1 . This week sees the opening of the Venice Biennale, an 8-month-long festival of art and culture staged every other year. With the main event running from April 20 to November 24,2024, here's our pick of what to see if you head to Venice.
Willem de Kooning e l’Italia
One of the most influential artists of the 20th century, Willem de Kooning is the subject of a major exhibition(展览) exploring his time in 1959 and 1969 and the impact it had on his works. The show will bring together around 75 works, making this the largest presentation of the artist ever organized in Italy.
Rise of the Sunken Sun
This photography exhibition by Greenlandic artist Inuuteq Storch marks the first time that the Danish Pavilion has showcased both a major exhibition by an artist from Greenland and a presentation on photography. With over 200 images, Storch's project aims to tell the Greenlanders' history, not seen through the visitors' eyes, but through the Greenlanders' own.
The Rooted Nomad
This exhibition will examine the life and works of M. F. Husain, a modernist painter called “India’s Picasso”. Celebrating his talent as an artist, thinker and writer, the show exhibits his paintings, photographs, letters and parts from his films and poetry that shaped his vision of India as a richly layered cultural nation.
The Arch within the Arc
The exhibition in Italy of Houston-based artist Rick Lowe takes place at Palazzo Grimani, home to a large collection of 16th-century Greek and Roman sculpture(雕像). Inspired by the architecture of the Museo di Palazzo Grimani and the experience of moving through Venice and its waterways, the exhibition features new paintings by Rick Lowe that reflect his consideration of the arch(拱) in architecture.
1. What is Rise of the Sunken Sun intended for?| A．Showing Greenland's history. | B．Reflecting Storch's life in Italy. |
| C．Praising an admirable character. | D．Attracting visitors from Europe. |
| A．Rick Lowe. | B．M. F. Husain. | C．Inuuteq Storch. | D．Willem de Kooning. |
| A．The Rooted Nomad. | B．Rise of the Sunken Sun. |
| C．The Arch within the Arc. | D．Willem de Kooning e l’Italia. |
2 . Scientists say they have found stone tools that might represent the oldest-known evidence (证据) of humans in Europe. The recent research suggests that the human ancestors (祖先) started settling in Europe 1.4 million years ago. That is hundreds of thousands of years earlier than previously thought.
The stone tools were first discovered in the 1970s near the town of Korolevo, close to Ukraine. But the tools’ age remained unclear.
The place of the find is important for understanding how humans first spread into Europe. They moved into the area during warm periods, called interglacial periods. Those were times, in between Ice Ages, when huge amounts of ice covered Europe.
The scientists judged the age by identifying (识别) the effects of rays from space on some kinds of minerals (矿物). In this way, they found the age of the remains containing the stone tools was at around 1.4 million years.
The researchers believe that the maker of the tools was likely a human ancestor called Homo erectus. That early human species appeared around 2 million years ago and spread across Africa, Asia and Europe before disappearing perhaps 110,000 years ago.
“No bones were found at Korolevo, only stone tools. But their age manifests the idea that Homo erectus was the only possible human species at the time. We know very little about our earliest ancestors. They used stone tools for killing and probably used fire,” said Roman Garba, who was the lead writer of the research published in Nature.
Homo erectus was the first member of human developing history. They had the same body building as us, only a smaller brain.
The tools, made of volcanic rock, were made in a way that is called Oldowan. While simple, they represent the beginning of human technology.
It was believed that the oldest-known evidence of humans in Europe was from about 1.2million years ago from a place called Atapuerca in Spain.
1. What have these researchers found in this discovery?| A．The earliest stone tools used by humans. | B．Remains of the daily life of ancient people. |
| C．The earliest evidence of humans in Europe. | D．The earliest human ancestor ever discovered. |
| A．Living conditions in ancient times. | B．The research method used by scientists. |
| C．Places where the stone tools stayed. | D．The minerals in the stone tools. |
| A．Proves. | B．Hides. | C．Changes. | D．Challenges. |
| A．They are signs that humans walked upright. |
| B．They were advanced tools in ancient times. |
| C．They are key points in human development. |
| D．They show that humans started hunting earlier than thought. |
3 . Four Wonderful Films Recommended to Watch
Labyrinth
The Museum of Fine Art, Houston first offers an outdoor movie viewing experience. Enjoy the beloved classic Labyrinth (《迷宫》) as Sarah (played by Jennifer Connelly) must solve a labyrinth to rescue her brother from the Goblin King (played by David Bowie).
The Peasants
The Oscar-nominated (奥斯卡提名的) film The Peasants tells the story of Jagna, a young woman who decides to find her way in a late 19th-century Polish village. When Jagna finds herself caught between the community’s neighbours, her struggle puts her on a hard course of life.
Created by more than 100 oil painters, The Peasants is based on Wadysaw Reymont’s Nobel Prize-winning 1904 novel. As filmmaker Dorota Kobiela (DK Welchman) said, “I felt a strong need to tell a story about women: to show their struggles, kindness and strength.”
Caravaggio
Caravaggio tells the story of the life of the famous 17th-century painter through his wonderful paintings and his struggle with the society.
David McGee has had his exhibitions at many places, and his work is collected by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; W. E. B. Du Bois Institute for Afro-American Research at Harvard University; and the Menil Collection.
Chinatown
Nominated for 11 Oscars, Chinatown is a filmmaking masterpiece, with John Huston playing an unforgettable role and director Roman Polanski. Chinatown is a description of Los Angeles in the 1930s, when the city deals with a growing water crisis (危机) that threatens its future.
1. Why does Sarah have to deal with a labyrinth?| A．To win a prize. | B．To run for her life. |
| C．To save a family member. | D．To have an exciting experience. |
| A．They praise deep friendship. | B．They present the life of artists. |
| C．They show personal experiences. | D．They introduce great achievements. |
| A．Labyrinth. | B．The Peasants. | C．Caravaggio. | D．Chinatown. |
4 . Four Best National Parks in the US
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the country’s most-visited national park. Crossing North Carolina and Tennessee, this park is known for its wildlife, waterfalls and fog-covered mountains. It’s worth visiting year-round for scenic views and outdoor activities like hiking, but the park really shines in autumn, when its trees put on a display of red, orange and gold leaves.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana and Idaho
The world’s first national park, Yellowstone National Park was established in 1872, and in 2020, it recorded 3.8 million visits. Throughout its 2.2 million acres (英亩), visitors can find a range of unique attractions, including Mammoth Hot Springs, Old Faithful Geyser and Grand Prismatic Spring, as well as waterfalls, lakes and wildlife.
Zion National Park, Utah
Utah is home to some of the country’s best national parks, including Arches, Bryce Canyon and Canyonlands, but Utah’s first and most popular national park is Zion National Park. Visitors can enjoy hiking, climbing, biking and birding here.
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Covering 415 mountainous square miles, Rocky Mountain National Park is the fourth most-visited. Here, visitors can spot a variety of wildlife from a safe distance, and explore the park’s many hiking trails. Rocky Mountain National Park also has a number of scenic drives for visitors who want to see the park’s forests, wildflower-covered grasslands, and more without leaving their cars.
1. When is the best time to admire leaves in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?| A．Spring. | B．Summer. | C．Autumn. | D．Winter. |
| A．Zion National Park. | B．Yellowstone National Park. |
| C．Rocky Mountain National Park. | D．Great Smoky Mountains National Park. |
| A．In Utah. | B．In Tennessee. |
| C．In Wyoming. | D．In Colorado. |
5 . There’s nothing like graduating to make you want a celebratory vacation. So, where should you go once you graduate?
Iceland
With stunning bays, shooting geysers (间歇喷泉), natural hot springs and the northern lights — Iceland offers an otherworldly reset from your studies. A nature-first vacation, try and dedicate some time beyond the beautiful capital Reykjavik. You’ll need a large budget to chase waterfalls, sip pints and toast your graduation in Iceland, but you’ll look at the world entirely anew.
Florence, Italy
Florence offers a decadence (颓废) and youthfulness that is easier to access than in Rome or Naples, and its Renaissance beauty will fill your aching heart if you don’t want to leave university or college. Marvel at Botticelli’s masterpiece, the Birth of Venus, in the Uffizi and wander the expansive Boboli Gardens. Luxuriate with two-hour dinners on one of their many piazzas, climb to the top of the fabled Duomo to take in the rolling hills in the distance. There is so much to love about Florence, but like most major cities in Italy, it can be expensive, but it’s the price you pay to heal your heartache.
Greece
Few places have the same vacation appeal as Greece. With its hot, sunny climate and brilliant museums, especially the Acropolis Museum, the fantastic restaurants and endless island hopping opportunities, it’s hard to have a dull moment. Pro-tip: Don’t skip Athens. The birthplace of Western civilization and a paradise for thinkers, artists and scientists, come see the starting place for man’s greatest ideas.
Vietnam
Affordable, beautiful and warm, a graduation trip to Vietnam gets you out of your comfort zone. Get lost in a sea of mopeds in Hanoi and slurp pho on stools along the sidewalk. Head up to Halong Bay, where you can tour its limestone islands on a junk boat.
1. If we want to enjoy the beautiful northern lights, where should we go?| A．Iceland. | B．Florence. | C．Athens. | D．Vietnam. |
| A．We can fill our aching heart. | B．There are many delicious piazzas. |
| C．Both need a large budget. | D．Both have a long and prosperous history. |
| A．Because we appreciate many masters’ artworks. |
| B．Because we can visit many brilliant museums. |
| C．Because we will never have a dull moment. |
| D．Because Western civilization originates from here. |
6 . Sentry Mead, Isle of Wight
Sentry Mead is an ideal destination with nine beautifully decorated bedrooms. The attention to detail is exceptional. Hence, each room enjoys its own uniqueness. And guests delight in features such as piles of books, homemade cupcakes, chocolates and a pillow menu. Dogs are welcomed and are allowed everywhere except the dining room. Besides walks and treats, there are blankets for them too.
The Halfway Bridge, West Sussex
The Halfway Bridge, a welcoming village pub-with-rooms, is oriented (指向的) towards rural life, famous for its delicious local and fresh food —their burgers are particularly popular. Rooms are in a single-story block behind the pub, and offer contemporary rural style. Dogs can stay in select rooms with garden access. Treats for four-legged friends are available in the lounge (大厅) and bar and there’s always a water bowl to hand.
The Falcondale, Wales
The Falcondale is a romantic destination. Stay in a valley-view room and enjoy the teapot. coffeepot and shortbread available in all rooms. Dogs not only enjoy the landscape, but can sit with you in part of the restaurant. There’s a luxury Canine Retreat package available. Bowls, blankets, towels, mess bags, leads, a torch and an outdoor tap are provided, as well as treats, a temperature-controlled dog bat h and a dog dining menu.
The Traddock, Austwick
The place to go for walking, especially if you choose to bring the dog with you. The Traddock is a welcome country house in the Yorkshire Dales national park. Homely and warm, rooms are decorated in comforting style but with a clear sense of luxury too. Locally sourced food always takes center stage. The personal welcome extends to four-legged friends who will love the many surrounding walks and the peaceful garden. After a day outdoors, they can relax in the lounge and bar.
1. What is special about Sentry Mead?| A．It welcomes dogs. | B．It is detail-focused. |
| C．It has luxury rooms. | D．It has fine decorations. |
| A．To have dogs examined. | B．To create a database of dogs. |
| C．To take good care of dogs. | D．To promote some dog food. |
| A．They are dog-friendly. | B．They are in the downtown. |
| C．They have rural scenery. | D．They have dog shelters. |
7 . A champion for all children, Association to Benefit Children (ABC) offers every child a joyful, beloved life by creating programs in urgent response to the needs of New York City’s most disadvantaged families.
Role: After-school Helper
Responsibilities: Volunteers work besides killed youth workers, family specialists, and educators to create a safe and stimulating space where children are motivated to develop the academic skills and emotional strengths necessary for success in the classroom and in life. Day today volunteer tasks could include providing homework help, teaching a new skill, or participating in scheduled activities.
Days and Times: Monday to Friday, 3: 30pm-5: 30pm at 1841 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10035
Special skills or requirements: No special skills needed, but any special subject that a volunteer wants to teach is welcomed and background check maybe required.
Contact: Jessica Casanova
Role: Study Mate
Responsibilities: Study Mates Connect (SMC) is a virtual tutoring program that offers individualized tutoring sessions in Math and English to school-aged children. Volunteers teach children online at an appointed time each week, and they receive curricular support from SMC staff members. Volunteers make a year-long commitment to tutoring so they can minimize interruptions to the children’s education.
Days and Times: Flexible, but 1-2 hours weekly in the afternoon/evening is needed.
Special skills or requirements: Background check will be required and ability to help with homework and reading is essential.
Contact: Erica Choi
1. What is a task of an after-school helper?| A．Cooperating to build a classroom. | B．Assisting Jessica to organize activities. |
| C．Offering help with children’s assignments. | D．Teaching parents how to handle children. |
| A．Offering background information. | B．Being free from 3pmto5pm. |
| C．Majoring in Math or English. | D．Becoming an SMC staff member. |
| A．Poor families | B．Activity planners. | C．Family specialists. | D．Potential volunteers. |
8 . School’s out for summer! The long break is the perfect time to lounge (躺) around with a good book, and luckily we have a selection of the best reading out right now. From pizza-based chaos to detective penguins, we’re sure you’ll find what you’re looking for in our book guide.
Safiyyah’s War
By Hiba Noor Khan Paperback ₤7. 99
War comes to the streets of Paris, and Safiyyah must pick up all her courage to run dangerous errands (差使) around the city and help save the lives of hundreds of Jewish people. The book is based on the incredible and inspiring true story of the resistance run from the Grand Mosque of Paris.
Einstein the Penguin: The Case of the Fishy Detective
By Iona Rangeley Hardback £ 12. 99
An unforgettable friend returns! After his first adventure in London, the fairy penguin from Sydney really has no place in this city, so he sets out for Australia. It’s time for Einstein the Penguin to turn detective again in this warm and fantastically funny follow-up to Iona Rangeley’s first best-seller.
Until the Road Ends
By Phil Earle Paperback £ 7. 99
An exciting WWII animal adventure from the author of When the Sky Falls. Stray dog Beau becomes an unexpected war hero. At night, as bombs rain down on London, Beau searches the ruins, rescuing survivors. Then disaster strikes and Beau sets off on an incredible journey to find his friend Peggy. . .
Pizza Pete and the Perilous Potions
By Carrie Sellon Illustrated by Sarah Horne Paperback £ 7. 99
When Pete finds a briefcase of magical potions (药剂) in the small room above his dad’s pizza shop, he thinks he’s found the answer to all their money worries. Then Pete’s life turns from boring pizza margherita into chaotic spicy pepperoni… A funny and heartwarming story, filled with delightful illustrations by Sarah Horne.
1. What is special about Einstein the Penguin: The Case of the Fishy Detective?| A．It features fascinating pictures. | B．It is a paperback priced at £ 12. 99. |
| C．It introduces an unexpected war hero. | D．It continues the story of an earlier book. |
| A．Safiyyah’s War. | B．Until the Road Ends. |
| C．Pizza Pete and the Perilous Potions. | D．Einstein the Penguin: The Case of the Fishy Detective. |
| A．They tell stories in wartime. | B．They are based on true stories. |
| C．They are about animal adventures. | D．They describe the life of Jewish people. |
9 . If you’re aiming to cut back on meat and you want to build muscle strength, you’re not alone. Now, a new study finds that swapping red and processed meat for plant protein a few times a week leads to better health and lowers carbon emission.
“We found that there was an increase in life expectancy of approximately nine months linked to 50% reduction of red meat consumption,” says Olivia Auclair. “When it comes to diet changes to improve health and climate, we don’t need to go to major extremes or completely wipe out foods from our diet.”
But sudden changes can be jarring. For a long time Kyle Backlund had been in the habit of eating meat at many meals, and when he cut back, he felt a drop in his energy level and experienced some tiredness and weakness. When he realized he needed to increase his protein intake, his wife Stephany Marreel — who does most of the cooking and also eats a plant-based diet — found a solution by adding tofu, vegetables, and grains. Kyle says he is now feeling good on his plant-focused diet.
People can get all the protein and nutrients they need from a plant-based diet as long as they do a little planning, says Dr. Christopher Gardner, a food scientist. “If someone is consuming a reasonable variety, meeting protein needs from plant sources is no problem,” Gardner says.
There’s an environmental argument for shifting diet as well, Gardner says. Livestock (家畜) require lots of land and water. Beef production requires 20 times more land and produces 20 times more greenhouse gas emissions, per gram of protein, compared to beans. If people in the U.S. swapped beef for beans, this one switch alone could get the U.S. about halfway to its greenhouse gas reduction goals.
1. What should you do to improve health and climate according to Olivia Auclair?| A．Change your meat-based diet a little. | B．Give up red meat in your meals. |
| C．Become a devoted plant-protein lover. | D．Take up proper ways of cooking. |
| A．Admirable. | B．Upsetting. | C．Meaningful. | D．Rewarding. |
| A．By exercising more. | B．By consuming less red meat. |
| C．By eating various foods. | D．By having whole grain. |
| A．Cattle are the main source of greenhouse gases. |
| B．Americans are reducing greenhouse gas emission. |
| C．Shifting diet can be beneficial to the planet. |
| D．Bean production requires lots of land and water. |
10 . On Friday, students around the world will walk out of their classrooms and gather in joint protests to highlight the global crisis created by climate change. The goal? To get elected officials and industry leaders to actually act to stop the coming disaster.
Climate change poses a terrible threat to humanity, and politicians aren’t doing enough to find solutions, protest organizers wrote on the Global Climate Strike website. Greenhouse gas emissions (排放) are a primary driver of global warming, but leaders have been irresolute about abandoning fossil fuels, even as global temperatures continue to climb.
Strikes and protests by students in more than 2,500 locations aim to show that the younger generations won’t stand easily by while their future — and their planet — hang in the balance. The strike follows a summer of extreme weather linked to climate change: strange global heat waves, wildfires and ice loss from glaciers (冰川). In July, three studies found that the global climate is changing more quickly than it has in the past 2,000 years.
Sixteen-year-old Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, who is currently visiting New York City, is one of the strike’s key organizers. Thunberg will speak at a Friday demonstration at Foley Square there at 12 p. m. local time, after which protesters will march to Battery Park. Thunberg will also address the UN Climate Action Summit on September 23. The emergency meeting is being organized so that world leaders can present “concrete, realistic plans” for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, with the goal of reaching zero emissions by 2050, according to a UN statement.
Thousands of protests are planned for Friday — just three days prior to the summit—and collectively, they will be the biggest climate action in history.
1. Why will students gather together?| A．To make their voice heard by leaders. |
| B．To call on moves to protect the earth. |
| C．To celebrate the newly elected officials. |
| D．To organize a big protest for civil rights. |
| A．Hesitant. | B．Concerned. | C．Decisive. | D．Thoughtful. |
| A．Electing new leaders of the summit. |
| B．Reorganizing the UN department. |
| C．Reaching zero emissions by 2050. |
| D．Protecting the whole human beings. |
| A．Global Students Mobilize for Climate Action |
| B．Why Not Join the Students for a New Planet? |
| C．Organize a Climate Talk for the Only Earth |
| D．A New Strike Will Be Staged Worldwide |
