1 . What is Mr. Thomas’s life like now?

A．Worse than before.

B．Happier than before.

C．As good as before.

2 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. What are the speakers talking about?

A．How to go to Georgia.

B．How to go to the airport.

C．How to go to the countryside.

2. What does the man think of taking a flight?

A．Interesting.

B．Expensive.

C．Convenient.

3. Why does the woman disagree to take a bus?

A．She thinks it’s dangerous.

B．She thinks it’s tiring.

C．She thinks it’s uncomfortable.

4. How will the speakers probably go to their destination?

A．By car.

B．By plane.

C．By train.

3 . The Walt Disney Company turns 100 years old in 2023, and the whole world will celebrate its stories, characters and imagination — but only Philly’s Franklin Institute will house Disney 100: The Exhibition.

Making its world debut (首秀) right here in Philadelphia, the exhibition takes guests behind the scenes into the magical world of Disney at what’s sure to be one of the region’s must-see exhibitions of 2023.

When to Visit

From February 18 to August 27, 2023

What to Expect

Disney 100: The Exhibition features 10 large galleries, each with a distinct theme relating to the history of the House of Mouse, celebrating the classics from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Strange World.

The Walt Disney Archives (档案馆) is displaying its treasures, including more than 250 of its “Crown Jewels”, rarely seen artworks, costumes and other memorabilia (纪念品).

Admission & Tickets

Tickets to Disney 100: The Exhibition are on sale now, and guests have several options when it comes to experiencing the Disney magic.

Folks looking to visit in the daytime (9 am to 5 pm) can buy timed tickets for $45 (adults) and $41 (children aged 3-11). The best part: General museum admission to the rest of the Franklin Institute is included in the cost.

Looking to save on tickets? Consider visiting during the exhibition’s evening hours, which run from 5 pm to 8 pm from Thursdays to Saturdays. Tickets run $25 per person and do not include admission to the rest of the museum.

For maximum flexibility, consider picking up Flex Time Tickets, which allow exhibition access for any time. These run $61 per person and must be purchased in person at the Franklin Institute or over the phone.

Location & Contact

The Franklin Institute 271N. 21st Street Philadelphia, PA 19103(215)448-1200

1. What can guests do at the exhibition?

A．Watch a new Disney movie.	B．Try on different Disney costumes.
C．Create artworks about Disney characters.	D．Learn about the history of the House of Mouse.

2. What is the advantage of the evening tickets?

A．They are available at a low price.	B．They can help avoid a long wait.
C．They can be bought over the phone.	D．They include general museum costs.

3. How much should a couple and their ten-year-old daughter pay for daytime tickets?

A．$50.

B．$131.

C．$90.

D．$86.

4 . Let us continue with all sorts of great books. These four ones are worth reading.

Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands

Kate Beaton is best known for humor. She tells how hopeless she was to pay off college loans, and she spent two years in her 20s working in the oil fields of Alberta. Beaton also considered how her years in the oil sands affected her own creativity. Her surroundings seemed almost designed to limit her imagination. The book is a vital turning point in the career of an important artist.

Nowhere Better Than Here

In her first middle grade novel, Sarah Guillory has written an exciting story about a brave girl fighting against the effects of climate change. When the worst flood in a century hits, thirteen-year-old Jillian is determined to find a way to keep her hometown Boutin and its spirit alive.

It Won’t Always Be Like This

Malaka Gharib has got a sharp eye for character details. Now in the book, Gharib revisits her teens. She tells about leaving Los Angeles, where she lived with her mother and visiting her father in Egypt every summer. Looking back at this time with adult eyes, she recalls her teen self with a mix of liking and anger.

Just Jerry: How Drawing Shaped My Life

It tells the true story of the author Jerry Pinkney’s childhood growing up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In the book, Jerry also mentions his reading and writing problems. Only drawing could offer him a sense of calm, control and confidence. Jerry eventually became one of the most celebrated children’s book illustrators (插图画家) of all time.

1. What did Beaton think of her days in oil fields?

A．It was full of mystery.

B．It was helpful to her works.

C．It narrowed her imagination.

D．It gave her inspiration for drawing.

2. Which of the following is its author’s first book?

A．Just Jerry: How Drawing Shaped My Life.

B．It Won’t Always Be Like This.

C．Nowhere Better Than Here.

D．Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands.

3. What do the last two books have in common?

A．They both mention the authors’ growth experiences.

B．They both describe the scenes of adulthood.

C．They both center on climate problems.

D．They both tell inspiring stories.

5 . Jamil Jan Kochai, the author of 99 Nights in Logar, searched for more than a decade for Susan Lung — the second-grade teacher who had changed his life over 20 years earlier. On Saturday night, the two were finally reunited at one of his book-reading events.

The writer was born in a refugee camp (难民营) for Afghans in Peshawar, Pakistan, and his family moved to California when he was just a year old. At home, they spoke mostly Pashto and some Farsi, so by the time he reached first grade, he was at a total loss because he could hardly speak English. Then came Mrs. Lung, who quickly realized that Kochai was deeply struggling at Alyce Norman Elementary School.

The two got to work, meeting for one-on-one lessons nearly every day after school. At the end of the school year, Kochai won reading-comprehension competitions.

Lung and Kochai lost touch when Kochai’s father got a job in another city and the boy moved on, with a new love of reading and writing. When he grew older, Kochai’s parents encouraged him to find his former teacher to thank her. But despite his efforts, he failed to track her down.

“I didn’t know her first name. She was always just Mrs. Lung to me, so when I called places to ask about her, they couldn’t find any records of her,” Kochai said.

Then, while promoting his first novel, he wrote an essay for Literary Hub magazine touching on the transformative impact that Lung had on his life. Lung’s doctor happened to read it, and told the now-retired educator about that.

Lung’s husband saw a Facebook post about Kochai’s reading event on Saturday in Davis, California and suggested he drive his wife there.

“I had no idea they were going to be there,” Kochai said. “It was just like a sweet dream. Mrs. Lung was sitting in the front row. She was just the same Mrs. Lung. Just as sweet, kind and warm as ever.”

Kochai and Lung hugged, and Kochai finally got the chance to express to her how much he still thought of her and how much she meant to him.

1. How did Mrs. Lung help Kochai?

A．By dropping by his house regularly.	B．By asking him to read more in class.
C．By spending extra time tutoring him.	D．By saving him out of a refugee camp.

2. Why did Kochai have difficulty finding Mrs. Lung?

A．There were few records about her.	B．His parents provided little support.
C．He was too young to remember her.	D．He had limited information about her.

3. How did Kochai feel when seeing Mrs. Lung at his reading event?

A．Surprised and delighted.	B．Shocked and angry.
C．Ashamed and regretful.	D．Proud and grateful.

4. What is the best title for the text?

A．A Distinguished Guest Showed Up at a Reading Event

B．A Writer Was Finally Reunited With His Former Teacher

C．A Famous Teacher Saved a Poor Student’s Whole Life

D．A Book Changed a Celebrity and a Retired Teacher

6 . Explore China’s Ancient Water Towns

Nanxun

This water town typically draws smaller crowds. The architecture is a unique mix of traditional Chinese and Western styles. As you walk along the ancient canals, you’re likely to see locals playing cards or having tea outdoors. The town dates back to the Chunyou Period of the Song Dynasty, between the years of 1241 to 1252. Today, it’s considered to be the best destination for weddings.

Tongli

Tongli is considered a mini Venice, with nearly every building on or by a canal. The town itself is composed of seven small islands, separated by 15 canals and joined by more than 40 bridges—plus, five lakes surround the town itself. Tongli is more than 1,000 years old, and the oldest bridge in the town dates back to the Song Dynasty, which began in the year 960. Visitors here should check out the wedding museum, which has antique Chinese wedding clothes and items on display.

Zhouzhuang

This is the most famous and most commercialized ancient water town in China. The architecture here dates back more than 900 years, with about 60 original brick archways and 100 original courtyards. More recently, a tower called Quanfu Temple was built in 1987. Climb to the top to get the best view of the ancient town. Or for a more authentic experience, visit Chengxu Taoist Temple, which was built between 1086 and 1093. It’s one of the most famous Taoist temples in the area.

Xitang

Xitang separates itself from other water towns with sheltered waterside streets, allowing locals and guests to comfortably walk alongside the canals even during the rainy season. Thanks to a less commercial atmosphere, visitors will be rewarded with opportunities that aren’t likely to be found in other water towns-like fishing with locals on the canals and having dinner on a boat. Xitang is truly ancient, dating back to the Warring States Period of 476 BC to 221 BC.

1. Which town will an ancient Chinese wedding culture lover most probably prefer?

A．Nanxun.

B．Xitang.

C．Tongli.

D．Zhouzhuang.

2. When was Quanfu Temple built?

A．In 900.

B．In 1086.

C．In 1093.

D．In 1987.

3. What is unique about Xitang?

A．Its famous Taoist temples.	B．Its sheltered waterside streets.
C．Its various ancient bridges.	D．Its commercial atmosphere.

7 . Apart from London’s centre, there are plenty of great attractions and places of interest on the suburbs of the city. Here are some of them.

Hounslow Urban Farm

Built over twenty years ago, the farm is a great place to take young children to get close to the animals. Cows, pigs, sheep and rabbits are among the residents on the farm, which is open throughout the week. There are fun activities every day, such as hunting, and horse riding. What we may not know is that the animals here can be adopted (领养).

Twickenham Stadium

This is the ground where the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final was played. Built in 1908, Twickenham Stadium is also the place for England to test its international team and the Six Nations. On non-match days,many people visit Twickenham Stadium to explore the World Rugby Museum inside. As well as being used for sporting events,many singers have held concerts here.

Legoland Windsor

Built in 1996 as a family theme park, the park is themed around the popular Lego (乐高) toy system. The park holds tiny views of famous British landmarks, including Big Ben, the London Eye, the Guildhall and the River Thames, all built with Lego blocks, making it Britain’s one of the most popular theme parks. Given the pricey admission, this is typically a good choice for those who are financially prepared.

Ham House

Ham House, an amazing ancient building, is a Grade I listed building which lies just to the south of Richmond beside the River Thames. Completed in 1610, it is surrounded by several parks and gardens, which can be explored by members of the public. The house contains plenty of period masterpieces, including furniture and artworks.

1. What can visitors do on Hounslow Urban Farm?

A．Apply for raising animals.	B．Watch some rare wildlife.
C．Join in some sports events.	D．Appreciate classic artworks.

2. What is the feature of Legoland Windsor?

A．It doesn’t open until weekends.	B．Its ticket may be a bit expensive.
C．Its visitors are mostly sports lovers.	D．It is near famous British landmarks.

3. Which is most likely to attract a historian?

A．Hounslow Urban Farm.	B．Twickenham Stadium.
C．Legoland Windsor.	D．Ham House.

8 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. When did Mozart begin to practise the piano?

A．At the age of three.

B．At the age of five.

C．At the age of eight.

2. How did Jimi Hendrix learn about music as a child?

A．His mother taught him.

B．He learned at school.

C．He learned through listening.

3. What can be known about Albert Einstein after he graduated from college?

A．He found a good job.

B．He gave up his studies.

C．He remained confident.

4. What plays the most important role in success in the speaker’s opinion?

A．Effort.

B．Luck.

C．Gift.

9 . As you walk around the UK in March, you might notice that some people are wearing a daffodil(水仙花) on their coats. The British wear these yellow flowers to show they support one of this country’s best-known charities: the Marie Curie Cancer Care.

The Marie Curie Cancer Care tries to ensure everyone diagnosed with cancer is cared for in the best possible way. It also helps fund research into possible cures through other organizations. Founded in 1948, it has been continuing with its goal ever since.

The charity was named after Marie Curie, a renowned scientist. She experimented with newly-discovered elements to create the theory of radioactivity. Unfortunately, over-exposure to the radioactive elements made her develop a disease and die in 1934. Marie Curie won the Nobel Prize in two different fields. Because of her pioneering work which led to chemotherapy (化学疗法), the charity shared the name of Marie Curie.

The daffodil is one of the first plants to flower during spring in the UK, which marks the return of flowering plants to the ecosystem after winter. Because of this, the charity uses the daffodil as a metaphor for bringing life to other people through charitable giving.

Everyone you see wearing a daffodil has donated money to the charity, but each daffodil is worth only what you want to pay for it. The charity does ask that you stick to a minimum amount of £1.

The charity encourages people to start wearing their daffodils at the start of March, when the “Great Daffodil Appeal” kicks off. But that doesn’t mean you can only wear them in March. People are sometimes seen walking around with daffodils on their clothes all year round.

1. What does it mean when the British wear a daffodil on their coats?

A．They support a charity.	B．They are recovering from cancer.
C．They’ve been helped by a charity.	D．They’ve been diagnosed with cancer.

2. What does the underlined word “renowned” in paragraph 3 mean?

A．Beautiful.

B．Modest.

C．Famous.

D．Humorous.

3. Why was the charity named after Marie Curie?

A．Because patients required that.	B．Because it was launched by her.
C．Because she greatly supported it.	D．Because it could show respect for her.

4. What can we learn about the daffodil from the text?

A．It can be used as medicine.	B．It’s thought to stand for hope.
C．It’s widely worn worldwide.	D．It’s sold to the wearers at a high price.

10 . With the temperature rising and the world coming back to life, what’s better for the weekend to sit on a bench in a park and enjoy some good books? Just check out our newest releases on the way and expect a fruitful day!

From Scratch

By David Moscow

Adventurous Anthony Bourdainesque eaters and readers will appreciate David Moscow’s every word as he travels far (bye, Sea of Sardinia) and near (hello, Texas plains) to lean from farmer, hunters, fisherfolk and scientists about how our food reaches our plates.

Release Date: Apr. 30^th

Price: Hardcover: $17.95       Paperback: $11.95

The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man

By Paul Newman

In 1986, Paul Newman tasked his best friend, Stewart Stern, with interviewing co-workers, family and friends for his memoir(回忆录), recently unearthed from Joanne Newman’s home nearly 15 years after her husband’s passing.

Release Date: Apr. 6^th

Price: Hardcover: $19.95       Paperback: $15.95

The Boy and the Dog

By Seishu Hase

In this Japanese bestseller translated to English and French, a dog displaced by the 2011 tornado, enters the lives of the six different people who take him in during his five-year adventure to return to his owner.

Release Date: Mar. 26^th

Price: Hardcover: $29.95       Paperback: $20.95

Cook as You Are

By Ruby Tandoh

The Great British Bake Off veteran Ruby Tandoh meets readers more than halfway to make quality home cooking accessible. Recipes range from people-pleasing meals for big groups to easy one-pot dinners for nights to yourself.

Release Date: Apr. 13^th

Price: Hardcover: $12.95       Paperback: $10.95

Buy 3 or more books and save $5!

So, what are you waiting for? Hit us with your order and enjoy your free time!

1. Which will you choose if you’re curious about harvesting crops?

A．From Scratch	B．The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man
C．The Boy and the Dog	D．Cook as You Are

2. How much will you spend at least for three different books?

A．$28.85.

B．$33.85.

C．$40.85.

D．$48.85.

3. How may the readers feel after reading the dog’s story?

A．Sorrowful.

B．Grateful.

C．Entertained.

D．Touched.