1 . There are many podcasts (播客) that teach English and you can listen to them anytime. Here is a list of some of the best podcasts that you must see.
Learn English Podcast
This podcast has three levels.The first is for beginners, the second is for intermediates (中级学生) and the third is for upper intermediates. If a person wants to learn Business English,then episodes are also made for him.Every podcast is short but very informative. Worksheets and vocabulary tasks are also included.
Speaking Broadly
This podcast is made for advanced learners. Explained through discussion and interviews, each episode has non-native English speakers and every recording also has expert feedback. You will see some common mistakes made by English learners and you can improve your English by learning from those mistakes.
The English We Speak
This podcast airs one episode daily and every episode is only three to four minutes, which talks about phrases and idioms.There are two people in each episode who communicate with each other. Whatever level you are,you will find it rewarding
Elementary Podcast
This podcast is mainly for beginners and intermediate level learners. The length of a podcast is around 25 minutes but you can pause it anytime and continue whenever you want. The hosts of each episode are different.
1. Which podcast provides exercises going with it?| A．Learn English Podcast. | B．Speaking Broadly. |
| C．The English We Speak | D．Elementary Podcast. |
| A．It records just expert speakers. | B．It aims at beginners. |
| C．It presents some typical mistakes. | D．It provides feedback from listeners. |
| A．They have the same length. | B．They are both interactive. |
| C．They share the same contents. | D．They are suitable for beginners. |
“You'll find there's never a dull moment in this house.”
—Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham
Downton Abbey: The Exhibition, based on the beloved television show, transports you to post-Edwardian England, where the characters and the iconic house come to life. It is now celebrating the holidays in Atlanta, bringing the Crawley family holiday spirit to its halls with stunning Christmas decorations.
Visitors can explore the decorated halls of Highclere Castle and memorable sets in Downton Abbey, complete with beautifully dressed Christmas trees, a lavish holiday feast, lights that illuminate the holiday magic and more.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
·HOURS: 10 a. m. —6p. m.（last ticket sold at 4:30 p. m.）, open weekly from
Thursday to Monday.
Special holiday hours will be available.
Hours are subject to change.
·LOCATION: Perimeter Pointe in Sandy Springs, 1155 Mount Vernon Hwy NE, Atlanta, GA30338
·DIRECTIONS AND PARKING:
About half a mile from Perimeter Mall, the Exhibition is located near the intersection of Mt Vernon Hwy and Abernathy Rd NE. The location is easily accessible by vehicle or by public transit. There is plenty of free parking available, and we are just steps from the Sandy Springs MARTA bus stop.
FAQ
·How do I purchase tickets?
Purchase General Admission tickets here or VIP tickets here or call toll-free 855—750—6229.
·What is the difference between the General Admission and the VIP ticket?
The VIP ticket allows guests to visit the exhibition on the selected date of visit at any time during normal operating hours. The ticket also includes a complimentary audio guide which is not included with the timed-entry ticket.
·How long does it take to go through the exhibition?
Most guests will spend between 60 and 90 minutes exploring the exhibition. Guests are welcome to stay for as long or as little as they would like during hours of operation.
·Can the exhibition accommodate guests who require special access?
The exhibition is fully accessible for the mobility impaired.
·Is the exhibition appropriate for children? What is the age recommendation?
Downton Abbey fans of all ages are welcome. Children 14 and under can visit the exhibition for free when accompanied by a paying adult. Parents and caregivers can make the best judgment about their children's interest and ability to enjoy the exhibition.
·Why do I have to choose a time to enter the exhibition?
Admission is timed-entry where your ticket is for a specific time slot and you may enter anywhere during the 30 minutes after the stated time. For example: a 10:00 a. m. ticket gives entry from 10:00 a. m.—10:30a. m. Please arrive 15 minutes before your time slot. Busy days may involve a short wait to enter.
·Can I book a group event at the exhibition?
Absolutely! Groups of 10 or more receive a discount off retail prices.
1. The purpose of this passage is to________.| A．illustrate the schedule of a Christmas activity |
| B．demonstrate the popularity of a hit TV drama |
| C．offer group visitors easier access to a culture event |
| D．attract and guide people to visit a theme exhibition |
| A．Those with limited mobility won't find it difficult in the visit. |
| B．A five-year-old boy and his father can buy one ticket to enter. |
| C．The visiting time should be strictly arranged within half an hour. |
| D．One of the features of the VIP ticket is the audio guide service. |
| A．a TV guide | B．a tourist brochure | C．a booking website | D．a movie magazine |
3 . Using Google’s unique digital technology, the stories of some English Heritage Sites around the country — from Tintagel Castle in Cornwall to Chesters Roman Fort on Hadrian’s Wall — are brought to life and shared by way of the Google Arts & Culture platform.
 Stonehenge Skyscape | The English Heritage’s Stonehenge Skyscape enables people around the world to experience the skies above the stone circle, and learn about movements of the sun, moon and planets. Experience live and special sunrise over Stonehenge, see the journey of the stars and the moon from within the stone circle and learn more about the design of Stonehenge and how its builders may have understood their place in the universe. |
 Osborne House, the Isle of Wight | Take a 360⁃degree video tour of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s palatial (富丽堂皇的) holiday home on the Isle of Wight in the company of English Heritage director Michael Hunter, including the Italian terraces (露台) with views over the Solent, which reminded Prince Albert of the Bay of Naples, and the Indian-inspired Durbar Room, designed to show Queen Victoria’s position as Empress of India. |
 Audley End House and Gardens, Essex | Explore the story of one of the greatest houses of early 17th-century England deep in the heart of the Essex countryside, and fly over the great formal gardens designed by Capability Brown. |
 Tintagel Castle, Cornwall | Explore this medieval (中世纪的) castle set high on Cornwall’s north coast. Linked with the legend of King Arthur, for centuries this impressive castle has inspired the imaginations of writers and artists. Discover the early medieval history of a distant outpost (偏远村镇) trading objects from Spain, North Africa and Turkey. |
| A．Stonehenge Skyscape. |
| B．Osborne House, the Isle of Wight. |
| C．Audley End House and Gardens, Essex. |
| D．Tintagel Castle, Cornwall. |
| A．Both were built for their kings. |
| B．Both were built in the same age. |
| C．Both are related to previous rulers. |
| D．Both were palatial holiday homes for the rulers. |
| A．Language. | B．Education. | C．Geography. | D．Culture. |
4 . Welcome to the “Chicken Soup” family
The first Chicken Soup for the Soul book was released in 1993 and quickly became a holiday favourite. Thereafter, more than 250 books have been put together based on inspiring stories submitted by readers.
On this part of the website, you will find a list of our new book topics, our writing guidelines and our submission form. We welcome your stories, written in English, from all over the world!
Guidelines for a Chicken Soup for the Soul story
1. Tell an exciting, heart-warming or funny story about something that has happened to you or someone you know. Your story should be written in the first person.
2. Don’t be afraid to speak from the heart. We do let you use a pen-name for your story.
3. Keep your story to 1,200 words or less.
4. We love poems that tell a story, but we do not publish poems that seem overly focused on rhyming (押韵) or those which read more like greetings cards.
A few more tips about submitting your stories
1. The only way to submit your stories is via our website. If you have any problems when trying to fill out the form to submit your work, please contact us.
2. Please submit stories that have not been previously published. The only exception to this is if your work has only been published in a small local publication with limited circulation (发行量) or on your own blog.
3. Please do not send us any book manuscripts (手稿), unless through a literary agent (作家代理人), as they will be automatically discarded.
What happens after you submit your story?
Please complete all fields in the submission form. After you press the SUBMIT button, wait for the next screen to come up with a message that says: “Thank you! Your information has been received.” This is the only confirmation that your story has been entered into our database.
We do not send rejection letters, and we occasionally will save a submission for consideration for a future book. But in general, if you have not heard from us 60 days prior to the book’s on-sale date, that probably means we have decided not to use your story.
If we choose your story for a future book, we will notify (通知) you by email and request your permission to print it. You will be paid $200 one month after the publication of the book and receive ten free copies of the book your story appears in. You will also be entitled to buy books from us at half price.
1. According to the article, a Chicken Soup for the Soul story may be anything but a ________.| A．work of fiction | B．narrative poem |
| C．humorous story | D．tale of adventure |
| A．you don’t submit it on your own |
| B．you don’t use your real name in the story |
| C．it has already been published on a large scale |
| D．it seems similar to a story that has already been published |
| A．as soon as you submit your story on its website |
| B．after your story has been published in a new edition |
| C．when your story has been chosen for a future edition |
| D．45 days before its new edition is available for purchase |
5 . NEW NATURE WRITER OF THE YEAR 2022
Seeking talented new faces in the world of nature writing in 2022, we set you a challenge: to write about a special place where you feel close to nature. Your many entries traveled from urban park to moorland (荒原); mountain to lake; coast to garden. Reading them was a thrilling reminder of the power of nature to comfort and heal, but also to energize and excite. Choosing a winner was difficult. Thank you to our judges for their thoughtful consideration. One entry stood out as the winner. Scarlet Ribbons is published on our web page. We hope you enjoy it.
OUR JUDGING TEAM
Gillian Burke, biologist
“Achingly beautiful. This piece is near-perfect as far as I am concerned. It hit every mark, delivering all the elements set out in the brief and more. I could read it again and again and again…”
Nicola Chester, author
“I loved the ‘Hlansel’s bread crumbs of the Scarlet Pimpernel path’ that led you back to the past, to a Lost Eden. The line ‘the thaw (融雪) never came for our moorland household’ has such dramatic power.”
Cal Flyn, journalist and author
“What a striking piece of writing. This was lyrical, knowledgeable and showed deep connection to a place. It also came with an emotional hit that made me want to lie down.”
Joe Pontin, editor and chair of the judging panel
“Written with elegance and passion, Scarlet Ribbons transports you to the peaceful summer days of a young child exploring the countryside around the family farm in Yorkshire.”
1. What is the theme of the world of nature writing in 2022?| A．Identifying the best nature-lover. |
| B．Healing the world with nature-lovers. |
| C．Exploring more personal natural places. |
| D．Connecting with one’s unique natural place. |
| A．Gillian Burke. |
| B．Nicola Chester. |
| C．Cal Flyn. |
| D．Joe Pontin. |
| A．A website. |
| B．A newspaper. |
| C．A magazine. |
| D．A guidebook. |
6 . Musicals in Washington’s Historic National Theatre in 2020
The Last Ship
$49—$154
THE LAST SHIP, inspired by Sting’s 1991 album “The Soul Cages” and his own childhood experiences, tells the story of a community in Tyne and Wear. Sting will star and perform the role at every performance. It features an original score with music and lyrics by Sting as well as a few of his best-loved songs: “Island of Souls” “All This Time” and “When We Dance”. Learn more at TheLastShipMusical.com.
Recommended for ages 13 and up.
Run time: Approximately 2 hours, 30 minutes.
The King’s Speech
$54 — $104
THE KING’S SPEECH is based on the true story of King George VI’s struggle with a speech problem and the friendship he formed with his doctor, Lionel Logue. With the Nazi threat coming and civil unrest at home, royal secrets explode around the King as he appeared onto the world stage.
Recommended for ages 13 and up.
Run time: Approximately 2 hours, 50 minutes.
Blue Man Group
$64—$124
At BLUE MAN GROUP, you’ll rock, laugh, and party! As three blue men explore our world, together we’ll discover music, comedy and surprises at every turn. It is perfect for audiences of all ages and cultural backgrounds, and returns to D.C. with new music, fresh stories, custom instruments like never before.
Recommended for ages 4 and up.
Run time: Approximately 1 hour, 30 minutes
Summer: The Donna Summer Musical
$54—$114
Donna Summer was a girl from Boston with a voice from heaven. With a score featuring more than 20 of Summer’s classic hits including “Love to Love You Baby”, “Bad Girls” and “Hot Stuff”, this electric experience is a moving tribute to the voice of a generation.
Recommended for ages 13 and up.
Run time: Approximately 1 hour, 40 minutes
1. In which musical can you enjoy the song “All This Time”?| A．The King’s Speech. | B．The Last Ship. |
| C．Blue Man Group. | D．Summer: The Donna Summer Musical. |
| A．Tuesday, Feb. 11. | B．Friday, March 27. |
| C．Sunday, May 17. | D．Wednesday, July 22. |
| A．$49 — $154. | B．$64 — $124. | C．$54— $104. | D．$54 —$114. |
Bad news sells. If it bleeds, it leads. No news is good news, and good news is no news. Those are the classic rules for the evening broadcasts and the morning papers. But now that information is being spread and monitored(监控) in different ways, researchers are discovering new rules. By tracking people’s e-mails and online posts, scientists have found that good news can spread faster and farther than disasters and sob stories.
“The ‘if it bleeds’ rule works for mass media,” says Jonah Berger, a scholar at the University of Pennsylvania. “They want your eyeballs and don’t care how you’re feeling. But when you share a story with your friends, you care a lot more how they react. You don’t want them to think of you as a Debbie Downer.”
Researchers analyzing word-of-mouth communication—e-mails, Web posts and reviews, face-to-face conversations—found that it tended to be more positive than negative(消极的), but that didn’t necessarily mean people preferred positive news. Was positive news shared more often simply because people experienced more good things than bad things? To test for that possibility, Dr. Berger looked at how people spread a particular set of news stories: thousands of articles on The New York Times’ website. He and a Penn colleague analyzed the “most e-mailed” list for six months. One of his first findings was that articles in the science section were much more likely to make the list than non-science articles. He found that science amazed Times’ readers and made them want to share this positive feeling with others.
Readers also tended to share articles that were exciting or funny, or that inspired negative feelings like anger or anxiety, but not articles that left them merely sad. They needed to be aroused(激发) one way or the other, and they preferred good news to bad. The more positive an article, the more likely it was to be shared, as Dr. Berger explains in his new book, “Contagious: Why Things Catch On.”
1. What do the classic rules mentioned in the text apply to?
| A．News reports. | B．Research papers. |
| C．Private e-mails. | D．Daily conversations． |
| A．They’re socially inactive. |
| B．They’re good at telling stories. |
| C．They’re inconsiderate of others. |
| D．They’re careful with their words. |
| A．Sports new. | B．Science articles. |
| C．Personal accounts. | D．Financial reviews. |
| A．Sad Stories Travel Far and Wide |
| B．Online News Attracts More People |
| C．Reading Habits Change with the Times |
| D．Good News Beats Bad on Social Networks |
