1 . “Never give up! Never give up!” sang my two young children, Max and Charley, as they marched barefoot behind their grandmother Mimi on another adventure, off the beach where they had spent the day building sand castles and beating the waves. This time, they were seeking the ice-cream truck.

Over the years, Mimi had become our family’s source of positivity through her effort. My father’s death left her to raise me and my ten-year-old brother alone at forty. She faced tragedy that is powerful enough to cloud just about anyone’ s outlook. Instead, she challenged herself to find joy every day. She was always up for a new challenge, whether parasailing over the Gulf of Mexico, or signing up for tap-dancing classes at fifty. Leading by example, Mom taught us how much one could accomplish with a positive attitude.

She has taken the same approach in her relationship with her grandchildren. Prior to starting her adventure with Max and Charley that hot July afternoon, Mimi heard the familiar sound of the ice-cream man’s bell from her beach chair. The ice-cream man’s visit is a daily occurrence at the beach, but one must be quick to catch his truck. Max and Charley were disappointed when they didn’t catch him in time that day, until Mimi’ s eyes sparkled and explained that they could rush to find it at its next stop.

They walked block after block. My kids’ tiny legs were tired, but they went on. After about twenty minutes’ walking, Max spoke out loud, “Maybe we should give up.” Charley responded with a quick “No way! Never give up!” and resumed her singing with Mimi.

Just two blocks later, they found it. Max and Charley screamed with excitement, “Never give up!” Simple though it was, that phrase has become our battle cry (口号) for the challenges we face. Upon hearing those words, they are instantly transported to a positive state of mind—where the next ice-cream truck is just around the corner.

1. Why were Max and Charley marching barefoot?

A．To get some extra exercise on the beach.

B．To meet their grandma’ s special request.

C．To run after the truck for an ice cream.

D．To build sand castles and fight the waves.

2. What can we learn about Mimi from paragraph 2?

A．She was optimistic despite misfortune.	B．She once had a bright prospect in life.
C．She was dominant in her community.	D．She developed an interest in adventure.

3. How did Charley react to Max’s disappointment?

A．She blamed him for being loud.	B．She took the chance to be outstanding.
C．She turned to Mimi for some advice.	D．She opposed him and went on seeking.

4. What lesson can we learn from the story?

A．Self-trust is the first secret of success.	B．Remain positive in times of difficulties.
C．Seize a chance in life before it disappears.	D．Hope for the best and prepare for the worst.

2 . The teenage years are a transformative period marked by great physical, psychological, and emotional changes.     1     They refer to the feelings that arise during interactions with others, such as gratitude, shame, sympathy, guilt, and pride.

Understanding and managing social emotions can help develop teenagers’ identities. Teenagers experience a wide range of emotions from social interactions, which significantly influences their self-understanding and social awareness. In the process, they learn to understand, and appropriately respond to both their own emotions and those of others.     2    

In academic settings, social emotional competencies like self-regulation, motivation, and social awareness directly impact a teenager’s ability to learn, participate, and engage in school activities.     3     Teenagers with strong social emotional skills are better equipped to handle stress, resist peer pressure, and avoid risky behaviors, reducing the likelihood of developing mental health issues.

Learning social emotions involves a combination of personal experience, guidance, and formal education.     4     This environment influences teenagers’ earliest understanding of how to communicate and manage their emotions. They feel safe and supportive to express their emotions freely and learn to manage them without fear of judgment. Schools also play a significant role through social emotional learning programs that teach these skills in a structured environment. Community involvement, extracurricular activities, and peer (同伴) interactions offer additional opportunities for teenagers to practice and refine their social emotional skills.

    5     It contributes to a teenager’s ability to manage their own emotions, understand others’ emotions, and face social complexities. This learning is a cornerstone for shaping their identity, influencing their interpersonal relationships, academic success, mental health, and future life outcomes.

A．What exactly are social emotions?

B．The journey into mature emotion is quite easy.

C．Social emotion learning for teenagers is essential.

D．Central to this phase is the concept of social emotions.

E．This helps shape their own personal principles and beliefs.

F．Families play a crucial role in modeling and developing these skills.

G．Moreover, social emotional skills are closely linked to mental health.

3 . Four Nominees for the Best Picture of 2024 Oscar

Here are four nominees for the Best Picture of the 96th Academy Awards.

American Fiction

American Fiction is a comedy-drama film written and directed by Cord Jefferson. Based on the 2001 novel Erasure by Percival Everett, it follows a frustrated novelist-professor who writes an outlandish satire of stereotypical “black” books. It was named one of the top 10 films of 2023 by the American Film Institute.

Anatomy of a Fall

Anatomy of a Fall is a 2023 French legal drama thriller film, directed by Justine Triet from a screenplay she co-wrote with Arthur Harari. It is about a writer trying to prove her innocence in her husband’s death, which brings the audience fear. It was released theatrically in France by Le Pacte on 23 August, 2023.The film has won two awards at the Golden Globes.

Barbie

Barbie is a 2023 fantasy comedy film directed by Greta Gerwig from a screenplay she wrote with Noah Baumbach. Based on the eponymous fashion dolls by Mattel, the film stars Margot Robbie as the title character and Ryan Gosling as Ken, and follows the pair on a journey of self-discovery through both Barbie land and the real world.

The Holdovers

The Holdovers is a 2023 American comedy-drama film directed by Alexander Payne. The film is about a strict classics teacher at a New England boarding school who is forced to look after a handful of students.

1. Anatomy of a Fall is a ____________ film.

A．war

B．horror

C．fantasy

D．disaster

2. Which film would a doll fan prefer to watch?

A．American Fiction.	B．Anatomy of a Fall.
C．Barbie.	D．The Holdovers.

3. What do the four films have in common?

A．They are comedy films.	B．They are American films.
C．They were based on screenplays.	D．They were released in the same year.

4 . In this issue, we offer up a small taste of a vast and attractive culinary (烹饪的) region — from classic dishes and treasured institutions to pioneering chefs and new directions. Here is what some of the contributors want to say to you.

Patrick Hanlon

Although there is a lot of seaweed around Ireland’s coast, it wasn’t always liked. However, it’s now becoming increasingly popular as a key part in traditional Irish food. The dish I enjoyed while looking out over the Atlantic in Connemara perfectly showed how popular seaweed has become lately. CONNEMARA, P8

Mike Jordan

I’m a true Southerner: born in Nashville, raised in Huntsville, Alabama, and now based in Atlanta. I loved talking to brilliant Southern chefs like Mashama Bailey and Rodney Scott, who represent the region’s incredible diversity and unique culture, and tell new stories through their cuisine. SOUTHERN STATES, P48

Sian Meades Williams

When I visited Santorini to find out more about vinsanto, the local dessert wine, it was the powerful women winemakers that really impressed me. They’re working hard to make real change in the industry, and their love for the island, its produce and their community runs through everything they do. SANTORINI, P66

Cecilia Hae-Jin Lee

The culinary history of any country is full of depth and surprises. Sharing the story of bibimbap reveals only a small part of the beautiful and troubled history of my home country of Korea, with its rolling countryside, dramatic mountains and weather-beaten fishing boats. BIBIMBAP, P76

1. Who writes about the cuisine of the Southern states?

A．Patrick Hanlon.	B．Mike Jordan.
C．Sian Meades Williams.	D．Cecilia Hae-Jin Lee.

2. What impressed Sian Meades Williams during her visit to Santorini?

A．The diversity of cultures.	B．The local dessert wine.
C．The popularity of seaweed.	D．The female winemakers.

3. On which page can we read about Korea’s culinary history?

A．P8.

B．P48.

C．P66.

D．P76.

5 . Must-read New Fiction Books

We all have a few tried-and-true fiction favorites, but there’s something special about a brand-new, hot-off-the-press novel. Whether it’s your favorite author’s new release or a new writer’s first work, great fiction books make the perfect escape from ordinary life. That’s why we’ve rounded up a list of the best new books released in February.

Age of Gold by Jerry Lapoor

Jerry Lapoor’s latest action-packed novel unfolds like a crazy movie. This thriller begins when a wealthy man’s car gets out of control. But when the dust settles, the rich man is nowhere to be found. How and to where does he disappear? With an exciting plot that will carry you from old-money houses to small agricultural villages, Age of Cold will take you on an unforgettable ride across a vast land.

City Under One Sky by Rachel Young

In the book, Young presents a crime story set in a small town. Detective Sara Kennedy has been sent to investigate a case. But soon after arrival, Sara gets snowed in with the 205 townsfolk living in the same apartment building. Who is hiding the key to the crime? And is there anyone she can truly trust? The appealing story, strange but distinctive characters and unexpected plot are just a few of the reasons why City Under One Sky gains its popularity.

Lady by Jess George

Lady is an irresistible fiction from Jess George. The story of Mary’s fresh start at adulthood is shot through with themes of family, race and discrimination, womanhood and the immigrant reality of feeling torn between cultures. Though struggling with life in London as an African, Mary jumps at every chance to stand on her own feet.

1. What will impress the readers in Age of Gold?

A．The thrilling plot.	B．Traditional cultures.
C．The family conflict.	D．Crazy characters.

2. What happens to Sara Kennedy in City Under One Sky?

A．She is trapped in the snow.	B．She is to investigate a case abroad.
C．She hides the key evidence.	D．She has trouble discovering the truth.

3. Which is likely to be the main theme of Lady?

A．Self-reliance.	B．Gender equality.
C．Domestic violence.	D．Cross-cultural communication.

6 . Here are my top choices for the world’s best eco-hotels for holidays. A visit to any of these hotels promises a memorable and fulfilling vacation.

Bambu Indah (Bali)

This small hotel is the exact picture of what it calls “old-school Bali”—a restful and laid-back experience in harmony with nature. Spend your days at Bambu Indah in natural river swimming pools fed by waterfalls, open-air bamboo structures on stilts (高跷) above the rice fields.

Why Book:

● There are only oil lamps in the hotel in an effort to reduce light pollution.

● Mosquito nets around beds catch cool air as part of a cooling solution that avoids traditional air conditioning and lessens the carbon footprint.

● Banana leaves are used as plates and papaya stems as straws as part of the hotel’s no-plastic policy.

The Stanford Inn By The Sea (California)

The Stanford Inn paints a picture of wellness that extends beyond diet and exercise. Private classes and scissions in nutrition and healthy living are provided and a large greenhouse houses a saltwater swimming pool for year-round use.

Why Book:

● The inn hosts students in its Environmental Leadership Field school, providing these students with 4- to 6-week explorations into sustainability.

● The property has been practicing organic farming for more than 30 years.

Soneva Kiri (Thailand)

Just 90 minutes from Bangkok, within a rainforest, guests can enjoy the unspoiled beauty and beaches of Soneye Kiri. Night diving and dining in a mushroom cave are just a couple of the unforgettable activities on offer.

Why Book:

● A 2% environmental tax on all stays goes toward the Soneva Foundation, which invests in various projects.

● Soneva funds the organization Care for Children, which has opened a foster care (寄养) training and resource center in Thailand.

● Partnerships with NGOs and other organizations help protect local marine life.

1. What is special about Bambu Indah?

A．It used to be a school.	B．It prefers non-electrical devices.
C．It charges environmental tax.	D．It has a saltwater swimming pool.

2. Who may choose to stay in the Stanford Inn By The Sea?

A．Jack, who loves adventures.	B．Mary, who is active in charity.
C．Tom, who majors in engineering.	D．Kate, who favors organic produce.

3. What do these three hotels have in common?

A．They are friendly to the environment.

B．They are located deep in the rainforest.

C．They support local community projects.

D．They offer luxurious holiday experiences.

7 . According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), hundreds of marine (海洋的) species across the world come under endangered and critically endangered categories. Some of the endangered and recognizable marine species are named here.

Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle

The Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle, also known as the Atlantic Ridley Sea Turtle, is endangered as the rarest and smallest sea turtle.

Distributed throughout the Gulf of Mexico and U.S. Atlantic seaboard, they gather off the coast in northeastern Mexico and come ashore in large groups to lay eggs every year. As marine reptiles (爬行动物), they are threatened by oil spills, lack of food and marine pollution.

Vaquita

As a rare marine mammal, Vaquita is on the edge of extinction only a half-century after its first sighting.

Extensive fishing in the Gulf of California has endangered this marine species, resulting in a gradual drop in population since the 1940s. According to reports, there are only a dozen of these marine mammals left in the world since the percentage of decline in their population was as much as 90% since 2011.

Whale

Fin Whale is the second-largest mammal on the planet after Blue Whale and it is also a victim of hunting. According to estimates, the global population of Fin Whale ranges from below 100,000 to around 119,000.

Humpback Whale, another whale species, has also been listed as an endangered marine species. Before the introduction of the whaling moratorium (暂停) in 1966, the species was hunted for its fur, while the population dropped by 90%. Currently, around 2,500 Humpback Whales survive in the world.

Hawaiian Monk Seal

A native of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, Hawaiian Monk Seal is one of the earless seals who live on warm beaches, unlike other seals.

According to recent research, only 1,400 Hawaiian Monk Seals remain on the Islands. These seals are mainly threatened by predators like tiger sharks. Besides, other reasons like habitat loss and food limitation also contribute to their critical situation.

1. Why do Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtles land on the beach in large groups?

A．To nest.

B．To reproduce.

C．To avoid attack.

D．To hunt foods.

2. What is the major threat to Hawaiian Monk Seal?

A．Global warming.

B．Lack of food.

C．Natural enemies.

D．Habitat pollution.

3. Which of the following is the most critically endangered species?

A．Vaquita.

B．Fin Whale.

C．Humpback Whale.

D．Hawaiian Monk Seal.

8 . How to Get Your Children to Help with Housework

It’s natural for young children to want to spend time with their parents. But doing housework often causes Mum and Dad to take many hours away from their kids.     1    ? Use this as a chance to get your children to help you out with housework, and find endless ways to stay with them. The following are some simple, basic tips on what to do.

Break down big housework into smaller tasks

    2    . If you expect them to help with a mountain of washed clothes, apply the “divide-and-conquer (征服)”method. Smaller children can help with handkerchiefs, while older kids can be arranged shorts and shirts.

    3    

If a task is too difficult, don’t allow your children to take the easy way out and quit. Instead. make things easier for them by offering help. This will give them the impression that you’re a team and that they can depend on you.

Bargain or negotiate (协商)

This is especially helpful on extremely busy days when your kids don’t have time to help out.    4    

Use repetition

Children learn through continuous reinforcement (强化), so be patient, even if it may take a while for them to do a task properly.    5    . In the case of folding (折叠) towels, you can instruct them that each fold should be one-fourth of the entire towel.

A．So what is the solution

B．Offer a proper cleaning tool

C．Offer a helping hand when needed

D．They can then add up all the points every weekend

E．You can work around a schedule but still keep flexible

F．Use a step-by-step way when explaining what should be done

G．Housework that is easy for adults may seem hard for children

9 . “Award” and “reward” have similar meanings. They both can be different parts of speech-nouns and verbs. They are something you get for your behaviour, but there are major differences. Let’s look more deeply at each word.

“An award” is a noun. It is something valuable that is given, like a prize, to someone for their accomplishments. “Awards” are usually given by someone to someone else. As a verb, “award” means to give someone something, like a prize or money, for an accomplishment. Look at the following sentences: The students received an award from the teacher for not missing any school days. The judges awarded first place to the dance group.

In the area of law, “award” has slightly different meanings. As a verb, “award” means to give an official judgment (判决) of an amount or sum of money. As a noun, “award” is the amount of money the court or judge decides. Look at the following sentences: The judges awarded money to the victims (受害者). The award totaled 2.5 million dollars.

Let’s move on to “reward”. “A reward” is a benefit given to someone in exchange for a certain behaviour or action. “Reward” as a verb means to give someone a prize for their actions or behaviour. Look at the following sentences: The reward for all the students passing the test was an ice cream party. I rewarded my cat with some fish after he did a trick.

Remember, “award” is based on accomplishments. And “reward” is based on behaviours or actions.

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

1. What is the text mainly about?

A．The development of American English.

B．The differences between two English words.

C．The history of foreign language.

D．The key to telling a noun from a verb.

2. What does the underlined word “accomplishment” in Paragraph 2 probably mean?

A．Success.

B．Wealth.

C．Friendship.

D．Mind.

3. Which of the following people can get “an award”?

A．Mark who got the last place in the race.

B．Sara who won a lawsuit (诉讼) over a case.

C．Lily who finished her exciting day.

D．Andrew who helped his friend get a ticket.

4. From which part of a magazine can you probably find the text?

A．Science.

B．Study.

C．Tradition.

D．History.

10 . Nature & Outdoor Activities—World

Below are the 2024 Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Nature and Outdoor activities. Think fresh air, new heights, and even a wildlife sighting or two.

Grand Circle Island

Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii

Duration: 9h

Ages 0-99, 10 at most per group

Ideal tor first-time visitors, or those with limited time, this full-day tour takes you all around Oahu, making sure that you don’t miss a thing. You’ll see top attractions including Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, Halona. Blowhole, the Byodo-In Temple and the surfing beaches of the North.

Ziplining Forest Adventure

Rotorua, New Zealand

Duration: 3h

Ages 6-99, 10 at most per group

This tour takes you flying through a centuries-old forest as you. switch (切换) between the six zipline cables (电缆) 72 feet above the ground. Get a bird’s-eye view as two expert guides suit you up with safety equipment and teach you about the forest environment.

Fairbanks Snowmobile Adventure

North Pole, Alaska

Duration: 1h

Ages 7-85, 4 at most per group

Speed through winter scenery on this snowmobile adventure in North Pole. Follow an expert guide into the Chena Lakes Recreation area on leading you across frozen lakes and rivers, and keep an eye out for wildlife. Then, park the snowmobile and relax yourself with a warm drink, and some snacks.

Epic Canyoning Madeira

Madeira Portugal

Duration: 4.5h

Ages 16-63, 12 at most per group

Reach Madeira, you can’t get to any other way than canyoning (峡谷漂流) with this small group canyoning tour. Journey into the mountain of the island for hours of going down waterfalls, natural water slides, and jumping into pools for a swim.

1. Which of the following best suits the new comers?

A．Fairbanks Snowmobile Adventure.	B．Epic Canyoning Madeira.
C．Grand Circle Island.	D．Zipline Forest Adventure.

2. What can visitors do in Fairbanks Snowmobile Adventure?

A．Meet some wild animals.	B．Take part in a dinner party.
C．Journey in the mountain.	D．Have a snowmobile class.

3. If 11 students aged 17 want to take a tour together, they will go to __________.

A．Alaska

B．Portugal

C．Hawaii

D．New Zealand