1 . How to Start Applying for Colleges

Most U. S. universities follow the same standard application process. If possible, begin the following approach several months before the submission deadline.

Get Informed.

Colleges want to know the real you. When applying, don’t try to make yourself look better by listing the accomplishments or writing the essay you think they want to see. Be honest and you’re more likely to end up at a college that’s a good fit for you. Here’s how you can prepare to apply to colleges:

● Understand the common terms you’ll see during the application process. Have a good grasp of such things as frequently used acronyms, supporting documents, and government departments.

● Review the appropriate application timeline you should follow when signing up for college. Every school has its own deadlines, but you may have certain milestones to hit during your senior or even junior year.

● Discover the individual components of a complete application. For example, schools usually ask for supplemental application materials like letters of recommendation, transcripts, and written essays.

Get Organized.

How do you apply for colleges efficiently? If you can keep track of everything you need and get organized, you’ll be ahead of the game. For each college you’re applying to:

● Create a real and a virtual folder for storing documents.

● Print a checklist to track your progress on each part of the application.

● Build a spreadsheet to stay on top of submission deadlines.

Gather the Necessary Documents.

● Your Social Security number.

● Your high school code.

● A copy of your high school transcript.

● Your score report from a college admission test.

Review Your Application Before Hitting the Submit Button.

● Make sure you’ve included all required information and that the information filled out on the forms is accurate and spelled correctly.

● Confirm that any required attachments are the correct files and have been properly uploaded.

● Double-check that you filled out all fields and followed all instructions.

● Take a deep breath. Click submit!

1. How many parts will you generally go through before applying to the college?

A．One.

B．Two.

C．Three.

D．Four.

2. Which of the following is helpful for the application?

A．Show a perfect you so that you will get more qualified.

B．Discover the individuals who also apply to the same college.

C．Get fully prepared in the second or third year of school in case of some specific deadlines.

D．Figure out every single technical term to better understand the application process.

3. At the very last minute before submitting the application, you’d better __________.

A．check whether you have filled out all the forms and followed all instructions

B．gather all the necessary documents like your high school transcript

C．create a physical and virtual folder for all the documents

D．confirm the submission deadline

2 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. Where is Smithfield College located?

A．In a small town.

B．In a big city.

C．In a large town.

2. What chance will be given if you live in the small town?

A．To enjoy the Chinese food.

B．To earn more money.

C．To experience the real American culture.

3. What degree does each of instructors hold at least?

A．A Master’s.

B．A Doctor’s.

C．A Graduate’s.

4. What kind of teachers is Smithfield College going to employ?

A．Ones with unique opportunities.

B．Ones with American culture.

C．Ones with ten years’ experience in teaching.

3 . The need for new learning opportunities throughout life is recognized throughout society. An initial period of higher education is not always enough in times of rapid social, economic and technological changes. Oxford University’s Department for Continuing Education is known worldwide as a leading provider of extended learning programs for personal and professional development.

Day and weekend events

More than 150 day and weekend courses are offered each year. These one or two-day classes on a single topic are designed to bring you the most up-to-date thinking on a wide range of subjects. You can discuss them with lecturers and speakers who are noted authorities in their field of research. Day-long events usually take place on a Saturday, between 9:45 am and 5:00 pm. Weekend events usually start on a Friday evening or Saturday and run until Sunday lunchtime.

For more information, visit https://www. ox.ac. uk/weekly-classes.

Online courses

Structured as weekly online meetings, our online courses take place in a virtual learning environment. Class sizes are kept small (usually 32 students, or 20 for creative writing)to maximize interaction between students and the tutor. Courses are normally 5-10 or 20 weeks in duration.

For more information, visit https:// www. ox. ac. uk/online-courses.

Professional development

Working with academic experts across the university, we offer around 200 professionally oriented courses in videos, from archaeology through medicine to zoology. They are popular among professional learners from over 120 countries and regions.

For more information, visit https:// www. ox. ac. uk/professional development.

Summer schools

Accredited and non-accredited summer courses of between one and four weeks’ duration for adult learners are held at Rewley House and at Oxford’s historic colleges. There are over 100 summer courses offered each year.

For more information, visit https:// www. ox. ac. uk/summerschools.
1. What programme offers a chance to have a face-to -face talk with top experts?

A．Online courses.	B．Day and weekend events.
C．Summer schools.	D．Professional development.

2. What is a feature of the department’s online courses?

A．They usually take place on weekends.

B．They aim to improve students’ writing skills.

C．They offer degree certificates to their students.

D．They have a limitation on the number of students.

3. Which website is useful for foreign students majoring in medicine?

A．https://www. ox.ac. uk/weekly-classes.

B．https:// www. ox. ac. uk/online-courses.

C．https:// www. ox. ac. uk/professional development

D．https:// www. ox. ac. uk/summerschools.

4 . Starting to write short stories: An online workshop with Stuart Evers

This is an online paid event organized by The Guardian

Award-winning writer Stuart Evers leads a highly practical and confidence-building master class in writing short stories.

Regardless of your experience, under Stuart’s expert guidance, you will take the first crucial steps in short storytelling, with a special focus on coming up with ideas, so that you will have a newfound confidence in your ability to continue crafting short stories, far beyond the course.

Course content

●What makes a short story?

●How to generate ideas for short stories

●Writing techniques that can be put into practice instantly

●Writing exercises that allow different ideas to spark off one another

This course is for…

▲A Writers who want to learn the fundamentals of the short story form and develop their skills through practical writing exercises

▲Anyone looking to build their confidence in storytelling

Course Details

★Date: Tuesday 31 June 2024

★Time: 6pm-9pm (GMT)

★A catch up recording will be shared after the class and will be available for two weeks.

You will be sent a link to the webinar 24 hours and 30 minutes before the start time. Please email masterclasses@theguardian.com if you do not receive it.

This event will be hosted on a third-party live streaming platform Zoom, please refer to their privacy policy and terms and conditions before purchasing a ticket to the class.

Once a purchase is complete we will not be able to refund you if you do not attend or cancel your event booking. Please see our terms and conditions for more information on our refund policy.

1. What does the course pay more attention to?

A．Creating characters.	B．Writing techniques.
C．Forming creative ideas.	D．Writing exercises.

2. What makes you have to send an email?

A．Not receiving the access link.	B．Learning the online workshop.
C．Getting some learning materials.	D．Purchasing a ticket to the class.

3. What service is guaranteed for the participants?

A．Unconditioned refund.	B．A recording of lectures.
C．Free booking on Zoom.	D．24 hours of broadcasting.

6 . THIS STREET IS OPEN FOR PLAY

Concerned about outdoor play in crowded cities? Start a play street - a community event where neighbors close their road to traffic, creating a safe space for children to play. This initiative allows kids and adults to explore, create and socialize, which, undoubtedly, will bring the bonds between neighbors to a new height.

Compared to structured plays with strict rules and fixed procedures, a play street allows children to lead, establish rules and get involved in an open-ended activity without specific instructions, methods or goals.

Getting Started:

1. Host a meeting to discuss benefits and encourage involvement. Choose an event date and assign tasks to the neighbors.

2. Reach out to city councils for necessary permits to close the road. Ignoring this will lead to the cancellation of the whole plan.   

3. Use posters, flyers, and social media to spread the word. Use these promotion means to inform residents of the date, time and activities planned for the play street.   

4. Set up barriers for safety, provide equipment and encourage neighbors’’ participation.

What to Expect:

●Game Areas: A variety of play equipment tailored for kids, such as jump ropes, balls, chalk for drawing, hula hoops and other outdoor games.   

● Swapping Corner: A place where moms can bring unwanted items such as kitchenware, gardening tools or other household goods to exchange with each other.

●Arts and Crafts Seating: Arts and crafts seating with materials like paper, markers, crayons, paints and brushes. Children are encouraged to get creative and express themselves through art.

●Snack and Refreshment Station: Light refreshments like water, juice, fruit and healthy snacks to keep mixed-age participants energized. A potluck to share homemade treats and recipes.

1. What is the purpose of “a play street”?

A．To prevent traffic jams.

B．To strengthen community bonds.

C．To explore kids’ artistic potential.

D．To involve children in structured plays.

2. What is a must to hold the event?

A．Raising funds

B．Announcing instructions.

C．Posting the safety regulations.

D．Asking for authorities’ approval.

3. Which activity is intended for both kids and adults?

A．Game Areas.	B．Arts and Crafts Seating.
C．Swapping Comer.	D．Snack and Refreshment Station.

7 . MINIBOSS & BIGBOSS SUMMER BUSINESS CAMP

Join us at our award-winning International Summer Business Camp! Together with students from all over the world, you will dive into experiencing life and culture. We’ve served over 9,000 students from 27countries since 2000!

LOCATION

The camp is located 10 miles from Oxford, not far from London and Cambridge.

ACCOMMODATIONS

The camp provides full board. You will live in shared rooms in the boarding Thornton High School or Thornton College. Delicious English dishes are prepared by chefs.

AGE GROUPS

Miniboss groups: 9-11,12-15                    Bigboss groups: 15-18

POWERFUL PROGRAMMES
☑Explore Yourself in Business

This course provides you with a broad introduction to business, human full potential and self-realization. It equips you with the skills to successfully launch and manage your own business. Most importantly, you will develop the mindset to become a groundbreaking entrepreneur (企业家).

☑Aeademic Programme

Immerse (使沉浸于) yourself in the exciting business world through case studies of world-famous companies. In addition to training, the camp has many recreational activities and sports, which alternate with business games and daily evening reflection. On this course, you will;

● Identify how to unlock your full potential and manage your own potential;

● Strengthen your problem-solving abilities;

● Develop cooperation skills;

● Examine how leading entrepreneurs achieve their goals;

● Learn to think like an entrepreneur.

1. What do we know about the camp?

A．It has a history of 27 years.	B．It is backed by Oxford and Cambridge.
C．It is clearly targeted at teenagers.	D．It is open to students of all nationalities.

2. What can campers learn from the Explore Yourself in Business course?

A．Teamwork spirit.	B．Interpersonal skills.
C．Creative thinking.	D．Problem-solving abilities.

3. What can the second programme do?

A．Combine education with pleasure.	B．Teach campers to set goals.
C．Offer jobs in world-famous companies.	D．Train campers to think like adults.

9 . It’s time to share the winners of this year’s Invent It Challenge! Here are our four winners of the first round!

Glo Zone (Ages 5-7 Individual Winner)

Kabir from California came up with this cool invention after a not-so-fun experience. He was hit by four adults on a ski trip! To make skiing and snowboarding safe for nighttime (especially for smaller kids)， he created Glo Zone，a fun glowing(发光的)rainbow umbrella that is attached to skiers’ helmets.

ProTech Helmet (Ages 11-13 Individual Winner)

Pooja from New Jersey has created a light, safe helmet designed for playing frisbee (飞盘)!She came up with the idea after getting hit right under the eye at a frisbee competition and realizing she could get blinded if it were any higher. The ProTech Helmet has a lining(衬里) made of a new technology called Spin.

Ace Attachment (Ages 8-10 Team Winner)

Levi and Albert from New York dealt with helping people with disabilities enjoy sports. The Ace Attachment makes it easier for wheelchair users to play golf. Unlike similar inventions, the Ace Attachment is easily adjustable.

Skate Shoes “DOOD” (Ages 14+ Individual Winner)

It’s the worst when you ruin your favorite pair of shoes! Fortunately, Rommel from Mexico has come up with new skate shoes. These shoes have exchangeable parts that allow pieces of the shoes to be replaced with new ones when broken instead of getting rid of the whole pair.

Cast your vote!

Which of these fantastic inventions will you choose to win the Cricket Choice Award? While they are all outstanding, only one can win the popular vote! Cast your vote here by May 16!

1. What do Kabir’s and Pooja’s inventions have in common?

A．They are new-type helmets.

B．They are targeted at the same sport.

C．They are designed for teenagers of the same age group.

D．They are inspired by the inventors’ experience of getting hit.

2. What is special about Rommel’s invention?

A．It is disability-friendly.

B．It features replaceable parts.

C．It involves a new technology called Spin.

D．It enables wheelchair users to enjoy sports.

3. What is this text?

A．A short story about young inventors.	B．An introduction to a competition.
C．An award voting invitation.	D．A winner announcement.