1 . The Let’s Activity Campaign

The Let’s Activity campaign aimed at preserving rivers is coming. You will board at Castle Wharf, Nottingham, England. Offer to join us now.

Booking

Arrive 15 minutes before the schedule time to ensure we can get started in a timely manner. The sessions are designed for adults and children of all ages to enjoy a new experience. Parents or guardians should book tickets in advance to participate in the campaign.

Cost

This campaign is free for all participants who are also not paid. However, if you fail to cancel and simply don’t show up on the day, you must pay the standard £20 administration fee, chargeable for each ticket booked.

Therefore, if your circumstances do suddenly change and you are no longer able to attend, you must cancel using one of these three mechanisms:

1. The preferred method is via the ticket booking system. You can find the link on your ticket.

2. You can also click here to send an email to us, and know more about details of the date, time, venue and participants in your email message. Don’t email if within less than 48 hours of the campaign. Instead, you’d better use option 1 above or option 3 below.

3. In case of an unforeseen emergency within 48 hours of the campaign, telephone the staff member, which we hope won’t happen.

Donate to Let’s Activity

As part of our work, the Let’s Activity campaign is a waterway charity to help everyone get out, get active and make their lives better by learning to boat. You can now support the work our teams do with families, and make a donation on our website for the environmental protection.

1. What do we know about the campaign?

A．It requires reservation.	B．It is chargeable to adults.
C．It is a 15-minute parent-child experience.	D．It requires individual administrative capability.

2. Which is the best way to cancel the campaign?

A．Sending cell phone messages.	B．Telephoning the staff member.
C．Emailing within 48 hours of the campaign.	D．Using the booking system linked on the ticket.

3. What is the main purpose of the last paragraph?

A．To call for a visit to rivers.	B．To call for volunteering work.
C．To encourage a donation on the spot.	D．To encourage children to learn to boat.

2 . I’m 19 years old and studying at college. I’m a(n) _______ student on campus. That was because my father once said to me, “Education is a _______ weapon, for one can overcome all difficulties of life using knowledge from books.” Since then, I’ve always encouraged myself.

I used to dislike learning. My parents, who had no college education, always _______ me to study, but I didn’t understand their _______ for my bright future. _______, time taught me that my parents were demanding of me because they expected me to live a good life.

Once I was _______ by my relatives in front of my father because of my poor academic performance at school. They also blamed me. They disliked me as I was the only child in their eyes who showed no _______ in studies. When people started to _______ my family, considering us ignorant, I couldn’t stand it anymore.

From then on, I _______ to study hard to make my parents respected. I tried to read books, which gradually became my hobby. My curiosity for reading never ________. It grew and enriched my mind with priceless knowledge. I also completed my homework on time. I ________ leaving any work for the next day. One of my teachers said, “ ________ leads to success.” I believed in it and formed a ________ of working regularly.

In fact, my parents always help me when I need them. I also help them do housework ________. My parents are my world, and they have taught me ________ values: self-discipline and responsibility.

1.

A．self-motivated

B．warm-hearted

C．fun-loving

D．easy-going

2.

A．worthless

B．horrible

C．powerful

D．temporary

3.

A．allowed

B．troubled

C．invited

D．pushed

4.

A．pity

B．cry

C．explanation

D．protection

5.

A．However

B．Therefore

C．Otherwise

D．Moreover

6.

A．understood

B．mistaken

C．valued

D．criticized

7.

A．involvement

B．interest

C．comment

D．cooperation

8.

A．uncover

B．acknowledge

C．disrespect

D．possess

9.

A．resolved

B．happened

C．failed

D．pretended

10.

A．approached

B．multiplied

C．improved

D．stopped

11.

A．risked

B．avoided

C．kept

D．began

12.

A．Regularity

B．Integrity

C．Freedom

D．Reputation

13.

A．party

B．habit

C．record

D．version

14.

A．on board

B．on purpose

C．in return

D．in case

15.

A．religious

B．commercial

C．political

D．moral

3 . Are you longing for a travel experience full of iconic attractions, which is not only immersive but also intimate? Offering attentive guides, unique experiences, and the perfect combination of exploration and friendship, small group travel is redefining the holiday experience.     1    .

●Explore uncharted but safe territories. Take a journey to breathtaking destinations that might otherwise be frightening to explore independently.     2    , ensuring you don't miss out on the essence (精髓) of each destination. It can also offer exciting exclusive experiences. With smaller coaches and personalized schedule, you'll deep into local cultures and taste authentic flavors at every turn.

●Be guided by the local guides.     3    . Small group tours are led by knowledgeable guides who not only speak the language but also offer insights into the culture, history, and hidden treasures of each region. These guides ensure your journey is enriched with authenticity and discovery.

●     4    . Whether you're travelling alone or with friends, small group travel fosters a sense of community. With groups typically including fewer than 30 people, you'll have the opportunity to form meaningful connections and create lasting memories with fellow adventurers. From shared experiences to newfound friendships, it cultivates a sense of friendship that enhances the overall holiday experience.

●Start your adventure with peace of mind. Small group tour operators take care of everything. With convenience at the forefront, you can explore outside your comfort zone, knowing that every detail has been thoughtfully arranged.     5    , offering assistance in case of emergencies and give you peace of mind through licensed and bonded services.

A．Bond with like-minded travelers

B．It is a unique experience to visit a packed place

C．Take a look below to find what you can do on the trip

D．Travel alone to find more opportunity to enjoy yourself

E．A small group tour offers access to off-the-beaten-path places

F．You can experience the true essence of a destination with their guidance

G．Besides, reputable small group travel companies ensure your protection and security

4 . 阅读下面材料，根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写两段，使之构成一篇完整的短文。

My mother, a kind and considerate lady, would help others in need, though our family was not rich. When I was young, she worked as a housekeeper in the home of a wealthy businessman.

Every day, after tidying up the rooms at the businessman’s house, she would cross the street to buy groceries. As she passed by a row of low rented houses, she would always have a look at an elderly man who collected scrap (废品). The old man, in his seventies, always carried a bag. He lived in a tiny house with a small window. My mother couldn’t help but feel a sense of sympathy whenever she saw the old man eating dry bread, accompanied by a bowl of water. Thus, she would bring him old newspapers, empty cans and beer bottles, along with some food. To the old man, those were precious gifts. The businessman saw my mother’s good behavior and kept it in mind.

I learned from my mother that the poor old man lived alone. His small room was almost empty except a worn mat and a pile of collected scrap. His only way of showing gratitude to my mother was through a humble smile on his face. I once asked my mother, “Why are you so nice to the old man?” She looked at me and answered affectionately, “Because he looks like my father in the countryside.”

As the New Year approached, the businessman visited his relatives abroad, leaving my mother to watch over his house. He paid my mother double wages for her efforts, and prepared extra money for the old man.

The old man frequently appeared in various neighborhoods with his bag, and his business seemed to be going well. He not only collected plastic and cardboard boxes left at doorsteps but also threw the litter beside them into the bins. Watching him walking away, with his white hair blown in the cold wind, my mother’s heart ached.

My mother told me that she decided to knit (编织) two woolen sweaters, one for her father and the other for the old man. “Perhaps the old man had no children, but it was the New Year, and he deserved a gift, too,” she said.

注意：
1. 续写词数应为150左右；
2. 请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。

On the first day of the New Year, my mother approached the old man’s door, with her knitted sweater, food and some money.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“I asked many people to find out where you live,” the old man said, holding the sweater my mother had given to him.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5 . 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。

International students from the Beijing Language and Culture University were busy preparing for the 2023 Competition for the Transmission and Promotion of the Beijing Central Axis, with three songs     1     (highlight) heritage sites along its length.

The competition, hosted     2     (annual) by the Beijing Municipal Cultural Heritage Bureau and the Beijing Municipal Office for Conservation and Management of the Beijing Central Axis, includes five categories, one of     3     calls for participants to present the heritage sites using different art forms.

Three groups of international students from 13 countries participated with songs about the Wanning Bridge, the Temple of Heaven and Jingshan Park. The students, most of whom were Chinese language     4     (major), took an elective course that taught songs     5     (adapt) from ancient Chinese poetry.

“I think this song about the Wanning Bridge is very beautiful. When I was learning the lyrics, I got to know about the bridge’s history and architectural style. I feel that I’m very     6     (fortune) to participate in this course and the competition, because they have allowed me     7     (learn) more about Chinese culture and history,” said one of     8     students.

It was the first time Chinese folk music     9     (know) by so many students through these courses. And       10       the competition, they took their instruments home to introduce their friends to Chinese music. Through art, they became international narrators of China’s stories and practitioners of the cultural exchange between China and their homeland.

6 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. How much did the man weigh two months ago?

A．About 150 pounds.

B．About 160 pounds.

C．About 170 pounds.

2. How did the woman know how to lose weight?

A．From a book.

B．From a friend.

C．From a cook.

3. What does the man plan to do?

A．Change his diet.

B．Learn about an author.

C．Start to exercise regularly.

7 . Question

I am Saeed from Iran. I am so glad to send you an email. I have a question about differences between a “cathedral” and a “church?” Are they the same?

Answer

This is a great question, Saeed!

A “church”is a building used by Christians for their religious (宗教的) services. Because there are many different Christians, there are many different kinds of churches.

A “cathedral” is one kind of Christian church. However, a “cathedral” is the main church for an area under the direction of a bishop, a high-level church leader, in the Roman Catholic faith. Other Christian groups might also call large churches cathedrals. There are many famous cathedrals around the world like Notre Dame in Paris, St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow, and the Cathedral of Brasilia in Brazil’s capital.

A “temple” is another form of religious building. “Temple” is the English language word for religious centres in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Temples are places of prayer or worship. Sometimes, people who observe Reform Judaism call their religious centres “temples”.

A “mosque” is a place for Muslims to pray. Women and men usually have separate places to pray within the same building. Muslim holidays and marriages are observed in mosques. “Synagogues” are Jewish places of worship. They are for prayer and religious services, ceremonies and study.

These are not the only places of worship as there are many different religions in the world. If you know of a religious centre or place of prayer or worship, we have not named, please write to us in the comments below!

Please let us know if these explanations and examples helped you, Saeed!

What question do you have about American English? Send us an email at learningenglish @ ooanews.com.

1. How many names of religious places were mentioned in the response?

A．Two.

B．Three.

C．Four.

D．Five.

2. What is the centre of Muslim praying called?

A．Cathedral.

B．Temple.

C．Mosque.

D．Synagogues.

3. What is the possible identity of Saced?

A．A religious believer.	B．A high-level church leader.
C．A volunteer who serves the church.	D．An Iranian learning American English.

8 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. When did the speaker’s family start their traveling?

A．On May 1st.

B．On May 5th.

C．On May 6th.

2. How did the speaker’s family go to Shillong from Guwahati?

A．By car.

B．By taxi.

C．By train.

3. What do we know about Shillong?

A．The climate wasn’t good.

B．The transport wasn’t convenient.

C．There weren’t many tourist attractions.

4. What did the speaker’s family do at the end of their vacation?

A．They admired the sunrise.

B．They visited tea gardens.

C．They explored thick forests.

9 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. What is the woman?

A．A salesperson.

B．A student.

C．A shopkeeper.

2. What does the man think of Lana’s dog?

A．Frightening.

B．Lovely.

C．Tiny.

3. Who is Rover?

A．The woman’s friend.

B．The man’s boss.

C．Lana’s pet.

4. Why will the man go to the shopping center?

A．To meet Lana.

B．To have a wander.

C．To buy a pair of shoes.

10 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. Where is the speaker from?

A．China.

B．America.

C．Britain.

2. What did the speaker like to do on Thanksgiving Day night?

A．Prepare the food.

B．Watch the football game.

C．Do some shopping.

3. What does the speaker mainly talk about?

A．His professor.

B．A festival.

C．American football.