1 . Florida is a desirable place to retire because of the suitable cost of living and location close to the beach. In addition, it has provided different kinds of services to support the retirement community. Here are some best Florida cities for retirement.

Miami

Population: about 605,800

Share of population age 65+: 18.2%

Median monthly rent: about $1,500

Miami has higher housing and costly health care, so seniors retiring in Miami need to face the higher cost of living. However, it offers retirees plenty of activities. It’s more expensive, but the rich cultural experience, dining, shopping, and health care services are top-tier.

Fort Myers
Population: about 752,200
Share of population age 65+: 28.4%
Median monthly rent: about $1,300

Fort Myers scored well on the desirability and happiness metrics (指标). Many retirees are able to comfortably afford a home, which frees up retirement income for other important expenses. Seniors in Fort Myers can create a relaxing beach retirement lifestyle, even on a limited budget.

Tallahassee
Population: about 382,700
Share of population age 65+: 14.6%
Median monthly rent: about $1,000

Tallahassee has four clear seasons, and its short winters are colder than the state’s coastal areas. Housing is more affordable here than in other Florida cities. Retirees can take classes at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Florida, or enjoy one of Tallahassee’s many museums, historic sites and parks.

Ocala
Population: about 370,000
Share of population age 65+: 28.5%
Median monthly rent: about $990

This equestrian (马术) town is best known for award-winning horses. Retirees can attend horse shows and equestrian events and enjoy regular horseback rides. Ocala’s inexpensive housing makes it easy to relocate to the area. The Ocala National Forest has hundreds of lakes, rivers and springs where you can swim and fish.

1. What is an advantage of Miami?

A．It offers services in a wide variety.	B．It gives the suitable cost of living.
C．It provides discount housing.	D．It organizes volunteer activities.

2. Which is the best if retirees want to get education after retiring?

A．Miami.

B．Fort Myers.

C．Tallahassee.

D．Ocala.

3. What can retirees do in Ocala?

A．Create a beach retirement lifestyle.	B．Explore the depth of the forest.
C．Visit many historic sites.	D．Take part in equestrian events.

2 .

Sunshine Club For young people from 12 to 18 years old Include games, music, dancing and more. Every Saturday: 6:30 am—9:30 pm          28 Oxford Street, London Tel: 76239652     Price: Just £3 a time

Cartoon Museum Come and see the best of British cartoon art. There is something for everyone, including popular cartoon characters and a great shop full of funny books and cards. Price: free Opening times: Tuesday—Saturday 10:30 am—5:30 pm   Sunday 11:00 am—6:00 pm Tel: 65235873

Cox’s Hotel Tel: 87058366 E-mail: info@coxshotel.co.uk     Website: www.coxshotel.co.uk Opening times: Coffee shop: 9:00 am—6:00 pm        Every day Tea room: 10:30 am—5:30 pm            Monday—Thursday Pub (小酒吧): 8:00 am—11:30 pm          Friday—Saturday

Hamilton Zoo Over 600 animals: tigers, pandas... Opening hours: 9:00 am—5:00 pm   Monday—Sunday An adult: £15 A child (under 12 years old): £10 Tel: 23653692

1. Where can we get funny cards?

A．In the Cartoon Museum.	B．At Cox’s Hotel.
C．In the Sunshine Club.	D．In the Hamilton Zoo.

2. Which is the right time to go to the pub at Cox’s Hotel?

A．9:00 am—6:00 pm on Friday	B．8:30 am—11:30 pm on Friday
C．8:00 am—11:30 pm on Wednesday	D．8:00 am—11:30 pm on Thursday

3. If Jim and his 5-year-old son want to the Hamilton Zoo, they should pay __________.

A．£10

B．£15

C．£25

D．£4

3 . 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.     1     .

Accept the result of your actions

Forgiving yourself is about more than just putting the past behind you and moving on.       2     . Facing what you have done or what has happened is the first step towards self-forgiveness. It’s also the hardest step. If you have been making excuses in order to make them seem acceptable, it is time to accept what you have done.

Treat yourself with kindness and compassion (同情)

Forgiving yourself requires facing your actions, but it is important to reach this with self-compassion.     3     . Try to be compassionate instead of being self-critical (自我批评的).

    4    

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?     5     , rather than feel sorry about those past mistakes.

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

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.

2. What does paragraph 3 mainly tell us about gardening?

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.

3. How does gardening affect social connection according to the text?

A．It contributes to creativity.	B．It encourages problem-solving.
C．It builds relationships between people.	D．It improves people’s awareness of safety.

4. What is the best title for the text?

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 gardens(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.

2. What is the similarity between Emperor Qin Shihuang and Emperor Wudi of Han according to the text?

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.

3. How old is Beihai Park?

A．Less than 100 years old.	B．About 500 years old.
C．About 1, 000 years old.	D．Nearly 2, 000 years old.

4. What is the text mainly about?

A．A famous park.	B．Historical palaces.
C．An unforgettable legend.	D．Ancient architectural styles.

6 . What made Jane feel homesick?

A．An old friend.

B．A movie.

C．A letter.

7 . __________from the college, he went to a village and worked as a teacher there.

A．Having graduated	B．Having been graduated
C．Being graduated	D．Have been graduated

8 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. Where does this conversation take place?

A．On the road.

B．In the park.

C．In the restaurant.

2. What are the speakers going to eat?

A．Fish soup.

B．A chocolate cake.

C．Vegetable salad.

9 . Activities in November

Holiday Market and Bake Sale in Monkton

This festival holiday event should definitely not be missed! Head over to the Friends Methodist House, 78 Monkton Ridge anytime Saturday morning to shop for some crafts(手工艺品)that were made locally. Also enjoy homemade chocolate, cakes, and other snacks! For more information, call 802-453-2870. NOV. 20, 9 AM-2 PM.

“West Side Story” on Stage in Brandon

If you need an excuse to cry, watching “West Side Story“ live is a pretty good one. Otter Valley Union High School(OVUHS)will be hosting Walking Stick Theatre’s production of “West Side Story. ”Advanced tickets are $ 8 at the OVUHs Library. Tickets are $ 8 at the door for students and seniors, $ 10 for adults. NOV. 21, 7 PM-9 PM.

Lecture on Bali in Bristol

Join the community in hearing a lecture by Dr. Carla Osgood and Dr. David Osgood entitled “Bali: Consciousness, Culture and Community” at the Lawrence Memorial Library in Bristol. They have spent 20 years teaching in Bali, and are sure to provide an invaluable view. NOV. 21. 7 PM-8:30 PM.

Wolfing down and Digestion in Middlebury

Love listening to stories?Attend the StoryMatters meeting on Tuesday at IIsley   Library. The local group will share stories all on the topic of food. There will also be a teaching session after the stories during which trainers will help with the process of storytelling. For more information, email larl7g@ myfairpoint. net. NOV. 24, 10 AM-2 PM.

1. Where can handmade snacks be bought?

A．In Monkton.

B．In Brandon.

C．In Bristol.

D．In Middlebury.

2. How can you get a ticket for “West Side Story“ in advance?

A．By calling 802-453-2870 to book it.

B．By emailing lar17g@myfairpoint. net.

C．By buying it at the OVUHS Library.

D．By contacting Carla Osgood or David Osgood.

3. Which of the following should you attend if you want to improve your storytelling skills?

A．Lecture on Bali.

B．“West Side Story” on Stage.

C．Wolfing down and Digestion.

D．Holiday Market and Bake Sale.

10 . With millions of households ________ (struggle) to make ends meet, UK’s Prime Minister Liz announced a two-year freeze to the energy price cap on Sep.8. (所给词的适当形式填空)