1 . Last Sunday, the famous Champs-Elysees street in Paris was turned into a giant outdoor classroom for a special spelling event called “The Big Dictation”. The event was a chance for people who love words to show off their listening and spelling skills in an unusual setting.
The Big Dictation of Champs-Elysees was organized by a writer named Rachid Santaki. He came up with the idea of large groups of people taking part in dictations back in 2013. Over 50,000 people asked to join the special spelling event on the Champs-Elysees, which turned one of Paris’s busiest streets into a classroom, with cars replaced by desks. In the end, around 5,000 people, aged 10 to 90, were chosen to take part.
Just like in school, a large “blackboard” was set up for the event near a famous building, the Arc de Triomphe. Several famous people were there to play the part of the teacher, and read the dictation texts out loud. After the dictation is read, the text on the screen lets people check their work.
Not everyone found it easy. Ten-year-old Samson thought the dictation was too quick and he couldn’t finish. Another young student agreed. “It was impossible!” he said. “The dictation was for adults.”
Even adults found it challenging, reporting that it caused stress and worry. One retired woman was pleased that she had only made two mistakes.
Marc-Antoine Jamet is in charge of the Champs-Elysees Committee, who brought the event to the famous street. He said the event wasn’t just about getting all the words right but also about bringing people together.
Another goal of The Big Dictation was to break the record for the largest dictation event ever. The previous record was set in 2018 at France’s national stadium, Stade de France, with 1,473 people taking part. That event was also run by Mr. Santaki.
1. How many people were chosen to take part in The Big Dictation last Sunday?| A．Around 1, 500. | B．Around 2,000. | C．Around 5,000. | D．Over 50,000. |
| A．Easy. | B．Exciting. | C．Boring. | D．Challenging. |
| A．To break the record for the dictation event. |
| B．To introduce a famous street to the world. |
| C．To reduce the learning pressure of students. |
| D．To remember the founder of the competition. |
| A．The Famous Scenic Spots of France |
| B．A Spelling Event Took Place on a Paris Street |
| C．The French Love for Spelling Competitions |
| D．An Outdoor Classroom Unique to the British |
2 . Are all your photographs good? Be honest with yourself. Aren’t some of your pictures too dark, and others too light? How many times have you thrown away a photo? We, the Fine Photograph Club, can help you. We meet every Wednesday in our comfortable club room in Bridge Street. At 7:30 p.m. a member of the club or a visitor would give a talk, and then we have coffee. Our members will advise you on all the latest camera and films. They will help you to develop your films or enlarge your pictures. What does it all cost? Only 5 pounds a year.
Photography is now a big business. Do you know, for instance, that there are 15 million cameras in our country? And that 700 million photographs are taken a year, more than one-third of them in color? Think of the amount of photography in television, the camera, newspapers, books, advertisements and so on. In morden life people learn a lot from pictures, so photography is more and more important. It is also more complicated and more expensive than it used to be. You may only want to take good photographs of faces and places. If so, we can help you to get better results. You needn’t waste any more money. If you want to learn more about photgraphy and how it is used, join the club please. You won’t be disappointed. Write now to the Secretary, Fine Photograph Club. Bridge Street.
1. The purpose of the passage is to ____________.| A．show people how to take fine pictures |
| B．tell people photography is now a big business |
| C．tell people the club can do many things for you |
| D．encourage people to join the photograph club |
| A．must be good at photography |
| B．must know about the latest cameras and films |
| C．must pay a little money a year |
| D．must be honest with yourself |
| A．say if your photos are good or bad |
| B．tell how much money you waste |
| C．help the Fine Photograph Club |
| D．know the latest development in cameras |
| A．coffee | B．amusement |
| C．advice | D．information |
3 . Wonderful trip around the Mediterranean
Days 1-2 Barcelona, Spain
Discover the interesting buildings, Catalan culture and Gothic Quarter in Gaudi’s city of Barcelona.
Day 3 Board Regal Princess
Day 4 Relaxing at sea
Day 5 Gibraltar
You’ve got a full day to get to know this British territory (领土), home to many cultures. Choose to ride the cable car (缆车) for great views of the Rock of Gibraltar or discover the beautiful lighthouse.
Day 6 Relaxing at sea
Day 7 Marseille, France
Enjoy a full day discovering all that Provence has to offer — flower fields, fishing boats or Roman ruins (遗迹). City or countryside, you decide.
Day 8 Genoa, Italy
Get to know this busy town by walking through the wonderful streets and piazzas (public squares, especially in an Italian town).
Day 9 Florence / Pisa
Choose to visit wonderful wineries (酒庄) in Tuscany or the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa on your last day in Italy.
Day 10 Disembark (下船) Regal Princess
Go to the airport for your flight home.
Your holiday includes
• Direct flights
• 2 nights 4 star Barcelona hotel incl breakfast
• 7 nights aboard Regal Princess
• Private guide
10 day holiday from
Single room £1,199
Mini double room £1,949
1. What can a visitor do on Day 5?
| A．See a lighthouse. | B．Go rock climbing. |
| C．Enjoy Catalan food. | D．Visit the English countryside. |
| A．One day. | B．Two days. | C．Three days. | D．Eight days. |
| A．A tour diary. | B．A business report. |
| C．A travel magazine. | D．A geography textbook. |
4 . UC Berkeley Youth Recreation Summer Camps
UC Berkeley Youth Recreation will provide a wide variety of one-week outdoor experiences and activities for the youth on summer camps 2023. Here are four best summer camps.
Windsurfing Camp
This camp is designed to teach students the basics of windsurfing, including balance and self-rescues. Through a combination of classroom instruction, demonstration and water time campers are able to master the basics of the sport. A comfort with wind and water is strongly encouraged. Campers must be ages 10-17 to register. All campers must be able to swim and weigh 100 pounds or more to safely use public windsurfing equipment.
Price: $330. Those who have participated before can receive 10% off.
Sailing Camp
Campers learn and review the essentials of sailing at their experience level on the beautiful San Francisco Bay! 2023 brings exciting updates to the camp and helps sailors master new skills. Previous sailing experience is required. Campers must be ages 12-18 to register. All campers must have basic swimming skills.
Price: $255
Skateboarding Camp
In this camp, skateboarders will learn mechanics and basic riding skills such as balance riding switches, and dropping-in. Skaters will be assessed of the first day of the session and the lessons will be adapted to their ability. All participants are educated in skateboard safety. Campers must be ages 8-16 to register. Participants must bring their own skateboard, helmet(头盔) and knee &elbow pads(护具).
Price: $300. $240 per person for group registration.
Rock Climbing Camp
Learn climbing skills, knot(结) -tying, top-rope climbing and equipment care. Sites include Strawberry Canyon, Remillard, Indian Rock and Cragmont Parks. Campers must be ages 9-15 to register. All campers can enjoy the bus service to and from the campsites.
Price: $275.
1. What is a must for the participants of Windsurfing Camp?| A．Appropriate weight. |
| B．First aid knowledge. |
| C．Previous learning experience. |
| D．Personal protective equipment. |
| A．It acquires previous skateboarding experience. |
| B．It’ll issue certificates of excellence. |
| C．It gives a 10% discount for group registration. |
| D．It bases its lessons on campers’ levels. |
| A．Windsurfing Camp. | B．Rock Climb. |
| C．Skateboarding Camp. | D．Camp Sailing Camp. |
5 . Does your child love high-tech, writing or specialty arts? Attending a summer camp with this focus is a perfect way for them to explore and to experience. Look through our selection and find the perfect fit for your child.
ID Tech Summer Camps
We’re trusted and hosted by the world’s top learning organizations. The right instructor changes everything. With personalized learning, your child will progress at their own pace. Your child can level up to Grade 10, standing out to colleges and future work. We can’t wait to welcome your child to our community of 500, 000+ students.
Summer Academic Youth Programs
Summer is the perfect time for pre-college students to explore their career interests. Our programs provide opportunities for students to experience college life while expanding their knowledge and exploring their interests. There are many opportunities including overnight camps.
Independent Lake Camp
It is an overnight summer camp offering impressive activities due to our quality facilities (设备), and talented staff. Started as a non-traditional summer camp, we focus on promoting creativity within each camper and the community and developing individual growth with our personalized scheduling — each camper chooses their own activities.
Virtual Live Creative Writing Camp
Creative writing is taught live online by experienced teachers. Great for ages 7+ and divided into age-based groups, this camp has a limited class size so students can learn fun new skills. Videos will also be made available to all creative writing campers. So, with flexible classes to choose, your child will never miss a beat!
1. Who will be interested in Summer Academic Youth Programs?| A．Graduates looking for jobs. |
| B．High schoolers expecting college life. |
| C．College students seeking more credits. |
| D．College students needing social practice. |
| A．They make arrangements for work. |
| B．They include overnight activities. |
| C．They offer personalized learning. |
| D．They improve personal creativity. |
| A．ID Tech Summer Camp. |
| B．Independent Lake Camp. |
| C．Virtual Live Creative Writing Camp. |
| D．Summer Academic Youth Programs. |
6 . Activities in November
Holiday Market and Bake Sale in Monkton
This festival holiday event should definitely not be missed! Head over to the Friends Methodist House, 78 Monkton Ridge anytime Saturday morning to shop for some crafts(手工艺品)that were made locally. Also enjoy homemade chocolate, cakes, and other snacks! For more information, call 802-453-2870. NOV. 20, 9 AM-2 PM.
“West Side Story” on Stage in Brandon
If you need an excuse to cry, watching “West Side Story“ live is a pretty good one. Otter Valley Union High School(OVUHS)will be hosting Walking Stick Theatre’s production of “West Side Story. ”Advanced tickets are $ 8 at the OVUHs Library. Tickets are $ 8 at the door for students and seniors, $ 10 for adults. NOV. 21, 7 PM-9 PM.
Lecture on Bali in Bristol
Join the community in hearing a lecture by Dr. Carla Osgood and Dr. David Osgood entitled “Bali: Consciousness, Culture and Community” at the Lawrence Memorial Library in Bristol. They have spent 20 years teaching in Bali, and are sure to provide an invaluable view. NOV. 21. 7 PM-8:30 PM.
Wolfing down and Digestion in Middlebury
Love listening to stories?Attend the StoryMatters meeting on Tuesday at IIsley Library. The local group will share stories all on the topic of food. There will also be a teaching session after the stories during which trainers will help with the process of storytelling. For more information, email larl7g@ myfairpoint. net. NOV. 24, 10 AM-2 PM.
1. Where can handmade snacks be bought?| A．In Monkton. |
| B．In Brandon. |
| C．In Bristol. |
| D．In Middlebury. |
| A．By calling 802-453-2870 to book it. |
| B．By emailing lar17g@myfairpoint. net. |
| C．By buying it at the OVUHS Library. |
| D．By contacting Carla Osgood or David Osgood. |
| A．Lecture on Bali. |
| B．“West Side Story” on Stage. |
| C．Wolfing down and Digestion. |
| D．Holiday Market and Bake Sale. |
7 . Picnic Shelter Reservations
Vancouver Parks and Recreation maintains four covered picnic shelters that are available (可获得的) for your reservation at the following parks:
●Fisher Basin Community Park
●Leroy Haagen Memorial Park
●Marine Community Park
●Marshall Community Park
Picnic shelters are available to reserve between May 1 and September 30 each year. Reservations are for the entire day with a reservation fee of $100. When not reserved, shelters are available for free. Reserve a picnic shelter by calling 360-487-7100.
Shelter Reservation Cancellation (取消预定) Policy
If you cancel your reservation one month or more before the rental date, 100% of the fee will be refunded (退还). If you cancel your reservation 1-4 weeks before the rental date, 75% of the fee will be refunded. No refunds will be given if the reservation is canceled less than one week before the rental date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there a way to find out if an event is already scheduled at a park?
Yes. Contact Marshall Community Center at 360-487-7100 to find out about events taking place in our parks.
Q: What amenities (便利设施) are included with a picnic shelter reservation?
Reservations include the use of all picnic tables located within the shelter and electricity (there is no electricity at Marine Park). Playground amenities and restrooms will be shared with the public.
Park Use Permits
Depending on the type of event you’re hosting, you will need to get a Park Use Permit from Vancouver Parks and Recreation. A Park Use Permit gives you permission to bring special items and equipment into the park.
1. If you cancel your reservation one month before the rental date, how much money will you get back?| A．$25. | B．$50. | C．$75. | D．$100. |
| A．They don’t allow visitors to host events. |
| B．They are available to reserve for five months. |
| C．They don’t provide picnic tables or electricity. |
| D．They offer a restroom in each shelter. |
| A．It gives you permission to bring some particular things. |
| B．It gives you permission to stay longer in the shelters. |
| C．It allows you to pay less for the shelters. |
| D．It allows you to park your car for free. |
8 . When we were kids, summer activities were a great escape. My only goal each day was to figure out the bigger thrill: hide-and-seek with my cousins, a ball game with my brother, or rereading detective stories for hours on end. Fun was the only endgame(最后阶段).
The first step towards having more fun with summer activities is setting aside time for it.
Then be a tourist in your own town. When you live somewhere long enough, it stops being an interesting destination and becomes just the surrounding area.
Your interests have probably changed as you have got older, but that doesn’t mean what you did as a kid isn’t exciting. So invoke(唤起) your inner child. Head to the park and play a game of basketball with your cousins or take your dog to the park for a game of Frisbee.
Whatever you decide to do, make sure you enjoy yourself to the fullest because summer’s best days will be here and gone before you know it.
| A．We are adults now or almost. |
| B．But that doesn’t mean it does no harm. |
| C．Treat your hometown like a new destination. |
| D．Carve out some quality time to do absolutely nothing. |
| E．Make weekends meaningful by setting good boundaries. |
| F．Borrow some baseball gloves and play catch with friends. |
| G．But when was the last time you actually did any of those things? |
9 . Cave Exploring
FEBRUARY 7, 8 AM-6 PM
Come explore undeveloped caves without the use of built-in electricity, walkways, or stairs. Prepare to get muddy! On this trip, cavers will climb slowly through tight cave entrances that open into large caves, some of which have been forming for thousands of years.
Do remember that there are delicate ecosystems you should protect well.
Location: Vallecito
Cost: Student $ 35∣Public $ 75
Utah Spring Break Road Trip
APRIL 15-20, 5 AM-6 PM
Explore the southwest on this Utah Road Trip with Peak Adventures! See huge rock arches, sweeping desert views, and glowing sunsets reflecting off orange Utah sandstone. Daily activities will include camping, hiking, and sightseeing. Opportunities for higher adventure activities as determined by the group.
Location: Utah
Cost: Student $ 480∣Public $ 700
Tahoe Day Hike
DECEMBER 10, 7 AM-6 PM
Experience the fresh air and grand Lake Tahoe views while hiking in D. L. Bliss State Park. Destinations may include Balancing Rock, Rubicon Point, and the highest lighthouse in the United States. If weather and snow pack permit, we may have the opportunity to try snowshoeing! Be sure to pack your camera!
Location: Tahoe
Cost: Student $ 35∣Public $ 75
Full Moon Hike
FEBRUARY 6, 4 PM-11 PM
Come hike under the full moon! Experience nature in different views, first by the colorful sunset, then by the light of the full moon! This beginner adventure is a great way to make new friends.
Location: Cronan Ranch
Cost: Student $ 25∣Public $ 40
1. Which activity can you join in during spring?| A．Cave Exploring. | B．Tahoe Day Hike. |
| C．Full Moon Hike. | D．Utah Spring Break Road Trip. |
| A．Proper equipment. | B．Environmental protection. |
| C．Safety items. | D．Avoiding getting lost. |
| A．Cronan Ranch. | B．Vallecito. | C．Utah. | D．Tahoe. |
10 . Wrestling yourself away from screens, devices, even the television can be a nearly impossible task, but it’s vital to our mental and even physical health. A jigsaw puzzle requires your full attention and therein lies the magic.
Jigsaw puzzles exercise the left and right sides of your brain at once. Your left brain is logical and works in a linear fashion, while your right brain is creative. When you’re doing a jigsaw puzzle, both sides are engaged. Think of it as a mental workout that improves your problem-solving skills and attention.
Jigsaw puzzles improve your short-term memory.
Jigsaw puzzles are great for some needed alone time. Puzzling is perfect for people who want a quiet, solo break from today’s noisy and tiring digital life.
| A．Can’t remember what you had for lunch yesterday? |
| B．Jigsaw puzzles are a great way to connect with family. |
| C．Many adults are now returning to this childhood pastime. |
| D．Jigsaw puzzles are a great meditation tool and stress reliever. |
| E．Doing jigsaw puzzles is good for your mind, body and spirit. |
| F．Stay away from children’s puzzles that are too easy to do. |
| G．It’s no surprise that Bill Gates admits being an enthusiastic puzzler. |
