1. Who is the main audience for the announcement?
| A．Soccer players. | B．Parents of soccer players. | C．The youngest soccer players. |
| A．They are too young to play. |
| B．The transportation will be arranged by the speaker. |
| C．There aren’t enough players to make teams. |
| A．Some insurance. | B．Some reservations. | C．Some paperwork. |
| A．His name is Steve. | B．His child plays soccer. | C．He is a soccer coach. |
2 . Four Art Study Abroad Programs in 2024
Whether you love art history, dance, photography, writing, or beyond, here are the top art programs to attend in 2024.
The 6-week Gap Year Course in Italy | Art History AbroadProgram length: 6 weeks in summer
Price: $10,000
If you’re interested in studying artists, criticism, and painting techniques during periods like the Renaissance and styles like baroque, Romanesque, and modern art, then this program is for you. It prides itself on not simply teaching art but also culture and an appreciation of beauty.
Creative Internships (实习) in Australia with ABI | ArtBound InitiativeProgram length: 1 month
Price: $3,250
If you’ve ever had an interest in pursuing a career in the creative industry, consider an internship opportunity with ArtBound Initiative. Interns can work in exciting overseas locations while getting one-on-one career coaching from professionals.
The Irish Arts and Culture Program | Irish Gap YearProgram length: 1 semester
Price: $17,000
Explore your own areas of interest as you work side by side with local Irish artists, photographers, writers, and musicians, learning about Ireland’s rich cultural and artistic heritage. Your hands-on experience goes hand in hand with day trips to galleries, museums, and castles, and at the end, you’ll have the opportunity to exhibit your works at the Le Cheile Art Expo.
Creative Semester in France | Berridge ProgramsProgram length: 1 semester
Price: $16,500
Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced performer or artist, your interests and talents will be nurtured by industry professionals. During your time here, you will work on improving your skills which will end with a feature film or creative performance.
1. Where should you go to obtain career guidance according to the text?| A．France. | B．Australia. | C．Italy. | D．Ireland. |
| A．The 6-week Gap Year Course in Italy. |
| B．Creative Internships in Australia with ABI. |
| C．The Irish Arts and Culture Program. |
| D．Creative Semester in France. |
| A．$3,250. | B．$10,000. | C．$16,500. | D．$17,000. |
3 . What comes into your mind when you think of British food? Probably fish and chips, or a Sunday dinner of meat and two vegetables. But is British food really so uninteresting? Even though Britain has a reputation for less-than-impressive cuisine, it is producing more top class chefs who appear frequently on our television screens and whose recipe books frequently top the best seller lists.
It’s thanks to these TV chefs rather than any advertising campaign that Britons are turning away from meat-and-two-veg and ready-made meals and becoming more adventurous in their cooking habits. It is recently reported that the number of those sticking to a traditional diet is slowly declining and around half of Britain’s consumers would like to change or improve their cooking in some way. There has been a rise in the number of students applying for food courses at UK universities and colleges. It seems that TV programmes have helped change what people think about cooking.
According to a new study from market analysts, 1 in 5 Britons say that watching cookery programmes on TV has encouraged them to try different food. Almost one third say they now use a wider variety of ingredients than they used to, and just under 1 in 4 say they now buy better quality ingredients than before. One in four adults say that TV chefs have made them much more confident about expanding their cookery knowledge and skills, and young people are also getting more interested in cooking. The UK’s obsession (痴迷) with food is reflected through television scheduling. Cookery shows and documentaries about food are broadcast more often than before. With an increasing number of male chefs on TV, it’s no longer “uncool” for boys to like cooking.
1. What do people usually think of British food?| A．It is rich in nutrition. | B．It is simple and plain. |
| C．It lacks authentic tastes. | D．It deserves a high reputation. |
| A．Interesting. | B．Creative. | C．Influential. | D．Profitable. |
| A．20%. | B．24%. | C．25%. | D．33%. |
| A．Studies of big eaters. | B．Table manners in the UK. |
| C．Male chefs on TV programmes. | D．The art of cooking in other countries. |
4 . Bristol Old Vic
When the Theatre Royal (now Bristol Old Vic) was built, electricity hadn’t been discovered. For over 250 years the people who have owned, worked inside and visited the theatre have kept records about their activity. These are kept safe at the University of Bristol Theatre Collection, and you’ll discover a range of documents which record the history of the theatre, from its foundation in 1764 up until the present day. Here are some of them.
BEGINNING
In 1764 businessmen Alexander Edgar and Thomas Symons suggested building a new theatre between Baldwin Street and the back of Coopers’ Hall in King Street. The estimated cost was f2, 000 to be split among 40 subscribers, but the building work cost more than expected. Owning shares allowed them to influence decisions about the theatre.
SILVER TICKET
Each of the original Bristol Old Vic shareholders was given a silver ticket that promised sight of any performance held at the theatre. As the holders were clever businessmen, they insisted that the silver tickets could be loaned or traded. This enabled them to make some extra money but made it extremely difficult for the theatre managers to keep track of who was allowed to see shows for free.
250TH BIRTHDAY
In May 2016, the theatre celebrated its 250th birthday! As the oldest continuously-working theatre in the English-speaking world, it deserved a proper party, so Bristol-based Limbic Cinema was hired to create a film of the theatre’s historical highlights which was projected (放映) onto the theatre itself.
1. Where can you find the three mentioned documents?| A．At Baldwin Street. |
| B．At Coopers’ Hall in King Street. |
| C．At Bristol-based Limbic Cinema. |
| D．At the University of Bristol Theatre Collection. |
| A．By creating a film about its history. |
| B．By building Bristol-based Limbic Cinema. |
| C．By releasing silver ticket in memory of the birthday. |
| D．By making a film projected in theatres across England. |
| A．To compare the theatre and others. |
| B．To change people’s view on Bristol Old Vic. |
| C．To introduce some information of Bristol Old Vic. |
| D．To recommend a movie related to the theatre. |
5 . The Student Essay Competition of Yorkshire
We are thrilled to announce the beginning of our annual student essay competition. This competition provides a fantastic opportunity for all of you to showcase your writing skills, express your creativity and win exciting prizes.
The theme for this year’s competition is “The Power of Education“. We want to hear your thoughts on how education has the power to make a difference to the world, transform lives, and create a better future for all. All high school students from Yorkshire can participate in the competition.
Essay Guidelines:
*The essay should be written in English.
*The word count should be between 500 and 1, 000.
*The essay should be different from anything that has existed before and not be previously published.
*Proper citation and referencing are required for any external sources used.
*Plagiarism (抄袭) will result in disqualification.
Submission Details:
Please submit your essays via email to YKSEC@yahoo.com by 8th next month. The subject line of the email should read:“Student Essay Competition+your name”
Prizes:
We have exciting prizes lined up for the winners of this competition. The top ten winners will receive a trip to London. Additionally, the winning essays will be featured on our website and social media platforms, giving you a chance to showcase your work to a wider audience.
1. What is the text?| A．An announcement. | B．A guidebook. | C．An application. | D．A report. |
| A．A 16-year-old local student. | B．A high school student from London. |
| C．A foreign exchange student. | D．A primary school student in Yorkshire. |
| A．Any language is suitable for the judges. | B．More than 1, 000 words can be accepted. |
| C．The written essay must be original. | D．The essay should be sent by letters. |
6 . Full day French Riviera eBike Tour
Join us for a full day adventure on this fun eBike tour. We travel through time from medieval fortresses (中世纪堡垒) via Belle Epoque palaces to the modern mansions.
Our eBikes are as easy to ride as a normal bicycle but give you assistance up the hills. We’ve ensured the route is safe, and most of the route is on quiet roads with little traffic.
What you will seeThe port of Nice, Mont Boron, Mont Alban and Villefranche (in the half day tour)
The port of Nice contrasts Old World charms with modern huge yachts (游艇). As we climb up the Mont Boron, we cycle past Elton John’s house at the summit of Mont Boron and the impressive medieval fortress of Mont Alban. Our lunch stop is by the Mediterranean in Villefranche-sur-Mer.
Jaw-dropping views of the French RivieraThroughout this tour, the splendid sea views never stop. The picture paints a thousand words!
Pétanque (a game, played chiefly in the south of France)The iconic pastime of the French Riviera takes a minute to learn and a lifetime to master. The simplicity leaves many players addicted after the first couple of rounds, and you’ll be surprised at how competitive you really are! We play this game under the Mediterranean pine trees until the end of the tour.
Fact Sheet| Start time: | 10 am |
| Duration: | 7 relaxing and fun hours, including: ·1 hr visit to the impressive medieval fortress ·Picnic stop (sandwiches not included) ·1 hr session of Pétanque |
| Lunch: | We have a picnic next to the Pétanque grounds. Bring your own picnic, or pick up sandwiches, drinks and delicious French pastries (not included) at our favourite bakery. |
| Includes: | English-speaking guide, electrically assisted bike, helmet, water bottle |
| Suitahle for: | Active adults and children over 15 and at least 145 em tall. Weight limit: 120 kg/265 lbs. |
| Price: | 125€ per person |
| Cancellation: | Full refund up to the day before the tour. No refund for no-shows. |
1. What concerns the organizer most about the tour?
| A．The safety of the tourist route. | B．The tastes of visitors. |
| C．The free food for picnic. | D．The native-speaking guide. |
| A．Ride up the Mont Boron. | B．Play the game of Pétunque. |
| C．Visit the medieval fortress. | D．Have a picnic in Villefranche-sur-Mer. |
| A．120€. | B．125€. | C．240€. | D．250€. |
7 . Here are some activities you might be interested in.
Watermedia Showcase
Prize: $2,500 first prize, $1,250 second prize
Entry Fee: $35 per entry
Requirements: Open to international artists 18 years of age and older
The Watermedia Showcase awards original art created primarily with water-based media on a surface created for water media. Judged by the editors of Watercolor Artist, all winners and honorable mentions will have their works featured in the magazine.
Jackson’s Painting Prize
Prize: £6,000 first prize
Entry Fee: £5 per entry
Requirements: Open to international artists of all ages
Jackson’s Painting Prize was created to reward excellence in two-dimensional (维度的) works of fine art. Both painting and drawing media are accepted and in addition to the main prize, there are also awards for best watercolor, and people’s choice.
The Lumen Prize for Digital Art
Prize: $4,000 first prize, with a $13,500 total prize fund
Entry Fee: $40 for two works ($ 32 for two works if submitted prior to March 24)
Requirements: Open to artists worldwide
This digital art competition is organized by Lumen Art Projects Ltd, a non-profit organization that’s dedicated to providing new opportunities for digital artists around the world. The contest guidelines are relatively loose — the only requirement is that the submitted artworks must somehow engage with technology.
Animago Award
Prize: £3,000 cash prize for Best Young Production
Entry Fee: Free
Requirements: Open to artists worldwide
For over 20 years the Animago Award competition has spotlighted talent in the fields of 3D animation (动画) and stills, visual effects, visualization, and design. Organized by the German magazine Digital Production, all winners are announced at the annual Animago conference in Munich, Germany.
1. What is special about Watermedia Showcase?| A．Artists needn’t pay any to enter it. | B．Artists of first prize will win £6,000. |
| C．No artist younger than 18 is allowed. | D．It’s organized by a non-profit organization. |
| A．Watermedia Showcase. | B．Jackson’s Painting Prize. |
| C．The Lumen Prize for Digital Art. | D．Animago Award. |
| A．A travel brochure. | B．A contest guide. | C．A course plan. | D．An academic article. |
8 . AMTRAK TRAIN TICKETS FROM WASHINGTON TO NEW YORK
Departure | Arrival | Duration | Price | |
Union Station — Penn Station | 1:50 PM | 4:38 PM | 2h 48m | $184 |
Union Station — Penn Station | 4:00 PM | 6:40 PM | 2h 40m | $190 |
Union Station — Penn Station | 10:30 AM | 1:20 PM | 2h 50m | $175 |
Union Station — Penn Station | 8:00 AM | 10:30 AM | 2h 30m | $195 |
Deals and discounts
The train company has a discount policy on train tickets. It offers a discount for family groups (3 or more people) and babies. It offers a 50% discount for babies under the age of 24 months. Disabled people and people with reduced mobility can receive free assistance at the train station and on the train.
Ticket refunds and exchanges
If the passenger has any problem before the trip, the train company allows some kind of changes like: refund if the client won’t travel anymore or schedule changes. But remember, there are cancellation fees that vary according to the advance of the change request.
Boarding on train
It’s important to arrive at the station one hour before your train leaves, so you can check your ticket without problems.
Baggage size and weight limits
Each train company has its own rules about carrying luggage. The company allows the transport of one or two pieces of luggage weighing up to 20kg.
Pets on train
American train companies do not allow the transport of animals in their carriages.
Have an awesome train trip!
1. Which train takes the least time?| A．1:50 PM. | B．4:00 PM. | C．10:30 AM. | D．8:00 AM. |
| A．$190. | B．$195. | C．$380. | D．$390. |
| A．Tourists can carry luggage weighing above 20kg. |
| B．Tourists can take their pets onto the train with themselves. |
| C．Tourists can get a full refund if they have a problem before the trip. |
| D．Tourists had better arrive at the station one hour before train departure. |
9 . 
Challenge curious young minds from 9 to 14 with Cricket Media’s collection of magazines. Whether your child is a promising poet or a future engineer, these award-winning, ad-free publications are made for your kids.
CRICKET@Magazine
CRICKET Magazine, our flagship publication, is the world leader in providing the highest-quality fiction and nonfiction to children from 9 to 14. Since its premiere in 1973, CRICKET has delighted and entertained generations of kids with contemporary stories and classic literature from the world’s best writers. ADD TO CART
COBBLESTONETM Magazine
COBBLESTONE knows history doesn’t have to be dull and dry. Filled with fascinating true stories of American history, every page is a living, breathing guide to how Americans lived from the 1600s to today. It takes kids on a journey through history while exciting their imaginations and bringing the past to life! ADD TO CART
FACESTM Magazine
FACES magazine takes young readers around the world and back to learn about important inventions and ideas from other cultures. From common customs to rules of the road, games to housing, FACES uses breathtaking photography and authentic local voices to bring the entire world right to your kids. ADD TO CART
MUSE@Magazine
MUSE magazine is the arts and science magazine for kids from 9 to 14 who want to know how to keep robots from taking over the world or whether animals can think, accompanied by high-quality illustration and photography. Explore the world in a fun (and funny!)way with MUSE. ADD TO CART
1. In which magazine is it the most possible for readers to experience the past life?| A．CRICKET@Magazine. | B．COBBLESTONETM Magazine. |
| C．FACESTM Magazine. | D．MUSE@Magazine. |
| A．They are packed with authentic local voices. |
| B．They provide high-quality fictions. |
| C．They cover life in foreign countries. |
| D．They are vividly illustrated with photos. |
| A．A publication advertisement. | B．A magazine column. |
| C．A literature review. | D．A blog entry. |
10 . 4 Ice Rinks (溜冰场) In The UK
Winter Wonderland, Cardiff, Wales
Duration: 16 November 2023—2 January 2024
This r ink is see-through, allowing views of Cardiff Castle while being sheltered from the elements. For further fun on the ice, travel down the Ice Walk that extends through the grounds for 150 m with a breathtaking backdrop of the Norman Keep.
Somerset House, London, England
Duration: 15 November 2023—14 January 2024
The magical r ink is at Somerset House. This rink offers skate school classes and wheelchair sessions, so everybody has access to it. Treat yourself post-skating with the Skate Extras at the Chalet Suisse in the West Wing of Somerset House, including a hot chocolate and chocolate fondues(奶酪火锅).
Royal Pavilion Ice Rink, Brighton, England
Duration: 28 October 2023—7 January 2024
Those summer scorchers at the seaside might be a distant memory, but there’s still reason to head to the coast this Christmas. Set against the city’s Indo-Saracenic-style former royal residence, Brighton’s green-energy ice rink has special free sessions for under-5s, and warming offers at the rink side Bar &Kitchen include hot chocolate with marshmallows.
Edinburgh’s Christmas Ice Rink, Edinburgh, Scotland
Duration: 17 November 2023—6 January 2024
When you’ve had enjoyed the delicious food at the Christmas Markets along Princes Street, make your way to George Street to enjoy a glide across the ice. Fixed between Castle Street and Charlotte Square, the covered r ink makes its mark with its scenic backdrop of the City Chambers.
1. What is special about Somerset House?| A．It provides free wheelchair sessions. | B．Foods are served before skating. |
| C．Anyone can skate there. | D．People can travel down the Ice Walk. |
| A．Royal Pavilion Ice Rink. | B．Somerset House. |
| C．Winter Wonderland. | D．Edinburgh’s Christmas Ice Rink. |
| A．Those who enjoy delicious foods. | B．Those who are fond of shopping. |
| C．Those who like to travel around. | D．Those who are keen on skating. |
