1 . Must-read New Fiction Books

We all have a few tried-and-true fiction favorites, but there’s something special about a brand-new, hot-off-the-press novel. Whether it’s your favorite author’s new release or a new writer’s first work, great fiction books make the perfect escape from ordinary life. That’s why we’ve rounded up a list of the best new books released in February.

Age of Gold by Jerry Lapoor

Jerry Lapoor’s latest action-packed novel unfolds like a crazy movie. This thriller begins when a wealthy man’s car gets out of control. But when the dust settles, the rich man is nowhere to be found. How and to where does he disappear? With an exciting plot that will carry you from old-money houses to small agricultural villages, Age of Cold will take you on an unforgettable ride across a vast land.

City Under One Sky by Rachel Young

In the book, Young presents a crime story set in a small town. Detective Sara Kennedy has been sent to investigate a case. But soon after arrival, Sara gets snowed in with the 205 townsfolk living in the same apartment building. Who is hiding the key to the crime? And is there anyone she can truly trust? The appealing story, strange but distinctive characters and unexpected plot are just a few of the reasons why City Under One Sky gains its popularity.

Lady by Jess George

Lady is an irresistible fiction from Jess George. The story of Mary’s fresh start at adulthood is shot through with themes of family, race and discrimination, womanhood and the immigrant reality of feeling torn between cultures. Though struggling with life in London as an African, Mary jumps at every chance to stand on her own feet.

1. What will impress the readers in Age of Gold?

A．The thrilling plot.	B．Traditional cultures.
C．The family conflict.	D．Crazy characters.

2. What happens to Sara Kennedy in City Under One Sky?

A．She is trapped in the snow.	B．She is to investigate a case abroad.
C．She hides the key evidence.	D．She has trouble discovering the truth.

3. Which is likely to be the main theme of Lady?

A．Self-reliance.	B．Gender equality.
C．Domestic violence.	D．Cross-cultural communication.

2 . Most Popular UK Destinations for a Staycation

Looking for a cheap stay cation to brighten up your winter? Here are the most popular destinations in the UK.

Blackpool

Whether you’re seeking the thrills of Blackpool Pleasure Beach or are keen to catch a glimpse of Blackpool Tower, the city’s most appealing attraction, the seaside town offers various amazing views. It’s no wonder the town has gained 980.8 million views on TikTok. With accommodation price £75 for a night, you’ll have a golden opportunity to enjoy Blackpool's Illuminations (彩灯) display and the Seaside Trail.

Searborough

North Yorkshire’s Scarborough sees 49,500 monthly searches and 686.4 million views on TikTok. One of the local highlights is the annual St Nicholas Fair. While a one-night stay in Scarborough costs £85, the town offers holiday-makers opportunities to experience ancient British culture at the 12th-century castle ruins.

Swansea

The Welsh town sees 27,100 monthly searches and has 622.4 million views on TikTok. Swansea’s Waterfront Wonderland brings with it the Alpine Village and various amusement attractions. Spending a night here costs just 10 pounds more than in Scarborough. But if you book a week earlier, you can get a 5 percent discount in total. With Cardiff only being an hour’s drive from Swansea, you have the perfect opportunity to catch a game of ice hockey.

Bournemouth

Bournemouth isn’t called Sunny Bournemouth for nothing, as holiday-makers can enjoy breathtaking views along the Jurassic Coast. With a World Heritage Site within its borders, it’s no surprise to see this town with the high number of views on TikTok (868.3 million). A one-night stay will cost you £105, giving you the perfect opportunity to get relaxed.

1. What is the most attractive in Blackpool?

A．Blackpool Pleasure Beach.	B．Blackpool Tower.
C．The Illuminations display.	D．The Seaside Trail.

2. How much will a tourist at least pay for a night in Swansea?

A．£ 70.

B．£ 85.

C．£ 85.75.

D．£ 90.25.

3. Which of the following has the second-highest number of views on TikTok?

A．Blackpool.

B．Swansea.

C．Scarborough.

D．Boumemouth.

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。

Dr Hart, a psychologist, interviewed three people     1     (discover) what “me” means and how they have learnt to appreciate the beauty in themselves.

Wanting to look good and obtain the praise of others, 24-year-old Jade has become     2     (addict) to selfie apps that can remove her freckles, en large her eyes and even slim her jawline. She spends     3     (hour) every day editing and posting her selfies, expecting “likes” to boost her     4     (confident). In Dr Hart’s opinion, people     5     pretend to be someone they are not tend to misjudge themselves.

Never really     6     (care) about his appearance, Anthony only used to have five identical pairs of trousers and five identical shirts. His roommates at college registered him for a TV programme, A New You. Surprised at     7     good he looked after a makeover, he realised the importance of external beauty.

Emma     8     (bother) by her “big” body shape since she was little. She made every effort imaginable to lose weight, including dieting and weight-loss pills, but this brought her nothing but pain     9     poor health. Her idea of beauty shifted when she came across the inspiring success story of Tess Holiday, a plus-size model. And she has acknowledged that keeping fit not only makes us much    10     (beautiful), but happier, too.

6 . If you cannot ______ your emotions in the case, it is unlikely that you will deal with it fairly.

A．take advantage of

B．get rid of

C．put up with

D．keep pace with

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

A．He doesn’t know how to use the phone.

B．He can’t find a clock in the hotel room.

C．He wants a wake-up call tomorrow morning.

2. Where does the conversation probably take place?

A．At a hotel.

B．At a clock shop.

C．At the information desk.

3. What does the first number“2”refer to?

A．The floor.

B．The service.

C．The time.