1 . Mrs. Oren, with her family, lived down the block from us. We were four kids living with our parents happily.

Our happiness _______. I was 14 and my youngest sister was 4 when our mother passed away suddenly. _______, Mrs. Oren always stayed by our side. I was already an “independent” teenager, but she _______ my youngest sister every day while our dad was _______ and the rest of us were at school.

My morning _______ on school days included getting up with the alarm clock as Dad already went to work, and _______ the “kids” to get them ready for school. One morning, I felt so _______ while making breakfast. The next thing I _______ was that I was lying on the floor in the _______, with the world spinning around me.

It was heartbreaking that I soon ________ my sisters crying and throwing up. But I could do nothing, feeling so ________. Suddenly, the door opened and Mrs. Oren came in! We were ________ to the hospital in her car. It turned out that she came to our house that morning ________ to look after my youngest sister, only to find the frightening ________. Later, Mrs. Oren told us we all got gas poisoning.

What would have happened to us but for a caring ________ who kept an eye on us every day?

1.

A．returned

B．approached

C．ended

D．spread

2.

A．Eventually

B．Fortunately

C．Temporarily

D．Particularly

3.

A．attended to

B．picked up

C．got back

D．came across

4.

A．in need

B．in the way

C．out of sight

D．at work

5.

A．business

B．movement

C．routine

D．career

6.

A．referring to

B．asking about

C．calming down

D．waking up

7.

A．relaxed

B．worried

C．dizzy

D．dynamic

8.

A．suppose

B．remember

C．forecast

D．reconsider

9.

A．kitchen

B．living room

C．bedroom

D．hall

10.

A．spotted

B．heard

C．imagined

D．left

11.

A．responsible

B．unprepared

C．unnoticed

D．desperate

12.

A．connected

B．rushed

C．forced

D．limited

13.

A．as usual

B．at first

C．by chance

D．in person

14.

A．result

B．truth

C．action

D．scene

15.

A．teacher

B．classmate

C．neighbor

D．relative

2 . If you’re interested in increasing your academic knowledge, consider taking an online college course.

Open Culture

It provides access to over 1,700 college courses for free. They’re chosen from subjects like literature and computer science or specific schools like Harvard and Oxford. If you want to obtain an online degree, you pay the relevant fees. The site also provides access to certificates, movies, and e-books. Some course categories include:

Architecture

Communication

FutureLearn

It offers free membership classes in several subjects, like law and literature, taught by college professors and industry experts. Premium (高级) membership courses are available for a fee. There are various course types, which are short courses, online degrees, ExpertTracks and Microcredentials. You can complete the courses at your own pace. Featured courses include:

Copywriting Fundamentals

A Beginner’s Guide to Fashion Design

Academic Earth

It matches prospective students with online coursework, either to audit (旁听) or work towards a degree. It’s free to audit classes, but if you seek course credits, you pay a fee before attending the class. You may also select the university you wish to receive your online degree based on the ones the site offers. Its degree program includes subjects like:

Business

Education

Coursera

It affords students access to free courses and paid degree courses from several distinguished international colleges and universities. From the site, you can explore earning a certification or a degree based on your learning goals. If you’re seeking a new career path, the site can help you with the process by offering courses to develop your skills and earn professional documents. A few of the free classes offered include:

Financial Markets

Introduction to Psychology

1. What is special about FutureLearn’s courses?

A．They can all be learned flexibly.	B．They all belong to premium members.
C．They’re all related to law and literature.	D．They’re all taught by college professors.

2. If you want to make a career change, which will you go to for a new skill?

A．Academic Earth.	B．Open Culture.
C．FutureLearn.	D．Coursera.

3. What do the online learning platforms have in common?

A．They’re fit for beginners with free time.

B．They specifically serve working people.

C．They only charge for their certain courses.

D．They offer courses for awarding degrees only.

3 . One of the best essay contests of 2024, this competition sponsored by the Writer’s Digest promotes nonfiction of all kinds: “personal or political, traditional or experimental”, but your essay should be at least 1,000 words and 1,500 words at most.

Eligibility (资格):

Students are eligible to participate if they are in grades nine through twelve in any of the fifty states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. territories, or if they are U. S. citizens/lawful permanent residents attending high school overseas. Students may be attending a public or private school. Entries from home-schooled students are also accepted.

Submission:

Fill out the online registration form. All fields on the online form are required, including uploading a Microsoft Word (doc. or docx.) file of your original work with a title in English which should include a comprehensive list of sources consulted. Entries must be typed, double-spaced, in 12-point Times New Roman.

Teacher or parent: Student registration forms must have a teacher or parent name. That person may review the submitted essay and act as the key contact.

Do not place your last name or your school’s name on any of the pages of the essay.

Your essay will be disqualified if it does not meet the requirements or is submitted after the submission date of 11:59 p.m. EDT on June 1, 2024.

Prizes:

$1,000 to the writer of the winning essay, in addition to an all-expense paid trip to the Writer’s Digest Annual Conference! The runner-up wins a writing coaching package valued at $650 and the third, a diversity editing package valued at $350.

1. Who can participate in the contest?

A．A Chinese teenager.	B．A high school teacher.
C．An American tenth-grader.	D．A professional writer.

2. What is a requirement for the entry?

A．Uploading a Word version of the original work.

B．Writing personal name on the first page of the entry.

C．Filling in the application form and posting it in time.

D．Making sure of the words of the entry beyond 1,500.

3. What will be the second prize?

A．A free trip.	B．A cash prize.
C．A diversity editing package.	D．A writing coaching package.

4 . 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。

Hong Kong’s tiny Tai Hang district is usually one of the city’s     1     (quiet) places. But every year during the Mid-Autumn Festival, the neighborhood comes alive with the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance.

    2     (list) as China’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2011, the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance began in 1880,     3     the neighborhood was attacked by a deadly disease on the eve of the Mid-Autumn Festival. According to the legend, a fortune teller suggested that the villagers perform a fire dragon dance for three days and three nights during the upcoming full moon. To their     4     (amaze), the disease disappeared     5     (short) after the dance. Since then, this tradition has been carried on every year during the Mid-Autumn Festival. The 67-metre fire dragon will wind through the streets of Tai Hang, like it did over a century ago with over 300     6     (performer) , 70,000 incense sticks (焚香), and lots of firecrackers.

Dragon dance leader Chan Tak-fai, who has been organizing the event for the past 20 years, first got involved     7     a child. “I grew up     8     (watch) all the elder makers—there were three on Sun Chun Street where I lived—create the fire dragon every year. I was able to learn and later teach young Tai Hangers,” says Tak-fai, now 70. “Back then, we always     9     (gather) in the street as there was no air-conditioning and it was cooler outside. That created     10     great sense of community.”

5 . Washington, DC is a theatre town. Here’s where you can get the best performances and cultural experiences offered for every taste in the nation’s capital.

Kennedy Center

Kennedy Center hosts hundreds of world-class performances each year and is home to the National Symphony Orchestra and the Washington National Opera. The Suzanne Farrell Ballet also counts Kennedy Center as its performance headquarters. The company—under the direction of Farrell—was first invited to perform there in 1993 and has since become one of the venue’s most famous attractions.

Woolly Mammoth Company

Woolly Mammoth Company is an experimental theatre that welcomes original plays that push the boundaries of live theatre. The New York Times has called it “Washington’s most daring theatre company”, and the half dozen plays Woolly produces each year continue to live up to that reputation.

Shakespeare Theatre Company

For more than 25 years, Shakespeare Theatre Company has committed itself to serving as the nation’s classical theatre. It operates out of two spaces, including Sidney Harman Hall at the Harman Center, which seats 775, and the Lansburgh Theatre, which seats 451. The shiny, glass-walled Harman Center showcases classic Shakespeare plays, modern updates and Shakespeare-inspired original shows.

Wolf Trap

For locals, summer isn’t complete without at least one trip to Wolf Trap, the only national park dedicated to the performing arts. The venue is best-known for performances of touring artists. The open-air theatre offers covered seating, but when the weather warms up, we suggest buying seats on the grassland and packing a picnic.

1. When did the Suzanne Farrell Ballet first perform at Kennedy Center?

A．In 1993.

B．In 1998.

C．In 2000.

D．In 2003.

2. Which of the following is known for experimental plays?

A．The Harman Center.	B．Woolly Mammoth Company.
C．The Lansburgh Theatre.	D．Shakespeare Theatre Company.

3. What sets Wolf Trap apart from other theatres?

A．Its covered seating.	B．Its Shakespeare plays.
C．Its selected directors.	D．Its open-air atmosphere.

6 . How much does it cost to play tennis for two hours on Sunday?

A．$4.

B．$6.

C．$12.

7 . What left the man a deep impression?

A．Food.

B．Animals.

C．Northern Canada.

8 . Four Best Classic Books for You to Read

If you’ve always wanted to tackle the classics but never known where to begin, we’ve got you covered. We’ve selected four best classic books for you to read.

The Man Who Would Be King by Rudyard Kipling

This short novel tells the story of two British men visiting India under Britain’s control. The men trick their way to a remote region where one of them comes to be respected as King. A tale warning against letting things go to your head, this funny story has been made into a classic film starring Michael Caine and Sean Connery.

Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie

Born in the first hour of India’s independence, Saleem Sinai is gifted with the power of an extraordinary sense of smell. He soon discovers that there are 1, 001 others with similar abilities, who can help him build a new India. The winner of the Booker prize in 1981, Salman Rushdie’s groundbreaking novel is a great achievement of magical realism. This great success was followed by his another novel Shame (1983).

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

If you’re not familiar with Dickens, his evergreen Christmastime classic is the perfect introduction. It’s a slim 104-page book — a true Christmas surprise from an author with a tendency towards the tome (大部头书) like his Great Expectations, which is another classic! It’s the perfect book for you to read in winter just when you want to feel that warm holiday atmosphere.

The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers

Meet John Singer, a deaf and mute (哑的) man who sits in the same café every day. Here, in the deep American South of the 1930s, John meets various kinds of people and acts as the silent and kind keeper of their stories — right up until an unforgettable ending that will blow you away. It’s hard to believe McCullers was only 23 when she wrote this classic.

1. Which book won a prize in 1981?

A．Shame.	B．Midnight’s Children.
C．The Man Who Would Be King.	D．The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter.

2. How is A Christmas Carol different from Great Expectations?

A．It’s more popular.	B．It’s Dickens’ first tome.
C．It’s shorter in length.	D．It’s written in Indian.

3. What does John Singer probably do in the same café?

A．Work as a waiter.	B．Help the disabled.
C．Read stories to others.	D．Observe different people.

9 . Festivals in March Around the World in 2024

SXSW Festival, USA

8th-16th March, 2024

SXSW is a famous festival in Austin. This media festival features plenty of film, music, and comedy events. SXSW also hosts tech panels (讨论会). Therefore, you have an opportunity to interact with celebrities and well-known businessmen. Austin is also famous for its outstanding drink and food! Travelers of all ages and interests can find something to enjoy at SXSW.

Pasifika Festival, New Zealand

9th-10th March, 2024

The Pasifika Festival showcases Pacific Island cultures. It takes place in Auckland where you can see contemporary art, music, dance, and cuisine from various Pacific communities. You’ll be able to witness and gain a deeper understanding about cultures like Samoan, Tongan, Fijian, and Maori, among others.

St Patrick’s Day, Ireland

14th-17th March, 2024

St Patrick’s Day celebrates Irish culture, music, food, and entertainment. Wrap up the party on St Patrick’s Day with a massive street carnival on 17th March. You’ll find parades, vendors (商贩), live music stages and fun across the centre of Dublin. You will find festivities all over Ireland, not just in the capital city.

Cape Town Jazz Festival, South Africa

22nd-31st March, 2024

For over twenty years, the Festival has attracted nearly 40, 000 people annually to its five major venues. It features music by dozens of musicians worldwide. Performers play Jazz, R&B, rap and so on. Enjoy the area before and after the Festival. Cape Town has extremely beautiful art and culture, restaurants, bars and outdoor activities.

1. Where can people attend a street carnival according to the text?

A．In Ireland.

B．In South Africa.

C．In the USA.

D．In New Zealand.

2. Which festival lasts the longest?

A．Pasifika Festival.	B．SXSW Festival.
C．St Patrick’s Day.	D．Cape Town Jazz Festival.

3. What can people do during the four festivals?

A．Attend technical panels.	B．Enjoy beautiful music.
C．Meet well-known people.	D．Appreciate contemporary art.

10 . Art galleries you can visit for free with your Paris Pass

Centre Pompidou

Normally €7.00       Wednesday-Monday: 11 AM-10 PM

Centre Pompidou is a must-see attraction when you’re visiting Paris. Featuring late 19th-20th century art, the museum has collection of over 50,000 works, including movements from Fauvism, Cubism, Surrealism and Abstract Expressionism.

Musée Gustave Moreau

Normally €13.00       Wednesday- Monday: 10 AM-6 PM

Musée Gustave Moreau was designed by the painter himself and includes his private apartment and the large gallery he built to display his work. The apartment is preserved exactly as it was 100 years ago.

Musée de l’Orangerie

Normally €9.00       Wednesday-Monday: 9 AM-6 PM

The museum is best known for its association with the famous Impressionist painter Claude Monet and his Water Lilies series of paintings. Before it was an art gallery housing some of the most famous pieces in history, Musée de l’Orangerie was used as a storehouse and a home for mobilized soldiers.

Musée d’Orsay

Normally €14.00       Tuesday-Sunday: 9:30 AM-6 PM

Musée d’Orsay was an old turn-of-the-century railway station that was built on the site of the Palais d’Orsay. Exemplifying the architecture of the Beaux-Arts movement, Musée d’Orsay is one of Paris’ most popular art galleries and houses art and sculpture from 1848 to 1915.

1. How much is the admission to Centre Pompidou without a Paris Pass?

A．€7.00.

B．€9.00.

C．€13.00.

D．€14.00.

2. Where can visitors enjoy a series of Monet’s Water Lilies?

A．Centre Pompidou.	B．Musée Gustave Moreau.
C．Musée de l’Orangerie.	D．Musée d’Orsay.

3. What was the original use of Musé e d’Orsay?

A．An art gallery.	B．A storehouse.
C．A railway station.	D．A personal apartment.