1 . Writing competitions

Closing date in April

Author of Tomorrow aims to find future adventure writers. Young people under 21 can send entries (参赛作品) between 1,500 and 5,000 words (under 500 words for primary-aged pupils). The prizes are £1,000 for the 16-21 age group, £100 and £150 in book tokens (购书券) for the 12-15 age group, and £100 and £150 in book tokens for the 11 and under age group. The closing date is 29th April.

Tadpole Press is running a worldwide 100-word writing competition open to writers of all ages. Entries of 100 words can be sent in any type. The competition requires a small entry fee and 1st place receives a cash prize, while 2nd and 3rd places get writing coaching and editing packages. The deadline is 30th April.

Closing date in May

The Martha Mills Young Writers’ Prize invites young people in the UK aged 11-14 to send under 500 words of “writing that is lively, unusual or otherwise original”. This year’s topic is “The Stranger” and the closing date is 22nd May.

War Through Children’s Eyes is open to children aged 7-17 in the UK and aims to “raise awareness of the impact of wars on the communities caught up in them, and particularly on the most vulnerable members of those communities: their children”: Entries of up to 1,000 words are invited, and full details about the competition are available on its website. The closing date is 10th May.

1. Which competition is suitable for a person good at writing adventure stories?

A．Tadpole Press.

B．Author of Tomorrow.

C．War Through Children’s Eyes.

D．The Martha Mills Young Writers’ Prize.

2. What do we know about Tadpole Press?

A．All types of entries are accepted.

B．It is free of charge for all writers.

C．The winners will receive cash prizes.

D．It welcomes writers across the world.

3. What do the two competitions closing in May have in common?

A．They have specific topics.	B．They close on the same day.
C．They are only for teen writers.	D．They accept entries over 500 words.

2 . Wildlife Volunteer Programs for Teens

Age: 14-17
Duration: 2 weeks
Wildlife Orphanage Program, Zimbabwe

At one of the most successful wildlife care centers in Zimbabwe, volunteers work with wildlife ranging from monkeys to lions. These animals have been abandoned, injured, or rescued from illegal wildlife traders. Tasks include preparing food, cleaning out yards, and contributing enrichment ideas. Leisure time can be spent visiting Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park.

Age: 13-15
Duration: 4 weeks
Sea Turtle (海龟) Conservation Program, Greece

With this program, teens can help the endangered sea turtle while working alongside experts. Volunteers can expect long walks along the beach watching over sea turtles nesting areas or building fences to protect them from natural enemies. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to explore ancient ruins and sample delicious Greek cuisine.

Age: 17-19
Duration: 3 weeks
Yucatan Peninsula Program, Mexico

With this program, volunteers will learn about the issues facing the marine (海洋的) ecosystem, including pollution, overfishing, and climate change. Teens will gain valuable skills on how to conduct deep sea research and identify fish species. During free time, participants can explore Mayan ruins set in tropical (热带的) jungles.

Age: 16-18
Duration: 2 weeks
Preserving Nature’s Wonders Program, Galapagos

Volunteers joining this program help restore the natural habitat of native wildlife, which is in danger of losing its habitat. This program gives teens an experience of a lifetime where they can swim with sea lions and spot rare wildlife in one of the last untouched places on earth.

1. Where should teens go if they want to look after wounded animals?

A．Zimbabwe.

B．Greece.

C．Mexico.

D．Galapagos.

2. What can volunteers in the Sea Turtle Conservation Program do during their free time?

A．Visit a national park.	B．Enjoy tasty local food.
C．Set foot in an untouched place.	D．Explore ancient ruins in tropical jungles.

3. Which program is suitable for 19-year-olds with a 4-week holiday?

A．The Wildlife Orphanage Program.	B．The Sea Turtle Conservation Program.
C．The Yucatan Peninsula Program.	D．The Preserving Nature’s Wonders Program.