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. |
1. What will Adam do in the next two months?
| A．Perform some shows. | B．Write a new book. | C．Share stories with fans. |
| A．It tells stories in the 1990s. |
| B．It is mainly in a funny style. |
| C．It becomes a best-seller in 2021. |
| A．From 1991 to 1994. | B．From 1994 to 1996. | C．From 1996 to 2001. |
| A．At Paris College. | B．At Oxford University. | C．At Westminster School. |
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. |
A new English version of a modern classic Chinese book for children, I Want To Be Good by Huang Beijia, a well-known
The book, which was translated by Nicky Harman, a UK-based prize-winning literary translator, had been picked
As
The book tells the story of a 10-year-old girl
The book has been much loved in China as it has encouraged a generation of young readers
5 . 4 Books that Work Better on Audio
Strained eyes from staring at a screen all day? Give your eyes a break and dive into these audiobooks instead. Listening to an audiobook stimulates the same parts of the brain as reading does, and it is also helpful if you’re feeling anxious or depressed. Here are a few examples:
A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
Bryson’s genius lies in his ability to write about hard subjects—from Shakespeare to the human body—while making them seem so easy. Listening to it will teach you about everything from the Big Bang to particle physics, without ever feeling like a lesson.
The Best of Me by David Sedaris
Now, for the first time, David Sedaris reads his autobiographical stories on Radio 4, bringing us his funniest and most memorable work. It opens our eyes to what is at absurd and moving about our daily existence, which is almost impossible to read without laughing.
Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien
There’s no shortage of LOTR audiobooks knocking around on Audible, as they have broad appeal across all age groups, being an ideal company for family car journeys. These are complete and clock in at a full 22 hours and 38 minutes, perfect for those looking to get their money’s worth.
Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders
This tale of Abraham Lincoln mourning his son in a graveyard full of ghosts is the winner of the 2017 Booker prize. The book has no less than 166 different narrators—the result being that some readers complained of getting lost. But the audio one makes easy work of distinguishing between varied characters with their distinctive voices.
1. Which is not an advantage of an audiobook?| A．Reduction in anxiety. | B．Easy access without pay. |
| C．Protection for eyes. | D．Activation of the brain. |
| A．A Short History of Nearly Everything. | B．The Best of Me. |
| C．Lord of the Rings. | D．Lincoln in the Bardo. |
| A．It makes the story more attractive. | B．It suits people of all ages. |
| C．It tells the characters apart. | D．It helps the author win a prize. |
6 . Like so many young bookish kids I wrote poems and stories and filled pages of journals with dreams. But even though I adored writing, I still knew that being a real-life writer was a dream both great and impossible.
At different times I harboured the possibility that it might work. When I was seventeen, I wrote a story that was published in a collection. At college, I entered local writing competitions and had success. A couple of times, I wanted to register for a creating writing degree offered by Harvard University, but each time, the fear of failure held me back. Then I understood the dream was indeed impossible and I gave up writing setting out on the path to become a teacher.
Years later, after my daughter was born and deep in the intense world of a newborn, I felt urged to scribble (草草写下) madly. Then, two years later, late at night as I fed my second daughter. I read a book written by one of my teachers and it lit me up. I was hungry to make a reader feel something as intensely as she had made me feel.
I got in touch with my old teacher and with her encouragement, I finally registered for a creative writing degree and got actively involved in the writing events. At a literary event, I listened to a panel of writers and publishers talk about the need to be brave and take chances. At the end of the event, I took one of those chances, handing my as-yet-unfinished manuscript (手稿) to one of the panelists, who told me to send her the first three chapters via e-mail.
Six months later, I had my first publishing contract and felt like I’d won the lottery (彩票). There are a thousand different paths to publication, most of them with some rocky patches before the thrilling moment you hold your book in your hands.
1. Why did the author quit the idea of being a writer?| A．She had applied for a degree. | B．She lacked sufficient courage. |
| C．she became known for a story. | D．She wished to make a teacher. |
| A．Realize the dream of being a writer. | B．Make readers interested in the book. |
| C．Tell us her feeling about the teacher. | D．Write about caring for young children. |
| A．A certificate in writing. | B．A talk with good friends. |
| C．A platform for manuscripts. | D．A chance of publishing a book. |
| A．My Path to Publication. | B．My Views on Dreams. |
| C．My Talents for Writing. | D．My Conversation with Panelists. |
7 . 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. |
8 . Erica James is the author of 23 best-selling novels. Now, the romance novelist shares the books that shaped her career.
Three Men in a Boat
Jerome K Jerome
This was the initial book that made me laugh out loud. Anything I’d read previously had been school texts. Reading them was like watching paint dry, but suddenly here was something exciting which clearly shows a great many features of human behaviour. From then on, I fell in love with reading.
A Woman of Substance
Barbara Taylor Bradford
I was a mother when I read this novel and was thoroughly swept up in the rags to riches story of Emma Harte. Barbara created a strong sense of family and it sowed a tiny seed within me that I might create my own word though putting pen to paper.
Saint Maybe
Anne Tyler
Saint Maybe is a sad example of how one small mistake can result in tragedy for a family. As always with Anne Tyler, there’s sadness and humor within the pages, but the true strength of this novel lies in the author’s ability to write with sympathy
The Marriage Pact
Michelle Richmond
The Marriage Pact is a psychological thriller, making me be a nicer wife. Jake and Alice are invited to join an exclusive organization called The Pact, which promises to help them have a lasting marriage. I wanted to write a story like it: Great love for life.
1. Which book first made Erica James interested in reading?| A．Three Men in a Boat | B．A Woman of Substance |
| C．Saint Maybe | D．The Marriage Pact |
| A．It is her first book. | B．It makes her more hopeful. |
| C．It inspires Erica to be a writer. | D．It helps her manage job challenges. |
| A．They share a sad tone. | B．They go against textbooks. |
| C．They are focused on family problems. | D．They are good influences on Erica’s life. |
9 . 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. |
10 . Here come four new books with great poetry, from which the novices are to get inspired by the imaginative and celebratory poems when they start to take an eager look at this new and unknown field.
Cloud Soup
Bake a weird cake, pay a visit to the deep and take a closer look at the clouds in this fun collection of poems by Kate Wakeling, with unusual illustrations by Elina Braslina. Their previous collection, Moon Juice, won the CLiPPA Best Children’s Poetry Award, and this sequel is just as funny and imaginative.
Shaping the World: 40 Historical Heroes in Verse
This collection, chosen by Liz Brownlee, brings together 40 brilliant “shape poems” inspired by some of the remarkable people who have shaped our world. Inside, you’ll find poems about Greta Thunberg, Rosa Parks and Albert Einstein—each with a biography, a quote and a fascinating fact.
Take Off Your Brave
Be surprised and inspired by this book of poems written by four-year-old Nadim, with artwork by Yasmeen Ismall. Taking you inside a child’s world of glitter, magic boxes and rainbows, this book proves that poetry is for everyone and might inspire you to try writing some poems yourself!
My Sneezes Are Perfect
This thought- provoking collection of poems was written by Rakhshan RizWan with Yusuf Samee, a mother-and-son team and illustrated by Benjamin Philips. Bringing together observations, meditations and memories, it explores sorts of things, including animals, family, food and what it’s like moving to a new country.
1. Who has ever won a prize for writing poetry?| A．Kate Wakeling. | B．Liz Brownlee. |
| C．Nadim. | D．Rakhshan RizWan. |
| A．The life of celebrities. | B．The making of a great poet. |
| C．The migration to a new country. | D．The exploration to the deep ocean. |
| A．Poetry beginners. | B．Ambitious parents. |
| C．History lovers. | D．School teachers. |
