2 . Fill your free time with these options on offer in New York City this month.

Pop & Rock

Dec. 1 at Webster Hall, Manhattan

On tour in support of her new release of Softscars, the singer and producer Nat Cmiel will play at Webster Hall on Sunday. A frequent subject of her songs is the solution to the tensions between digital and physical existence. Tickets are $25.

Family Concert

Dec. 10 at the Scheuer Auditorium, Manhattan

Joanie Leeds is adding her voice to those calling for children’s books in libraries and children’s classrooms. With a guitar and other musicians, she’ll celebrate the release of her new work, starting at 10: 30 a. m., in an hour-long concert intended to make young listeners first grow up and later sit down and read. Tickets to the concert are required to be reserved online, starting at $14. Children are admitted free.

Jazz

Dec. 20 at the Village Vanguard, Manhattan

Bold and carefree, Johnathan Blake has come to represent certain of present jazz. This week’s Vanguard stand features his My Life Matters, calling for people to let one another live and grow. Watching the performance of the band will have a lasting impression on you. Tickets are $40.

Sketch Comedy

Dec.22 at the Peoples Improv Theater, Manhattan

The Peoples Improv Theater is welcoming comedy troupes (剧团) across the country for a celebration and discussion of sketch comedy, with Birch & Caven as the opening show. Tickets start at $ 15 per show. Four-day passes are $79, and one-day passes are $30. Tickets are to be bought at the ticket office in person.

1. Whose song discusses digital and real-life interaction?

A．Nat Cmiel.

B．Joanie Leeds.

C．Birch & Caven.

D．Johnathan Blake.

2. Where is the performance of Joanie Leeds held?

A．At Webster Hall.	B．At the Scheuer Auditorium.
C．At the Village Vanguard.	D．At the Peoples Improv Theater.

3. What is the most economical choice to appreciate Sketch Comedy for four days?

A．Online tickets.

B．One-day passes.

C．Four-day passes.

D．Separate tickets.

3 . 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。

Since 1981, Pat Sajak has been the host of Wheel of Fortune. And the show     1     (it)has been around since 1975. With four     2     (decade) under his belt, Pat Sajak and his co-host Vanna White have become the faces of the popular show.

“It’s     3     honor to have been in people’s living rooms for that long. People were out there welcoming us. We’re happy and     4     (pride),”Pat Sajak shared. “In most television shows, by this time, you would have said, ‘That’s     5     (probable) enough.’ But this show will not die.”

With Pat Sajak being 75 years old and Vanna White being 65, he shares that their time on the show will not be for much longer.

“Years go by fast,” Pat Sajak acknowledged. “We     6     (get) near the end. It’s been a long time. We’re not gonna do this for another 40 years. The end is near.”

In all his time hosting Wheel of Fortune, Pat has only stepped away once, and that was     7     he needed a surgery.     8     that time, Vanna White was the host of the show.

Back in December 2021, when this     9     (respect) host celebrated his 40-year hosting anniversary, his fans shared a     10     (touch) speech to him online.

4 . THE BEST PARIS ART EXHIBITIONS IN 2022

Lovers of art and culture will be spoiled in Paris in 2022 with some excellent shows at the city’s impressive museums and galleries. We’ve rounded up 3 of the best Paris art exhibitions this year to attract you.

THE MOROZOV COLLECTION. ICONS OF MODERN ART

Fondation Louis Vuitton

One of this year’s flagship Paris art exhibitions, The Morozov Collection. Icons of Modern Art at Fondation Louis Vuitton shares 200 Impressionist and Modern art masterpieces from the collection of brothers Mikhail and Ivan Morozov, the first time it has travelled outside of Russia. Expect French works by Manet, Matisse, Monet, Pissarro, etc., alongside Russian talents such as Malevich, spanning the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

GAUDI

Orsay Museum

Gaudi is the first major show of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi’s work in Paris in 50 years, honoring his novel art buildings. Exhibited at Orsay Museum, it digs into his love of space, decoration and color, captured in his extraordinary palaces, hotels and churches. It’s also a rare chance to see some of Gaudi’s furniture designs, never before shown in France.

CÉZANNE, THE LIGHTS OF PROVENCE

Lighting Studio

Kids will adore immersive (沉浸式的) digital art space Lighting Studio in the 11th district, where vivid images of artists’ works are projected around a former foundry (铸造厂), with videos and music combining to impressive effect. Offering an exhibition Cézanne, the Lights of Provence explores the life and works of French Post-Impressionist painter Paul Cézanne.

1. What do these art exhibitions have in common?

A．They are held in Paris.	B．Their artworks are from France.
C．They are based on a common theme.	D．Their artworks are first exhibited.

2. What can visitors see in the Morozov Collection?

A．Russian works.	B．Post-Impressionist art masterpieces.
C．Furniture designs.	D．Mikhail and Ivan Morozov’s paintings.

3. Which one is the best choice for a visitor with children?

A．Fondation Louis Vuitton.	B．Orsay Museum.
C．Lighting Studio.	D．A modern foundry.

5 . Four Theaters in Minnesota

Lakeshore Players, Inc.

Lakeshore Players is one of Minnesota’s oldest community theaters producing musicals, children’s shows, and a yearly Festival of 10-Minute Plays. It also offers youth & adult acting classes and a summer youth project in which students perform as well as giving help in the field of acting. Besides, there is some local food and drinks to choose from.

Hours & Dates: Tuesday-Friday, 10 am to 3 pm.
Rates: $25 with free parking.
Stevie Ray’s Comedy Cabaret

Laugh with the Stevie Ray’s Comedy Troupe (剧团) as the members create immediate comedies (喜剧) based on the audience’ suggestions. Besides, full food and drink service is provided during the show.

Hours & Dates: Fridays & Saturdays at 8 pm.
Rates: $28 for the show only; $43 for dinner and the show.
Pillsbury House＋Theatre

Pillsbury House＋Theatre is a multi-cultural company of artists. In partnership with Pillsbury United Communities, one of the largest human services organizations in the state, Pillsbury House＋Theatre is a model for social services and arts organizations nationwide.

Hours & Dates: All main stage productions open on Fridays and run from Wednesday to Saturday in the following week at 7:30 pm.
Rates: All main stage ticket prices range from $10-$20. Chicago Avenue Project productions are free for the public.
Mantorville Theatre Company

Melodramatic (情节剧式的) productions are presented for families in the summer and quality theatrical productions are offered for the rest of the year.

Hours & Dates: Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 pm; Sundays at 2 pm.
Rates: Melodramas are $10 for adults and $8 for students/seniors. Full-length shows are $I5 for adults and $13 for students/seniors. Musicals are $20 for adults and $17 for students/seniors.
1. How is Stevie Ray’s Comedy Cabaret different from the others?

A．It offers acting instruction.	B．It produces shows for families.
C．It includes affordable food service.	D．It stresses communication with the audience.

2. Which theatre offers a chance to watch free performances?

A．Lakeshore Players, Inc.	B．Stevie Ray’s Comedy Cabaret.
C．Pillsbury House＋Theatre.	D．Mantorville Theatre Company.

3. How much does it cost an old couple to watch a melodrama?

A．$8.

B．$10.

C．$16.

D．$20.

6 . Learn to Turn Your Favorite Photo into a Digital Illustration

That’s right. We’re about to seriously school you on the art of portraiture, using nothing but a photo, your computer, and our trusty friend, Adobe Illustrator. In our brand-new class, Digital Illustration: Turn Your Photos Into Art, artist and designer Kristin Berry will teach you how to create your own digital portrait art using a photograph.

In Berry’s latest Digital Illustration class, you’ll be surprised and delighted by how just a few simple steps can result in a custom piece of art. It’s a great creative skill to learn for creating wedding invitations, holiday cards, birthday gifts, or wall art for your home. Plus, if you want to change the color of your shirt or add in a crazy color background, she’ll teach you how to do that too. There are endless ways you can customize your digital illustration, and this class will show you all the tips and tricks you need.

In the 82-minute online class, we’ll teach you:

·The best way to organize your Adobe Illustrator workspace

·How to illustrate the human form from the face all the way to the outfit

·Tips on how to add special touches to make your illustration unique and personalized

Once you sign up for the class, it’s yours to take on-demand, meaning you can watch it whenever (and at your own pace). Students will also get access to a design class that will have you learning from a professional. You’ll also get to download an exclusive course workbook that will help guide you through the class.

Sounds amazing, right? So find your most portrait-worthy photo and sign up for Digital Illustration: Turn Photos Into Art TODAY!

1. What is Adobe Illustrator probably?

A．An art teacher.

B．An application.

C．A course workbook.

D．A portrait photographer.

2. What skill can you learn in Kristin Berry’s class?

A．Taking digital photos.	B．Designing online courses.
C．Making Christmas cards.	D．Organizing wedding parties.

3. What is the text?

A．A report.

B．A journal.

C．An announcement.

D．An advertisement.

8 . Best Language Learning Programs

LingQ

Price: $7. 99 per month

LingQ is a web-based language learning system and offers lessons in 37 languages, including Spanish, Chinese and so on. You’ll have access to their apps, vocabulary features, one-on-one English conversations, group conversations, writing corrections and a huge variety of learning activities and quizzes. It has a community aspect that rewards you with a backpack for helping your peers (同伴).

Assimil

Price: $61 per month

A language learning program from France, Assimil has many foreign language products. The program offers 14 different languages, including a full e-course, CDs and downloadable or printed textbooks.

Alison

Price: Free

Do you need to learn a language for work or business at your own pace (步调)? Give Alison a try. Stick with a single language or learn several from nine options: Japanese, German, Spanish, French, Chinese, Irish, Arabic, English or Swedish. Access to its video lessons, with ads, is free—and you can take as many different courses as you’d like.

Rosetta Stone

Price: $7. 99 per month

Rosetta Stone includes online classes, games and mobile apps. This resource is recommended for long-term learners rather than those looking for quick phrase-building. The program promises to provide learners with 25 different languages, featuring well-rounded courses that deal with all aspects of a language.

1. What may happen if learners help peers in LingQ?

A．They will get rewarded.	B．They can receive a discount.
C．They will be praised by teachers.	D．They can use the apps for free.

2. Which program offers the fewest languages?

A．LingQ.

B．Assimil.

C．Rosetta Stone.

D．Alison.

3. How much should you pay if you learn in Rosetta Stone for ten months?

A．$7. 99.

B．$61.

C．$79. 9.

D．$610.

9 . Here is a guide of what to watch in 2023.
Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One

Mission: Impossible film series has become one of the most popular action films. Even people with a limited appetite for action or Tom Cruise are often swept away by these films. The seventh chapter of the series, Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One, features even bigger stunts (特技表演) than ever before. Writer-director Christopher McQuarrie of the sixth film Mission: Impossible — Fallout is back for Dead Reckoning, which will arrive in two parts, this summer and next.

When: July 12
Elemental

If Pixar Animation Studios’ digitizers could bring emotions to vivid life in Inside Out, imagine what they can do for more physical substances like Air, Earth, Fire and Water. And if a friendship should blossom where co-existence appears a little tricky, what better way to make a case for folks learning to get along.

When: Aug. 19
The Last Voyage of the Demeter

Even if you think the story of Dracula has been done to death — or undeath, technically — the makers of this film found a new way in by cutting down the thinnest slice of Bram Stoker’s novel, namely, the chapter that takes place on the ship that, unknown to its crew, is transporting Dracula to England. Things don’t go well. Put it that way: This high-seas horror, directed by André Øvredal, has a lot of fun with different creatures.

When: Aug. 11
Being Mary Tyler Moore

With her sunny smile, humor and modest style, Mary Tyler Moore became a situation comedy queen with a 60-year career in TV, stage and film. HBO’s film reflects the reality of her life, including struggles against diseases. At times, the narrative is a bit too careful, content to only indicate the darker side of a performer.

When: May 26
1. What can we know about Dead Reckoning Part One?

A．It is an action film as well as a horror.

B．Its second part will be filmed this summer.

C．It records Tom Cruise’s life on a ship to England.

D．It shares the same director with Mission: Impossible — Fallout.

2. Which film is most suitable for children to watch?

A．Elemental.

B．Being Mary Tyler Moore.

C．The Last Voyage of the Demeter.

D．Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One.

3. What makes Being Mary Tyler Moore special?

A．It was produced 60 years ago.	B．It tells of a true person's life.
C．It reveals the dark side of society.	D．It was directed by Mary Tyler Moore.