Gardens by the Bay is the most popular attraction on TripAdvisor and it isn’t hard to understand why. This place is mind-blowing and unlike anything we’ve ever seen. If you have time for just one attraction in Singapore, then this should be it.
You can buy tickets at the gate but you can get a discount if you purchase them in advance through Klook or Get Your Guide.
Admission: SGD 30 (adults), SGD 18 (kids)
Singapore FlyerThe Singapore Flyer is one of the city’s most iconic attractions. It offers fantastic views of the city from Asia’s largest observation wheel.
You can go on a standard flight but if you want something a little more memorable, then how about going on one that offers drinks like Singapore Slings or champagne?
You can buy tickets to the Singapore Flyer at the gate or in advance through Klook.
Cost: SGD 40 (adults), SGD 25 (kids)
Singapore Botanic GardensGardens by the Bay is a fantastic place to appreciate Singapore’s greenery, but if you want to enjoy it in a more natural setting, then head on over to Singapore Botanic Gardens. It’s a 158-year-old tropical garden and the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Singapore.
Entrance to the gardens is free but you’ll need to pay SGD 15 fee to enter the National Orchid Garden. It’s a must so don’t miss it.
Admission: FREE
Marina Bay Sands SkyparkMarina Bay Sands is the most iconic hotel in Singapore. I’m sure you’ve seen pictures of its infinity pool on social media.
If you aren’t checked in at Marina Bay Sands, then the next best thing would be to head up to the Skypark observation deck on the 57th level to get some of the most breathtaking views of Singapore.
You can buy tickets at the gate but you may get a discount if you purchase them in advance through Klook.
Admission: SGD 26
1. Which will you give priority to if choosing only one attraction in Singapore?| A．Gardens by the Bay | B．Singapore Flyer |
| C．Singapore Botanic Gardens | D．Marina Bay Sands Skypark |
| A．You can get drinks for free. | B．You can get a discount if booking tickets in advance. |
| C．You may overlook the whole city. | D．You have to take a plane to the destinations. |
| A．A website. | B．A company. | C．A hotel. | D．A travel brochure. |
2 . How to Apply China Visa (签证)
How to apply China visa is the most concerned question for international tourists who plan to travel to China. Here you will find the useful information about China visa requirements and instructions.
China Visa Requirements
▶The valid (有效的) passport
Original passport valid for at least 6 months with blank visa pages, and a photocopy of data page (with your photo on it)
▶China visa application form and photo
The applicants must fill in a complete visa application form and attach it with a recent-taken colour passport photo.
So what is the requirement of the photo? The photo you submit must be passport-type (bare-head, full face) and standard with the correct dimension and background colour.
▶Effective proof of legal stay or resident status (it applies to those who do not apply for China visa in their countries of citizenship).
Supporting Application Documents
For C-Visa, a letter of guarantee issued by a foreign transport company or an invitation letter issued by a relevant authority from China side shall be provided.
For D-Visa, the original and a photocopy of foreign permanent residence identification form issued by China’s Ministry of Public Security shall be provided.
For F-Visa, an invitation letter issued by relevant authorities or individuals from China side shall be provided.
For G-Visa, an onward air (train, bus, ship) ticket with confirmed date and seat to the third country or region shall be provided.
For L-Visa, the tour itinerary (行程) and documents with round trip flight tickets and accommodation reservations, or an invitation letter issued by relevant authorities or individuals from Chinese side shall be provided.
For M-Visa, documents of business activity, trade fair invitation letter or other invitation letter issued by trade partners in China shall be provided.
Further reading: click the link China visa knowledge and types.
1. In what situation do people have to prove the legal stay for the application?| A．Not being in his country of nationality. |
| B．Without documents of business activity. |
| C．Without photos that match the requirements. |
| D．Not being invited by trade partners in China. |
| A．C-Visa and M-Visa. | B．L-Visa and D-Visa. |
| C．G-Visa and L-Visa. | D．F-Visa and M-Visa. |
| A．A science magazine. | B．A travel brochure. |
| C．A hotel poster. | D．A web page. |
3 . The Chinese Communist Party is the ruling party of the People’s Republic of China. China possesses a multi-party, consultative system of government that operates under the leadership of the Communist Party.
According to the Chinese Constitution, all citizens eighteen years of age and older have the right to vote and to run for office.
The National People’s Congress is China’s highest state political organ, with the right to propose and approve legislation. The State Council, also known as the Central People’s Government, is the highest state administrative organ.
State affairs are carried out according to administrative divisions. People’s Congresses and People’s Governments exist at the provincial level (including autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government), county level (including cities), and village level (including townships).
The People’s Court is the state organ of justice. The court system consists of the national-level People’s Supreme Court, under which are provincial-level Supreme Courts for each province, autonomous region, and municipality directly under the Central Government, followed by mid-level and local-level People’s Courts. The People’s Supreme Court is China’s highest judicial organ. It is responsible to the National People’s Congress and its Standing Committee, and supervises the judicial work of all People’s Courts, Military Courts, and other specialized courts at every level. All legal activities are supervised by the state People’s Procuratorate.
The People’s Procuratorate is the state legal supervisory organ.
In recent years, a trial program of direct election of officials has been instituted at the village and township levels, receiving enthusiastic support from local people and widespread international attention.
Hong Kong and Macao are Special Administrative Regions, with independent elections, legislatures, judiciary, and administrative systems. (281 words)
1. How old is a Chinese citizen when he has the right to vote and to run for office?2. What is the highest state administrative organ?
3. What is the state organ of justice?
4. Which are the two Special Administrative Regions mentioned in the text?
4 . It is late autumn—millions of gardeners across the northern hemisphere, pulled on their thickest sweaters, spent hours clearing large piles of leaves and packed them into plastic bags at the end of driveways.
In the US alone, nearly 10 million tonnes of garden waste go to landfill every year. That is a large amount of effort, not just from an environmental viewpoint but from that of our aching backs, too. So where does this advice come from? Well, it largely comes from the belief that thick fallen leaves can make plants under them unable to breathe, especially shorter grass. They shut down important photosynthesis (光合作用) and get in the way of the growth of the shorter grass. However, this received wisdom has recently been questioned by researchers at Wisconsin University.
The key finding of their new research was that although clearing fallen leaves is one of the most common gardening practices, it makes very little sense. In natural ecosystems, fallen leaves help return nutrients necessary for healthy plant growth to the soil, which greatly improves soil condition. Removing leaves year after year breaks this ecological (生态的) balance. Letting some leaves stick around to cover your garden is a great way to help your grass and the local ecosystem.
They further explained that if up to 50percent of your grass lawn (草坪) is covered by fallen leaves, you might as well go back indoors and put your feet up. The advantages of this light leaf coverage far outweigh the disadvantages—the leaves will quickly break down and help next year’s lawn grow far better than if you had cleared them. Only at over 50 percent coverage do the Wisconsin researchers recommend clearing.
So why not consider leaving the leaves? Save time, carbon and effort, and in exchange get a healthier lawn from this garden waste—that seems like a pretty good deal. And how many plastic bags could be saved by simply not binning fallen leaves every year? In the US alone, about 700 million.
1. What does the author describe in paragraph 1?| A．An amazing autumn game. | B．A common sight in gardens. |
| C．A hot attraction in the north. | D．An extreme weather event. |
| A．Fallen leaves need not be cleared. |
| B．Fallen leaves protect shorter grass. |
| C．Fallen leaves block photosynthesis. |
| D．Fallen leaves are hard to break down. |
| A．it ruins city image | B．it breaks gardening rules |
| C．it affects local economy | D．it causes ecological damage |
| A．Doubtful. | B．Positive. | C．Unclear. | D．Worried. |
5 . Malaysia is a popular travel destination. Here are some best places to visit in Malaysia 2024.
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is the largest city in Malaysia. Things to do in Kuala Lumpur include a trip to the world famous Petronas Towers, taking a trip to the ancient Hindu temple at the Batu Caves, sampling some of the most amazing street food, visiting markets and much more.
Getting to Kuala Lumpur: Kuala Lumpur has two major airports — KLIA and KLIA2. It is also well connected to the rest of Malaysia by bus and train.
Langkawi
Langkawi is actually an archipelago (群岛) but the main island offers a range of different locations to visit and stay. Pantai Cenang is one of the most popular beach destinations and home to Underwater World.
Getting to Langkawi: The best way to get to Langkawi is to fly.
Penang
There’s a multicultural mix of influences and plenty of beaches, interesting architecture and affordable resort style accommodation. It’s also one of the best places in Malaysia to eat, offering some of the best cheap food.
Penang is home to important and culturally significant temples like Lok Si Temple, as well as the historic George Town.
Getting to Penang: You can get to Penang by train, bus or plane.
Bukit Merah
Located just outside of Taiping, the town is surrounded by a lake. The town is home to another sustainable attraction, the EcoPark — an enclosure home to many native and rare animals.
Getting to Bukit Merah: The best way to get there is to drive from Taiping. There are also buses. It’s also possible to day trip here from Penang.
1. What can you do in Kuala Lumpur?| A．Tour the EcoPark. |
| B．Visit Petronas Towers. |
| C．Enjoy Underwater World. |
| D．Experience life in George Town. |
| A．By car. | B．By plane. | C．By train. | D．By bus. |
| A．In Penang. | B．In Langkawi. |
| C．In Bukit Merah. | D．In Kuala Lumpur. |
6 . They were sitting together when Hannah hurried in with a telegram. Mrs March read it, then dropped it, her hands shaking. Jo picked up the telegram and read it in a frightened voice: “Mrs March: Your husband is very ill. Come at once. S. Hale, Blank Hospital, Washington.”
The girls moved close to their mother. All their happiness had vanished in a moment. “I shall go at once,” said Mrs March. “Where’s Laurie?”
“Here,” said the boy. “Send a telegram back,” said Mrs March. “The next train goes early in the morning. Now, I must write a note to Aunt March.”
Jo knew that the money for the journey must be borrowed from Aunt March, and she too wanted to do something to help.
Laurie went off to take the note to Aunt March and to send the telegram. Jo went to fetch some things from the shops.
“Father will need good food and wine,” said Mrs March. “Beth, go and ask Mr Laurence for a couple of bottles of wine.”
Laurie came back with a letter and money from Aunt March, but Jo did not return. It was late afternoon when she came and gave her mother some money.
“That’s to help make Father comfortable,” she said.
“Twenty five dollars!” said Mrs March. “My dear, where did you get it?”
Jo took off her hat.
“Your beautiful hair!” cried Beth.
“Don’t cry, Beth,” said Jo. “I’ll soon have a curly head again.”
After their mother went away, they all helped Hannah with housework. News of their father came through, at first telling them he was dangerously ill, but then saying he was slowly getting better.
1. The underlined word “vanished” in Paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to “ ”.| A．continued | B．varied | C．disappeared | D．burst |
| A．For comfort. | B．To borrow money. | C．For some wine. | D．To tell her the bad news. |
| A．She sent the telegram back. | B．She helped get things ready for Mother. |
| C．She bought some food and wine. | D．She sold her hair for 25 dollars. |
| A．Mrs March left for Washington the next morning | B．Hannah read the telegram to the girls |
| C．Mr March was getting worse and worse | D．Hannah went to look after their father |
7 . The Best Caves in The World
Hang Son Doong, Vietnam
Natural caves don’t come much larger than Hang Son Doong, close to the border between Laos and Vietnam. This cave possesses the largest cross-section of any known cave on the planet, a vast area that is difficult to describe. Supposedly, a Boeing 747 could fly through without damaging its wings, but that doesn’t really do justice to the vastness of Hang Son Doong. The stalactites (钟乳石) here are pretty massive too, with some reaching up to 80 metres.
Waitomo Caves, New Zealand
Glowworms (萤火虫) are there, as far as the eye can see. Okay, not literally, but the Waitomo Cave system on New Zealand’s North Island is best-known for the fluorescent fauna that light up the walls, giving it the not-particularly-creative but completely acceptable “Glowworm Caves” nickname. They are more accessible than other caves on this list, with rafting and adventure tours available to those looking for something a little more thrilling.
Mammoth Cave, the USA
If you have certain expectations from somewhere called “Mammoth Cave”, that is entirely understandable. Mammoth Cave in Kentucky is the world’s longest known cave system, an incredible 420 miles of underground wonder. That’s twice as long as the next longest, by the way, although it isn’t unusual for the USA to go all out on such things.
Reed Flute (芦笛) Cave, China
Named after the reeds that grow outside, which are used to make flutes, obviously, the Reed Flute Cave’s walls are covered with inscriptions from centuries gone by—if evidence was needed that people have been paying attention to this place for a long old time. The inside part of the cave is also lit up by multicoloured lights, giving it a real otherworldly theme that adds weight to the nickname.
1. What is special about Hang Son Doong?| A．It was once a base of a factory. |
| B．It is the deepest cave in the world. |
| C．It has the highest stalactites in the world. |
| D．It owns the largest cross-section in the world. |
| A．Hang Son Doong. | B．Waitomo Caves. |
| C．Mammoth Cave. | D．Reed Flute Cave. |
| A．Vietnam. | B．New Zealand. | C．The USA. | D．China. |
8 . Developing Children’s Persistence (毅力)
One of the most important lessons a child can learn is not to give up when faced with a challenging situation, but instead to continue and overcome it.
Invention education
As the importance of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects continues to grow due to the world’s increasing complexity (复杂性), invention education has become a popular way for children to explore these fields in pleasant ways.
At Camp Invention, there are no “right” or “wrong” ways to complete each day’s set of challenges and activities. Those who take part in it are able to seek solutions that naturally interest them. For example, campers learn how to change their cars to travel across the land, and create basic theory that could help them move through the air and even underwater by using the same method shared by some of the world’s most well-known inventors!
The Innovation (创新) Mindset
Working with our national innovators whose discoveries continue to improve the lives of people everywhere, we have recognized nine basic skills that can benefit children throughout their lives. We call this the Innovation Mindset, and it influences the development of all our education programmes.
Persistence is a very important part of the Innovation Mindset because it teaches children to recover from setbacks and overcome difficulties to reach their goals. Because our programmes develop determination through a “create, test and retest” way of learning, students build the strength and confidence to take on any challenges that stand in their way.
Explore more trends in STEM
To learn more about the latest trends in STEM education, click here or visit our blog.
1. How does Camp Invention develop persistence?| A．By inviting famous inventors. |
| B．By providing interesting solutions. |
| C．By encouraging campers to take STEM subjects. |
| D．By allowing campers to solve problems in creative ways. |
| A．To recognize basic life skills. | B．To face challenges bravely. |
| C．To build up their body strength. | D．To develop education programmes. |
| A．A website. | B．A camp poster. |
| C．A science report. | D．A course introduction. |
9 . Sawdust Winter Fantasy
If you’re looking for the best way to kick off the holiday, check out Sawdust’s Winter Fantasy, where you can support local artists and get into the spirit of the holidays. This annual event features live music, delicious food and drinks, as well as 165 local artists with their products.
Location: 935 Laguna Canyon Road
Dates: Nov.19 to Dec.18
Times: 10 a. m. to 7 p. m.
Price: Adults $10, Children $5
LA County Parks Winter Wonderland
Los Angeles County Parks will host a Winter Wonderland with tons of snow. The free event will feature photo opportunities, holiday treats, and a craft village where kids can decorate their own stockings.
Location: 1324 5th St. in Downtown Santa Monica
Dates: Dec.2 to Dec.17
Times: Times vary
Price: Free
The Polar Express Train Ride
This magical one-hour trip to the North Pole features a read-along of the timeless story, hot chocolate, caroling, a golden ticket, and delicious treats. Santa and his little helpers are also scheduled to come on board to greet the passengers and give each guest their first gift of Christmas.
Location: 2201 SA St., Perris, CA 92570
Dates: Dec.20 to Dec.28
Times: 11:30 a. m. to 8 p. m.
Price: Range from $44 to $70
Christmas on the Farm
Celebrate the holiday season at a farm featuring an animal center, tractor wagon rides, reindeer, and more. There’s also a holiday train and plenty of sleigh rides to go around. This is the perfect family event for all to enjoy.
Location: Moorpark, CA 93021
Dates: Nov.25 to Dec.24
Times: 9 a. m. to 6 p. m.
Price: $10 to $ 14
1. If a couple with two children chooses Sawdust Winter Fantasy, they should pay __________.| A．$10 | B．$20 | C．$25 | D．$30 |
| A．At 935 Laguna Canyon Road. |
| B．At 1324 5th St. in Downtown Santa Monica. |
| C．At 2201 SA St., Perris, CA 92570. |
| D．At Moorpark, CA 93021. |
| A．On Nov.17. | B．On Nov.19. |
| C．On Dec.20. | D．On Dec.28. |
10 . Forgiveness (宽恕) is often considered as an important decision to let go of feelings of anger towards someone who you believe has wronged you. However, while you may be quite generous in your ability to forgive others, you can be much harder on yourself.
Accept the result of your actions
Forgiving yourself is about more than just putting the past behind you and moving on.
Treat yourself with kindness and compassion (同情)
Forgiving yourself requires facing your actions, but it is important to reach this with self-compassion.
Making a correction is an important part of forgiveness, even when the person you are forgiving is yourself. One way to move past your regret is to take action to correct your mistakes.
Learn from the experience
Forgiving yourself often requires finding a way to learn from the experience and make an active effort to do better in the future. To do this, you need to understand why you behave the way you did and why you feel sorry. What steps can you take to prevent the same behaviors again in the future?
| A．Make a correction |
| B．Be aware of others’ feelings |
| C．It is about accepting what has happened |
| D．The following steps may help you learn how to forgive yourself |
| E．You need to tell yourself that thoughts are not facts |
| F．Remind yourself of what you learned to guide your actions going forward |
| G．The key is to treat yourself with the same kindness you show to another person |
