1 . Ready for a creative journey like never before? Welcome back to Axis Bank Splash! We are excited to invite you to dive into a world of imagination, where colors, words, and creativity come to life. But this year promises to be more exciting as entries showing your talents in drawing, craft, and literature are highly anticipated.

Themes

Choose the themes suiting yourself.

Group	Theme
Kids 7—10	Helping One Another
Kids 11—14	Making The World A Kinder Place

Prizes

The excitement doesn’t end with just showing your creativity. Winners in each age group have the chance to win fantastic prizes.

Cash Rewards: A generous reward awaits those whose creativity stands out.

Customized Campus Tours: Absorb yourself in the creative environment with a customized tour of noted art and design campuses.

Virtual Workshops from NID: Learn from the best! Winners will have the opportunity to attend virtual workshops conducted by the National Institute of Design (NID), a celebrated institution in design education.

Registration

Click on “Register”, add your phone number, and fill in the OTP (One-time Password). Fill in the “Submission Category” and attach your creative file. Need guidance? If yes, check out the sample submission here.

Don’t miss the chance to make a hit with your creativity. We are waiting for your masterpieces!

1. What is Axis Bank Splash?

A．An organization.

B．An art museum.

C．A tour.

D．A contest.

2. What will the winners get?

A．A check reward.	B．Admission to NID.
C．A visit to art colleges.	D．Access to design studios.

3. What is required for submission?

A．Completing the submission category.	B．Changing the password first.
C．Submitting the work by email.	D．Referring to the given sample.

2 . 阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。

When it comes to ancient Chinese detectives, the name Di Renjie, a famous judge and administrator of the Tang Dynasty (618—907), often     1     (spring) to mind. For centuries, Di has been portrayed as a heroic investigator in popular novels and stories throughout ancient China, who was     2     (high) logical and dialectical (辩证的), and much adored by his contemporaries. Today, this tradition lives on in Chinese entertainment, with numerous TV and film adaptations of Di’s detective stories.

The new TV series “Judge Dee’s Mystery” records the life of Judge Dee. While solving various criminal cases in different places     3     he serves during the early stages of his career, Dee also uncovers the mystery     4     (surround) his own birth.

    5     traditional Chinese detective fiction, which often combines supernatural elements, the new series emphasizes logic, reason, and realism. Facing a tangled web of cases, Judge Dee and his assistants employ reasoning skills to crack mysteries. “    6     (compare) to other adaptations of Di Renjie’s stories, our drama stands out for its     7     (diverse) and inclusiveness,” said Li Yunliang, the director of the series.

However, the series never intends     8     (pursue) a faithful recreation of the Tang Dynasty     9     offers a modern interpretation of the classical stories that still strike a chord with contemporary audiences.

Li believes that every audience can gain     10     unique insight into Judge Dee’s character and the cultural roots of Chinese civilization. “Judge Dee shows traditional Chinese virtues that deserve to be admired by the Chinese people.” he adds.

3 . 6 Days Small Group Tour from Beijing to Xi’an

Tour Type: Small Group (max 18), guaranteed departures

Guide & Driver: An English-speaking guide, an experienced driver with an air-conditioned coach

Accommodation: 5 nights at good 5-star hotels

Day 1: Arrival in Beijing

Welcome your arrival anytime at the airport and transfer to the hotel.

Day 2: Beijing

· Visit the Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City including the Treasure Gallery;

· Enjoy à la carte (按菜单点菜) welcome lunch with authentic Peking Duck;

· Further explore royal culture at the Yonghe Temple and the Temple of Heaven;

· Watch Peking Opera and see artistic face painting.

Day 3: Beijing

· Visit the Great Wall by a round-trip cable car;

· Visit the Bird’s Nest;

· Take a rickshaw ride through hutong alleys and visit a local family in a traditional courtyard house.

Day 4: Beijing to Xi’an by flight

· Visit the Panda Hall and the Summer Palace;

· Taste local flavors for lunch;

· Fly to Xi’an and transfer to a hotel.

Day 5: Xi’an

· Visit Terracotta Army and the discoverer’s home;

· Have a unique experience to make your own mini clay warrior (陶俑);

· Continue to visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda;

· Enjoy a dumpling dinner and the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show.

Day 6: Departure from Xi’an

· Connect with local people at the City Wall Park and learn to practice tai chi from amaster, then visit the City Wall;

· Taste local flavors for lunch;

· Take a taxi to the airport by yourself.

A pleasant onward journey!

· $1,059 per person

Includes:

· Domestic airfare

· Hotel accommodation with breakfasts

· The à la carte lunches as route specifies

· Professional English-speaking guides

· Drivers & air-conditioned vehicles

· Entrance fees to tourist sites

· Tips or gratuities for hotel doormen

Excludes:

· International airfares

· Entry visa fees

· Personal expenses

· Tips or gratuities for guides and drivers

1. How can tourists get to the Great Wall?

A．By cable car.

B．By train.

C．On foot.

D．By water.

2. What can tourists do on Day 4?

A．Enjoy Peking Duck.	B．See lovely pandas.
C．Try artistic face painting.	D．Make a clay warrior.

3. Which of the following will cost extra?

A．Tips for hotel doormen.	B．Flying from Beijing to Xi’an.
C．Souvenirs for friends.	D．Air-conditioned vehicles fees.

4 . Edinburgh is famous for its many museums where you can learn its rich history.

Museum on the Mound

Located in the heart of Edinburgh’s city center, this appealing museum takes a fresh look at money — and much, much more. You will see coins and banknotes from over the ages, including the first Scottish banknote printed in 1727. There are also interesting interactive displays and you can even try your hand at opening a safe!

The Writers’ Museum

It is housed in the beautiful Lady Stair’s House, a category A listed building. The collection celebrates the legacy (遗产) of Scotland’s literary contributions, with special emphasis given to Sir Walter Scott, Robert Louis Stevenson and Robert Burns. The museum is home to numerous paintings, books and manuscripts (手稿), and you can also see Burns’ writing desk and Scott’s chess set.

Our Dynamic Earth

It celebrates the beauty of the earth via technology. Interactive exhibits allow visitors to experience earthquakes, the ocean floor, ice ages and mountains by the use of computer software. Particularly interesting is the “tour” around the eleven Earthscapes. It is educational fun for the whole family and can serve as a good introduction to concepts surrounding the formation of the planet and the creatures we share the earth with.

National Museum of Scotland

The diverse collections here include the history of Scotland with exhibitions of international interest. The natural world, science and technology, discoveries, art, and world cultures are all explored. There are interactive elements and activities to suit children of all ages, including science experiments and musical instruments.

1. Which might be the most attractive to finance majors?

A．Our Dynamic Earth.	B．Museum on the Mound.
C．The Writers’ Museum.	D．National Museum of Scotland.

2. What do The Writers’ Museum and National Museum of Scotland have in common?

A．They have an artistic atmosphere.	B．They have interactive exhibits.
C．They provide hands-on activities.	D．They showcase world cultures.

3. What can you do at Our Dynamic Earth?

A．Play with your family.	B．Tour the world virtually.
C．Design computer software.	D．Learn about ancient creatures.

5 . 听下面一段较长对话, 回答以下小题。
1. What was the man doing?

A．Looking at an interesting picture.

B．Watching a funny video.

C．Reporting a nice story.

2. What happened to the news reporter?

A．He hit a big tree.

B．He had a car accident.

C．He was attacked by bees.

3. What’s the weather like today?

A．Sunny.

B．Windy.

C．Cloudy.

4. What will the man do next?

A．Listen to the music.

B．Surf the website.

C．Go to the park.

6 . The year 2023 saw a wide variety of TV and internet variety shows in China, offering amazing entertainment to audiences. Here are 4 popular variety shows of the year. It’s never too late to start enjoying them.

Become a Farmer (Feb. -Jul., iQIYI)

The farming-themed reality show took Chinese social media by storm, shining a spotlight on agriculture. In an effort to connect young urban Chinese with the agricultural industry, the show invites 10 young men from various fields to experience life on the farmland.

Great Escape Season 5 (May-Sept., Mango TV)

This reality show has taken viewers on an immersive journey. It enlisted well-known celebrities, who faced challenges within intricately designed escape rooms. They had to search for hidden clues, solve puzzles and decipher codes to. unlock the rooms in which they are trapped.

The Big Band 3 (Aug. -Oct., iQIYI)

The Big Band 3 showcases various musical genres with 27 bands from China. In the 2023edition, folk Chinese musicians took center stage, with notable performances by Wayina from Guangxi and Anda Union from Inner Mongolia.

Call Me By Fire, Season 3 (Aug. -Nov., Mango TV)

Featuring a lineup of 32 male entertainers, this season showcased performances in both group and solo formats, with participants ranging in age from 27 to 55. Throughout the season, the participants showcased their versatility by exploring various forms of artistic expression, including singing, dancing and acting.

1. Which show will make audiences feel immersive?

A．Become a Farmer.	B．The Big Band 3.
C．Call Me By Fire, Season 3.	D．Great Escape Season 5.

2. What do Become a Farmer and Call Me By Fire, Season 3 have in common?

A．They centre on farming.	B．They were produced by iQIYI.
C．Their participants are male.	D．They showcase various musical genres.

3. Which of the following can best describe the four shows?

A．They made a hit in 2023.	B．They featured well-known celebrities.
C．They were aired in the first half of 2023.	D．They showcased various musical performances.

7 . Great Places to Enjoy Books

Sinan Books，China

Sinan Books offers a space for learning and thinking to the general public living in the city. Its door has red decoration, showing Sinan Books’ attitude of openness, and its reading space is beautifully decorated with yellow lights. The color green sets off the exhibition spaces. Spaces on the fourth floor are decorated with black and white colors to encourage readers to face themselves.

Paju Book City，South Korea

As the name suggests, it’s a city of books. The bookstores make lots of book lovers come here. In particular, the yearly Booksori book festival attracts nearly one million visitors. At the festival, the organizers present Paju Book Awards to the great Asian writers, editors, and designers. Besides, you can give your old books in return for those books you want to read in these bookstores. The most popular bookstore is Bomulseom, which carries a quality selection (挑选) of Korean, English, and Japanese books, as well as magazines and albums.

Bonjinsha，Japan

Bonjinsha is a bookstore dedicated to (致力于) the teaching and learning of the Japanese language. The store in Tokyo has a wide variety of teaching materials for all levels, from beginners to advanced learners. If you are studying or living in Japan and need to improve your Japanese language skills, then Bonjinsha will be a good place to start. Not only is Bonjinsha an established bookstore, but it’s also a famous publishing house in Japan.

College Street，India

Although it is only 0.9 km long, there is a range of bookstores and publishers right on the street. Perhaps the most well-known bookstores in this neighborhood are Dasgupta & Co., the first bookstore on College Street founded in 1886 with a large number of rare books, and the Bani Library, a family-run business for five generations housing all kinds of textbooks related to all things academic.

1. What is unique about Sinan Books?

A．It’s more popular with teenagers.

B．It uses colors to create a better reading atmosphere.

C．It often introduces the latest good books to readers.

D．It often holds colorful reading festivals.

2. When book lovers go to Paju Book City, they can ________.

A．communicate with some famous writers

B．visit many bookstores with particular themes

C．get a special discount on books in Korean

D．exchange used books in the bookstores

3. What do Dasgupta & Co. and the Bani Library most likely have in common?

A．Both have a small space.	B．Both encourage guests to buy used books.
C．Both have a long history.	D．Both offer rare books at affordable prices.

8 . Typing.com is an online typing tutor for students of all ages. Typing.com’s proven curriculum helps students from beginners to advanced learners, focusing on technique, accuracy, and speed. The following are some frequently asked questions about typing on our website.

How long does it take to type without looking at the keyboard?

An average student without learning differences will learn to touch type within eight to ten hours. They may be touch typing at a very slow speed (8-15 words per minute).

Is it bad to look at the keyboard when typing?

Yes. Not only does it prevent you from practicing your fingering, but it also slows you down and makes you type less accurately. It's far more difficult to notice mistakes when you're not looking at the screen.

How do you get faster at typing?

The most important technique to learn to type faster is touch typing. This is a technique based on developing muscle memory for your fingers.

How can I learn to type correctly?

Focus on accuracy rather than speed. Use the entire keyboard correctly. Learn some keyboard shortcuts. Practice every day.

How do I increase my typing speed?

Arrange your fingers properly. The most important step in improving your typing speed is ensuring that you place your fingers correctly on the keyboard. Rest the index finger (食指) of your left hand on the “F” key and the index finger of your right hand on the “J” key.

Is typing.com free?

Typing.com is a free online typing tutor and digital literacy (读写能力) platform used by millions of students and education professionals around the world. We aim to provide valuable learning tools to as many school teachers and students as possible.

1. What do we know about typing.com?

A．It charges very little.	B．It is suitable for every student.
C．It helps to improve writing skills.	D．It can automatically correct typing errors.

2. Who might be interested in Typing.com?

A．Managers.

B．Salesmen.

C．Athletes.

D．Teachers.

3. What is the purpose of the text?

A．To promote a typing website.	B．To share typing experience.
C．To correct typing mistakes.	D．To teach typing skills.

9 . 假如你是天津国际中学的学生李华，协助国际学生服务中心工作。为增进国际学生知华、友华情怀，学校现在寒假期间面向本校外国学生开展“My China Surprise”短视频征集活动，从自身视角讲述在中国学习和生活的经历与感悟。作品上传学校网站 www.tjinternationalmiddleschool.org。请你在广播中发出英文通知。要点如下：

1. 活动介绍；2. 视频要求(如格式，时长，截止日期等)；3. 鼓励参加。

注意：

1. 词数不少于100； 2. 可适当增加细节，以使行文连贯。

Ladies and gentlemen,

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10 . Beyond its amazing landscapes, Banff National Park also boasts a rich cultural heritage. In this comprehensive guide, we will introduce you to a collection of museums of Banff, providing essential information to make your visit a truly immersive experience.

● Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies

Location: 111 Bear St, Banff, Alberta, Canada
Operating Hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Admission Cost: $12 CAD ($10 USD) for adults, $10 CAD ($8 USD) for students, and free for children under 12 years old and are valid for 90 days from purchase.

The museum showcases the art, culture, and history of the Canadian Rockies region. It features a diverse collection of artworks, historical photographs, and artifacts that highlight the natural beauty and human stories of the area.

● Canada House Gallery

Location: 201 Bear St, Banff, Alberta, Canada
Operating Hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Admission: Free

It is a well-known art gallery that showcases contemporary and traditional Canadian artwork. The gallery features a diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, and other artistic mediums created by Canadian artists. Visitors can explore the gallery and appreciate the talent and creativity of Canadian art.

● The Banff Park Museum

Location: 91 Banff Ave, Banff, Alberta, Canada
Operating Hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Admission Cost: $4.90 CAD ($4 USD) for adults, $4.40 CAD ($3.50 USD) for adults 65and over, and free for youth under 17 years old.

The museum is a historic site featuring a collection of over 5,000 specimens (标本) of wildlife, including birds, mammals, insects, and plants. The museum building itself is a charming log cabin, dating back to 1903.

1. How much would a couple pay if they want to explore the Whyte Museum with a senior high student and an 8-year-old son?

A．$22 CAD.

B．$22 CAD.

C．$34 CAD.

D．$18 CAD.

2. Where can visitors explore the exhibits and learn about the diverse wildlife of the region?

A．At Canada House Gallery.	B．At the Whyte Museum.
C．At the Banff Park Museum.	D．At the Canadian Rockies region.

3. In which section of a magazine can you find the passage?

A．Travel.

B．Business.

C．Science.

D．Entertainment.