1 . “My Story of Chinese Hanzi” International Competition Kicked off

The 2023 “My Story of Chinese Hanzi” international competition kicked off on June 12, 2023. This year’s theme is “Homeland”. We invite people to participate and share stories of exchanges, understanding and friendship among civilizations.

Who can participate in the competition?

Foreigners who work, live or study in China and neither they nor their parents speak Chinese as their mother tongue. Foreigners residing overseas who are also non-native speakers of Chinese.

How will the competition be held?

The competition consists of an online preliminary round, online semi-finals and offline finals. The online preliminary round includes two parts. Contestants (竞争者) will answer questions online. Upon completing the questions, they will be directed to a new page where they should write their favorite Chinese character. A poster image showcasing their handwritten Chinese character will be generated to share on WeChat. They must send a one-minute self-introduction video. The video should meet the following criteria: Format: MP4; Quality: 1080p; Duration: Not longer than one minute. The top 40 contestants will advance to the semi-finals. In the second round, contestants will participate in a video conversation where they will each take turns speaking on the spot. The top 10 contestants with the highest scores will advance to the finals.

At the finals, the finalists will each deliver a seven-minute speech. Judges will evaluate and score the speeches based on several criteria: the core message, their expressiveness, their proficiency (熟练) in the Chinese language and the effectiveness of their speeches in promoting cross-cultural understanding. These scores will be used to determine the final champion and other awards.

Awards

Each winner will receive a certificate, a souvenir and a cash prize that could be as high as 10,000 yuan. There will be a special award for the champion of the overseas competition zone.

1. Who can take part in the competition?

A．A Chinese student studying overseas.

B．A foreigner speaking Chinese as his native language.

C．A foreign student whose parents are Chinese-speaking.

D．A foreigner working in China not using Chinese as his mother tongue.

2. Which is one of the criteria to evaluate speeches at the finals?

A．The background of the story.	B．The main idea the story conveys.
C．The participants’ pronunciation.	D．The participants’ enthusiasm.

3. What is the purpose of the text?

A．To educate.

B．To advertise.

C．To introduce.

D．To advise.

2 . This Is What Your Dog’s Behaviors Should Tell You

A straightened tail

When you see a dog’s tail in the air, that dog probably feels very excited or confident about something. If its tail is shaky and remains up, the dog probably just feels challenged in a way. Whenever a dog is content, its tail is always leveled with its body. However, if the tail is hanging low, this shows some kind of insecurity.

Chewing your furniture

When puppies start teething, they start chewing things around. It just means that they have not been getting as much physical activity as their body needs. You can easily help by taking them out for a nice walk or helping them exercise in some other ways.

Tilting (倾斜) their heads

When you are talking to dogs, you subconsciously end up speaking in a higher pitch. The dogs tip their heads in an attempt to understand what you are telling. Dogs have a great way of reading different body language and responding to vocal cues. They recognize specific words especially those associated with treats they love or walks. A certain theory states that dogs will move their heads in that manner as a way of adjusting their ears so that they can listen better.

Raising their ears

When you see a dog raise its ears, just know it’s listening keenly to you. It happens when they are unfamiliar with a certain sound and are trying to figure the sound out. So when you see this, just allow your dog to figure out things slowly for a second. After all, it’s very nice to have a dog that is observant.

1. If a dog keeps its tail hanging low, it suggests it feels _______.

A．satisfied

B．thrilled

C．unsafe

D．challenged

2. What should you do if your dog is chewing your furniture?

A．Tie the dog.	B．Walk the dog.
C．Feed the dog.	D．Bathe the dog.

3. Which of the following behaviors shows the dog is listening attentively?

A．Waving its tail.	B．Moving its head.
C．Raising its ears.	D．Showing its teeth.

3 . ▶Western Sydney University

The university undertakes ranges of sustainability-related research, including sustainable agriculture, soil biology and food security. It has a range of living labs on its campus to aid with teaching and research in areas such as renewable energy, water recycling and natural and cultural heritages.

▶University of Reading

The university offers a range of modules on environmental and social issues to all undergraduate students, regardless of which faculty they are studying in. There is also a free online two-week course where you can investigate the impact of climate change and the research being done into it. The university has a range of sustainability projects, including the Research Woodland and the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme.

▶University of Manchester

The university has a range of sustainability measures on campus to reduce waste. The Want Not, Waste Not shop on campus sells a selection of zero-waste products including spices, pulses, cleaning products and beauty products. The university is also working to reduce plastic at all its events, by replacing balloons with paper bunting, using potato-based tokens instead of plastic ones and eliminating plastic water bottles and printed flyers.

▶Manchester Metropolitan University

In April 2021, the university launched the Give It, Don’t Bin It” campaign, which encourages students to donate unwanted items and leftover food to charity partners, including the British Heart Foundation and Manchester Central Food Bank. Donation banks and boxes are situated all over campus. Students wishing to get involved in sustainability can choose from a range of initiatives across campus, including the Sustainability Ambassador scheme and Climate and Social Action Week. Students also run a clothing swap shop and MetMUnch, a student network that focuses on training and pop-ups all around food, nutrition and sustainability.

1. Which university focuses on global climate?

A．University of Reading.	B．University of Manchester.
C．Western Sydney University.	D．Manchester Metropolitan University.

2. What do we know about Manchester Metropolitan University?

A．It aims to find more renewable energy.

B．MetMUnch focuses on air improvement.

C．It has earned a reputation in controlling poverty.

D．Its “Give It, Don’t Bin It” helps those in need.

3. What is the common purpose of the four universities?

A．Development and improvement.	B．Recycling and sustainability.
C．Kindness and generosity.	D．Science and technology.

4 . Four best photobooks in 2023

Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake

Following 2020’s smash hit Entangled Life, mycologist Merlin Sheldrake return s just in time for Christmas with an amazing illustrated edition. At over 240 pages, Sheldrake’s passion and knowledge leap off every spread. From the microscopic (微观) to the splendid, the colour images create an entertaining experience.

Anna Atkins: Cyanotypes by Peter Walther

Often copied, seldom improved on, the elegant cyanotypes (氰化钾照片) of Ann a Atkins are timeless. First created in the 1840s, cyanotypes use light-sensitive iron salt solution and exposure to sunlight to create beautiful Prussian blue prints. Peter Walther’s book is comprehensive, 660 pages long, and is perfect for Atkins’ fans or anyone keen to learn.

The Earth in Our Hands by Thomas Pesquet

Thomas Pesquet’s breathtaking collection of photographs taken from the International Space Station(ISS)follows in the footsteps of astronaut Don Pettit’s Spaceborne. Pesquet took more than 245,000 images over two missions, with his book including 200 of these. It is the closest most of us will get to being on the ISS — a really immersive read.

Looking at Trees by Sophie Howarth

Sophie Howarth’s absorbing book features 26 of the world’s leading photographers, including Nicholas J. R. White and Anna Beeke. From a framed Hollywood juniper in California to a surreal (超现实的) image of Halfway Gardens in Gauteng, South Africa, Howarth asks us to value trees at a time of environmental challenge. A book you will return to.

1. How many pages are contained in the book Anna Atkins: Cyanotypes?

A．Over 240.

B．660.

C．About 200.

D．Over 26.

2. Which book’s pictures were taken in the International Space Station?

A．Entangled Life.	B．Anna Atkins: Cyanotypes.
C．The Earth in Our Hands.	D．Looking at Trees.

3. What does Sophie Howarth call on people to do with his book?

A．Value trees.	B．Take pictures.
C．Go on a trip.	D．Maintain a good image.

5 . Enrollment Regulations of Taiyuan University of Science and Technology in 2023

Welcome to apply to our school. In 2023, our school will mainly recruit students majoring in Machinery, Materials, and Computer Science. In addition, we will also recruit new students majoring in English, Engineering, Law, and more. The following is a brief introduction to our school’s characteristic majors.

Mechanical Design, Manufacturing and Automation

This major belongs to the School of Mechanical Engineering and is a characteristic specialty construction point of national higher education institutions. It includes six original major categories (类别) and two new professional directions. Its major courses are Advanced Mathematics, Mechanical Design, etc.

Material Science & Engineering

This major is a major that attaches importance to foundation and is a talent training and scientific research base for China’s heavy machinery industry. Its major courses are Advanced Mathematics, Theoretical Mechanics, etc.

Computer Science and Technology

This major is an advantageous specialty in Shanxi and admits doctoral students. It mainly cultivates (创造) senior specialized talents engaged in the research, design, development, application, and teaching of computer software, hardware, and application systems. The main courses include Advanced Mathematics, C Language, etc.

If you want to learn more, you can go to our school’s official website or call the admissions office for consultation.

1. If you want to study a major with Chinese characteristics, which major should you choose?

A．Mechanical.

B．Computer.

C．Material.

D．English.

2. According to the passage, which of the following ways cannot provide more information?

A．Go to school’s official website.	B．Browse the homepage of the official website.
C．Call the admissions office.	D．Send an e-mail to the school.

3. Which one is the incorrect description of this passage?

A．This school is located in Shanxi Province.	B．All majors study Advanced Mathematics.
C．This school mainly enrolls English.	D．This is an enrollment regulation.

6 . Books for Young Readers

Ivy+Bean by Annie Barrows and Sophie Blackall

Ivy is quiet; Bean is loud and goofy. Ivy wants to be a witch; Bean wants to play games. Naturally, they’re going to end up being best friends and getting into all kinds of scrapes together since their approach to pretty much everything—from discovering dinosaurs to starting their own summer camp—is “Why not?” (For ages 6 to 10)

Ways to Make Sunshine by Renée Watson and Nina Mata

Ryan Hart wants to see the good in everybody, even when she gets teased for having a boy’s name. She has a lot to deal with—her dad’s been laid off and the family has to move to a smaller house. But when Ryan runs into problems, she’s always looking for ways to make sunshine. (For ages 7 to 10)

Better Nate Than Ever (series) by Tim Federle

The budding drama club kids in your life will love this trilogy (三部曲) about a small-town boy with big Broadway dreams. Nate Foster longs to get away from Jankburg. Pennsylvania to star in a Broadway show. And then something amazing happens. There’s an open casting call for a Broadway musical based on E. T. He just has to get there. (For ages 10 and up)

New Kid by Jerry Craft

Fans of Raina Telgemeier will love Jerry Craft’s sympathetic graphic novel about seventh-grader Jordan, who’s trying to fit in at the fancy new private school where he’s one of the few kids of color in his grade. And all he really wants to do is draw comics—so how can he stay true to himself and his neighborhood, and still figure out his new school? (For ages 8 to 12)

1. Which word can best describe Ryan Hart?

A．Responsible.

B．Optimistic.

C．Reliable.

D．Enthusiastic.

2. Which book is about a boy pursuing his dream?

A．Ivy+Bean.	B．Ways to Make Sunshine.
C．New Kid.	D．Better Nate Than Ever(series).

3. What is the purpose of the text?

A．To persuade.

B．To advertise.

C．To recommend.

D．To entertain.

7 . Which writer are most of the class writing about?

A．Ernest Hemingway.

B．F. Scott Fitzgerald.

C．William Shakespeare.

8 . There are hundreds of great national nature reserves in China. Now feast your eyes on the following amazing ones.

Qinghai Lake National Nature Reserve

Qinghai Lake, China’s largest saltwater lake in Qinghai Province, is a key body of water for lots of animals and birds. As an important stopover, migratory birds (候鸟) would rest in this area during their movement trip every year. The reserve became a national nature reserve in the year of 1997.

Bayanbulak National Nature Reserve

The only Bayanbulak Wetland, in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, is at the foot of Tianshan Mountains, which makes itself suitable for migratory birds. Bayanbulak means “rich spring water” in Mongolian, meaning that the area is rich in water. Every year, swans (天鹅) from different places fly here for nesting, which became a national swan reserve in 1986.

Rongcheng Swan National Nature Reserve

As one of the largest wintering places for swans in China, this reserve in Shandong Province mainly protects whooper swans (大天鹅), which make it different from other nature reserves. In 2007, it was changed into a national nature reserve. Now every year, thousands of whooper swans arrive here to spend the winter, making it an important resting and wintering place for themselves.

Sanya Coral Reef (珊瑚礁) National Marine Nature Reserve

This reserve focuses on protecting coral reefs and their living environment in Sanya City, Hainan Province. In 1990, it became a national nature reserve. This reserve is on the coast, so the area of the reserve has good water quality and many kinds of creatures,

1. What do the first reserve and the second reserve have in common?

A．The area of wetland.	B．The geography of them.
C．The year of becoming the national reserve.	D．The friendly environment for migratory birds.

2. What makes the Rongcheng Swan National Nature Reserve special?

A．Its saltwater lake.	B．The whooper swans.
C．Its rich spring water.	D．The warm climate.

3. Which place best suits coral lovers?

A．Bayanbulak National Nature Reserve.	B．Qinghai Lake National Nature Reserve.
C．Rongcheng Swan National Nature Reserve.	D．Sanya Coral Reef National Marine Nature Reserve,

9 . Why is Jenny unable to go out with the man?

A．She is walking the dog.

B．She is looking after her cousins.

C．She needs to do her homework.

10 . 2024 Seattle Marathon’s Summer Events

The Seattle Marathon Association (SMA) is a non-profit organization proud of providing a quality running event in the Pacific Northwest. Join us for our annual family-friendly run at Seward Park with views of Lake Washington and Mount Rainier. Dogs welcome! Choose your distance: 5k, 10k or Half Marathon! Kids are welcome to participate in the Kids Fun Run, a quick 1k run with specially provided snacks waiting at the end.

Event schedule

At 3:00 PM, June 21 — Early Packet Pickup

At 7:00 AM, June 22 — Event Day Registration & Packet Pickup

Registration fees

Events	Early Bird Pricing (Now-Feb. 29)	Regular Pricing (Mar. 1-Jun, 20)	Race Day Pricing (Jun. 21-22)
Half Marathon	$62.00	$82.00	$122.00
10K Run/Walk	$35.00	$52.00	$72.00
5K Run/Walk	$31.00	$42.00	$62.00
Kids Fun Run	$20.00	$25.00	$25.00

Cash prizes and awards

All finishers will receive an event me dal and a technical fabric shirt.

●Top 3 overall men & women participants in the 5k (must come in under 25min), 10k (must come in under 45min) and Half Marathon (must come in under 1hr 30min) races will receive cash prizes at the finish line.

●In addition, in the week following the race, non-cash awards will be emailed to the top three runners in each age division. Age divisions are as follows: 14 and under,15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80-89 and 90+.

Free entries for the best athletes

We offer free entries for athletes who can prove qualifying time(s) within the last 2 years. Please note that we only offer free registration and do not cover any transportation, accommodation, food or visa fees. Please contact us with proof of your qualifying time(s) within the last 2 years for a free entry to the race.

1. What will a child receive after finishing the kids Fun Run?

A．Cash prizes.	B．Special snacks.
C．Track shoes.	D．Free accommodation.

2. How much will a couple pay if they register for 10K Run/Walk in May?

A．$70.00.

B．$84.00.

C．$104.00.

D．$144.00.

3. What is required for free registration for athletes?

A．Having received event medals twice.

B．Offering evidence of their qualifying times.

C．Completing the Half Marathon in 90 minutes.

D．Ranking among top three in their age divisions.