1 . Free Learning Tools for Self-learners
CCtalk
CCtalk is one of the most popular learning tools on your journey of self-growth and discovery. It offers over 4,000 free courses from various disciplines. One of the best things about the platform is that it is available in many other languages other than English. It also has a mobile app to keep your learning on the go.
Gaotu
Talking about learning on-the-go, Gaotu is also one of the most popular mobile learning apps. The app offers you the opportunity to learn a language in bite-sized units. Flashcards, multiple-choice questions and translation exercises help you pick up vocabulary and grammar.
Learning Communication
If you are the learner who likes text only, Learning Communication is a great resource. This site offers over 50 million e-books and textbooks on just about any subject you can think of. From an introduction to essay writing to the philosophy of artificial intelligence, Learning Communication offers you the full range of reading.
MOOC
MOOC offers self-learners more than 600 online courses, sets of teaching materials, and lecture series on its open education platform. This makes it one of the most valuable learning tools on the Internet. Unlike courses on other platforms, MOOC’s courses and lectures are not intended to introduce broad topics. Instead, learners can explore specific subjects in depth.
1. What do CCtalk and Gaotu have in common?| A．They both offer free courses. |
| B．They provide mobile learning. |
| C．They can provide various exercises. |
| D．They are only available in one language. |
| A．CCtalk. | B．Gaotu. |
| C．Learning Communication. | D．MOOC. |
| A．Choosing online courses. | B．Processing teaching materials |
| C．Organizing broad-topic lectures. | D．Further studying concrete subjects. |
2 . Visit to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
Vatican City is not only the smallest country in the world, but also a treasure house of art and history. You can admire the impressive fresco paintings (壁画) of the Sistine Chapel, and explore the Vatican Museums, which house a big collection of masterpieces from ancient to modern times.
Skip-the-line tickets:
The best-selling tickets for access to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Skip (跳过) the line tickets with priority access.
| Ticket | Type | Price | Reservation (预定) |
| Entrance | Full | €17.00/person | €4.00 |
| Entrance | Reduced | €8.00/person | €4.00 |
Reduced tickets:
Reduced tickets are available to children from 6 to 18 years of age, as well as students between the ages of 18 and 25. It is necessary to present a formal document at the university for the current year. There are no reductions for the over 65s.
Free entry:
Admission is free for children under 6 years of age. It is also free for disabled visitors and their carers. As it is not possible to book in advance, they will have to go directly to the “Special Permits” and /or “Reception” counters located in the entrance hall of the Vatican Museums.
Visit to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with audio guide
| Ticket | Type | Price | Reservation |
| Entrance +audio guide | Full | €24.00/person | €4.00 |
| Entrance +audio guide | Reduced | €15.00/person | €4.00 |
| Entrance +audio guide | Children (under age 6) | €13.00/person | €4.00 |
1. What does the Sistine Chapel feature?
| A．Fresco paintings. | B．Collected treasures. |
| C．The natural scenery. | D．The style of buildings. |
| A．Kids under age 6. | B．Students aged 6—25. |
| C．Adults aged over 65. | D．People with disabilities. |
| A．€48.00. | B．€61.00. | C．€63.00. | D．€75.00. |
3 . Wonka
Paddington 2 has been hailed as one of the all-time great family films. Now its director, Paul King, and his co-writer, Simon Farnaby, have turned their attention to another much-loved British children’s book character, Willy Wonka from Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. In this musical prequel, the top-hatted Wonka (Timothée Chalamet) opens his first sweet shop, with the help of an Oompa-Loompa played by Hugh Grant.
Released from 6 December internationally
The Boy and the Heron
Hayao Miyazaki is the director of such landmark works as My Neighbour Totoro and Howl’s Moving Castle. Now aged 82, he has said that his latest film, The Boy and the Heron, will be his last. Beginning with the bombing of Tokyo during World War Two, the story moves first to the countryside and then to a magical realm reminiscent of Spirited Away.
Released on 8 December in the US and Canada, and 26 December in the UK and Ireland
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
Momoa is back as Arthur Curry, the king of Atlantis, alongside Patrick Wilson as his half-brother, Amber Heard as his girlfriend, Nicole Kidman as his mother, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as his arch-enemy, Manta. The film’s director, James Wan told Clark Collis at Entertainment Weekly, “The beauty of this movie, this Aquaman world, is that ... we are our own separate universe.”
Released from 20 December internationally
Leave the World Behind
A family is having a quiet holiday in a rented house when some uninvited visitors announce that the world is coming to an end. That was the premise of Leave the World Behind, another apocalyptic thriller adapted from a novel. It features Julia Roberts and Ethan Hawke as the holidaying couple, and Mahershala Ali as the mystery man who turns up with his daughter, Myha’la Herrold. Can either family trust the other one? The film is “one of the year’s best and no doubt will spark massive amounts of conversation”, says Kristen Lopez in The Wrap.
Released on 8 December on Netflix internationally
1. Who is the director of Paddington 2?| A．Simon Farnaby | B．Hayao Miyazaki | C．Paul King | D．James Wan |
| A．from 8 December. | B．from 20 December. |
| C．from 6 December. | D．from 26 December. |
| A．News report | B．Argumentation | C．Exposition | D．Advertisement |
4 . Career Day
Come Look at Your Future!
So Many Questions. . .
> What should I be when I grow up?
> What is it really like being a pharmacist?
> What kind of people sell real estate?
You’ll need to find answers to questions like these within the next four years. Get started at Career Day. Talk with people who work at a variety of interesting jobs. Find out which high school electives will best prepare you for your career interests.
Even More Answers
Think all construction (建筑) workers swing a hammer? Some do, but others specialize in pluming, electrical, tiling, carpet laying, or roofing. Some construction workers design buildings, issue permits, inspect work, or write building safety codes. Learn about the range of jobs in many different industries at Career Day.
Industries Represented
●Education
●Biotechnology
●Medicine
●Journalism
●Law Enforcement
●Accounting
●Sportscasting
●Agriculture
●Computer Technology
●Construction
●Real Estate
●Hospitality
1. What is the purpose of this flier?| A．To help students get prepared for future tests in different jobs |
| B．To encourage students to come to explore their possible work |
| C．To learn about the differences of a variety of industries |
| D．To get advice on learning strategies from the Counseling Office |
| A．Talk with people offering jobs | B．Learn about stories of construction workers |
| C．Experience interesting industries | D．Discover the most suitable optional courses |
| A．Advertising. | B．Building. | C．Medicine. | D．Agriculture. |
Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One
Mission: Impossible film series has become one of the most popular action films. Even people with a limited appetite for action or Tom Cruise are often swept away by these films. The seventh chapter of the series, Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One, features even bigger stunts (特技表演) than ever before. Writer-director Christopher McQuarrie of the sixth film Mission: Impossible — Fallout is back for Dead Reckoning, which will arrive in two parts, this summer and next.
When: July 12
Elemental
If Pixar Animation Studios’ digitizers could bring emotions to vivid life in Inside Out, imagine what they can do for more physical substances like Air, Earth, Fire and Water. And if a friendship should blossom where co-existence appears a little tricky, what better way to make a case for folks learning to get along.
When: Aug. 19
The Last Voyage of the Demeter
Even if you think the story of Dracula has been done to death — or undeath, technically — the makers of this film found a new way in by cutting down the thinnest slice of Bram Stoker’s novel, namely, the chapter that takes place on the ship that, unknown to its crew, is transporting Dracula to England. Things don’t go well. Put it that way: This high-seas horror, directed by André Øvredal, has a lot of fun with different creatures.
When: Aug. 11
Being Mary Tyler Moore
With her sunny smile, humor and modest style, Mary Tyler Moore became a situation comedy queen with a 60-year career in TV, stage and film. HBO’s film reflects the reality of her life, including struggles against diseases. At times, the narrative is a bit too careful, content to only indicate the darker side of a performer.
When: May 26
1. What can we know about Dead Reckoning Part One?
| A．It is an action film as well as a horror. |
| B．Its second part will be filmed this summer. |
| C．It records Tom Cruise’s life on a ship to England. |
| D．It shares the same director with Mission: Impossible — Fallout. |
| A．Elemental. |
| B．Being Mary Tyler Moore. |
| C．The Last Voyage of the Demeter. |
| D．Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One. |
| A．It was produced 60 years ago. | B．It tells of a true person's life. |
| C．It reveals the dark side of society. | D．It was directed by Mary Tyler Moore. |
6 . The best places for wild sleeping in England and Wales
Challacombe Meadows, Devon
Best for: privacy
Challacombe Meadows is close to miles of walking trails near Widecombe. Basic toilet facilities and running water are a short walk away, and there’s a cosy pub and a farm shop also nearby, for when it’s time to return to civilization. Tents from £ 45 per tent.
Bush Farm, Cornwall
Best for: freedom of choice
At Bush Farm, campers are offered the freedom of choice. Map in hand, you can put up your tent wherever you please. Days can be spent wild swimming, wandering through the countryside and, come the evening, there’s star gazing beneath ink-black skies. Tents from £12 per person.
The Wildman Woods, Carmarthenshire
Best for: life on the riverbanks
At this little-known site, you can put your tent on the banks of the River Sawdde. The Wildman Woods are as simple as they sound, with leafy pitches scattered among the trees near the water. During the day, it’s the perfect place for a paddle. Tents from £10 per person.
Penrhos Isaf Bothy, Gwyned
Best for: packing light
Bothies, simple huts traditionally used as mountain refuges that are open to all and free of charge. They’re a great alternative to wild camping if the weather is looking unstable and you don’t mind sharing with other travellers, who can arrive at any time.
1. Which place best suits people who emphasize private camping?| A．Challacombe Meadows, Devon. | B．Bush Farm, Cornwall. |
| C．The Wildman Woods, Carmarthenshire. | D．Penrhos Isaf Bothy, Gwyned. |
| A．Swim indoors. | B．Go to the pub. | C．Appreciate stars. | D．Walk downtown. |
| A．They are free of charge. |
| B．They are suitable for a paddle. |
| C．They were used as mountain shelters in the past. |
| D．They are favored by people enjoying wild sleeping. |
7 . The ebike has become an essential item, and even the King has been spotted riding one. According to the market research company Mintel, sales have almost tripled over the past five years. While ebikes have become increasingly commonplace, they are still undeniably expensive. You can pick up a perfectly adequate push bike for £300, but most ebikes cost nearly £2,000. Now, Cycling Electric, designed to help consumers choose an ebike, offers the following recommendations.
Best folding bike
Carbo Model X
Price: £2, 799 | Weight: 13.3kg
Range: up to 34 miles
This is one of the most convenient bikes, from a little-known label. The lightweight Carbo X is the perfect example of convenience thanks to its carbon frame and belt drive, instead of a metal bike chain. This makes it lighter and less likely to get messy than an electric Brompton, with its more traditional, oily chain.
Most stylish
Temple Cycles Classic
Price: from £2, 995 | Weight: 19kg
Range: up to 74 miles
This Bristol-based brand is known for its elegant pushbikes, which are hand-built in the city. This is its electric version. It’s a very sleek and functional commuter option and not too heavy. Temples have fewer proprietary (品牌专卖的) parts and so are serviceable in any bike shop. Stylish as they may be, the VanMoofs and the Cowboys can be a bit more complex to get back-up and service.
The money-no-object option
Riese & Müller Nevo4 GT Vario GX
Price: £5, 380 | Weight: 28.4kg
Range: up to 93 miles
This is a prime example of the attention to detail delivering a high-quality experience in functionality, comfort and practicality — if you can afford it. It has the capacity to handle 25kg of luggage in a pannier, powerful road lights and a beautifully smooth motor.
1. What is the advantage of the Temples over other stylish ebike brands?| A．They are more lightweight. | B．They have more functions. |
| C．They have easier access to service. | D．They are more comfortable. |
| A．Carbo Model X. | B．The VanMoofs and the Cowboys. |
| C．Temple Cycles Classic. | D．Riese & Müller Nevo4 GT Vario GX. |
| A．An online post. | B．A magazine column. |
| C．A market research report. | D．An official document. |
8 . Looking for your next culture fix? Here are some must-see exhibitions that need to be on your radar.
Lucie Rie: The Adventure of Pottery, Kettle’s Yard, Cambridge
4 March-25 June
It showcases potter (陶艺师) Lucie Rie’s ground-breaking practice across six decades. The potter was a key figure in British post-war art, having moved away in 1938 from Vienna. Her technical innovations permanently extended the language of studio pottery. Her achievements range from functional tableware to elegant bowls and vases decorated with sgraffito.
Soutine |Kossoff, Hastings Contemporary, East Sussex
1 April-24 September
It’s the first show to explore the relationship between Leon Kossoff, whose thickly applied paint landscapes of post-war London are well known, and Paris trained artist Chaim Soutine. Kossoff discovered Soutine’s works in the early 1950s and was greatly influenced by it. The two artists shared an Eastern European Jewish heritage, and both created excellent works from the stuff of everyday life.
Luxury and power: Persia to Greece, British Museum
4 May-13 August.
It examines the political power of luxury goods in the Middle East and Southeast Europe between 550-30 BC. This was a period when the Persian Empire was in conflict with the cities and kingdoms of Greece before being occupied by Alexander the Great. Loans to the exhibition include the Panagyurishte Treasure from Bulgaria.
Audubon’s Birds of America, Compton Verney
1 July-1 October
On tour from the National Museums Scotland, Audubon’s Birds of America examines the artistry and legacy of one of the world’s rarest, most coveted and largest books. Published as a series between 1827 and 1838, and nearly 1 metre high, Birds of America by John James Audubon achieved international renown due to its epic scale and the book’s spectacular, large-scale ornithological illustrations. Compton Verney’s grounds are a wildlife shelter, so make the perfect setting for the show.
1. How long did Lucie Rie work on pottery?| A．About 80 years. | B．About 70 years. | C．About 60 years. | D．About 50 years. |
| A．Audubon. | B．Soutine. | C．Lucie. | D．Kossoff. |
| A．Compton Verney. | B．Hastings Contemporary. |
| C．British Museum. | D．Kettle’s Yard. |
1. What is the man?
| A．A teacher. | B．A host. | C．An editor. |
| A．Her university life. |
| B．Her job after graduation. |
| C．Her high school experience. |
| A．From her friends. |
| B．From her parents. |
| C．From the bank. |
10 . We’ve been helping billions of people worldwide continue to learn, adapt and grow for over a decade. But during the COVID-19 pandemic (流行病), the risks are higher than ever. Every dollar contributed enables us to create up-to-date, authoritative guides on the topics people want to know and keep providing high-quality how-to help for people like you.
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1. What is the purpose of the contribution?| A．To employ some financial planners. | B．To collect some volunteer doctors. |
| C．To help those with mental diseases. | D．To develop the resources and contents. |
| A．Different approaches of payment are ready. |
| B．The contribution is made on a voluntary basis. |
| C．Only readers are accessible to the contribution. |
| D．The contribution is part of a charitable donation. |
| A．A magazine. | B．A charity. | C．A website. | D．A newspaper. |
