1 . Here are some fantastic parks in San Antonio.
Brackenridge Park
The park was first established in 1899 and has been popular with both locals and visitors ever since. Towering trees and peaceful riverbanks will greet guests along the park’s paths, and the facilities include playgrounds, museums, a miniature train, a Japanese tea garden, and one of the oldest golf courses in the city.
Friedrich Wilderness Park
In the park, you’ll find about 10 miles of paved(铺过的)and unpaved trails(路线), with a little something for everyone. From rocky climbs to deep canyons, and enchanting forests to open views, there’s no shortage of natural beauty. The area is nationally famous for birdwatching.
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
The park is the state’s only one on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site. It covers quite a large area, so it’s best to make it a full-day or at least a half-day trip so you can be sure to cover everything. While the Alamo is a separate attraction, you will get to enjoy the architectural wonders of Mission Concepcion, Mission San Jose, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada. They’re all connected by a hike and bike trail, with plenty of stops along the way to picnic, climb trees, and refill water. Admission is free!
Eisenhower Park
Just a 20-to 30-minute drive from the city center, the park puts the best landscapes in the Texas Hill Country on full display, holding 6 miles of hiking trails, both paved and unpaved. Explore dried creek beds, look out over plunging canyons, and enjoy full views of San Antonio down below. You can also find playgrounds for the little ones, picnic tables, and barbecue facilities.
1. What is Friedrich Wilderness Park well-known for?| A．Birdwatching. | B．Ancient buildings. |
| C．A Japanese tea garden. | D．Unpaved hiking paths. |
| A．Brackenridge Park. |
| B．Friedrich Wilderness Park. |
| C．San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. |
| D．Eisenhower Park. |
| A．Golf courses and bicycle trails. |
| B．Museums and no entrance fee. |
| C．Birdwatching and playgrounds. |
| D．Hiking trails and barbecue facilities. |
2 . Forgiveness (宽恕) is often considered as an important decision to let go of feelings of anger towards someone who you believe has wronged you. However, while you may be quite generous in your ability to forgive others, you can be much harder on yourself.
Accept the result of your actions
Forgiving yourself is about more than just putting the past behind you and moving on.
Treat yourself with kindness and compassion (同情)
Forgiving yourself requires facing your actions, but it is important to reach this with self-compassion.
Making a correction is an important part of forgiveness, even when the person you are forgiving is yourself. One way to move past your regret is to take action to correct your mistakes.
Learn from the experience
Forgiving yourself often requires finding a way to learn from the experience and make an active effort to do better in the future. To do this, you need to understand why you behave the way you did and why you feel sorry. What steps can you take to prevent the same behaviors again in the future?
| A．Make a correction |
| B．Be aware of others’ feelings |
| C．It is about accepting what has happened |
| D．The following steps may help you learn how to forgive yourself |
| E．You need to tell yourself that thoughts are not facts |
| F．Remind yourself of what you learned to guide your actions going forward |
| G．The key is to treat yourself with the same kindness you show to another person |
3 . More people than ever are interested in learning to speak Chinese. The challenge that many face is finding the best resources to learn this new language. Fortunately, there are 4 amazing tools that can make learning Chinese much easier.
HelloTalk
This is an app that connects anyone interested in learning a foreign language to a native speaker who is willing to engage in conversation with learners, and help them practice and master their new language. It includes a voice-to-text feature that is perfect if you cannot understand your conversation partner. The text- to-voice feature that is included helps you to learn the proper pronunciations.
iTalki
No tool is going to take the place of one-on-one interaction(互动) with a real person. This is why iTalki is one of the most popular online language learning systems. If you join the iTalki community, you will be connected with an instructor who is a native speaker. They will work with you one on one to improve your vocabulary and conversational language skills.
FluentU
FluentU has made a wide variety of videos for your viewing pleasure. Each one is in Chinese and is a real-world movie or video. With FluentU, you can interact with the videos, pause and get pronunciation and definition information. In addition to this, there are quizzes(小测验) added to the videos to help you evaluate your own progress.
Pleco
This mobile app was designed specifically to help users learn Chinese. It includes an OCR reader that can be used to scan(扫描) Chinese language characters for translation, the ability to translate Chinese words from other apps and web pages, a document reader and an audio translator. It also comes with several dictionaries and the ability to create flashcards.
1. What’s the advantage of iTalki over other tools?| A．Providing one-on-one instruction. | B．Providing various learning videos. |
| C．Providing the text-to-voice feature. | D．Providing interesting playing games. |
| A．They offer the most famous learning tools. | B．They record your learning process directly. |
| C．They help you improve your pronunciation. | D．They provide you with various funny videos. |
| A．HelloTalk. | B．iTalki. | C．FluentU. | D．Pleco. |
4 . Spending time outdoors has long been linked (联系) to better health. Gardening goes beyond just beautifying outdoor spaces—it can have a deep effect on our physical and mental (身心上的) health.
Gardening involves physical activity that works all the main muscle (肌肉) groups, which is helpful for overall health. “Activities such as digging, planting, weeding and harvesting require movement and can help to improve strength,” said Clayton, CEO of an online lawn care company. “Performing these activities regularly can help burn calories, and keep a healthy weight.”
Beyond burning calories and building muscle, lots of studies have shown that gardening can improve the immune system (免疫系统). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people get at least 150 minutes of exercise each week, and gardening is listed as a suitable activity. Doing garden work for that time each week can reduce the risk of obesity, high blood pressure and heart disease. Additionally, spending time outdoors makes us get close to natural sunlight, which is important for vitamin D synth.
Gardening provides a chance for social connection, too. It can be a shared activity among family members, friends or neighbors, building relationships and a sense of belonging.
Gardening also offers cognitive (认知的) benefits. It excites the senses, improves focus and encourages problem-solving and creativity. It provides a chance to learn about plants, ecosystems and the environment, developing a deeper understanding and appreciation for nature.
1. What is Clayton’s attitude towards gardening?| A．Supportive. | B．Doubtful. | C．Unclear | D．Uncaring. |
| A．It improves focus. | B．It is a waste of time. |
| C．It can keep a body in shape. | D．It helps to reduce the risk of diseases. |
| A．It contributes to creativity. | B．It encourages problem-solving. |
| C．It builds relationships between people. | D．It improves people’s awareness of safety. |
| A．How to Start a Garden | B．Choose a Garden or Not |
| C．What Plants Grow Best in a Garden | D．Start Gardening and Get the Health Benefits |
5 . With the Forbidden City and Jingshan Park to its east, Zhongnanhai to its south, Beihai Park, also known as Northern Sea Park, is one of the oldest, largest and best-preserved ancient imperial gardenst (皇家花园) in China located in the center of Beijing.
Beihai Park is said to be built according to a traditional Chinese legend. The story is that once upon a time there were three magic mountains called “Penglai”, “Yingzhou” and “Fangzhang”. Gods in those mountains had a kind of medicine which would help humans gain immortality (永生). Consequently, many emperors constantly sought those mountains. I For example, Emperor Qin Shihuang had sent people to look for the magic mountains but they failed. Emperor Wudi, the fifth emperor of the Western Han Dynasty did similar things.
It was believed that different mountain-water combinations in ancient Chinese architecture led to totally different effects. So from then on, almost every emperor during the succeeding dynasties would build a royal garden with one-pool-with-three-hill layout near his palace. Beihai Park was surely built after this traditional style: the water of Beihai with Zhongnanhai is the Taiye Pool; the Jade Flowery Islet, the island of the Circular City and the Xishantai Island represent the three magic mountains.
Actually, Beihai Park was initially built in the Liao Dynasty (916-1125) and was repaired and rebuilt in the following dynasties including Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing. The large-scale rebuilding in the reign of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) generally established the present scale and pattern. In 1925, it was first opened to the public, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world every year.
It is enjoyable to walk around the various scenic areas in Beihai Park. There are many places to visit, including the Bai Ta, Five-Dragon Pavilions, Nine-Dragon Wall, Yong’an Temple and so on. There is also a classy restaurant called Fangshan Restaurant where the Empress Cixi once dined.
1. Where is Beihai Park?| A．Near the ocean. | B．In the south of Zhongnanhai. |
| C．To the west side of Jingshan Park. | D．In the uptown area of Beijing City. |
| A．They loved to listen to stories. | B．They both pursued immortality. |
| C．They were mountain-climbing lovers. | D．They were the first emperor of their dynasties. |
| A．Less than 100 years old. | B．About 500 years old. |
| C．About 1, 000 years old. | D．Nearly 2, 000 years old. |
| A．A famous park. | B．Historical palaces. |
| C．An unforgettable legend. | D．Ancient architectural styles. |
6 . Serbia is one of the most affordable destinations in Europe. Here are some beautiful places in Serbia that you can pay a visit to.
Mountain Avala
Overlooking Belgrade and topped with the Avala Tower in the Balkans, Mountain Avala is a must-visit spot that makes for a pleasant break from the capital’s busy streets. The Avala Tower is a tall telecommunication tower in this area which was rebuilt in 2010, offering the picture-perfect whole view over Belgrade from viewing platforms and a cafe for visitors.
Museum of Srem
The regional museum in the town of Sremska Mitrovica has a valuable collection in prehistoric, Roman and medieval periods. Its highlights are the numerous archaeological findings from Sremska Mitrovica, including a unique Roman sundial (日晷) with the sculptures of some figures.
The Gallery of Matica Srpska
The Gallery of Matica Srpska is one of the most significant and lasting cultural institutions in Serbia. It’s not a mere gallery but rather a national treasure, with several floors covering priceless Serbian artworks from the late 17th to the 20th century in different styles with countless landscapes and graphic art and more.
Uvac Special Nature Reserve
The spectacular meanders of the Uvac River are the highlights of the Uvac Special Nature Reserve in southwestern Serbia. The incredibly green river snakes through rocks in a zigzag manner—a feat of nature that is best admired from high above. The reserve, which also comprises a 6-kilometer-long cave system, owes its protected status to several hundred plant species, many types of fishes and rare bird species.
1. What can visitors do in the Avala Tower?| A．Visit an art gallery. |
| B．See a unique sundial. |
| C．Have a good view of the landscapes. |
| D．Admire artworks at the viewing platform. |
| A．Cultural treasures. | B．Unique rocks. |
| C．Old floors. | D．Modern sculptures. |
| A．A protected statue. | B．A water system. |
| C．A green river. | D．A wildlife museum. |
7 . A conference programme
9:00-9:30
Conference opening Dr Jon Martinez
9: 30-10: 45
Management styles Helena Clark
Consider the different management styles and how you can adapt yours to suit your team.
Conflict management Tracy Edwards
Conflict can create problems in your team, but managing conflicts well can bring about development. Learn how to manage conflicts in this workshop.
Giving feedback Amelia Novak
Explore the different ways to give feedback to maximize development.
10: 45-11: 15 Coffee break
11: 15-12: 30
Using storytelling in leadership communication Antoine Martin
Sometimes, the best way to communicate with your team is by telling stories. Find out how to do this in this workshop.
Develop creative thinking in your team Mariana Silva
How can you get your team to think creatively? Explore the different ideas that can help your team see things in a new way.
Leading in uncertain times Omar Abboud
Uncertainty can affect the success of your team. Learn to bring confidence to-your team in a time of uncertainty.
12: 30-2: 00 Lunch
2: 00-3: 15
Managing international projects Alisa Petrov
Consider how to ensure successful intercultural communication in your international teams.
Leading small business Cheng Wei
How is leading small businesses different and how can leaders of small businesses bring success to their team?
Managing change Akira Yoshida
Help your employees deal with change and see the positives change can bring.
3: 15-4: 15 Group discussions
4: 15-5: 00 Conference closing Dr Grace Moloney
1. Who may help you solve disagreements among your teammates?
| A．Helena Clark. | B．Tracy Edwards. |
| C．Amelia Novak. | D．Antoine Martin. |
| A．dealing with the problems with change. | B．How to communicate with your team. |
| C．Building a team with innovative minds. | D．How to lead a small business. |
| A．3 hours | B．3.5 hours | C．4 hours | D．4.5 hours |
8 . It is never too late to develop great study habits. However, starting making some changes is hard. Even if you want to do well enough in school and improve your grades, you’re probably having trouble getting started in the first place!
Plan your time carefully. Make a list of your weekly tasks. Make a schedule of your time. Then decide on good, regular time for studying.
Find a good place to study. Choose one place for your study area. It may be a desk or a chair at home or in the school library, but it should be comfortable and quiet. When you begin to work, you should be able to concentrate on the subject.
Skim before you read.
Develop a good attitude to tests. The purpose of a test is to show what you have learned about a subject.
There are other skills that might help you with your study. Share with your classmates some of the skills you have found to be helpful.
| A．Study regularly |
| B．Make good use of your time in class |
| C．There are several ways that can help you |
| D．Develop a positive attitude by setting realistic goals |
| E．This weekly schedule may not solve all of your problems |
| F．The world won’t end if you don’t pass a test, so don’t worry too much about a test |
| G．This means looking over a passage quickly before you begin to read it more carefully |
10 . Most American families are smaller than the families in other countries. Most American families have one or two parents and one or two children each.
Children in the US will leave their parents’ home when they grow up. They usually live far from their parents because they want to find good jobs. They often write to their parents or telephone them. And they often go to visit their parents on holiday.
Parents usually let their children choose their own jobs. Americans think it important for young people to decide on their lives by themselves.
Children are asked to do some work around their house. And in many families, children are paid for doing some housework so that they learn how to make money for their own use.
1. Size of most American families is ________ that of other countries.| A．larger than | B．smaller than | C．as big as | D．as small as |
| A．get married | B．be free | C．find good jobs | D．study |
| A．on weekdays | B．on weekends | C．at any time | D．on holiday |
| A．children can learn how to make money for themselves |
| B．their children required them to do so |
| C．they are rich |
| D．it is required by law |
| A．Children have the freedom to choose their own job. |
| B．Parents don’t ask their children to do the housework. |
| C．Parents think it important for children to make their own decision. |
| D．When children grow up, they usually live far away from their home. |
