1 . 4 Poetry Collections to Read and Enjoy

In honor of National Poetry Month, celebrated every April, we’re sharing a roundup of poetry collections that have been published within the last year.

Black Girl You Are Atlas
By Renee Watson,
illustrated by Ekua Holmes
Renee Watson, the best-selling author of Ways to Make Sunshine, draws from her childhood for some of these poems, which include haiku and free verse. The subjects range from racial injustice to self-love. The artwork is spectacular.
Ages 12 and up
In and Out the Window
By Jane Volen,
illustrated by Cathrin Peterslund
In addition to being the author of more than 350 novels, Jane Yolen is an esteemed poet. This new collection includes more than 100 of her works on popular childhood topics including school, animals, and sports. One title: “On My Toes: A True Story. ”
Ages 8-12
Poetry Comics
By Grant Snider
illustrated by Leo Dawson
The dozens of short poems in this collection are written and illustrated in comic panels. The book contains four chapters—one for each season of the year. Titles for the spring poems include “Bubbles,” “Balloon Story,” and “Tadpole.” The subjects for the poems feel fresh and fun.
Ages 8-12
She’ll Be the Sky
By Ela Risbridger,
illustrated by Anna Shepeta
Dozens of female poets, including Amanda Gorman, contributed to this collection. Topics range from animals to activism. Most poems are accompanied by a full-page color illustration.
Ages 8 and up
1. Which book is tailored for readers who are over 12 years old?

A．Poetry Comics.	B．She’ll Be the Sky.
C．In and Out the Window.	D．Black Girl You Are Atlas.

2. What is Poetry Comics about?

A．Animals and activism.	B．Four seasons of the year.
C．Popular childhood topics.	D．Racial injustice and self-love.

3. What is the purpose of the text?

A．To fascinate poetry-goers.	B．To advertise 4 poetry collections.
C．To celebrate National Poetry Month.	D．To comment on 4 poetry collections.

2 . Knowledge is power, and the more you learn about mental health, the better the position you may be in to help those facing mental health battles. Consider doing the following things to support those closest to you.

Attend a training course

    1    . In fact, anyone can benefit from depression awareness training that focuses on supporting those at risk. You might be a teacher that manages youth or a sports coach wanting to pick up on depression risk signs in your players. You may even be a worried parent who wants to make sure your children can tell you anything. Depression awareness and prevention courses teach you both theoretical and practical skills to recognize warning signs and behaviors.     2    .

Listen

If someone approaches you in their time of need, it’s not always easy to know what you’re supposed to do, and it may be more beneficial for you to just listen.     3    . They may just need to get what they are feeling off their chest and to feel valid at that moment. Try your best not to interrupt, but ask questions if you require clarification. The more listening you do, the better your position in deciding what to do next.

    4    

While being a listening ear is sometimes all someone needs to feel better, you can also become an ongoing source of support. Check in with the person experiencing a mental health problem like depression so that they know you are always there for them. Make contact with them regularly to see how they are feeling. Just knowing someone cares can make a world of difference.

Call emergency services

Your support, guidance, and listening ear can be of great value to anyone going through a tough time.     5    . If someone you know is experiencing self-abuse thoughts or tendencies, don’t delay in seeking emergency help. The faster you act, the safer your friend or family member may be.

A．Check in with them

B．Suggest support services

C．However, it’s essential to know your limits

D．Such a course may just help you to prevent someone’s depression

E．They may not need you to offer solutions or even give them a hug

F．Sometimes, the best thing you can do is encourage them to seek professional help

G．You don’t have to be in a professional health role to attend depression prevention training

3 . Everyone in the Smiths shares the housework. Let’s see what they usually do.

Prepare (准备) breakfast Monday to Wednesday: Mrs. Smith Thursday and Friday: Mr. Smith Saturday: Sam & Bob Sunday: Linda	Help in the kitchen Mrs. Smith cooks dinners. Mr. Smith does the dishes. Sam sets the table. Bob clears the table. Linda cleans the kitchen.
Tidy the living room Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: Mrs. Smith and Linda The other days: Mr. Smith and the boys. ●The kids clean their rooms every Thursday and Sunday. ●The kids take out the rubbish in turn (轮流).

1. When does Linda prepare breakfast?

A．On Monday.

B．On Friday.

C．On Saturday.

D．On Sunday.

2. What does Mr. Smith do to help in the kitchen?

A．He cleans the kitchen.	B．He does the dishes.
C．He clears the table.	D．He cooks dinners.

3. How often do the kids clean their rooms?

A．Once a week.	B．Three times a week.
C．Twice a week.	D．Three times a month.

4 . All students have bad times. What do they usually do when they get into trouble?

My mom is like my friend. I talk about everything to her. Whenever I have some trouble, I can get good advice from her. I have another good friend — my diary. It knows all my secrets. Talking with my two friends always makes me feel better.

                                                                                             —— Linda

Laughing helps me when I’m upset. I usually watch funny movies and TV shows. I also love spending my hard time with my best friend Dave. He is humorous and always makes me laugh.

                                                                                               —— Peter

Every time I feel bad, I go climbing alone. The study says exercising can help cheer one up (精神振奋). And the beautiful view at the top of the mountain makes me forget all my troubles. Sometimes I shout at the mountain top. It feels fantastic.

                                                                                                 —— John

1. Linda’s ________ knows all her secrets.

A．sister

B．teacher

C．diary

D．computer

2. The underlined word “humorous” probably means “________”.

A．quiet

B．funny

C．careful

D．serious

3. John always ________ when he feels bad.

A．goes climbing	B．watches movies
C．talks with his friends	D．reads books

4. Which of the following is TRUE?

A．Linda often asks her teacher for advice.

B．Dave often helps Peter with his homework.

C．John likes climbing mountains with his friends.

D．Exercising can help people feel good.

5 . 听下面一段对话，回答以下小题。
1. How does the woman sound first?

A．Confident.

B．Worried.

C．Thankful.

2. Why is Jonny praised?

A．For his progress at school.

B．For his performance at home.

C．For his kindness to his friends.

3. Who is the woman probably talking to?

A．Jonny’s classmate.

B．Jonny’s friend.

C．Jonny’s teacher.

6 . It was February 24, 2017, and my husband, David, and I were both at work. It was a day like any other. Our 15-year-old son, Justin, his sister and his friend Mike were playing with a ball in our backyard. Completely a common day!

What happened next was exactly a storm. Justin suddenly suffered cardiac arrest (心脏停搏) caused by a hit to the chest, and his heart just stopped. No pulse, no heartbeat. There are only about 10 to 20 cases a year. And it was almost always deadly until recently, when CPR (心肺复苏) has worked in up to one-third of cases.

Thankfully, the other children acted immediately instead of freezing in fear. Mike called 911 while my daughter called my husband. That second call proved vitally important, as my husband was able to get in touch with a neighbor who ran over and started CPR. And later, the doctors arrived and quickly shocked Justin’s heartbeat rhythm (节奏) back to normal.

Since then, I’ve found myself changed as a parent. There is more worry now. This unexpected incident has made me realize that anything can happen to my children. So, we’re doing what we can to be prepared. Earlier this year, Justin took part in a community education event with our fire department teaching Hands-Only CPR to the public. At least 100 participants showed up, and Justin shared his story to show why CPR is so important. At a local university where I work as a nurse lecturer, I’ve volunteered to join the CPR and AED first aid training for incoming freshmen.

David and I feel very fortunate to still have our son with us. If the kids hadn’t known to call 911, he wouldn’t be here. If our neighbor hadn’t known CPR, Justin wouldn’t be here. I think everyone should take the time to learn CPR. You could save a life — maybe the life of someone you love. Cardiac arrest often comes without warning. Everything will be normal right up until the point it isn’t. You have to know what to do.

1. Why does the author say the incident was a storm?

A．Her son played dangerous sports.	B．Her son had a close encounter with death.
C．Her children made a real mess when playing.	D．Her neighbor complained of the children's noise.

2. How did the author feel about the other children’s responses?

A．Curious.

B．Grateful.

C．Surprised.

D．Puzzled.

3. What did the author and Justin do after the incident?

A．They worked as medical workers.	B．They shared their stories on speaking tours.
C．They trained others in first aid skills.	D．They introduced first aid courses to schools.

4. What does the last paragraph mainly highlight?

A．The theory behind CPR.	B．The ways of ensuring child safety.
C．The causes of cardiac arrest.	D．The importance of learning first aid.

7 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. Why does Lily look sad?

A．She quarreled with her friend.

B．She argued with her mum.

C．She didn’t do well in her study.

2. How much pocket money does Lily get a month?

A．20 pounds.

B．15 pounds.

C．5 pounds.

3. Why does Lily want more pocket money?

A．To get more than her friends.

B．To pay for music lessons.

C．To buy some clothes.

4. What does David suggest Lily do?

A．Have a talk with her mum.

B．Forgive her friends.

C．Improve her schoolwork.

8 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. Why does the woman call?

A．To offer job information.

B．To apply for a job.

C．To raise money.

2. Where is the fund-raising party?

A．At the City Hall.

B．At Grand Hotel.

C．At Temporary Jobs Agency.

9 . Washington D. C. is home to over 70 museums, including 19 free Smithsonian museums and galleries. With each museum boasting numerous must-see exhibits, trying to choose where to start can be a challenge. Here, we’ve broken down a few exhibits coming to D. C. in 2024 you want to make sure you catch:

The National Museum of Women in the Arts

The NMWA has a stunning exhibition called “In Focus: Artists at Work” that highlights the practices and perspectives of eight contemporary collection artists via short documentary-style videos. In addition to other interesting exhibits, this museum is a must-visit in 2024!

Monet: The Immersive Experience

In this multi-sensory wonderland, Monet’s vivid masterpieces are brought to life through 360° digital projections of the French artist’s iconic pieces and his impressionist brushstrokes (笔画). Famous works like The Water Lily Pond, Poppies, Sunrise, and more will turn around the room, completely captivating you as you wander about the open space, or sit and take it all in.

Hirsh horn Museum: OSGEMEOS: ENDLESS STORY

The “OSGEMEOS: ENDLESS STORY” exhibit will be one of the largest displays of the Brazillian twin artists, Gustavo and Otavio Pandolfo. The extremely interesting and innovative exhibit reflects the artists’ use of modern styles like street graffiti (涂鸦) and urban art, conveyed using mediums like wood and canvas.

The Rubell Museum’s Alexandre Diop: Jooba Jubba, l’ Art du Defi

It features the work of Franco-Sangalese Vienna-based artist Alexandre Diop. The work is inspired by concepts like colonialism and migration and their impact on themes like ancestry, tradition, and suffering.

1. How does the art come lively to audience in Monet: The Immersive Experience?

A．By documentary-style videos.	B．By digital projections.
C．By modern styles.	D．By lifelike artwork.

2. Which is suitable for a kid fond of drawing on canvas and street graffiti?

A．The National Museum of Women in the Arts.

B．Monet: The Immersive Experience.

C．Hirsh horn Museum: OSGEMEOS: ENDLESS STORY.

D．The Rubell Museum’s Alexandre Diop: Jooba Jubba, I’ Art du Defi.

3. What can visitors learn from the work in Alexandre Diop?

A．Perspectives of artists.	B．Impressionist masterpieces.
C．Street graffiti and urban art.	D．The influence of history on art.

10 . Big Stuff

Do you know what is the tallest building in the world and where the tallest Ferris wheel is? Have you heard of the world’s steepest roller coaster? Have you seen the biggest monster truck? Here are some of the most huge things on Earth.

A Towering Achievement

Burj Khalifa, a tower in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is the world’s tallest structure. The 162-story building, which opened in 2010, stands over 2,717 feet tall. Seen from above, the tower has a Y-shaped design. Its three tall, narrow wings are joined in the middle. Like the legs of a tripod (三脚架), each wing is supported by the other two.

A Wheel Winner

About 15 miles from the world’s tallest building stands the world’s tallest Ferris wheel, Ain Dubai. Also called an observation wheel, Ain Dubai stands 820 feet tall. Each of the 48 cabins can carry 40 people for spectacular views of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Before construction, support columns had to be driven 115 feet down through the earth to reach bedrock.

Extreme Ups and Downs

The world’s tallest roller coaster is Kingda Ka at Six Flags Great Adventure. At 456 feet, the peak of the ride towers over nearby Jackson, New Jersey. A 500-foot-tall crane was needed to place the final section at the top. Like many weight-bearing structures, the tower makes use of the most stable geometric (几何的) shape, the triangle.

A Monster of a Truck

Designed and built by business owner Bob Chandler, Bigfoot 5 has held the record for the world’s biggest monster truck since 1986. Other trucks, including Bigfoot models, have been designed to perform better in competitions. But Bigfoot 5 still stands above the crowd, thanks to its 10-foot-tall tires. The tires were originally designed for equipment that drives on Alaska’s snowy tundra.

1. What do Burj Khalifa and Ain Dubai have in common?

A．They have similar structures.

B．They are located in the same city.

C．They are designed by the same architect.

D．They are intended for visitors to overlook the views.

2. Which of the following statements is TRUE according to the text?

A．Ain Dubai has a Y-shaped design.	B．Other trucks perform better than Bigfoot 5.
C．Kingda Ka takes advantage of the triangle.	D．Burj Khalifa can carry 40 people for spectacular views.

3. In which section will readers read the text?

A．Business.

B．Lifestyle.

C．Entertainment.

D．Advertisement.