1 . THE BOB BAKER MARIONETTES COME TO YOU!

Book a marionette (牵线木偶) show to come to your backyard, neighborhood park, school, or simply anywhere there’s fun to be had! For over 55 years, the Bob Baker Marionettes (BBMT) have been taking their show on the road, and they can’t wait to come to YOU! We have several choices to suit any size celebration or event.

One-Man Show ($350)

·25-minute performance

·A single performer and 12 marionettes perform a set variety show of endless joy!

·Space Required: 10 ft × 15 ft

Two-Man Show ($650)

·25-minute performance

·Two performers and 25 marionettes help you create amazing memories!

·Several theme options (主题选项): Something to Crow About, The CIRCUS, and Hallowe’en SpOoKtAcUlAr!

·Space Required: 15 ft ×20 ft

Notes:

·Please make your show request at least 3 weeks in advance.

·For all show options, the travel fee is included for the first 25 miles! Distances over 25 miles from our Highland Park location will incur (带来) an additional travel fee of $50 flat.

All shows are self-contained. The show is done to a pre-recorded tape. We’ll bring the speaker system; we just ask for a power outlet (电源插座). After the show, we pride ourselves on showing off the historic and beautiful marionettes, and answering questions from our audience!

For Birthday Celebrations, our marionettes will bring a gift to celebrate the birthday person, and sing “Happy Birthday” along with the audience!

READY TO BOOK A BOB BAKER TRAVELING SHOW? Please send us a message!

1. How much should people pay for a two-man show performed 30 miles from BBMT?

A．$350.

B．$400.

C．$650.

D．$700.

2. What should people prepare to enjoy a Bob Baker traveling show?

A．A square room.	B．A power outlet.
C．A tape recorder.	D．A speaker system.

3. What can a birthday person do at his birthday celebrations?

A．Try out the marionettes.

B．Sing with the marionettes.

C．Get a present from the marionettes.

D．Choose his favorite marionettes to perform.

2 .

What do you usually do on the Internet?
	Mike, a student I’m always busy from Monday to Friday. I only use the Internet on weekends. I often play computer games and chat (聊天) with my friends online.
	Linda, an office lady I love shopping on the Internet. It’s fast. I can sit in front of the computer for hours. I shop every day. I can always find cheap but good things online. Sometimes, I watch films or listen to music.
	Mr. Green, a manager (经理) I can’t work without (没有) the Internet. I need it to send (发送) and receive (接收) emails. I write at least twenty emails every day. When I am free, I also love to read news online.
	Mrs. Brown, a housewife I like cooking. I write blogs (博客) about my cooking and upload (上传) the photos of my dishes every day. I love reading people’s replies (回复). And I’m happy that they love my dishes.

1. How often may Mike play computer games?

A．Every day.

B．Once or twice a week.

C．Three times a week.

D．Twice a month.

2. What does Mrs. Brown upload every day?

A．The photos of her games.	B．The photos of her friends.
C．The photos of her parties.	D．The photos of her dishes.

3. Which of the following is TRUE (正确的)?

A．Mike sends and receives emails every day.

B．Linda always sells clothes on the Internet.

C．Many people love Mrs. Brown’s blogs.

D．Mr. Green plays computer games every day.

3 . Selecting gifts for your beloved ones can be one of the most difficult parts. But don’t worry! We can help! Here are some gift ideas to suit all pockets.

Air purifier

Do you have a loved one who suffers from allergies (过敏) or other skin diseases? Why not gift him or her an air cleaner? Research has shown that air purifiers can help reduce allergy reactions, remove asthma (哮喘) causes such as dust by improving air quality in your home. Look for purifiers with more than one filter and, especially, a high efficiency air filter.

Electric toothbrush

One review of 56 studies has found that a powered toothbrush resulted in a 21 per cent reduction of plaque and an 11 per cent reduction in gingivitis (牙龈炎) after three months, compared with a manual toothbrush. It’s also a fun way for children to look after their dental hygiene.

Dark chocolate

Nothing screams a gift quite like chocolate. Good news is that dark chocolate is associated with several health benefits. Small amounts of this sweet treat may lower the risk of heart disease, improve brain function and give your immune system a boost, potentially reducing infection.

Your time

Quality time spent with your nearest and dearest is completely free, but is the most precious gift you could give them. If you’ve been too preoccupied of late, determine to put aside more hours to do fun things together, or if you have time to devote to others outside your immediate circle, consider volunteering with Age UK as a friend to an elderly person.

1. Which of the following is suitable for someone with a dental problem?

A．Air purifier.	B．Electric toothbrush.
C．Dark chocolate.	D．Your time.

2. What do the first three presents have in common?

A．They belong to tech presents.	B．They are non-physical objects.
C．They are intended for the elderly.	D．They help promote healthy living.

3. What is special about the last present?

A．It is priceless.	B．It is worthless.
C．It is physical.	D．It is rare.

4 .

YOUTH CLUB Free Membership for You It’s our tenth birthday this year. Now we are offering (提供) free membership (会员资格) to two lucky people. If you want to be one of those lucky people, you have to tell us your answers to these questions. ◆ Why do you want to keep healthy? ◆ How do you keep healthy? ◆ What’s your favourite sport? Swimming, tennis, basketball, table tennis or weight training? Fill in the form and send a photo of yourself to Peter Brown. His email address is youthclub@ 26.com.

1. When was Youth Club started?

A．Seven years ago.	B．Ten years ago.
C．Five years age.	D．Six years ago

2. How many kinds of sports are mentioned in the passage?

A．Three

B．Four

C．Five

D．Six

3. After reading the passage, we can know Peter Brown’s ________.

A．date of birth	B．telephone number
C．favorite sport	D．email address

5 . Some Interesting and Fun Things for You This Term

English Club

For the first-grade students

Time: Tuesday afternoon and Friday evening

Place: Room 301

Tele: 77459312

Math Exam

For the third-grade students

Time: on Monday, September 23rd

Place: Room 306

PS: Top 10 will get a surprise

A Talk

For all students

Time: 14:30—16:30, October 25th

Place: in the school hall

Topic: How to Learn English Well

Singing Competition

For the second-grade students

Time: on Friday, December 27th

Place: in the music room

Tele: 58172352

1. How often do the English club members practice spoken English?

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

2. How many students will get a surprise after the math exam?

A．4.

B．10.

C．20.

D．306.

3. Where can the text be seen?

A．In a park.

B．In a shop.

C．In a hospital.

D．In a school.

6 . Food books can bring a culture to life. The following food books are bursting with delicious food, as well as entertaining and engaging storytelling.

	Pierre Thiam’s latest book aims to share everyday, easy-to-cook recipes like baked ginger-chili plantain kelewele. He explains how so many dishes and ingredients from the American South and other regions can trace their origin to West Africa. The 80 recipes are accessible and present a range of traditional and modern takes on the cuisine.
	Fuchsia Dunlop’s book examines classic Chinese dishes, like mapo tofu, soup dumplings and Dongpo pork. This book includes history, philosophy, cooking techniques, and Dunlop’s on-the-ground research conducted over three decades to present a fascinating exploration of this ever-changing cuisine.
	Tamar Adler seeks to make leftovers more appealing and lower food waste in the process with her latest book, which contains around 1,500 recipes. This isn’t what you’d call a beautiful coffee table-style cookbook — it’s practical and the creative secrets within are truly mind-blowing.
	Natasha Pickowicz is an innovative chef. More Than Cake is her first cookbook, full of invaluable tips like how to build a layer (层) cake. Aside from great baking recipes, this cookbook tries to live up to its name by sharing how baking can provide so much more than just tasty sweets — it can give community, purpose, joy and love.

1. Who explores Chinese food culture in the cookbook?

A．Pierre Thiam.	B．Fuchsia Dunlop.
C．Tamar Adler.	D．Natasha Pickowicz.

2. What do Simply West African and The Everlasting Meal Cookbook have in common?

A．They are the writers’ latest books.	B．They advocate lower food waste.
C．They have the same number of recipes.	D．They aim to share West African dishes.

3. Which book favors cake-baking lovers?

A．Simply West African.	B．Invitation to a Banquet.
C．The Everlasting Meal Cookbook.	D．More Than Cake.

7 . Upcoming Trips and Tours with Daytripper

Welcome to Daytripper! We are a unique tour company in Liverpool providing walking tours and trips every Saturday during the year by coach. Book today to join a Daytripper adventure!

Lake District Day Trip

The Lake District is the UK’s largest and most visited National Park. One of the must-sees in the area is Grasmere village, where you can also visit British great poet Wordsworth’s grave.

“The lovceliest spot that man has ever found”? Come along and see if Wordsworth was right.

DATE: Sat. 18th November 2023       TIME: 08: 00～18: 30

Tickets: £40. 00～£45. 50

Yorkshire Day Trip

This trip includes a guided walk at a huge natural cliff. This spot was chosen for one of the scenes from the film “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I”. You have to earn these views by climbing the 400 steps up!

DATE: Sat. 18th November 2023       TIME: 08: 15～19: 00

Tickets: £45. 00 for adults; £30. 00 for children over 12; free for below 12.

York Christmas Markets Day Trip

Join us to enjoy a guided tour of York during the festive season. This trip includes a visit to the Christmas Markets plus entertainment on the coach on the way! You can also simply watch the world go by while sipping a drink by the river.

DATE: Sat. 2nd December 2023        TIME: 08: 45～20: 00

Tickets: £35. 00～£45. 00 （Free for students with a student card）

Conwy and Llandudno Day Trip

Experience a historical tower in North Wales at Conwy Castle. We will visit the Victorian seaside resort (度假胜地) of Llandudno. Here you can walk along the sea or enjoy the views from the Great Orme, or simply have an ice cream on the beach.

DATE: Sat. 25th November 2023       TIME: 08: 30～18: 30

Tickets: £39. 00～£49. 00

1. How much would a couple with a 15-years-old student pay to visit a film site?

A．£75.

B．£90.

C．£105.

D．£120

2. What can visitors do in the Conwy and Llandudno Day Trip according to the text?

A．Find the loveliest spot.	B．Have fun at the seaside.
C．Taste various local food.	D．Enjoy festive entertainment.

3. Which of the following trips started earliest?

A．Yorkshire Day Trip.	B．Lake District Day Trip.
C．Conwy and Llandudno Day Trip.	D．York Christmas Markets Day Trip.

8 . Pet-friendly train rides

Why not consider a great pet-friendly train ride on your next trip? You can enjoy the local landscapes while making wonderful memories with your pet.

Skunk Train—California

Located in Northern California’s Mendocino County, the 131-year-old Skunk Train travels through grasslands and mountains. It offers two route choices.

Noyo River Canyon—Leaving from Fort Bragg, this trip runs along the Pudding Creek Estuary and then snakes along the Noyo River.

Coastal Range and Redwoods—Leaving from Willits and traveling to Northspur, this mountainous route travels 8.5 miles of track.

Pet Policy: Dogs are the only pets allowed on the plane, and you need to pay $10 for your dog to ride the train.

Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad-Oregon

The Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad runs daily coastal trips between Garibaldi and Rockaway Beach from mid-June to early September. Weekend service lasts from late May to the end of September.

Pet Policy: Well-behaved dogs are welcome. The staff asks that families with dogs sit in the open cars, which offer more space to them.

Monticello Railway Museum—Illinois

The Monticello Railway Museum is open for train rides on Saturdays and Sundays from May through October as part of the museum’s educational mission. Visitors can get on the train at two stations. You’re welcome to visit the the museum gift shop.

Pet Policy: pets can ride the train for free. All types of pets are welcome.

Oil & Creek Titusville Railroad—Pennsylvania

This train ride leaves from Perry Street Station in Titusville, Pennsylvania. On this 3-hour round-trip ride, you’ll learn about the history of Pennsylvania’s oil industry while you watch for ducks, deer, and possibly a black bear.

Pet Policy: Dogs can ride the train at a cost of $5. Someone must stay with the dog at your seat; you cannot walk around the train with your dog.

1. What is special about Skunk Train?

A．It is free for pets.	B．It has two routes available.
C．It features educational trips.	D．It is a newly-started train ride.

2. Which train ride welcomes pets of any kind?

A．Skunk Train	B．Monticello Railway Museum
C．Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad	D．Oil Crock & Titusville Railroad

3. What can passengers do on the Oil Creek Titusville Railroad?

A．Watch wild animals along the trip.

B．Visit the gift shop at either station.

C．Walk around the train with their dog.

D．Learn about the history of Illinois’ oil industry.

9 . International Letter-Writing Competition for Young People 2024

Since 1971, the Universal Postal Union (UPU) has inspired young writers aged 9-15 to write letters on a given theme to win exciting prizes. The competition is an excellent way of making young people aware of the important role postal services play in our societies. It develops their skills in writing and their ability to express thoughts clearly. A group of international judges invited by the International Bureau judge the letters and select the winners.

The UPU has launched its 53rd International letter-writing Competition for Young People this year.

Competition theme

In 2024, participants will be encouraged to reflect on the future of the world under the theme: “At 150 years old, the UPU has served people around the world for more than eight generations. The world has changed enormously since then. Write a letter to future generations about the world you hope they inherit (继承).” The theme encourages young people to voice their thoughts on current global challenges and propose innovative solutions. It also allows youths to draw upon the principles of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, providing a framework for their visions of a better world.

Competition rules

• Entries must be in the form of a letter and contain the necessary parts of a letter (heading, greeting, body, complimentary close, signature line and postscript).   

• Letters must be strictly in agreement with the topic and contain no more than 800 words in the original language.

• At the national level, the competition is organized by UPU member countries. Entries must reach the UPU International Bureau no later than May 5th.

For more information, please contact us at communication@upu.int.

1. What can competitors learn from the competition?

A．The history of the UPU	B．The skills of communication.
C．The importance of postal services.	D．The meaning of expressing thoughts.

2. What is most likely to be the topic of this year’s competition?

A．The enormous change in the world.	B．The world for the future generations.
C．Global challenges and innovative solutions.	D．Sustainable development for a better world.

3. What should competitors do?

A．Write the letters in right format.	B．Hand in their entries on May 6th.
C．Write a letter of at least 800 words	D．Send their entries to the official email.

10 . ENJOY THE OUTDOORS

       Adventure Camp at Ohio Dreams is the perfect way to enjoy traditional summer camp. Campers will be able to learn about multiple sports and outdoor adventures. We provide the equipment (设备) and the schedule so you can start from scratch and learn from the best, and even the new comer who may lack experience can make up for it with the spirit for adventure.
       Athletics, Creativity, Science, Knowledge and Social Skills are the backbone of our camp. We offer a wide variety of activities for campers that are full of energy and curiosity.
       ▪Learn Skateboarding: Learn the basics of skating from balancing, dropping in and even a few tricks.
       ▪Learn Mountain Biking: Try one of our mountain bikes and take a few laps on our five-mile track across the countryside or learn the basics of jumping on our Freeride courses.
       ▪Hiking: Pack a snack and hike to beautiful waterfalls and caves while learning how to identify plant species and many different wildlife animals.
       ▪Beach Volleyball: Everybody should know how to jump in a game of pick-up volleyball at the beach. Learn about where to be and how to pass, set, and hit the ball to win.
       ▪Swimming Lessons: If you aren’t the best at swimming, this week-long program will help you to find your sea legs (and arms) so you will have more confidence when swimming.
       Click here for deals, news and early registration discounts.
1. What is an advantage of Adventure Camp?

A．It has the best equipment.	B．It is suitable for the inexperienced.
C．It offers both indoor and outdoor activities.	D．It is the first traditional summer camp in Ohio

2. Which of the following is included in Adventure Camp?

A．Overcoming the fear of swimming.	B．Collecting plants species in the open air.
C．Learning volleyball in professional stadiums.	D．Riding mountain bikes to waterfalls and caves.

3. Where is the text probably taken from?

A．A travel brochure.

B．A news report.

C．A book review.

D．An online website.