1 . The Best Writing Contests of 2023

1. What do Weekly Writing Competition and Anthology Travel Writing Competition 2023 have in common?

A．No entry fee is required.

B．Local culture is the focus.

C．There is maximum word count for entries.

D．One entry per person for each week is allowed.

2. What can be learned from Fiction Factory Flash Fiction?

A．Top prize winner will be awarded $300.

B．It is open to anyone from across the world.

C．Children’s stories on any theme are greatly appreciated.

D．Contest entries should be submitted before July 31, 2023.

3. Which contest suits you most if you are interested in climate crisis?

A．Weekly Writing Competition.	B．Anthology Travel Writing Competition.
C．Fiction Factory Flash Fiction.	D．Imagine 2200.

2 . Global Essay Competition

The John Locke Institute encourages young people to develop the characteristics that turn good students into great writers. Our Essay Competition invites students to explore a wide range of challenging and interesting questions beyond the limits of the school curriculum (课程).

All of our essay prizes are judged by senior academics from the University of Oxford. The judges will choose their favourite essay from each subject category and an overall “best essay” across six subjects: Philosophy, Politics, Economics, History, Psychology and Law.

Entry Requirements

Entry is open to students from any country. Candidates must be eighteen years old, or younger, on the date of the submission deadline, 30 June. Candidates for the Junior Prize must be fourteen years old, or younger, on the date of the submission deadline. Each essay should address only one of the questions in your chosen subject category, and must not exceed (超过) 2, 000 words.

Key Dates

30 June: Submission deadline

14 July: Short-listed candidates informed

26 August: Awards Dinner for the Junior Prize

2. September: Awards Dinner for the Economics Prize and other prizes

Prizes

There is a prize for the best essay in each category. The prize for each winner of a subject category, and the winner of the Junior category, is a scholarship worth US $2,000 towards the cost of attending any John Locke Institute programme, and the essays will be published on the Institute’s website. The prize-giving ceremony will take place in Oxford.

The candidate who submits the best essay overall will be awarded an honorary John Locke Institute Junior, Fellowship, which comes with a US $10, 000 scholarship to attend one or more of our summer schools.

1. What should the entry be about?

A．The limits of school courses.	B．The characteristics of great writers.
C．One of the given questions.	D．Anything in the chosen fields.

2. What is NOT true about the competition?

A．It sets a word limit on essays.

B．It has six subject categories.

C．Its prizes are judged by voting online.

D．It is open to any student regardless of his or her nationality.

3. Those who want to compete for the Junior Prize should not be over _________years old.

A．10

B．14

C．18

D．20

4. When will the Law Prize winner attend the awards dinner?

A．On 30 June.	B．On 14 July.
C．On 26 August.	D．On 2 September.

5. What will the overall best essay candidate receive?

A．A fellowship at Oxford University.	B．A summer school scholarship.
C．A chance to get published.	D．A US $1, 000 award.

3 .

2021—22 HAWKS SEASON TICKET MEMBERSHIP
PLACE YOUR DEPOSIT Place a $250 deposit to secure priority access to 21—22 season tickets before the general public! After purchasing a deposit, you will be assigned a dedicated rep(销售代表)and priority timeslot(一档时间).
FLASH SALES! ACT FAST TO GET FREE TICKET Become a Member and get the chance to receive free tickets to an upcoming game. Game dates available after the second half of the NBA schedule is released. *	BEST SEATS ·Access to the best locations available ·Top locations reserved for season ticket holders ·Priority to upgrade throughout season
	BEST PRICE ·Lowest price per game guaranteed ·Interest-free monthly payment plan ·Add on tickets at a discounted rate
	BEST BENEFITS ·Dedicated Hawks rep ·VIP arena entrances ·Ticket flexibility ·Exclusive events ·F&B Loaded ticket value* ·Free parking* *dependent on seating location and number of seats purchased
HOW TO GUARANTEE THE BEST SEATS, PRICE AND BENEFITS 1. Place a priority deposit 2. Purchase Membership 3. Enjoy immediate benefits
YOU’RE INVITED 21-22 NEW MEMBERSHIP VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE Learn more about Hawks Membership rights and 21—22 priority deposits. Sign up now to join the Zoom event to receive more details! •________ The per seat deposit secures your place in line to select your season ticket locations before the general public has access. The deposit will be credited to your season ticket purchase once the seat locations are confirmed. •________ Fans placing a deposit will gain access to purchase season ticket Membership on Jan 22. You will be assigned a priority timeslot to purchase and will be contacted via email with more information. •________ Yes. Click Contact a Rep and fill out the form to have a Hawks rep reach out to you or call/text the ticket sales department at 1-866-715-1500. Click the Contact us button in the bottom right for all contact options. •________ Please contact your dedicated Hawks rep or call/text 1-866-715-1500 to be connected with a rep who can assist. •________ Your deposit can be kept on account and be applied to any ticketing option released throughout the year.

1. If you become a member of Season Ticket, you can________.

A．update the tickers throughout the whole year

B．enter the stadium through a special entrance

C．often get free tickets for the upcoming games

D．get parking tickets at a discounted rate

2. If you want to know more detailed information about what special services you can receive after you have placed a deposit, you can________.

A．read the FAQS section on the website	B．refer to a live-streaming house
C．consult experts at the travel agency	D．place a priority deposit on NBA tickets

3. The proper order of the following questions in the FAQs section should be________.
①What is a deposit?
②Am I able to speak to someone over the phone or in-person?
③When can I purchase membership?
④What if I don’t use my deposit when Season Ticket Memberships go on sale?
⑤How will I receive my free tickets after I place a deposit and purchase membership?

A．②①④⑤③

B．①④③⑤②

C．①③②⑤④

D．③⑤②①④

4 .

Soapbox Derby Race for Beginners Sunday 6th August Come and try something new! Soapbox racing cars have no motors (发动机). You need a hill or a slope (斜坡) to race down. Time: From 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Place: At the top of Clifton Avenue Age: Between 6 and 16 Enter fee: $22 Notice: We will have experts to tell you all you need to know. See you at the top of the slope.

1. How much does a beginner pay for the race?

A．$22.

B．$16.

C．$7.

D．$6.

2. Who can take part in the race?

A．A 5-year-old boy.	B．A 17-year-old student.
C．A 10-year-old girl.	D．A 23-year-old teacher.

3. Which of the following about Soapbox Derby Race is TRUE?

A．The racing cars have motors.

B．Racers will meet at the top of Clifton Avenue.

C．The race will be held at 9:00 a.m.

D．The beginners needn’t pay for the race.

4. When will the race be held?

A．It will be held on Saturday.	B．It will be held in September.
C．It will be held on 5th.	D．It will be held in August.

5. Who will come to help?

A．Teachers from school.	B．Racers who have experience.
C．Experts.	D．Nobody.

5 . Four of the Best Art Competitions to Enter in 2023

If you’re creating amazing art but struggling to gain exposure, art contests are a great opportunity for publicity. Ready to show off your art to the world? Check out our guide to some of the best art contests to enter this year.

The Lumen Prize for Digital Art

Prize: $4,000 first prize

Entry Fee: $40 for two works

This digital art competition is organized by Lumen Art Projects Ltd, a non-profit organization that’s committed to providing new opportunities for digital artists around the world. The only requirement is that the submitted artworks must somehow engage with technology.

World Illustration Awards

Prize: A cash prize of £2,000

Entry Fee: £29 per entry

Anyone who’s into illustration is bound to have heard of the famous World Illustration Awards. Illustrators are invited to submit works published since 2018. Winners will not only win a cash prize, but they’ll be offered invaluable global exposure, such as a marketing package in the Directory of Illustration.

Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize

Prize: Over $50,000 in cash

Entry Fee: $ 40 per entry

The Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize is an annual international art prize that celebrates diversity and excellence in the visual arts. It aims to inspire creatives from around the world to enter the art profession through funding and increased exposure of their works.

The Sunny Art Prize

Prize: A total cash fun d of £6,000

Entry Fee: £25 for one artwork

One of the most inclusive and diverse art competitions in the UK, the Sunny Art Prize offers unique exposure for both emerging and established artists. Winners will have an opportunity to produce their works during a month-long residency in China.

1. How much should you pay to submit two works to the Lumen Prize for Digital Art?

A．$40.

B．$60.

C．$66.

D．$80.

2. Which is the best choice if you pursue a career in art?

A．The Sunny Art Prize.

B．World Illustration Awards.

C．Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize.

D．The Lumen Prize for Digital Art.

3. What will the winners of the Sunny Art Prize be awarded apart from cash prizes?

A．A marketing package for their artworks.

B．Creating their works for a month in China.

C．Access to technology related to digital art.

D．Connecting with artists worldwide and more exposure.

6 . Can’t enter the next American Idol or The Voice singing audition (试唱)? That’s alright! You can still show off your vocal skills and compete (竞赛) for recognition in one of the many online singing competitions across the country. Below are several worth checking out!

The Lyndon Oratorio-Solo Competition

For the under-30 crowd, this international solo competition focuses fully on oratorio singing. Initial (最初的) entries and rounds are online. However, finals are held at Carnegie Hall in New York City with considerable cash prizes awarded.

The Hal Leonard Vocal Competition

The only singing competition for all of North America aimed at young singers aged 23 and under, this is one of the first online singing competitions created. It charges nothing to enter, making it accessible to all qualified (有资格的) North American singers. Video auditions are all handed in through YouTube. Prizes include cash and gift certificates (证书).

Singist

For those 18 and up, Singist offers monthly online singing competitions. You can audition to be entered in the monthly contest for free, or sign up for a “Performer Plan” at $4 per month and enter yourself. Videos must be original, featuring any song you choose, and not posted on any other site. Registered (注册的) Singist users vote on a monthly winner, and social media sharing is encouraged. Small cash prizes in the $5 — 25 range are awarded to monthly winners.

MacroDazzle

MacroDazzle accepts karaoke, sing-along, and even self-accompanied singing from competitors of all ages. Those over 18 are qualified for cash prizes, and children are qualified for gift certificates and non-monetary prizes. A $16 entry fee is required for cash competitions.

1. What is special about the Lyndon Oratoria-Solo Competition?

A．It awards non-monetary prizes.

B．It doesn’t involve any offline activity.

C．Not all its singing competitions are held online.

D．Online rounds are held with cash prizes offered.

2. Which competition sets no age limit on entering?

A．The Lyndon Oratorio-Solo Competition.

B．Singist.

C．The Hal Leonard Vocal Competition.

D．MacroDazzle.

3. What is the purpose of the text?

A．To persuade singers to show off their skills.

B．To introduce some online singing competitions.

C．To tell the differences between some competitions.

D．To give advice on how to present vocal skills.

7 . THE 2022 NATIONAL BALLOON CLASSIC: July 29th-August 6th

Don’t miss a moment of the excitement as skilled pilots (飞行员) compete for points and prizes every morning and every evening. Great family fun and unbelievable entertainment value await you at the Memorial Balloon Field. Just sit back and enjoy the beautiful countryside as you listen to live music during the evening balloon flights. Grab a bite to eat, take the children to Kids Land, buy a balloon ride for a one-of-a-kind view, and prepare to be awestruck as dark skies come alive with a mystical light during Dawn Patrols and Nite Glows.

Admission General Admission includes FREE parking. 2022 TICKETING INFORMATION COMING SOON Morning: Parking/Gates open at 5:00 A. M. Evening: Parking/Gates open at 4:00 P. M. Everyone must have a ticket/pass regardless of age. Cash is only accepted at the gate. Online tickets MUST be printed for entry.

Balloon Rides Create lifetime memories and book a balloon ride. Balloon riders can be taken every morning or evening (weather permitting) during the event but spots fill quickly so reserve your first-rate, exclusive experience in advance. Contact Galena On The Fly An official balloon ride operator for the National Balloon Classic. 815-777-2747 info@ buyaballoonride.com Call for Price and Availability “Once you have flown, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you long to return.”— Leonardo da Vinci

1. When could people attend the National Balloon Classic in 2022?

A．July 28th.	B．July 25th.
C．August 5th.	D．August 7th.

2. What can people do on the National Balloon Classic?

A．Buy a balloon.	B．Take a balloon ride.
C．Paint balloons with colors.	D．Compete in a balloon flight.

3. What can we learn about the admission?

A．People are allowed to bring a kid for free.

B．People can only pay cash for admission.

C．People should print online tickets before entry.

D．People can call 815-777-2747 for further information.

8 . On Nov 20, the world’s biggest international soccer tournament(大赛) kicked off in Qatar, in which 32 national teams compete with each other for about a month. Different from previous World Cups, is the first held in the northern hemisphere(北半球) during winter. Does the change influence players and fans?

European Leagues face challenges

FIFA’s decision to move this year’s World Cup may upset European Leagues. Teams in European Leagues usually play their seasons from August to the following May. During the last two months, they would be busy with domestic(国内的) competitions and group matches in the Champions and Europa League. But to prepare for the World Cup in the winter, many soccer clubs in Europe could face a six-week shutdown to provide players with enough time to recover. During this time, fans will be upset about the delay of domestic soccer matches.

Is a “black horse” likely to appear?

The answer is “yes”. Though the weather gets cooler in the winter, the conditions in Qatar are challenging for some teams. Take some players from European teams for example. They must transition(过渡) from much colder playing conditions, which will increase their sweat loss and influence their performance.

But this influence will likely not change the final result.

“This yeas World Cup falls on the world stop leagues’ mid-season. That means players are coming into this World Cup after playing 25 games. So they will be arriving fresh and excited. Their energy is going to beat the top level,” former England captain David Beckham told the AI Jazeera website. He added that the players from the elite(精英的) soccer clubs will perform better.

Watching matches with coldness

Traditionally, many Chinese soccer fans gather together in restaurants in the summer, with beer and peanut. But now the matches are in the deep night during winter, with the cold weather making it hard for friends to gather to watch matches together. To solve the problem, some Chinese soccer fans joked on the internet that hotpot restaurants maybe the best places to watch the World Cup.

1. Why is this year World Cup different from others?

A．It’s the first held in Qatar.

B．Up to 32 national teams compete in it.

C．It takes place in the winter of the northern hemisphere.

D．It lasts longer than before.

2. What challenge does European Leagues face about FIFA’s decision?

A．They have to call off domestic matches to build up the players’ strength.

B．More fans will lose interest in their matches.

C．They will provide more money to train their players.

D．Many players won’t perform well as usual.

3. What did David Beckham’s word simply?

A．The final result will be greatly changed.

B．Some players will perform beyond their level.

C．Weather won’t have any effect on players’ performance.

D．The time for this year World Cup is most suitable for players.

9 . Young Artist Award

Qualification

The competition is open to all schools including pre-schools in Fife, Scotland. Teachers have the right to pre-select pupils’ works before submitting entries from the school. Entries will not be accepted from the children or relatives of employees of the Museums of the University of St Andrews or any other person who is directly concerned with the organization of the competition.

Format of artwork

Works may be created in any forms including painting, sculpture, drawings, prints, photography, pottery, etc.

How to submit your entry

Entries can be made through the relevant school or directly by pupils from home.

Entries can be submitted via email or WeTransfer to museumlearning@st-andrews.ac.uk.

Entries may also be delivered by post.

It will not be possible to hand-deliver entries.

Information needed

Each individual entry must have the following information marked clearly on it otherwise it will not be considered:

*Pupil’s name
*Class and age
*Name of teacher /school contact (if entered via school) OR home address and contact email address if entered from home
*School name, address, email and telephone number
Prizes

All schools who enter the competition will receive a specially designed certificate in acknowledgement and recognition of their participation. In addition, winning pupils will receive:

1st place: Young Artist Award Medal and £40 token (代金券) for art materials
2nd place: Young Artist Award Medal and £25 token for art materials
3rd place: Young Artist Award Medal and £10 token for art materials
No alternative to any prize is available and the prizes shall be non-transferable.
Competition closing date

Entries must be received no later than 5 pm on 19th June this year.

1. Who is qualified to take part in this competition?

A．A high school student from England.	B．A kindergarten kid from Fife, Scotland.
C．A home schooled student from Scotland.	D．An employee of the University of St Andrews.

2. Which of the following entries will be considered?

A．Those delivered by hand.

B．Those posted on 20th June.

C．Those sent from home without a school address.

D．Those made through school without a home address.

3. What will a 1st place winner receive?

A．Some art materials.	B．A certificate.
C．£40 in cash.	D．A medal.

10 . The marathoner Molly Seidel was the third American woman in history to win an Olympic medal in the marathon, but her road to success was not smooth. She skipped the 2016 U. S. Olympic trials to make her mental health a priority. Seidel thought her career might be over back in 2016. Treatment changed everything. She became a better athlete than ever. When she crossed the finish line at the Tokyo Olympics, she screamed with joy.

In a world that rewards constant toughness, Seidel’s breakthrough was a case study in the value of patience and self care. Despite the conventional wisdom that the career of a professional athlete should be an unbroken upward path to peak performance, Seidel stepped away to protect her health, recovered, and came back stronger.

Many of the most storied moments in Olympics history are simplified examples of athletes pushing past pain, injury and mental exhaustion to compete. Who can forget Kerri Strug who in 1996 vaulted on an injured ankle, then was carried off the mat to receive her medal? But the story of this most recent Olympics was athletes choosing to protect their health instead of sacrificing it to compete.

The gymnast Simone Biles was a typical example, when she declined to compete after experiencing a bad case of “the twisties”. Top athletes across global competitions this year spoke openly about stepping back from competition to recalibrate. The British cricketer Ben Stokes recently announced an “indefinite break” from the game to check into treatment for his mental health; the tennis star Naomi Osaka dropped out of the French Open; and the British swimmer Adam Peaty celebrated winning two gold medals in Tokyo with the announcement that he’s taking a month off to take care of himself.

Seidel’s Olympic performance proves this approach: Giving yourself time to heal and rest is not just the compassionate thing to do for your health. It can be also the smartest strategy for success. It’s a powerful lesson in how to handle the natural derailments (脱轨) of life. We’re seeing burnout. Olympians, are warning us to the problems of an overly goal-oriented society.

1. Seidel gave up the 2016 U.S. Olympic trials to ________.

A．attend the Tokyo Olympics	B．receive mental treatment
C．put and end to her athlete career	D．improve her performance

2. The conventional wisdom holds that professional athletes tend to ________.

A．value patience and self care	B．take a break when necessary
C．keep up training until they succeed	D．protect their health instead of sacrificing it

3. Why are the examples given in paragraph 4?

A．To give advice on how to win gold medals.

B．To emphasize how cruel the competition is.

C．To show athletes caring more about their health.

D．To tell training stories of some successful athletes.

4. What may be the author’s attitude towards athletes like Seidel?

A．Supportive.

B．Doubtful.

C．Cautious.

D．Unclear.