentations will be held, each consisting of 4 speeches.
Feature Presentations:
Lucas Kwiyega, Tanzania
His presentation will focus on his second RSG project of taking new measures to prevent illegal killing of lions in Western Tanzania.
Tutilo Mudumba, Uganda
He will talk about how he uses the RSG to collect animal trap and makes these wires into marketable goods.
Daniel Niyonsaba, Rwanda
He will share his third RSG research project findings which focus on why the elephants are dying out in National Park of Rwanda.
Evarastus Obura, Kenya
He will present his project entitled “Understanding the decline of threatened antelopes: using barcoding (条形码) to measure the impact of damaged wetland”.
1. What is the aim of the conference?| A．To raise money. |
| B．To set up a project. |
| C．To connect conservationists. |
| D．To look for conservationists. |
| A．8. | B．4. | C．49. | D．7. |
| A．Mr. Kwiyega. | B．Mr. Mudumba. |
| C．Mr. Niyonsaba. | D．Mr. Obura. |
7 . Lonely Planet collected a list of the top 10 countries to visit in 2020, taking you from blue Caribbean waters to thick European forests and beyond. Here are the destinations(目的地) not to miss.
1. Sri Lanka
Known for its timeless ruins and culture, attractive beaches and welcoming people, Sri Lanka is a key destination for anyone looking for a relaxing vacation full of beach lounging(懒散地躺着), wellness retreats（疗养院）and flavorful food to explorers in search of the next greatest sight.
When to visit: Sri Lanka is busiest December through March. However, the best weather can usually be found in April and September.
2. Germany
From cities filled with museums and nightlife to beautiful wildlife, Germany has something for everyone. Some tourist favorites include Berlin’s Museum Island, the Berlin Wall, The Cologne Cathedral in Cologne, and the Black Forest.
When to visit: Germany is most popular among tourists in July and August. Lonely Planet recommends heading over in the fall and spring.
3. Zimbabwe
The attraction of Zimbabwe is all about its gorgeous landscapes and extensive wildlife. Victoria Falls National Park is among the best spectacles to see in this southern African country. Take view of the rushing, mile-long waterfall from Devil’s Pool, a natural infinity pool next to the fall, and peer at its 328 feet drop.
When to visit: April and October bring sunny days and clear, cold nights, while July through September is the best time for wildlife viewing and white-water activities.
4. Panama
The country may be small, but there is a lot to do and see in Panama. Panama City is a diverse and busy city, and it is celebrating its 500th anniversary in 2020 by throwing a huge celebration.
When to visit: High season in Panama is during public holidays, such as Christmas and Easter. The best prices seen are usually between mid-April and early December.
1. Which country will you choose if you want to admire beaches?| A．Germany. | B．Sri Lanka. | C．Zimbabwe. | D．Panama. |
| A．April. | B．October. | C．August. | D．December. |
| A．Buy with least money. | B．Spend public holidays. |
| C．Join in a huge celebration. | D．Meet high season. |
8 . Summer Activities
Students should read the list with their parents/careers, and select two activities they would like to do. Forms will be available in school and online for them to indicate their choices and return to school. Before choices are finalised, parents/careers will be asked to sign to confirm their child’s choices.
Activity | Description | Member of staff | Cost |
Outdoor Adventure (OUT) | Take yourself out of your comfort zone for a week, discover new personal qualities, and learn new skills. You will be able to take part in a number of activities from canoeing to wild camping on Dartmoor. Learn rock climbing and work as a team, and enjoy the great outdoor environment. | Mr. Clemens | £140 |
WWI Battlefields and Paris (WBP) | On Monday we travel to London. After staying overnight in London, we travel on Day 2 to northern France to visit the World War I battlefields. On Day 3 we cross into Belgium. Thursday sees us make the short journey to Paris where we will visit Disneyland Paris park, staying until late to see the parade and the fireworks. Our final day, Friday, sees us visit central Paris and tour the main sights. | Mrs. Wilson | £425 |
Crafty Foxes (CRF) | Four days of product design centred around textiles. Making lovely objects using recycled and made materials. Bags, cushions and decorations...Learn skills and leave with modern and unusual textiles. | Mrs. Goode | £30 |
Potty about Potter (POT) | Visit Warner Bros Studio, shop stop to buy picnic, stay overnight in an approved Youth Hostel in Streatley-on-Thames, guided tour of Oxford to see the film locations, picnic lunch outside Oxford’s Christchurch, boating on the River Cherwell through the University Parks, before heading back to Exeter. | Miss Drake | £150 |
| A．OUT | B．WBP |
| C．CRF | D．POT |
| A．Travel to London. |
| B．See a parade and fireworks. |
| C．Tour central Paris. |
| D．Visit the WWI battlefields. |
| A．Two days. | B．Four days. |
| C．Five days. | D．One week. |
9 . Low-cost Gifts for Mother’s Day
Gift No. 1
Offer to be your mother’s health friend. Promise to be there for all doctor’s visits whether she has a disease or needs a regular medical check-up. Most mothers always say there is no need, but another set of eyes and ears is always a good idea at a doctor’s visit. The best part? This one is free.
Gift No. 2
Help your mother organize all of her medical records, which include the test results and medical information. Put them all in one place. Be sure to make a list of all of her medicines and what time she takes them. “Having all this information in one place could end up saving your mother’s life,” Dr. Marie Savard said.
Gift No. 3
Enough sleep is connected with general health conditions. “Buy your mother cotton sheets and comfortable pillows to encourage better sleep,” Savard said. “We know that good sleep is very important to our health.”
Gift No. 4
Some gift companies such as Presents for Purpose allow you to pay it forward this Mother’s Day by picking gifts, 10 percent of whose price you pay goes to a charity (慈善机构). Gift givers can choose from a wide variety of useful but inexpensive things — many of which are “green” — and then choose a meaningful charity from a list. When your mother gets the gift she will be told that she has helped the chosen charity.
1. What are you advised to do for your mother at doctor’s visits?| A．To take notes. | B．To be with her. |
| C．To buy medicines. | D．To give her gifts. |
| A．In Gift No. 1. | B．In Gift No. 2. |
| C．In Gift No. 3. | D．In Gift No. 4. |
| A．enjoy good sleep | B．be well-organized |
| C．get extra support | D．give other help |
