1 . On today’s blog post, I’ll be talking about my favorite magazines. I love reading books & magazines, and I’m learning so many useful tips about healthy living, daily life, etc.
Women’s Health
Women’s Health has a unique content. You can find various interesting information about healthy living or exercises you can do at home. I also love their writers because they explain every topic so simple that you can even understand biological articles.
Healthy Food Guide
I totally recommend it to everyone because it has lots of useful information about being healthy during your daily life. In this magazine, you can find articles about foods you often eat but don’t have much idea what it contains or if they’re healthy. If you are searching for new diets, this magazine gives you all the information.
Time Out
Time Out is a well-known magazine and it’s free in my city. Every time I see a Time Out magazine, I get it because it has lots of useful tips. I got Time Out London when I was in London, and I discovered new restaurants, galleries, museums, and events. This magazine has various information about the city life. For example, it gives you the events that are happening near you. It gives you tips for the railway stations and other transportation choices.
La Cucina Italiana
If you love cooking Italian food, this magazine is for you! It has lots of recipes and also restaurant reviews. You can also find popular restaurants near you in this magazine. I’ve also read articles by famous chefs from my city.
1. What can we find in Healthy Food Guide?| A．Ways to keep fit. | B．Tips on cooking. |
| C．Different eating habits. | D．Information of new restaurants. |
| A．Time Out. | B．Women’s Health. | C．Healthy Food Guide. | D．La Cucina Italiana. |
| A．He lives in London. | B．He loves and enjoys life. |
| C．He often goes travelling. | D．He likes collecting recipes. |
2 . Writers of science fiction often feel more prescient (预知的) than others. Whether the threat to women’s rights in the work of Margaret Atwood, the architectural and social dystopias (反乌托邦) of J. G. Ballard’s novels, or the internet-predicting world of E M. Forster’s The Machine Stops, the genre are filled with prescient writers dealing with ever more familiar issues.
Out of all such writers, few seem more likely to predict our times than the American author Philip K. Dick, who died in 1982. In the 30-year period of work, Dick wrote 44 novels and countless short stories, adaptations of which went on to redefine science fiction on screen.
Dick had a surprising ability to predict what would happen in modern world. The famous science-fiction and fantasy author Stan Nicholls suggests Dick’s work is prescient because it explored the future through the then-present. “His stories supposed the popularity of the Internet, virtual reality, facial recognition software, driverless cars and 3D printing,” Nicholls said—while also pointing out that “it’s a misinterpretation that prediction is the primary purpose of science fiction. The genre’s hit rate is actually not very good in that respect. Like all the best science fiction, his stories weren’t really about the future, they were about the here and now.”
Whether his visions were, as he believed, a product of small problems in the simulation or his fading mental health, one thing is for certain—the world in which the work of Philip K. Dick is well known today feels ever closer to the ones imagined by this most unique and exceptional writer.
1. Why does the author mention three writers in paragraph 1?| A．To explain how great their novels are. |
| B．To explain the women’s rights in the future. |
| C．To show science fictions have the foresight. |
| D．To show the same interest of science fictionists. |
| A．He had the capacity to predict the present age. |
| B．He adapted his four short stories for the screen. |
| C．He often had ideas different from the editor’s. |
| D．He died in the USA in the 21st century. |
| A．They are all about other planets. | B．They all focus on the present |
| C．They should develop various themes. | D．They should make readers feel satisfied. |
| A．Philip K Dick had a great impact on science. |
| B．Philip K. Dick had traveled into the future then. |
| C．People don’t agree to Philip K. Dick’s prediction. |
| D．The world in Philip K. Dick’s works is similar to today’s world. |
3 . Could J. K. Rowling please leave Harry Potter in peace? 2010 was a good time to move on. We all know that Harry Potter’s last adventures hit the bookstore in 2007, and three years later the Warner Bros adaptations ran their course in cinema, too. For many fans, the young wizard had worked his magic through most of their childhood. But in 2018, a new Harry Potter extended universe film, Fantastic Beasts: The Crime of Grindelwald, was out.
I love Harry Potter series and I always will. It’s all there in my memory: I remember the first delight at reading “Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, of number four, Privet drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal”. The wizarding treasure hunt, thrown by my parents for my ninth birthday with my dad dressed as Hagrid in the garden, was so clear in my mind. I remember deciphering (破译) my copy of the Deathly Hallows, the first book I read in English, and having to check the French for “wand”. The 2001 trip to the cinema to see Philosopher’s Stone, and all the ones that followed are kept clearly.
However, someone needs to call a halt to the endless afterlife of Potter’s fictional universe. It was enough in the seven books and eight films. We didn’t and don’t need a community website, a theatre play, the printed script of said movie, and even more movies.
Rowling has created 21st-century modern literary classic. I always look up to her as the textbook classy writer: respectfully drawing attention from readers, successful but wise enough to withdraw. She also cares much about the causes she holds dear. In 2011 alone, she donated 16% of her net worth to charities. Of all contemporary authors who hit gold, Rowling remains one of the very most inspirational.
The saddest thing is that Rowling helped with the writing of the Cursed Child. She regularly “revealed” new details about Potter’s magical world on Twitter. Today, I decided to give up: I don’t follow Rowling on Twitter. I don’t want to see the new film. Thank you, Joanne Kathleen Rowling. I have enough valued stories—I don’t need new ones any more.
1. The last book of Harry Potter series was published in ______ .| A．2007 | B．2010 | C．2011 | D．2017 |
| A．felt rather easy to understand Harry Potter series |
| B．was quiet fond of Harry Potter series and its films |
| C．read Harry Potter series with the help of his parents |
| D．missed the time of watching Harry Potter movies with his parents |
| A．Share. | B．Appreciate. | C．Stop. | D．Change. |
| A．The talent J. K. Rowling has. |
| B．The author’s praise for J. K. Rowling. |
| C．The influence of J. K. Rowling’s works. |
| D．The author’s expectations of J. K. Rowling. |
4 . A common theme running in fiction and mythology is the idea of orphan (孤儿) heroes and superheroes. Fairytales introduce us to children of absent fathers and cruel caretakers, like Cinderella and Snow White. Fiction makes much of the parentage of David Copperfield and Jane Eyre. Comic books offer orphaned heroes like Batman, Spiderman, or you’ll notice characters in more modern fiction from films and books like Harry Potter and Leia Skywalker.
Why are so many heroes and superheroes orphans?
Lacking parents, orphan heroes and superheroes are considered “children of the world”. Having raised themselves, and having been freed from much of the complex relationship of child to parent, ophan heroes and superheroes are at much greater liberty to interact with the world, and they may look at the world as parent and all its inhabitants as family.
Some orphans seek only a home and a family. David Copperfield finds this with his aunt. Cinderella and Snow White escape evil stepmothers by marrying. Others, especially of the superhero “cast” are never really given family in the traditional sense. In fact, though they may have strong bonds with friends, or with caretakers, they are constantly attempting to prove worthiness to the world, and are desperate to save the people they do care about.
You can also evaluate orphan heroes and superheroes as a means by which anxiety, loneliness, and independence are emphasized. The comic book type superhero is usually one who suffers always, or at least most of the time. Loss of even one parent can be intensely upsetting and forever change a child’s life, and superheroes may do all in their power to prevent this fate for other children. Empathy for suffering and a desire to end or prevent it for others are increased.
It’s a good idea to consider why we see this theme expressed so commonly. Perhaps we ⅵew these orphans or poorly parented children as ultimately our own. They may not just be children of the world, but may belong to each reader.
1. Why does the author mention some famous characters in Paragraph 1?| A．To clarify the writing purpose. | B．To advertise classic fiction. |
| C．To support a statement. | D．To make an overall outline. |
| A．Intention to escape a family. | B．Desire to prove their value to the world. |
| C．Strong bonds with their family. | D．Wishes for freedom to explore the world. |
| A．Childish. | B．Dependent. | C．Cheerful. | D．Sympathetic. |
| A．Ophans’ ultimte fate is pitiful |
| B．Readers have a preference for tragedies. |
| C．Orphan characters are reflections of the readers. |
| D．Readers may regard orphan characters as their own kids. |
How to Work Out Your Worries by Writing
An extensive body of research shows benefits to writing about a traumatic experience or difficult situation in a manner that psychologists refer to as “expressive writing.” People who do this, recording their deepest thoughts and feelings, often show improved mental and physical health.
Expressive writing is different from writing in a journal. The idea is to reflect honestly and thoughtfully on a particular trauma or challenge. Recognizing that something is bothering you is an important first step. Translating that experience into language forces you to organize your thoughts. And creating a story or explanation gives you a sense of control.
But there are a few limitations. For psychiatrists, expressive writing isn’t a magical cure-all, so it shouldn’t be used as a replacement for other treatments. And people coping with a severe trauma or depression may not find it useful to do on their own, without therapy. Yet it can be a powerful coping tool for many, in large part because it helps combat the feelings that people often keep as secret about a trauma, as well as their reluctance to face emotions. “The more you avoid a problem, the more trouble you will have with it, because you create a circle of anxiety and worries, and increasing negative emotions,” says Brian Marx, PhD, a professor of psychiatry at the Boston University School of Medicine.
Why write? Thinking or talking about an event can lead to reflecting, where you become lost in your emotions. But writing forces you to slow down. The mere act of labeling a feeling— of putting words to an emotion—can reduce the neural activity in the threat area of the brain, says Annette Stanton, PhD, distinguished professor and chair of the department of psychology at UCLA. Stanton’s research suggests that expressive writing can lead to lower depressive symptoms, greater positive mood, and an enhanced appreciation for life. “Writing can increase someone’s acceptance of their experience, and acceptance is calming,” she says.
What if you don’t consider yourself “a writer”? Don’t worry about spelling or grammar, and don’t share your writing with anyone. But do dig deep into your thoughts and feelings. The goal of the exercise is to find meaning in an unsettling event.
1. How is expressive writing different from writing in a journal?2. What are the limitations of expressive writing?
3. Please decide which part is false in the following statement, then underline it and explain why.
▶ Expressive writing has a calming effect because it can help people to get rid of depression, appreciate life more and accept their experience.
4. What is your own way to work out your worries? And why？ (In about 40 words)
6 . Stories are loved by people of all ages. Stories for kids play a major role in shaping their personalities. Below is a list of some of the best short stories for kids that we’re sure that your child would enjoy reading:
Panchatantra Stories in English
Most children stories significantly focus on teaching morals to kids. Panchatantra stories for kids are designed with the same motive. These are the oldest short moral stories for kids. These amazing small stories for kids in English from Panchatantra have reached an audience worldwide. To attract your kids with exciting stories, we provide you with our versions of some of the most famous and loved Panchatantra Stories for kids.
Fairy Tales Stories
Fairy Tales stories are loved by kids. The world of fantasy attracts everyone. These children stories give them a chance to leap into a world full of possibilities and imagination as well as moral lessons. They build their own versions of the fairies. Thus, such short stories for kids in English can build better creativity in children.
Moral Stories for Kids in English
Moral stories for children are those stories that convey moral values, which are crucial during their upbringing. Usually, moral stories for kids convey principles such as love, respect, honesty, virtues, etc. to their readers. Short moral stories for kids fill kids with a better understanding of what is considered good and what is termed as bad.
Akbar Birbal Stories
For generations, Akbar Birbal Stories have been enjoyed thoroughly by every kid. Akbar and Birbal Stories are a great combination of fun, wit, humour and moral values. These English stories for kids entertain, bring smiles and teach life lessons in effortless ways.
1. Who is the text intended for?| A．Kids. | B．Teachers. | C．Parents. | D．Storywriters. |
| A．Fairy Tales Stories. |
| B．Akbar Birbal Stories. |
| C．Panchatantra Stories in English. |
| D．Moral Stories for Kids in English. |
| A．They convey moral values. |
| B．They are humorous and amusing. |
| C．Some versions are written by kids. |
| D．They are stories for people of all ages. |
7 . The Last Greatest Magician in the World
In this book, we can learn about the wonderworker Howard Thurston. During his life, Thurston successfully made changes in entertainment. His magic show is regarded as the one that inspires our memories.
Author: Jim Stein Meyer Length: 384 pages Publication Date: Feb. 3, 2011
Beholders: A World Without Heroes
Jason Walker lives a peaceful life until one day he falls through a hole and ends up in a new foreign world. In Lydian, the people dress and behave differently, living in fear of their Emperor Surratt. But during Jason’s search for a way home, he learns of a magical word that could kill Surratt and becomes the hero he has never imagined.
Author: Brandon Mull Length: 464 pages Publication Date: Feb. 15, 2011
Life
With his honesty, Keith Richards brings us the story of a life we all have longed to know more of. Its hard to imagine a famous persons biography is as easy to drink in as Keith Richards life. The books content agrees with the rhythm of his voice so much that reading his tale is like sharing a cup of beer with an old friend.
Author: Keith Richards Length: 576 pages Publication Date: Oct. 26, 2010
The Monkey and the Monk
The famous translation of The Journey to the West is popular with English-speaking audiences. The book shows the novels most exciting and meaningful parts without taking anything away from their true spirit. Moreover, with a new form, this translation is sure to attract more fans.
Author: Anthony C. Yu Length: 528 pages Publication Date: Nov. 15, 2006
1. What kind of book is Beholders: A World Without Heroes？| A．A life guide. | B．A biography. |
| C．An adventure novel. | D．An educational book. |
| A．Honest. | B．Simple. |
| C．Hardworking. | D．Generous. |
| A．The Last Greatest Magician in the World. |
| B．Beholders: A World Without Heroes. |
| C．Life. |
| D．The Monkey and the Monk. |
8 . Beverly Cleary, the celebrated children’s author whose memories of her Oregon childhood were shared with millions through the likes of Ramona and Beezus Quimby and Henry Huggins, has died. She was 104.
Trained as a librarian, Cleary didn’t start writing books until her early 30s, when she wrote Henry Huggins, published in 1950. Children worldwide came to love the adventures of Huggins and his neighbours Ellen Tebbits, Otis Spofford, Beezus Quimby and her younger sister, Ramona. They live in a real street in Portland, Oregon, the city where Cleary spent much of her youth.
Ramona, perhaps her best-known character, first appeared in Henry Huggins with only a brief mention. “All the children appeared to be only children, so I threw in a little sister and she didn’t go away. She kept appearing in other books,” Cleary said.
Cleary herself was an only child and said the character wasn’t a mirror. “I was a well-behaved little girl, not that I wanted to be,” she said. “At the age of Ramona, in those days, children played outside. We played hopscotch(跳房子) and jump rope and I loved them and always had wounded knees.”
Cleary stopped writing recently, because she said she felt it was important for writers to know when to quit. “I even got rid of my typewriter. It was a nice one but I hate to type. When I started writing I found that I was thinking more about my typing than what I was going to say,” she said in 2016. Although she put away her pen, Cleary re-released three of her most treasured books with three famous fans writing forewords for the new editions.
Cleary’s books have been translated into more than a dozen languages and inspired many programmes, such as a 10-part PBS series, Ramona and the 2010 film Ramona and Beezus. Cleary was asked once what her favourite character was. “Does your mother have a favourite child?” she responded.
1. What do we know about Cleary?| A．She was a late starter as an author. |
| B．She wrote true stories in her books. |
| C．She published her first book in the 1930s. |
| D．She drew writing inspiration from her neighbours. |
| A．She was a well-behaved little girl. | B．She was an only child of her family. |
| C．She had an impressive first appearance. | D．She played an increasingly bigger role. |
| A．Clever. | B．Active. | C．Lonely. | D．Quiet. |
| A．She added her fans’ words to her books. |
| B．She learned to type quickly and correctly. |
| C．She translated her books into other languages. |
| D．She made TV programmes based on her books. |
9 . Every year, Barnes & Noble picks the 10 best books of the year, covering all genres and age groups. If you’re looking for an amazing book to grab before the end of 2021, here are some of the best books of the year.
Cloud Cuckoo Land
This novel is both a historical and futuristic science fiction story that connects five characters across hundreds of years through their relationship to a book: “Cloud Cuckoo Land.” The book they find is about a shepherd named Aethon, who longs to be turned into a bird, so he can live a carefree life forever. As each character finds this book, from a l5th century kid to a young teen on a futuristic interstellar ship, their stories meet in this complex yet fascinating read.
Crying in H Mart
When Michelle Zauner was 25, her mother s cancer changed her life forever and forced her to accept her Korean American identity in a desperate attempt to stay connected to her mother. As a talented musician, Michelle had previously been divorced from her cultural roots, but quickly turned to food to keep her mother's memory alive in this powerful and heartbreaking memoir.
Pony
It is a historical, middle-grade adventure novel intended for adolescents. It talks about a 12-year-old boy named Silas who is woken in the middle of the night to see his father being taken away by three horsemen. With only his horse named Pony by his side, Silas sets off on a life-changing mission to find his father.
You Will Get Through This Night
It is a nonfiction read about mental health that offers both a personal and professional outlook on how to survive the hardest mental health days. Dividing the book into three chapters — This Night, Tomorrow, and The Days After — Daniel Howell wants readers to not just survive the hard nights but properly care for our mental health.
1. What do Cloud Cuckoo Land and Pony have in common?| A．Plot. | B．Literary form. | C．Characters. | D．Writing background. |
| A．Cloud Cuckoo Land. | B．Crying in H Mart. |
| C．Pony. | D．You Will Get Through This Night. |
| A．It is about psychological health. | B．It helps cure physical disabilities. |
| C．It is a collection of personal stories. | D．It mainly solves sleeping problems. |
10 . If having to make a choice between reading an e-book and a printed book, which would most people choose? Some would go for an e-book while some still prefer the hard-printed book.
Undoubtedly, e-books do have benefits. Firstly, changes to an electronic publication are relatively easy to make. They are quicker to obtain. E-books are more easily updated. The printed books on many subjects can become outdated very quickly. Secondly, e-books can be easily and quickly kept up to date. You usually get far more than just the e-books. Most e-books are sold with bonuses and related information that usually do not come with the purchase of a printed book. Moreover, they take up less space. Instead of a big library, you can fit literally thousands of books on your computer. It also makes it easier to share this information with families and friends.
For nearly twenty years, additionally, futurists have been predicting the development of printed books. The conventional view has been that digital e-books are on the verge of replacing paper books. However, this has not been the case. A printed book has its advantages too. Firstly, it is an object that can be carried and used alone. It needs no electric outlet (插座), no batteries, nothing. Secondly, e-books will always require some forms of support that the printed book does not need.
I believe that the online publishing has not taken off because people want real books. What is being published online more and more are pamphlets (小册子) and things that really do not need to be in print. These are stuff that people throw away afterward. More often, people do not want to read a book on the computer. What could be better than a paper book? It lasts a long time. These books are designed to last a long time without disappearing.
To sum up, there is no denying that the printed book is still very much preferred over its digital cousins. Reading electronic publications is just not the same when it comes to books. People are still very interested in real books and notebooks.
1. What can we know about an e-book?| A．It will never be out of date. | B．It always gives you an added bonus. |
| C．It can deliver information quickly. | D．It has taken the place of printed books. |
| A．Printed books will disappear. | B．Printed books can be used alone. |
| C．E-books have many restrictions. | D．E-books have no drawbacks. |
| A．The low demand for book industry. | B．The expectations from people. |
| C．The guidance of policy. | D．The desire for the printed books. |
| A．Hopeless. | B．Unpredictable. | C．Costly. | D．Promising. |
