1 . London and Paris are two of Europe’s biggest tourist destinations, just a few hours away from each other by road or rail and an hour’s distance by air. What about the train-ferry combination that many recall fondly from their childhoods? Well, though it’s budget-saving, this option is too time-consuming today, so better leave it to your memories. Since the UK is not part the Schengen Area, passengers need to go through passport control prior to boarding.

Air trips

Though flying between London and Paris is by no means recommended, there are still a few people traveling between the two dynamic cities by air. A very low one-way fare is possible through advanced booking, but of course it’s rare, and that doesn’t include the taxi and rail fares traveling to and from the airports.

* One-way fares from Paris can be as low as 49;

* From London, Air France flies with fares as low as £39(46), and British Airways as low as £48 (56).

Rail trips

The only direct train between London and Paris is the Eurostar, which travels 15 -17 times per weekday. Eurostar’s 2015 edition trains can make the journey in two hours at speeds of up to 320 km/h. Besides, they offer good seating space.

* Fares begin at a reasonable £58(68), round trip;

* The earlier you book, the more you save.

Bus trips

The bus is by far the least expensive and longest way to travel between Paris and London. Eurolines and OUIBUS are two major bus lines traveling between the two capitals. The journey takes between seven and nine hours. Both lines advertise free Wi-Fi.

* One-way Eurolines fares begin at 15;

* One-way OUIBUS fares begin at 15 too, but early bird sales can even lower the fare.

1. Which way is probably the cheapest for a round trip?

A．By train-ferry.

B．By air.

C．By rail.

D．By bus.

2. What special service does the bus trip provide?

A．Free booking.	B．Taxi pickup.
C．Good seating space.	D．Free Wi-Fi.

3. What do the trips have in common with each other?

A．There are different competing companies.

B．They are cheaper if booked ahead of time.

C．They are more expensive from the Paris end.

D．There are still additional fees to be included.

2 . How to Make Friends at a New School

Starting with a new school can be difficult. Everything seems to be different, and you don’t even know where to go for your own classes.     1     However, if you use these skills, you can quickly turn some of those strangers into friends.

Be yourself

    2     If some people don’t accept you, they’re not the kind of friends you need. People often stay together because they have similar interests. For example, someone who does a lot of sports may make friends with those who also run or swim a lot.

    3    

Remember to be nice to the people you meet at your new school. If you think that you will say something that may make them feel sad, do not say anything and just nod your head if they talk to you. Also, remember to be as helpful as possible!

Believe in yourself

A smile goes a long way. When you walk in the halls, don’t keep your eyes on the floor. Raise your head and make eye contact with other people.     4     Introduce yourself. Tell them your name and where you’re from.

Remember people’s names

You like it when people use your name, and so do other people.     5     Besides, ask them in a kind way if they have a nickname. You’d be surprised how often this may come in handy.

A．Be friendly to others.

B．Making new friends can be hard, too.

C．Join after-school activities like

D．Never change what you are to try and fit in.

E．If you see someone you know, smile or say “Hi”.

F．People may become angry if you just begin by saying ”Hey“ each time.

G．Don ‘t sit at the back of the classroom where other people don’t notice you!

3 . A music festival is a community event focusing on live performances of singing and instrument playing that is often presented with a theme. On the list are the music festivals for fans around the world. Find your favorite now!

Field Day

January 1, 2023, Sydney

Field Day means New Year’s Day for young people in Sydney. Seen as the city’s original multi-stage party, it’s a gathering of friends coming together for a great fun-filled first day of the year. There’s an air of hope and positive energy on a perfect summer’s day.

The Envision Festival

February 27—March 6, 2023, Uvita

The Envision Festival is an annual gathering in Costa Rica that aims to provide an opportunity for different cultures to work with one another to create a better community. The festival encourages people to practice art, music, dance performances, and education. Meanwhile, our connection with nature is expected to be strengthened.

The McDowell Mountain Music Festival

March 2—4, 2023, Phoenix

The McDowell Mountain Music Festival is Phoenix’s musical celebration of community culture. Since its foundation in 2004, it has been the only 100% non-profit music festival designed to support, entertain and educate the community. The festival attracts thousands of visitors each year from around the country, and it is an opportunity to experience true culture.

The Old Settler’s Music Festival

April 20—23, 2023, Dale

The Old Settler’s Music Festival is a nationally known music festival for American music. The festival is held in the country of Texas at the height of the wild flower season. The Old Settler’s Music Festival offers great music and activities for the whole family.

1. In which city can people enjoy a fun New Year’s Day?

A．Phoenix.

B．Uvita.

C．Sydney.

D．Dale.

2. What is special about the McDowell Mountain Music Festival?

A．It encourages people to receive education.	B．It is not aimed at making money.
C．It provides an opportunity for friend gathering.	D．It focuses on cultural exchanges.

3. Which festivals are connected with nature?

A．Field Day and the Envision Festival.

B．The Envision Festival and the McDowell Mountain Music Festival.

C．The Old Settler’s Music Festival and the McDowell Mountain Music Festival.

D．The Envision Festival and the Old Settler’s Music Festival.

4 . You probably know who Marie Curie was, but you may not have heard of Rachel Carson. Of the outstanding ladies listed below, who do you think was the most important woman of the past 100 years?

Jane Addams (1860-1935)

Anyone who has ever been helped by a social worker has Jane Addams to thank. Addams helped the poor and worked for peace. She encouraged a sense of community (社区) by creating shelters and promoting education and services for people in need. In 1931, Addams became the first American woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

Rachel Carson (1907-1964)

If it weren’t for Rachel Carson, the environmental movement might not exist today. Her popular 1962 book Silent Spring raised awareness of the dangers of pollution and the harmful effects of chemicals on humans and on the world’s lakes and oceans.

Sandra Day O’Connor (1930-present)

When Sandra Day O’Connor finished third in her class at Stanford Law School, in 1952, she could not find work at a law firm because she was a woman. She became an Arizona state senator (参议员) and, in 1981, the first woman to join the Supreme Court of the United States. O’Connor gave the deciding vote in many important cases during her 25 years on the top court.

Rosa Parks (1913-2005)

On December 1, 1955, in Montgomery, Alabama, Rosa Parks would not give up her seat on a bus to a passenger. Her simple act landed Parks in prison. But it also set off the Montgomery bus boycott (抵制). It lasted for more than a year, and kicked off the civil rights movement. “The only tired I was, was tired of giving in,” said Parks.

1. What is Jane Addams noted for in history?

A．Her social work.	B．Her teaching skills.
C．Her efforts to win a prize.	D．Her community background.

2. What was the reason for O’Connor’s being rejected by the law firm?

A．Her lack of proper training in law.

B．Her little work experience in court.

C．The discrimination against women.

D．The poor financial conditions.

3. What can we infer about the women mentioned in the text?

A．They are highly educated.	B．They are truly creative.
C．They are pioneers.	D．They are peace-lovers.

5 . Google made waves recently by introducing its new program, “Google Career Certificates,” a collection of courses designed to help people get qualifications in high-paying, high-growth job fields without attending university. The courses should take about six months to complete and will cost a fraction (小部分) of a traditional college education.

Many people, especially students, were happy to see an alternative (可能的选择) to what many consider a broken education system—one that leaves many burdened with student debt for years while leaving them unprepared for the real world.

The truth is, traditional higher education may be necessary for some careers, but for others it is neither necessary nor practical. Google’s alternative not only costs a fraction of a traditional college education, but it can also be completed in far less time and can better prepare graduates for the real world.

Of course, what Google is offering isn’t exactly new. In some ways, the new program is similar to other types of training that have existed for years, like vocational education. The difference is, since Google is a household name, its certificate can be easily recognized and accepted across companies and industries — much like a degree from a major university.

Not everyone was in praise of Google’s alternative. Some people expressed concern that not enough employers would value Google’s certificate program. One even argued that graduates would likely not get a job and would then feel the need to go to college after all. Another criticism people leveled was that there are certain lessons taught in higher education that you merely can’t get in other places. “Students need more than a checklist of skills in order to compete in the real world,” those people said. “They need critical thinking abilities.”

I don’t think Google’s program will completely replace college education. But I do think it’s a step in the right direction — a separate path for students who are looking for something different from traditional higher education.

1. What is the purpose of Google’s certificate program?

A．To prepare people for future jobs.

B．To allow people to get work experience.

C．To teach people how to get a high-paying job.

D．To offer people the chance to go to university.

2. What is one reason why many people favored Google’s certificate program?

A．Its courses are mostly easy.

B．It ensures people a promising career.

C．Its training is new and of high quality.

D．It costs less than traditional higher education.

3. What is one limitation of Google’s certificate program according to critics?

A．It isn’t practical.

B．It doesn’t offer valuable skills.

C．It isn’t acceptable to the public.

D．It doesn’t develop critical thinking abilities.

4. What does the author expect of Google’s certificate program?

A．It should move in the right direction.

B．It will take the place of college education.

C．It can serve as an alternative for some people.

D．It needs to make changes to meet students’ needs.

7 . What can students do to avoid peer pressure?     1    , so that it is easier to say “no” to the peer group.     2    . It’s a good idea for teens to surround themselves with positive role models people who don’t make fun of them,     3    . It is also important for young people to think about the consequences of their actions. If they give in to peer pressure (and perhaps do something that they know deep down is wrong),     4    ? If they stop and think about the consequences,     5    .

A．what could be the result

B．but accept them and are confident themselves

C．they can become a target for bullies

D．The most important thing is to build up self-confidence

E．how does peer pressure affect people

F．Students can do this by choosing their friends wisely

G．they might make a different decision

9 . Parents often believe that they have a good relationship with their teenagers. But last summer, Joanna and Henry noticed a change in their older son. Suddenly he seemed to be talking far more to his friends than to his parents. “The door to his room is always shut,” Joanna noted.

Tina and Mark noticed similar changes in their 14-year-old daughter. “She used to cuddle up (依偎) against me on the sofa and talk,” said Mark. “Now we joke that she does this only when she wants something. Sometimes she wants to be treated like a little girl and sometimes like a young lady. The problem is understanding which time is which.”

Before age 11, children like to tell their parents what’s on their mind. “In fact, parents are first on the list,” said Michael Riera, author of Uncommon Sense for Parents with Teenagers. “This completely changes during the teen years,” Riera explained. “They talk to their friends first, then maybe their teachers, and their parents last.”

Parents who know what’s going on in their teenagers’ lives are in the best position to help them. To break down the wall of silence, parents should create chances to understand what their children want to say, and try to find ways to talk and write to them. And they must give their children a mental (思想的) break, for children also need freedom, though young. Another thing parents should remember is that to be a friend, not a manager, with their children is a better way to know them.

1. “The door to his room is always shut” suggests that the son ________.

A．keeps himself away from his parents	B．begins to dislike his parents
C．is always busy with his study	D．doesn’t want to be ignored

2. What does trouble Tina and Mark?

A．Their daughter isn’t as lovely as before.

B．They can’t read their daughter’s mind exactly.

C．They don’t know what to say to their daughter.

D．Their daughter talks with them only when she needs help.

3. Which of the following best explains “the wall of silence” in the last paragraph?

A．Teenagers talk a lot with their friends.	B．Teenagers do not understand their parents.
C．Teenagers talk little about their own lives.	D．Teenagers do not talk much with their parents.

4. What can we learn from the passage?

A．Parents shouldn’t be angry with teenagers.

B．Parents have to talk with children face to face.

C．Parents are unhappy with their growing children.

D．Parents should try to understand their teenagers.

10 . ALL NEW!

REPTILE (爬行动物) PETTING ZOO at the Oak Park Nature Center

Kids! Are you tired of Mom or Dad taking you to the same’ old petting zoos where (if you’re lucky)you might get to touch a little rabbit or goat?

Mom or Dad! Are you tired of hearing your kids complain about how animals in the same old petting zoos are monotonous?

Consider This:

The fact is that most mammals (哺乳动物) are boringly warm, furry, . and come in a limited range of dull colors. Reptiles, on the other hand, are cold-blooded and covered with scales (鳞) of attractive colors, from bright green to bright red to dark purple-red. Some like the chameleon, can even CHANGE colors. Did you ever see a rabbit with scales and a purple tongue almost as long as its body? NO! In our zoo, you can see iguanas, snakes, bearded dragons, giant tortoise and other attractive creatures! Learn what these reptiles eat and how they care for their babies, which ones live in the desert and which live in wetlands, which ones are meat-eaters and which are vegetarians, which ones are deadly poisonous and which are not.

So Remember:

If you’re bored with furry animals like rabbits. . .

Then the place for YOU is the Reptile Petting Zoo!

Bring the WHOLE family —Grandpa, Grandma, Cousin Irene, even baby Joe!

There’s something for EVERYONE!

1. What does the underlined word “monotonous” in paragraph 2 mean?

A．Active.

B．Boring.

C．Attractive.

D．Common.

2. People might like the animals in a reptile petting zoo because they are ________.

A．warm and furry	B．lovely and friendly
C．unusual and interesting	D．frightening and dangerous

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

A．To encourage people to visit the zoo.	B．To inform people when the zoo is open.
C．To tell people how to distinguish reptiles.	D．To call on people to protect reptiles.