1 . So, you want to learn how to get the most out of your reading experience. Reading effectively is a piece of cake whether you’re reading for school or fun. The following tricks will not only help you comprehend the information you’re learning, but make the reading experience much more enjoyable.

Skim through the text.

Get a preview of what’s to come by flipping through the pages. Once you have the basic idea of what you’re reading, scan through the table of contents and headers or flick through the pages. Glance over any images, graphs, or illustrations.     1    

Take notes while you read.

Practice active reading by taking notes. Before grabbing your notebook, wait until you’ve finished reading or skimming through a complete section or idea.     2    . Be sure to include the page number and source you’re summarizing in your notes so that you can refer to the text later.

Think about what you’ve read.

    3     Once you reach the end of a main idea, section, or chapter, take a few moments to let everything soak in before you get back to reading.     4     Identify the author’s bias, assess the evidence, and observe your immediate reactions. Ask yourself whether you agree with the position that’s being presented or the direction of the plot.

    5    

Link what you read to your existing knowledge or past experiences. Instead of treating the text as an isolated piece of writing, link it to previous readings. If a plot point reminded you of something from your own life, make a mental note of it. If you can connect the examples in the journal article with something you learned in class, jot down those similarities.

A．Make personal connections to the material

B．Set aside a few minutes to keep everything in mind

C．Pause between main ideas to process the reading material

D．Don’t be afraid to question the text and make your own assumptions.

E．Remember: trying to be as fast as possible is the first thing you should consider

F．Summarize the main idea in your head, and then write the main points and concepts

G．Take a few seconds to read the text quickly, including the notes, to spot eye-catching key words.

2 . In a highly technical world, there is something quite magical about the timelessness of the public library. And the impact and importance of libraries extends across decades, centuries even, dating back to 4th century BC in Athens.     1     They serve as community cornerstones and giving free access to books, resources, and information.

A study by Pew Research Center found that 94% of Americans agreed that having a public library improves the quality of life in a community, and 95% said that libraries give everyone a chance to succeed and promote a love for reading.     2     Here are a few of the reasons why they are so important.

Libraries promote education.

Beyond the free access to books and computers, many libraries also offer valuable services including tutoring, learning camps, and homeschooling resources. Many libraries host STEAM events for kids where they get to experience life as an astronaut, learning about the solar system and working together to build robotic, space-related projects.     3    

Libraries build a sense of community.

    4     So, whether you join a monthly book club or read book submissions from local authors, you’re broadening your horizons, making connections, and learning from other members — ones who you may have never crossed paths with otherwise.

    5    

Original documents are digitized and maintained at libraries. This helps preserve the nation’s cultural heritage, as well as provide an opportunity to better understand others’ points of view. If you ever get the chance, visit the New York Public Library to explore its database of over 1,800 newspapers, magazines, and journals, all published between 1740 and 1940.

A．Libraries preserve history.

B．Libraries restore valuable documents.

C．Also they can work well for homeschooling families.

D．But the impact of public libraries is greater than expected.

E．Libraries are gaining popularity among young people today.

F．Libraries can break down barriers and bring people together.

G．Over time, libraries have developed into what we know them as today.

3 . Want to write better? There’s a new book that says simple writing is best.

Do you check your text messages before sending?     1     If not, you might prefer getting things done fast, even if they’re not perfect.

This book argues that it’s important to write carefully, even for quick messages. Todd Rogers and Jessica Lasky Fink, from Harvard, wrote “Writing For Busy Readers”. It’s smartly named because everyone’s busy today. People get lots of messages every day, from emails to texts.     2     Deciding what to read, skim, or ignore happens many times a day for almost everyone.

The authors share good writing tips, like cutting unnecessary words and using simple words everyone knows. They say it’s important to keep sentences simple. They tested the idea that less is more. For example, they sent an email to thousands of school-board members asking them to take a survey. They made the email shorter, from 127 to 49 words, and got double the responses (from 2.7% to 4.8%).     3    

The same is true for text messages. In another test, they sent a short message asking parents to take a survey. It got more responses than a longer, more sympathetic one. Sometimes, being short and clear works better than being kind but ignored. It’s not just what you say, but how quickly you say it that matters.

It’s not just about word count.     4     Reducing the number of options has the same effect. Short, active sentences with common words are best.

From posts to online reviews, following these rules gets more likes and shares. Serious writers should pay attention too. A study found that companies using long sentences and complicated words were seen as less moral and trustworthy.

    5     It might be tempting to send messages quickly and hope for the best. But taking time to write for your readers has benefits. If you send a rushed message that readers ignore, it’s like you didn’t send it at all.

A．If everyone is a busy reader, everyone is a busy writer too.

B．They can also get puzzled by social media platforms.

C．If you do, you probably like making even the simplest messages perfect.

D．They found that longer messages make people think the task will take longer.

E．Keeping messages to one idea, or as few as possible, helps make sure they’re read, remembered, and acted on.

F．Your goal is to convey enough passion that your readers think the issue in your message is worth caring about.

G．Explaining the thinking behind your messages will allow readers to see that you know what you’re talking about.

4 . How to Fall Back in Love with Reading

Do you remember the last time you spent time reading books for pleasure? In the age of digital distractions, it is easy to struggle to find the time and headspace to get lost in literature.     1    . The following tips will help you fall in love with reading again.

    2    . Whether it’s a thriller, romance, or even an on-fiction book about your favorite hobby, make sure you choose something that will hold your attention from beginning to end. If you’re unsure where to start, ask your friends or family for recommendations, checkout online reviews, or browse through your local bookstore or library.

Set aside time for reading books. Whether it’s 20 minutes before bedtime or an hour on your lunch break, carving out sometime in your schedule will make it easier to sit down and read. And if you find that you don’t have much free time, try listening to audiobooks.     3    .

Keep a reading journal. In your journal, you can write down your thoughts about what you’re reading or graffiti pictures inspired by the book.     4    . This is a great way to engage with what you’re reading on a deeper level and a fun way to document your reading journey.

Make reading a social activity. Whether you start a book club with your friends or join an online reading group, being able to discuss what you’re reading with others can make the experience more enjoyable.     5    .

A．Find a book that interests you.

B．Create a positive reading routine.

C．But that doesn’t mean reading books is a thing of the past!

D．By this way, you can easily fit reading into your busy lifestyle.

E．Plus, it’s a great way to get recommendations for what to read next!

F．The others in your book club may come from different backgrounds.

G．It doesn’t have to be very involved, just a couple of sentences to jog your memory.

5 . Take a food tour along Italian shores from Tuscany to Northern Sicily with Amber Guinness. The food writer mixes stories from her travels with memories and cooking insights, sharing 60 easy-to-make recipes that offer a taste-of-specific Italian seaside regions — and the stories behind them including potato and ca per salad from the island of Salina and the delicious Amalfi lemon cream cake. Thames & Hudson, £29.99.

Professor of food studies and history, David E Bender shows how tourism has shaped our fascination with world cuisines through an examination of travel, from the age of the sailboat to the rise of the jet plane. He looks at how we eat on the road, covering subjects such as Tahitian roast pig in the 1840s, the occupational “discoveries” of fruit like the mangosteen (山竹), and 1970s hotel restaurants. Reaktion Books, £ 20.

Travel writer Sarah Baxter and illustrator Amy Grimes serve up a guide to 25 food destinations, uncovering local specialties like pastries handmade by religious sisters in Portugal, vegan curries (咖喱) in Southern India — where plant-based dishes have been offered to gods and travelers for centuries — and traditional Spanish seafood r ice from its Spanish birthplace in Valencia. Plus, visits to contemporary food capitals Montreal, Osaka and Melbourne, famed for global dishes and fusion food. White Lion Publishing. £14.99.

Try out the recipes served in Paris’s best small restaurants, cafes and restaurants in this taste-focused tour that takes in classic spots along the Seine as well as more local hangouts in hip hoods like Belleville. Divided into meals of the day, it includes 40 recipes enjoyed in France, including, wine braised chicken, and burnt cream dessert, plus plenty of practical tips on food shops, markets and more. Hardie Grant. £20.

1. Who would most likely be the target audience for Italian Coastal?

A．Students studying Italian history.

B．Collectors of traditional Italian travel souvenirs.

C．Tourists planning a visit to Italian seaside districts.

D．Professional Italian chefs interested in religious cuisine.

2. Which destination is known for its vegetable dishes?

A．Southern India.	B．Portugal.
C．Valencia.	D．Melbourne.

3. What do the four books have in common?

A．They all focus on historical cuisines.

B．They combine cooking content with travel.

C．Each book is priced at more than 20 pounds.

D．All books are published by the same published be.

6 . 4 Poetry Collections to Read and Enjoy

In honor of National Poetry Month, celebrated every April, we’re sharing a roundup of poetry collections that have been published within the last year.

Black Girl You Are Atlas
By Renee Watson,
illustrated by Ekua Holmes
Renee Watson, the best-selling author of Ways to Make Sunshine, draws from her childhood for some of these poems, which include haiku and free verse. The subjects range from racial injustice to self-love. The artwork is spectacular.
Ages 12 and up
In and Out the Window
By Jane Volen,
illustrated by Cathrin Peterslund
In addition to being the author of more than 350 novels, Jane Yolen is an esteemed poet. This new collection includes more than 100 of her works on popular childhood topics including school, animals, and sports. One title: “On My Toes: A True Story. ”
Ages 8-12
Poetry Comics
By Grant Snider
illustrated by Leo Dawson
The dozens of short poems in this collection are written and illustrated in comic panels. The book contains four chapters—one for each season of the year. Titles for the spring poems include “Bubbles,” “Balloon Story,” and “Tadpole.” The subjects for the poems feel fresh and fun.
Ages 8-12
She’ll Be the Sky
By Ela Risbridger,
illustrated by Anna Shepeta
Dozens of female poets, including Amanda Gorman, contributed to this collection. Topics range from animals to activism. Most poems are accompanied by a full-page color illustration.
Ages 8 and up
1. Which book is tailored for readers who are over 12 years old?

A．Poetry Comics.	B．She’ll Be the Sky.
C．In and Out the Window.	D．Black Girl You Are Atlas.

2. What is Poetry Comics about?

A．Animals and activism.	B．Four seasons of the year.
C．Popular childhood topics.	D．Racial injustice and self-love.

3. What is the purpose of the text?

A．To fascinate poetry-goers.	B．To advertise 4 poetry collections.
C．To celebrate National Poetry Month.	D．To comment on 4 poetry collections.

7 . 假如你是李华，世界读书日即将到来，你校将于本月底举行一次以“Let’s Read”为主题的演讲比赛。请根据以下内容写一篇演讲稿：
1.读书的重要性：
①读书丰富我们的知识；
②读书拓宽我们的视野；
③读书帮助我们解决问题。
2.呼吁大家多读书，读好书。
注意：1.词数不少于80；
2.可适当增加内容，以使行文连贯。
参考词汇：丰富 enrich；拓宽视野 broaden the horizon
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

8 . With stories about legends, romance and superpowers, Chinese online literary works are gaining a growing global readership.

Online literature, or web literature, refers to a new literary form created and published in a digital format (格式) on the Internet, which can include novels, poetry or prose. It mainly consists of original works which are posted onto a website previous to any type of physical publication in book form. Authors are free to build their stories on online reading platforms, which are usually update d on a daily basis. Fans log on to platforms, reading the latest content and paying for it. On online reading platforms, readers not only rank books based on their plot, word building, translation, but they also interact with the author.

Chinese web novels are popular among young Chinese, who share similar reading preferences with their overseas counterparts (相似的人). Popular Chinese web novels adopt the styles of Western fantasy novels which are familiar to Western readers, who also find freshness with elements from traditional Chinese culture. By the end of 2022, more than 16, 000 Chinese online works of literature had been exported abroad, reaching over 150 million readers outside China.

As a literature scholar who took notice of the phenomenon, Noah Forrin noticed the growing number of local writers overseas on WebNovel. He said they understand the preferences of the locals and are well aware of the taboos of their culture so that they can decide what can be included in their writing and what should be avoided, while having the potential to create popular online works for local readers using the production system of Chinese online literature.

The young scholar has full confidence for the future of online literature, since both the literary circle and readers are pushing authors to write better works. He believes adaptations to films, TV dramas, and games will also boost (促进) the development of online literature. “For now, Chinese online literature is seizing the moment, but other countries and cultural circles will join in, bringing about changes worldwide,” said the young scholar.

1. What can we learn about online literature?

A．Its off-line version is published earlier.	B．The authors usually update their works weekly.
C．It is a digital literary form with various types.	D．The readers can give comments and adapt the works.

2. Why do Chinese web novels appeal to readers overseas?

A．Western literature is gradually losing its freshness.

B．Westerners are crazy about traditional Chinese culture.

C．The novels combine Western styles and Chinese elements.

D．Readers overseas have the same reading habits as Chinese readers.

3. What does the underlined word “taboos” in Paragraph 4 mean?

A．Something unacceptable.	B．Something hidden.
C．Something unnoticed.	D．Something available.

4. What’s the writing purpose of the text?

A．To explain the features of online literature.

B．To show the popularity of Chinese online literature.

C．To introduce different attitudes to Chinese online literature.

D．To compare Chinese online literature with that of Western countries.

9 . The website Books We Love is back with strong recommendations for new books handpicked by its staff, which will interest readers deeper.

Beneath by Cori Doerrfeld

A young child named Finn is sad and does not want to get out from beneath their blanket. His loving grandfather gently convinces him to go for a walk, and Finn gradually appears from his shell as the grandfather points out what’s beneath all the things they see. Beneath the surface of Cori Doerrfeld’s quiet story lies a deep emotional intelligence.

Limitless by Jeanna Smialek

New York Times reporter Jeanna covers the organization the Federal Reserve (Fed) (美联储) and explains how much the Fed affects the lives of ordinary people, which is the key point, and details the changing role of the Fed among worldwide financial crisis. Through human-level storytelling, she makes the Fed’s decision-making feel refreshingly transparent.

Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert

Has there ever been a better time to read about a charming funny young woman who just can’t seem to get it together? This book follows Eve Brown-a talented cook, extraordinary singer, devoted sister. At the start of the story, she is idle. As her story progresses, Eve winds up (以……告终) learning a lot about herself and what she’s capable of. Besides, her struggle also helps illustrate how rigid and often misguided the expectations of our family, friends and communities can be. “In this sense, the author is also an educator,” a famous editor, Code Switch says.

The Color Purple by Linda Holme

It is a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, which is about a love story that begins on the Italian Coast in the early 60s and eventually appears on the screen in Hollywood. As the settings shift from Italy to Edinburgh to Los Angles, you will find yourself longing to go as well. Buy it on Amazon.

1. What can be the topic of Limitless?

A．An important organization.	B．A changing role in the world.
C．The worldwide financial crisis.	D．The Fed’s effect on people’s lives.

2. Whose book could make readers reflect on some educational issues?

A．Cori Doerrfeld’s.	B．Talia Hibbert’s.
C．Linda Holme’s.	D．Jeanna Smialek’s.

3. Which book has been adapted for a film according to the text?

A．Beneath.	B．Limitless.
C．The Color Purple.	D．Act Your Age, Eve Brown.

10 . Four Best Classic Books for You to Read

If you’ve always wanted to tackle the classics but never known where to begin, we’ve got you covered. We’ve selected four best classic books for you to read.

The Man Who Would Be King by Rudyard Kipling

This short novel tells the story of two British men visiting India under Britain’s control. The men trick their way to a remote region where one of them comes to be respected as King. A tale warning against letting things go to your head, this funny story has been made into a classic film starring Michael Caine and Sean Connery.

Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie

Born in the first hour of India’s independence, Saleem Sinai is gifted with the power of an extraordinary sense of smell. He soon discovers that there are 1, 001 others with similar abilities, who can help him build a new India. The winner of the Booker prize in 1981, Salman Rushdie’s groundbreaking novel is a great achievement of magical realism. This great success was followed by his another novel Shame (1983).

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

If you’re not familiar with Dickens, his evergreen Christmastime classic is the perfect introduction. It’s a slim 104-page book — a true Christmas surprise from an author with a tendency towards the tome (大部头书) like his Great Expectations, which is another classic! It’s the perfect book for you to read in winter just when you want to feel that warm holiday atmosphere.

The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers

Meet John Singer, a deaf and mute (哑的) man who sits in the same café every day. Here, in the deep American South of the 1930s, John meets various kinds of people and acts as the silent and kind keeper of their stories — right up until an unforgettable ending that will blow you away. It’s hard to believe McCullers was only 23 when she wrote this classic.

1. Which book won a prize in 1981?

A．Shame.	B．Midnight’s Children.
C．The Man Who Would Be King.	D．The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter.

2. How is A Christmas Carol different from Great Expectations?

A．It’s more popular.	B．It’s Dickens’ first tome.
C．It’s shorter in length.	D．It’s written in Indian.

3. What does John Singer probably do in the same café?

A．Work as a waiter.	B．Help the disabled.
C．Read stories to others.	D．Observe different people.