1 . Each ARTS FIRST festival is a unique annual celebration of the Harvard community's artistic creativity. We invite you to join us for the coming ARTS FIRST. We look forward to welcoming you as we showcase the creativity of the Harvard arts community through performances, art exhibitions and art-making activities. The festival is a public event for Harvard and community members of all ages.

Light Awash in Watercolor

Learn about the materials and qualities of watercolor paint with experts from the Harvard Art Museums Materials Lab. Try your hand at some of the painting tricks used by artists whose works will be in the upcoming exhibition of American Watercolors 1880-1990: Into the Light.

Spineless Artists: Invertebrate Creativity

From webs to cocoons, invertebrates (无脊椎动物) create some of nature's most delicate and beautiful designs. Join Javier Marin from the Harvard Museum of Natural History to learn how insects and other invertebrates dance, inspire fashion and create art, while making your own spineless artists out of craft (手工艺) materials.

Wheel Throwing

Join instructors from the Ceramics Program and great potters from Quincy, Cabot and Mather Houses for demonstrations using the potter's wheel. Then create your own masterpiece!

Knitting and Pom-Pom Making

Join the Harvard Undergraduate Knitting Circle to make pom-poms and tassels out of thread, or pick up a pair of needles and learn to knit (编织).

1. What do we know about ARTS FIRST?

A．It is an exhibition of oil paintings.	B．It offers art courses for all ages.
C．It presents recreational activities.	D．It is a major tourist attraction.

2. Which program will you join if you're interested in drawing pictures?

A．Light Awash in Watercolor.	B．Spineless Artists: Invertebrate Creativity.
C．Wheel Throwing.	D．Knitting and Pom-Pom Making.

3. What can you do together with Javier Marin?

A．Practice a traditional dance.	B．Make handcrafts.
C．Visit a local museum.	D．Feed invertebrates.

2 . Choice of Walks for Beginner and Experienced Walkers

The Carlow Autumn Walking Festival is a great opportunity for the beginner, experienced or advanced walker to enjoy the challenges of Carlow’s mountain hikes or the peace of its woodland walks.

Walk 1 — The Natural World

With environmentalist Éanna Lamhna as the guide, this walk promises to be an informative tour. Walkers are sure to learn lots about the habitats and natural world of the Blackstairs.

Date and Time: Saturday, 1st October, at 09:00

Start Point: Scratoes Bridge

Walk Duration: 6 hours

Walk 2 — Introduction to Hillwalking

Emmanuel Chappard, an experienced guide, has a passion for making the great outdoors accessible to all. This mountain walk provides an insight into the skills required for hillwalking to ensure you get the most from future walking trips.

Date and Time: Sunday, 2nd October, at 09:00

Start Point: Deerpark Car Park

Walk Duration: 5 hours

Walk 3 — Moonlight Under the Stars

Walking at night-time is a great way to step out of your comfort zone. Breathtaking views of the lowlands of Carlow can be enjoyed in the presence of welcoming guides from local walking clubs. A torch (手电筒) along with suitable clothing is essential for walking in the dark. Those who are dressed inappropriately will be refused permission to participate.

Date and Time: Saturday, 1st October, at 18:30

Start Point: The Town Hall

Walk Duration: 3 hours

Walk 4 — Photographic Walk in Kilbrannish Forest

This informative walk led by Richard Smyth introduces you to the basic principles of photography in the wild. Bring along your camera and enjoy the wonderful views along this well-surfaced forest path.

Date and Time: Sunday, 2nd October, at 11:45

Start Point: Kilbrannish Forest Recreation Area

Walk Duration: 1.5 hours

1. Which walk takes the shortest time?

A．The Natural World.	B．Introduction to Hillwalking.
C．Moonlight Under the Stars.	D．Photographic Walk in Kilbrannish Forest.

2. What are participants in Walk 3 required to do?

A．Wear proper clothes.	B．Join a walking club.
C．Get special permits.	D．Bring a survival guide.

3. What do the four walks have in common?

A．They involve difficult climbing.	B．They are for experienced walkers.
C．They share the same start point.	D．They are scheduled for the weekend.

3 . 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.

4 . HABITAT RESTORATION TEAM

Help restore and protect Marin's natural areas from the Marin Headlands to Bolinas Ridge. We'll explore beautiful park sites while conducting invasive (侵入的) plant removal, winter planting, and seed collection. Habitat Restoration Team volunteers play a vital role in restoring sensitive resources and protecting endangered species across the ridges and valleys.

GROUPS

Groups of five or more require special arrangements and must be confirmed in advance. Please review the List of Available Projects and fill out the Group Project Request Form.

AGE, SKILLS, WHAT TO BRING

Volunteers aged 10 and over are welcome. Read our Youth Policy Guidelines for youth under the age of 15.

Bring your completed Volunteer Agreement Form. Volunteers under the age of 18 must have the parent/guardian approval section signed.

We'll be working rain or shine. Wear clothes that can get dirty. Bring layers for changing weather and a raincoat if necessary.

Bring a personal water bottle, sunscreen, and lunch.

No experience necessary. Training and tools will be provided. Fulfills (满足) community service requirements.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Time	Meeting Location
Sunday, Jan. 15   10:00 am — 1:00 pm	Battery Alexander Trailhead
Sunday, Jan. 22   10:00 am — 2:30 pm	Stinson Beach Parking Lot
Sunday, Jan. 29   9:30 am — 2:30 pm	Coyote Ridge Trailhead

1. What is the aim of the Habitat Restoration Team?

A．To discover mineral resources.	B．To develop new wildlife parks.
C．To protect the local ecosystem.	D．To conduct biological research.

2. What is the lower age limit for joining the Habitat Restoration Team?

A．5.

B．10.

C．15.

D．18.

3. What are the volunteers expected to do?

A．Bring their own tools.	B．Work even in bad weather.
C．Wear a team uniform.	D．Do at least three projects.

5 . An apology tells someone that we’re sorry for the hurt we caused — even if we didn’t do it on purpose. It’s a way of saying we’re aware of what we did and we’ll try to do better in future.

    1    . Sometimes we hurt people’s feelings without wanting to. Sometimes, we do it on purpose and feel bad later on. So we apologize.

Apologies are one of the tools that we use to get along better with other people. Saying that you’re sorry is more than just words.     2    . Apologizing shows you can understand the other person’s feelings as if they were your own. What’s more, after apologizing, you might feel a little better. The other person probably will, too.     3    , you can feel good because you are trying to make things right again.

Everyone needs to apologize when they do something wrong. For example, if someone is irritated because of something you did, you need to apologize. If you say something that hurts someone, even if you don’t mean it, then you should apologize.     4    .

When someone apologizes to you, you may welcome it and be ready to forgive.     5    . If a person keeps hurting you and apologizing without making an effort to change, you might not want to hang out with that person anymore. However, it’s always good to accept an apology.

A．When you apologize in a caring way

B．When you accept an apology in a desirable way

C．It’s difficult to mend a relationship if we don’t apologize

D．Or you might not feel like being friendly again right away

E．It isn’t always easy for us to get along well with everyone all the time

F．If you lose or break something belonging to someone else, you should say sorry

G．You’re also saying that you respect and care about the other person’s feelings

6 . There is a mountain of great ski opportunities not too far from Boston. Road-trip to one of these fantastic ski mountains this winter.

Blue Hills Ski Area

A ski day trip doesn’t get any easier than the Blue Hills Ski Area. It is the only snow sports facility in the metro area. Skiing and snowboarding are spread over its 60 skiable acres, 90% of which are equipped for snowmaking. The vertical drop is 309 feet and there are four lifts serving the 16 trails, most of which are for advanced skiers. There are lessons for kids and adults to help you get there.

Crochet Mountain Resort

It’s famous for signature “Midnight Madness” events and daily night skiing. It has an 875-foot vertical drop and 23 trails across 75 skiable acres. A great mountain for skiers, half its terrain is graded for intermediates with the rest being split between advanced and beginner terrain.

Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort

It’s the only one of ski resorts to be 100% powered by renewable energy sources. Skiers will find a 1,150-foot vertical drop, 45 trails, 3 terrain parks and 9 lifts across 167 skiable acres. The whole family can take lessons, enjoy dining or buy a ticket and go for a ride on the 3,600-foot Mountain Coaster!

Smugglers’ Notch

Smugglers’ Notch has a 2,564-foot vertical drop, 78 trails, 5 terrain parks and 8 lifts spread across 1,000 skiable acres. Known as a full-service family-oriented resort, it offers plenty to do off mountain like ice skating, arts and crafts workshops and an indoor swimming pool!

1. Which ski resort mainly targets advanced skiers?

A．Blue Hills Ski Area.	B．Crochet Mountain Resort.
C．Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort.	D．Smugglers’ Notch.

2. What’s the highlight of Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort?

A．Its trails.	B．Its location.
C．Its vertical drop.	D．Its green concept.

3. What can skiers do in Smugglers’ Notch?

A．Have a swim.	B．Ski with world champions.
C．Enjoy stone sculptures.	D．Ride a roller coaster.

7 . The British coastline has a wild beauty in the colder months but still offers incredible wildlife, views and fresh air. Our guide looks at the best beaches to visit in the UK in the winter months.

Cuckmere Haven, East Sussex

If you’re visiting Brighton or Eastbourne, a winter walk along Cuckmere Haven beach and through Seven Sisters Country Park is a must. Here, brisk sea breezes refresh your mind and amazing beach and ocean provide the perfect setting for an open-air yoga session.

Robin Hood’s Bay, Yorkshire

Robin Hood’s Bay is a hidden bit of history, with its raw cliffs, red-roofed cottages and unusual architecture. The beach itself is one of the UK’s best spots for fossil-hunting. Perfect to visit in the winter, you can enjoy a walk along the cliffs or beach to take in the historical village.

Embleton Bay, Northumberland

A beautiful long stretch of beach overlooked by the impressive ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, Embleton Bay is a perfect winter beach. On a clear cold morning the ruins can be seen perfectly from the beach and beach itself backs onto dunes (沙丘), famous for flowers, grasses and birds.

Charmouth, Dorset

There are few family pleasures as simple or as satisfying as finding fossils on the beach. It’s an outdoor experience perfect for children of all ages. There’s no better place to indulge a passion for fossils than the Jurassic coastline of Dorset and Devon. Now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s made up of 95 miles and 185 million years of prehistoric life.

1. Which beach best suits people who pursue a mind and body practice?

A．Cuckmere Haven.	B．Robin Hood’s Bay.
C．Embleton Bay.	D．Charmouth.

2. What do the Robin Hood’s Bay and Charmouth have in common?

A．They have beautiful cliffs.	B．They have historical villages.
C．They are good fossil-hunting spots.	D．They are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

3. Where is this text probably taken from?

A．A biography.	B．A travel brochure.
C．An academic article.	D．An exhibition guide.

8 . Every Thursday afternoon, the food pantry (食品储藏室) at the local high school opens up to provide fresh food bags for families who can hardly make both ends meet to get their meals to last through the weekend. Nearly a hundred families rely on the extra food. Some are between jobs, some got hit hard with medical bills for a few months, and some are new to the neighborhood, placed there by refugee services.

On one breezy afternoon, two young mothers walked in together, each accompanied by a young child. There was nothing different about their dress, but their manner revealed a shyness that they struggled to overcome. When they spoke, it was clear why: Their accents were thick, even though they were trying hard to make their English sound American. They were uncertain of being understood. But the pantry is run by grandmothers who are never pressed for time when it comes to conversations. So they sat for a moment and told their story while the little ones were held in arms so very familiar with children.

The two lived in apartments in the basement of the Methodist Church. They had been in the United States for one month. Their husbands were well-educated but working labor jobs to pay for food and save for more typical apartments.

Both had fled the war in Eastern Europe, one family from Ukraine and one from Russia. They ended up in the same church basement and discovered that they needed each other. They became fast friends. Their children played together. They shared meals and navigated their new world together.

There were no bombs or soldiers or rations in their new neighborhood, only a chance to start over. Friendships are sometimes hard to come by, yet matter so much to each of us. A good friend gives us strength, love, laughter and the courage to keep trying.

These two families — worn down by uncertainty and war, thrown together in a new country, a new community with a new language — found so much in common. And isn’t that what we all need? A friend who faces the same life challenges, even if the forces above them have different political views. We are, after all, just mothers and fathers, friends and neighbors.

1. In the article, who primarily benefits from the services provided by the food pantry?

A．High school students.	B．People with disabilities.
C．Families with tight budgets.	D．Underpaid individuals.

2. What was the most noticeable characteristic of the two young mothers when they entered the food pantry?

A．Their clothing.	B．Their language.
C．Their children.	D．Their ID documents.

3. What is one of the reasons why these two families became friends?

A．They both live in the basement of the same church.

B．They met at the same restaurant.

C．They are from the same country.

D．They both have similar professions.

4. Which title best fits the article?

A．Challenges of Life and New Friendship	B．The Story of the Food Pantry
C．New Life in America	D．From War to Peace

9 . Dozens of scientists are ready to delight, provoke, and shed light on global scientific issues. Hosted by different columns on New Scientist, they’re here to engage with latest discoveries. Read on for what New Scientist has offered this week.

NS Live

Why do we need more women in science? Physicist Athene Donald will be at New Scientist Live on & January to explore the disadvantages that women in science face. Her talk will erase myths (传言) about “gendered” brains and what attributes are needed to become a successful scientist. Now, more than ever, there is a moral and business case for greater diversity in research, she says.

Weekender

From black holes to Big Bang, explore the space in this getaway featuring talks from some of the brightest minds in astrophysics. Visit the Lovell Telescope at the Jodrell Bank UNESCO World Heritage Site. Plus, go stargazing with New Scientist features editor Abigail Beall. This weekender runs from 19 January to 1 February and costs £959.

Essential Guide

What drives the ageing process? What can science tell us about the stages of life? And how can we use the latest research to live healthily into old age? This Essential Guide offers some fresh insight. Available to download on the website or to purchase in print from our shop.

Newsletter — Wild Wild Life

In an act of companionship, an African bird called the greater honey guide may get a badger to help it break into a beehive so the two can share the honey. Michael Marshall finds that there are many surprising truths in his reports, which lie behind the fables (寓言), though these animals’ behavior seems unusual in real life.

1. What’s the purpose of NS Live?

A．To set moral and commercial rules for the study.

B．To encourage more women to devote to science.

C．To demonstrate the vital elements to be a scientist.

D．To reveal the existence of gender differences.

2. Which will attract the amateur astronomers most?

A．NS Live.

B．Weekender.

C．Essential Guide.

D．Newsletter — Wild Wild Life.

3. What does Michael think of the animal companionship?

A．It exists indeed in wild world.	B．It happens only in the fables.
C．It is widely accepted by humans.	D．It reveals the truth behind the lie.

10 . “A fish out of water.” “A bike without a chain.” There are many metaphors for culture shock, all of which attempt to describe the unique experience of being far from one’s home country and culture.

Scientists have studied culture shock for over a century. Rather than focus on the purely negative aspects, psychologists describe it as a process of stress and adjustment. The first stage is the honeymoon phase, when we are filled with excitement about being in another country. Eventually, as daily challenges arise, we enter a state of crisis and anxiety, harboring unfriendly feelings about the host culture. The longer we are immersed in the culture, we adjust and recover from those negative feelings. Finally, after some time we adjust even more and fully accept the new culture.

One of the factors that determines how we react to cultural stress is our personality. Not surprisingly, extraverts (外向者) tend to have an easier time adjusting to new cultures. That is because being in a new country means meeting many new people and spending a lot of time around them, and extraverts thrive in these situations. But introverts simply prefer to be alone after spending time in groups, and only have limited energy to spend in social settings.

Cultural intelligence, or CQ, also plays its part. Cultural intelligence is defined as the capability of an individual to function effectively in situations characterized by cultural diversity. It has to do with our interest in interacting with people from culturally diverse backgrounds, and our ability to adapt to new cultural context. It is argued that the higher our CQ, the lesser the effect of culture shock on our ability to cope in new situations.

Many effective coping strategies are interpersonal. A recent study found that relating to others with empathy is significantly associated with lower stress levels abroad. The more we are able to take on other people’s points of view, the more positive our interpersonal relationships and thus our adaptation to the stress of culture shock.

1. What is the function of the first paragraph?

A．Explaining the quotes.	B．Raising an argument.
C．Introducing the topic.	D．Presenting an example.

2. How will a person feel the moment he arrives in a foreign country?

A．Anxious.

B．Thrilled.

C．Shocked.

D．Grateful.

3. Who will most probably be affected by the cultural shock?

A．An active boy interested in anything new.

B．A shy boy unwilling to socialize with strangers.

C．A quiet girl open to diverse cultural backgrounds.

D．A communicative girl fluent in the local language.

4. What is important for dealing with the cultural shock?

A．Lowering the stress level.	B．Developing self-awareness.
C．Analyzing the cause of discomfort.	D．Understanding others with sympathy.