1 . Do you know how to cycle? It is a skill that, once learned, is never forgotten. For the majority of us, the art of balancing on two wheels was mastered during our childhood. Many still wear helmets, put feet on the pedals, and take a ride around the streets. And in recent years, cycling has become more and more popular. What attracts people to ride their bikes once again?

Cycling offers a lot of advantages that affect both our physical and mental health. For example, regular cycling can improve the function of our cardiovascular (心血管的)system, assist in the burning of extra body fat and strengthen our leg muscles. A long ride in the countryside helps us to clear our mind easily.

Riding a bike is a smart choice for getting to work, shopping, or sightseeing. You can save money that you would otherwise spend on fuels and fares. Unlike cars that struggle with parking, bikes can be easily locked up. Then, on the train, there are chances at stations and other people speaking loudly on their phones. Cyclists face neither of these problems. And if we’re worried about safety, there are cycle lanes in many cities, or we can wear light-colored clothes to improve our safety when cycling on the roads.

Cycling can also be good for the environment. It cuts our carbon footprint, which means we make less pollution. It’s great for our planet and keeps the air clean around us. When we ride bikes, we don’t use fuel like cars do, and that’s really good for our environment.

Therefore, more and more people choose to ride for many benefits such as improving their health, easily going to work, saving money, protecting the environment, or a combination of these factors.

1. When do most people learn to ride?

A．In their free time.	B．After their retirement.
C．At their young ages.	D．During their adulthood.

2. Which of the following best describes cycling?

A．It is a good way to save money.

B．It is a great idea to relax cyclists.

C．It is dangerous to cycle on the roads.

D．It is difficult to find a place park the bike.

3. How does cycling affect the environment?

A．Consumes more fuels.	B．Increases air pollution.
C．Causes fewer accidents.	D．Reduces carbon footprint.

4. In which section of a magazine may this text appear?

A．Sports & Health.	B．Travel & Culture.
C．Science & Technology.	D．Animals & Environment.

2 . Four Brilliant Art and Craft Books

If you are into art and craft, there are four brilliant books for you to choose from. Practise your artistic skills, whether you want to draw comics or sew a cushion.

Make Art With Nature by Pippa Pixley

This book is packed with inspiring and exciting ideas for using nature in your artwork.

Discover how earth can be used to make paints and how flowers can create ink. You can also find out ways to add natural materials into your artistic creations using print-making. This Book Will Make You an Artist by Ruth Millington.

Take inspiration from artistic masters like Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso and Yayoi Kusama with this fun book, which introduces you to 25 different artistic techniques inspired by the work of world-famous artists. Full of information and ideas, it’s a great way to learn more about a wide range of different artists and their styles.

How to Draw a Graphic Novel by Balthazar Pagani

If you love comic books, then why not try creating one of your own? This guide to creating a vivid novel combines technical advice with creative inspiration. Plus you’ll find interview s with famous comic creators.

A Beginner’s Guide to Needlecraft by Jane Bull

Try your hand at simple sewing projects, such as felt flowers or a patchwork cushion. Step-by-step instructions and photographs make it easy to learn a whole range of different techniques, including crochet and embroidery (刺绣).

1. What can you find in Pippa Pixley’s book?

A．25 different artistic techniques.

B．Interviews with famous comic creators.

C．Step-by-step instructions and photographs.

D．Ways to add natural materials into artistic creations.

2. Which book helps you create comics?

A．Make Art With Nature.	B．How to Draw a Graphic Novel.
C．This Book Will Make You an Artist.	D．A Beginner’s Guide to Needlecraft.

3. What skill can you get from the last book?

A．How to make paints.	B．How to draw comics.
C．How to sew a cushion.	D．How to become an artist.

10 . Four-Day Tour in Chongqing

Day 01 Arrival in Chongqing

You will be met upon arrival at Chongqing Airport and taken by bus for a short city tour to the Panda House in Chongqing Zoo and the Residence of the famous American General Joseph W. Stilwell if time permits. Have an expensive buffet dinner at a 4-star hotel, Holiday Inn Yangtze before boarding your luxurious 5-star cruise ship.

Day 02 Chongqing - Fengdu

Enjoy the cruise sailing on the Yangtze River. You will leave the ship for the land at Fengdu, the “Ghost City” for a short trip. Late in the afternoon, the Captain’s Welcome Party presents Chinese folk dance and music performance. You can also join in if you like.

Day 03 Yangtze Three Little Gorges or Shennong Stream

Begin the passage into the Qutang Gorge, the shortest and the grandest of the Three Gorges. Later you will pass through the Wu Gorge with its famous lofty and misty peaks. Disembark at Wushan Daning River for an excursion to the Three Little Gorges or disembark at Badong for an excursion to the Shennong Stream. Continue sailing. The cruise will dock overnight at Maoping, which is close to the Three Gorges Dam site.

Day 04 Sandouping - Yichang

After breakfast, visit the construction site of the Three Gorges Dam. Back onboard to pack up your luggage and complete check out procedures. Your local guide will meet you and see you off at the airport.

1. Which of the following places can you visit on the second day?

A．The Panda House.	B．The Ghost City.
C．The Shennong Stream.	D．Three Gorges Dam.

2. How long will the tour stop at Maoping?

A．A day.

B．Two nights.

C．Two days.

D．A night.

3. What is the main transportation through the tour?

A．Plane.

B．Bus.

C．Ship.

D．Foot.