1 . The Rhys Davies Short Story Competition, established in 1991, is a distinguished national writing competition for writers born or living in Wales. We are delighted to manage this well-known award on behalf of The Rhys Davies Trust and in association with Parthian Books.

Awards

·1st Prize — £1,000 and publication in a short story anthology (选集) to be published by Parthian Books in 2024.

·11 Runners-up/Finalist Prizes — £100 each and publication in a short story anthology to be published by Parthian Books in 2024.

Entry Rules

The Rhys Davies Short Story Competition recognises the very best unpublished short stories in English in any style and on any subject up to a maximum of 5,000 words. Entries must not have been previously published in print or online. Participants must have been born in Wales, lived in Wales for 2 years or more or currently be living in Wales.

·Entries open on 9th November, 2023 and close on 15th February, 2024 at midnight (British Standard Time). Entries received after this time will not be considered.

·The 2024 finalists will be announced in 15th June 2024; The winner of the 2024 Competition will be announced in September 2024.

·Entries must be submitted via the online form https://forms.gle/Myys7jKdt7GTC8B8A. At the last step, you must pay the entry fee before you click the “submit” button in your application. The entry fee is £ 8 per story.

·You may submit a maximum of three stories to this competition. Your name should not appear anywhere in your story.

Conditions of the Award

·The winner and 11 runners-up/finalists will make free of charge such personal appearances as may be agreed between the writer and the Event Organizer.

·Winning stories may not be published elsewhere until September 2025.

1. What do we know about the competition from the text?

A．It has a history of about half a century.

B．Its participants must be locals of Wales.

C．Its awards include a published short story collection.

D．It’s run by The Rhys Davies Trust and Parthian Books.

2. What is a requirement for the participants?

A．Posting entries by express delivery.	B．Submitting at least three story writings.
C．Making payment for the entry fee online.	D．Attaching personal information to the entry.

3. What is the author’s purpose in writing the article?

A．To introduce a famous competition.	B．To encourage readers to love literature.
C．To stress the importance of short stories.	D．To compare different winners worldwide.

2 . The first way we learn to communicate is through body language — our facial expressions, our gestures and, when we’re older, our postures. Even after we figure out how to speak, this non-verbal communication still exerts (施加) a powerful and often unconscious influence over our interactions, people’s first impressions of us and even our impressions of ourselves.     1    .

Change how you feel

To de-stress: Forcing a smile can make running easier and tough tasks less stressful. One 2012 experiment found that a grin makes holding your hand in ice water more bearable.

To feel more confident:     2    . Striking this so-called power pose shortly before an interview or athletic contest can be particularly powerful for women, who tend to sit and stand in a way that takes up less space.

To persevere:     3    . In a 2008 study, students who sat with their arms crossed kept working on an impossible problem nearly twice as long as those with their arms at their sides.

Change how others feel

    4    : Studies show that holding someone’s gaze may help people think you’re trustworthy and intelligent. According to body language expert Carol Kinsey Goman, it can also make people think you’re a good listener.

To foster connections: Mirroring the facial expressions and gestures of the person you’re talking to can help them feel more comfortable. One 2011 experiment found this is an effective sales skill.

To engage or disengage: If you want to let someone know you’re listening, sit facing them with your full body, knees and shoulders pointed at them.     5    .

A．To come across as sincere

B．But if you want to spread tension, angle your body slightly away — facing full-on is confrontational (对抗性的) when things get heated

C．Here’s how to use body language to everyone’s benefit

D．Making your index finger (食指) and middle finger crossed can help you gather strength

E．To inform people

F．Standing like Wonder Woman — legs apart, hands on hips, chest up — may make you feel more powerful

G．Crossing your arms across your chest can help you persist in solving a problem

3 . 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.

2. What do Iceland and Florence have in common?

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.

3. Why should we not skip Athens if we have our vocation in Greece?

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.

4 . 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.

2. Why is the Canine Retreat package offered?

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.

3. What do the hotels have in common?

A．They are dog-friendly.	B．They are in the downtown.
C．They have rural scenery.	D．They have dog shelters.

5 . 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.

2. What is required from a study mate?

A．Offering background information.	B．Being free from 3pmto5pm.
C．Majoring in Math or English.	D．Becoming an SMC staff member.

3. Who are the target readers of the text?

A．Poor families

B．Activity planners.

C．Family specialists.

D．Potential volunteers.

6 . 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.

2. Which book offers a story full of magical fun?

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.

3. What do Safiyyah’s War and Until the Road Ends have in common?

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.

7 . 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.

2. What does the underlined word “jarring” in the third paragraph probably mean?

A．Admirable.

B．Upsetting.

C．Meaningful.

D．Rewarding.

3. How can one meet his protein needs while following a plant-based diet?

A．By exercising more.	B．By consuming less red meat.
C．By eating various foods.	D．By having whole grain.

4. What can we infer from the last paragraph?

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.

8 . 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.

2. What does the underlined word “irresolute” in paragraph 2 probably mean?

A．Hesitant.

B．Concerned.

C．Decisive.

D．Thoughtful.

3. What is the goal of the September 23 meeting?

A．Electing new leaders of the summit.

B．Reorganizing the UN department.

C．Reaching zero emissions by 2050.

D．Protecting the whole human beings.

4. What is the best title for the text?

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

9 . Below are some details about several Oscar-nominated (被提名的) movies and where to watch them.

Barbie

Director Greta Gerwig crafts an extremely self-aware vision’ of Barbie, with commentary on the patriarchy (父权制) and the unreasonable expectations placed on women in society.

Nominations: Best picture, supporting actor, supporting actress, adapted screenplay, production design, costume design, original song

Where to see it: In theaters. Stream it on Max. Rent or buy it on Amazon, Apple TV, Google Play, Vudu or YouTube.

The Holdovers

Alexander Payne’s film about a bad-tempered professor at a famous boarding school, who must look after students during Christmas break, and forms a bond with one kid suffering from a particular disease.

Nominations: Best picture, actor, supporting actress, original screenplay, editing

Where to see it: In theaters. Stream it on Peacock. Buy it on Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, Vudu and Amazon.

Killers of the Flower Moon

Based on a true story, director Martin Scorsese’s epic film tracks the suspicious murders of members of the Osage Nation in 1920s Oklahoma after they find oil there.

Nominations: Best picture, director, actress, supporting actor, production design, costume design, cinematography, editing, original score, original song

Where to see it: In theaters. Stream it on Apple TV+. Buy it on Amazon, Vudu, Google Play, YouTube, or Apple TV.

Nyad

Directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, the film tells the true story of a marathon swimmer who attempts to become the first person ever to swim from Cuba to Florida.

Nominations: Best actress, supporting actress

Where to see it: Stream it on Netflix.

1. Which movie wins the most nominations?

A．Barble.	B．The Holdovers.
C．Killers of the Flower Moon.	D．Nyad.

2. Whose movie can be watched on Peacock?

A．Greta Gerwig’s.	B．Martin Scorsese’s.
C．Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin’s.	D．Alexander Payne’s.

3. What do Killers ofthe Flower Moon and Nyad have in common?

A．They are related to sports.	B．They involve true stories.
C．They have won the same nominations.	D．They can be watched in the same way.

10 . In 2024, the number of people fancying digital nomadism (游牧) has continued to rise. Here are the best places in the world for you to be a digital nomad.

San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

San Juan del Sur in Nicaragua is a good destination when it comes to digital nomads in search of a place that integrates work and leisure. With connectivity and Internet speeds ideal for most remote tasks and a warm and sunny climate that starts in December, it’s a great choice for those who enjoy being outside. The town also offers a supportive community as well as plenty of co-working spaces and cafes.

Queenstown, New Zealand

As well as plenty of activities surrounded by stunning scenery, Queenstown offers high-speed Internet access and lots of co-working spaces. The weather in December is also perfect for exploring the landscapes via the likes of bungee jumping, hiking and even skiing. Plus, there’s a huge focus on local produce in Queenstown which makes the culinary (食物的) experience just as memorable.

Pokhara, Nepal

Pokhara, an engaging choice for those in search of peace and natural beauty, is cool and dry in December, which means it has the perfect condition for working outdoors and exploring the Himalayan landscapes. There’s a growing community of digital nomads too — thanks to reliable Internet connections and an affordable way of life.

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

This Mexican coastal resort is a favorite with holidaymakers and digital nomads for its beaches, culture and affordable lifestyle. There’s a prosperous community of digital nomads in Playa del Carmen, fostered by numerous networking events, co-working spaces, and social gatherings. There’s also a great Internet connection! December is dry in Mexico which makes it an ideal time for beach activities. Plus, the diverse and lively nightlife is likely to only add to Playa del Carmen’s appeal.

1. Which of the following might be preferred by adventure seekers?

A．San Juan del Sur.	B．Queenstown.
C．Pokhara.	D．Playa del Carmen.

2. What could distinguish Playa del Carmen from other resorts?

A．Various seaside activities.	B．Distinctive local food.
C．Breathtaking landscapes.	D．Numerous co-working spaces.

3. What do these four resorts have in common?

A．They suit remote workers well.

B．They enjoy warm climate in December.

C．They guarantee visitors colorful nightlife.

D．They provide strong community support.