1 . 2024 Illustration Competition
Enter the competition most respected and admired in the industry for creativity in illustration, the Communication Arts Illustration Competition. Selected by distinguished professionals, the winning entries will be distributed worldwide in the Communication Arts Illustration Annual and on commarts.com, ensuring important exposure of the creations. Each winner will receive a professionalized Award of Excellence, made from solid aluminum, and an award certificate. Communication Art’s Award of Excellence is one of the most desired awards. If chosen, winning places you in the highest ranks of your profession.
What To Enter With
Any illustration first published or produced from Jan. 2023 to Jan. 2024 is qualified. Entries may originate from any country. Descriptions in English are necessary for the judges to read.
Entries Can Be Submitted In The Following Formats
Digital Images: RGB images in JPG format with a maximum file size of 2 MB. GIF images may be livelier, but would be turned down, and so would the PNG ones.
Motion Entries: In MOV, MP4 or MPG format, with a maximum file size of 500 MB.
Illustration Competition Categories & Entry Fees
Category | Single illustration | Series of illustrations |
Books (covers, jackets, etc.) | $ 40 | $ 80 (limit of 5) |
Motion (media for films, videos, etc.) | $ 90 | $ 180 (limit of 3) |
Student Work | $ 20 (Image) $ 45 (Video) | $ 40 (Images, limit of 5) $ 90 (Video, limit of 3) |
For more categories, please download the category PDF.
Late Fees
Entries must be registered no later than Jan. 13, 2024. Entries registered after that date will be charged a fee of $10 each. No entries can be registered after Jan. 27, 2024.
1. What will the winner gain?| A．A personalized award certificate. | B．Wide recognition in the industry. |
| C．Exposure to world-famous works. | D．A bonus from Communication Arts. |
| A．A student work from Argentina. |
| B．A newly produced motion entry. |
| C．A PNG image with a file size of 1 MB. |
| D．A series for covers of three illustrations. |
| A．$ 80. | B．$ 110. | C．$ 150. | D．$ 240. |
2 . ABCmouse
ABCmouse is one of the most well-known learn to read apps for children. With its expert-made curriculum, the program offers endless hours of content for children aged 2 to 8. The interactive app offers thousands of activities to help develop this essential skill, with lessons that expose students to math, arts, and science at age-appropriate levels too. The cost after free trial is around $15 per month. Families who purchase a full year’s subscription can get about 70% off the price.
Homer
Homer provides a personalized learning path for children aged 2 to 8. Children will learn reading, math, creative thinking, and problem-solving skills in a fun and engaging way. Instead of a one-size-fits-most approach, Homer customizes learning plans and allows students to take the lead in deciding what they want to work on. The price point is in line with similar apps at about $5 per month after a free trial, or roughly $60 for a full year or $100 for lifetime access.
Hooked on Phonics
Hooked on Phonics is an exceptional tool for homeschoolers, with a wide range of lessons, games, and fun activities. It is one of the most popular brands for teaching kids to read, and its integrated system makes it an ideal option for homeschooling students. Children are introduced to each new concept through a series of fun activities, videos, and even songs. The system is a little bit pricier than other apps, at about $16 per month after a trial month for roughly $1.
FarFaria
FarFaria invites children to join in on a magic al adventure that includes island hopping and the choice between reading the story or having it narrated completely with fun, magical animation. While the free membership offers one story a day, paid subscribers unlock access to unlimited adventures at roughly $8 per month. Readers can either read the books themselves or take advantage of the “read to me” option to have stories read aloud by professional narrators.
1. For an annual subscription to ABCmouse, how much does a family need to pay?| A．$54. | B．$105. | C．$126. | D．$180. |
| A．ABCmouse. | B．Homer. |
| C．Hooked on Phonics. | D．FarFaria. |
| A．Finance. | B．Science. | C．Culture. | D．Education. |
3 . Best Movies of 2023
Determining the “best” movies is subjective and can vary depending on personal tastes and preferences. However, here are some highly rated movies from 2023 that received positive reviews.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
140 min |Animation, Action, Adventure
☆Rate 8.7
Miles Morales travels across the Multiverse, where he meets a team of Spider-People. When the heroes fight over how to handle a new threat, Miles must redefine what it means to be a hero.
Directors: Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, Justin K. Thompson
Votes: 310,763
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3
150 min |Action, Adventure, Comedy
☆Rate 7.9
Still depressed from the loss of Gamora, Peter Quill gathers his team to defend the universe and one of their own — a mission that could mean the end of the Guardians if not successful.
Director: James Gunn
Votes: 350,483
Wonka
116 min |Adventure, Comedy, Family
☆Rate 7.4
With dreams of opening a shop in a city known for its chocolate, a young and poor Willy Wonka discovers that the industry is run by a group of greedy chocolatiers.
Director: Paul King
Votes: 9,342
Barbie (I)
114 min |Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy
☆Rate 7
Barbie suffers a crisis that leads her to question her world and her existence.
Director: Greta Gerwig
Votes: 403,759
Click here to see more and vote for your favorite movies of 2023.
1. Which movie gives an insight into the meaning of heroes?| A．Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. | B．Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3. |
| C．Wonka. | D．Barbie (I). |
| A．Science fiction addicts. | B．Action movie fans. |
| C．Chocolate enthusiasts. | D．Doll lovers. |
| A．A movie magazine. | B．A movie website. |
| C．A movie poster. | D．An academic paper on movies. |
4 . JOIN TODAY
Enjoy unlimited access to hundreds of English Heritage sites with an annual membership.
FAMILY MEMBERSHIP | JOINT MEMBERSHIP | INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP |
FAMILY 1 ADULT Family of one adult and up to 6 children £69 for a year | JOINT ADULT Two adults aged 18 years+ £120 for a year | INDIVIDUAL ADULT One adult aged 26 years+ £69 for a year |
FAMILY 2 ADULTS Family of two adults and up to 12 children £120 for a year | JOINT SENIOR Two adults aged 65 years+ £96 for a year | SENIOR One adult aged 65 years+ £63 for a year |
** Up to 6 kids go free with each adult.
MEMBERSHIP PACK Become a Member to receive: UNLIMITED ACCESS to over 400 historic places Free MEMBERS’HANDBOOK to plan days out Reduced price entry to our EVENTS FREE ENTRY for up to six children MEMBERS-ONLY MAGAZINE FREE PARKING at English Heritage sites MEMBERS’REWARDS offers on great brands | NEED HELP? SPEAK TO US Our Membership Team are on hand if you have any questions about a new, or existing membership. Monday-Sat, 9am-5pm. TELEPHONE:0370 333 1181 FAQS Got a question? See if we have answered it already in our Frequently Asked Questions. |
| A．£69. | B．£96. | C．£108. | D．£120. |
| A．Free access to its historic sites. |
| B．Guided outing activities. |
| C．Zero admission to its events. |
| D．Discounted car-parking fee. |
| A．To educate. | B．To entertain. | C．To analyze. | D．To inform. |
5 . Explore Central Park, one of the largest city parks in the world and one of the most famous symbols of New York. Let’s have a look at its main sights.
Central Park is New York’s largest city park and one of the biggest in the world, with an area of 843 acres. This park is home to man-made lakes, waterfalls, grass and wooded areas. You will also find the Central Park Zoo, among other attractions in this green space of New York.
Besides being the city’s primary green lungs, Central Park is also a favorite spot for many New Yorkers. It is perfect for sunbathing, going for walks, or doing outdoor sports. Something that we found curious is seeing so many people running with their babies in prams (婴儿车).
On Foot or By Bicycle
To get to know some of the wildest parts of Central Park, we suggest walking. However, to get a general feel for the whole park, the best thing to do is to hire a bicycle and enjoy the scenery.
If you decide to hire a bike, you will find lots of bike rental stores around Central Park that are not very expensive.
Open Time
From 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends. From 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on weekdays.
Price
Entry to the Park is free. But if you visit some parks like Central Park Zoo, you need to buy a ticket.
Transport
Subway: Line 5, 6, 7, A, B, C and D. Bus: Line M1, M2, M3, M4 and M10.
1. Which one is right about the Central Park?| A．It is home to natural lakes and waterfalls. |
| B．It is perfect for doing indoor sports. |
| C．It is the largest city park in New York. |
| D．It is the most famous symbol of New York. |
| A．Hiring a bicycle. | B．Entrance to Central Park. |
| C．Visiting Central Park Zoo. | D．Going to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. |
| A．In a science report. | B．In a geography book. |
| C．In a fashion magazine. | D．In a travel guide |
6 . 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. |
7 . If you want to understand China but can’t afford an expensive international flight, these four books can give you a complete overview of the country.
River Town
River Town: Two Years on the Yangtze by Peter Hessler — This book is a journal of the author’s two years spent teaching English in a small town called Fuling, situated on the banks of the Yangtze River. Hessler writes about his experiences living in a foreign culture and observing the lives of the town’s residents. The book was published in 2001 and has won several awards, including the Kiriyama Prize.
Deng Xiaoping and the Transformation of China
It is a book that tells the story of China’s modernization. It was written by Ezra Vogel and published in 2011. The author describes how Deng Xiaoping’s policies led to significant changes in China’s economy and society. The book has received critical honors and won the Lionel Gelber Prize in 2012.
The Search for Modern China by Jonathan Spence
This book is a comprehensive history of China from the Ming dynasty to the present day. The author, a prominent scholar of Chinese history, provides a detailed analysis of the social, cultural, and political changes that have taken place in China over the past 500 years. The book was first put out in 1990 and has since been revised and updated several times. This book was the top bestseller for years.
Factory Girls: From Village to City in a Changing China
Written by Leslie T. Chang, this book, published in 2008, is a reportage on the lives of young women who leave their rural homes to work in factories in China’s cities. Chang, a former New York Times journalist, interviewed hundreds of factory girls to provide insight into the social and economic changes in China.
1. What type of literature is River Town?| A．A travel guide of Fuling. | B．A personal diary. |
| C．A science fiction. | D．A reference book. |
| A．It received positive reviews. |
| B．It was published 500 years ago. |
| C．It was written by a history teacher. |
| D．It has remained the same since its first publication. |
| A．River Town |
| B．The Search for Modern China |
| C．Deng Xiaoping and the Transformation of China |
| D．Factory Girls: From Village to City in a Changing China |
8 . Some Arrangements for the Beijing Tour
Day 1Any visit to Beijing is incomplete without a hike on the Great Wall. However, it is thousands of miles long and the Beijing section is only a small part of the Great Wall. The first choice is Badaling, but we recommend Juyong Pass, which is less crowded but no less impressive. Depending on your health and preference, you can climb very steep steps or have a walk on the relatively flat areas. There are many locations for great photo opportunities,
Day 2Start at the Temple of Heaven, where emperors used to hold ceremonies to pray. Stop at the Echo Wall and discover the wonder of voices bouncing (弹跳) back and forth. Pass through the guard-protected Golden Water Bridge, and go to visit the Palace Museum.
Day 3You can pay a visit to Capital Museum where the exhibits have more surprises. Take a walk along Wangfujing Street, a modern shopping street. The walking is much less intensive and the budgeted time much more flexible. You may want to finish the day off by catching a performance of Peking Opera and National Centre for the Performing Arts is an ideal place to go.
Day 4The Summer Palace in a northwestern suburb of the city is a beautiful place. A short taxi ride north will take you to Qianmen Street. This retail centre was renovated (翻新) for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics. Here are some of the oldest businesses of the city, including the famous Peking Duck.
1. Which day covers a visit to the Great wall?| A．Day 1. | B．Day 2. | C．Day 3. | D．Day 4. |
| A．To Capital Museum. |
| B．Ta the Summer Palace. |
| C．To the Palace Museum. |
| D．To National Centre for the Performing Arts. |
| A．Buy a taxi. | B．Go shopping. |
| C．Renovate the street. | D．Cook Peking Duck. |
9 . Do not miss this unique opportunity to participate in Circle U. ’s winter course at Humboldt-Universitat zu Berlin with co-students from nine universities across Europe!
Key Information
● Dates:24-28 November plus five additional online sessions
● Level/target group:Students from all fields of study
●Costs:School fees are free of charge. Participants will receive support for their travel, accommodation and living costs.
● Application deadline:28 November, 2023
How to Apply
Applications are accepted through the Move On website. Along with the application form, please submit your CV and motivation letter, your transcript of records as well as proof of enrollment(注册)at one of the Circle U. universities.
*By 2 October,all applicants will be informed by email about the results of the selection procedure.
Course Description
No matter whether you study art history, agricultural sciences, or something else altogether,the winter school“Climate Change &Policy:How to Transition to a Post-Carbon Future” is for you. Over the course of two weeks—five days of online sessions and five in person—you will take part in interactive lectures, workshops, and panel discussions, all led by famous researchers and policy experts from across Europe.
●Together with Circle U. students, you will not only learn about basic concepts of climate science,but also discover the potential of mitigation(缓解)actions,as well as the dynamics of climate politics.
●In small teams, you will analyze and document examples of the climate impact on your home region, and research sustainability policies at your university.
1. What do we know about the winter course?| A．It will last more than two weeks. |
| B．No school fees are required for it. |
| C．No limitation is set on application. |
| D．It's open to students of certain majors. |
| A．Certificate of enrollment. |
| B．A self-introduction letter. |
| C．Records of previous activities. |
| D．School permission documents. |
| A．Knowledge about climate trend. |
| B．Recognition of related course credit. |
| C．Insights into basics of climate science. |
| D．Ways of responding to climate policies. |
