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 . If you want to improve your English through reading original English works, here are some recommendations.
Charlotte’s Web
By E. B White
This is a lovely novel that all age groups can understand. Aimed at native English speaking children, there are many adults who still say this famous book is their favorite. This is part of the national curriculum in many schools around the world, so it’s quite possible this book will also come up in conversation. You can almost guarantee that the majority of native English speakers have read this book at least once.
The Outsiders
By S. E. Hinton
This short novel is perfect for EFI learners. It has modern themes and typical teenage issues that people around the world have experienced. There are very few cultural notes in this, which means you don’t need much background information. The sentences are short and easy to understand. The vocabulary is also very easy. You should be able to read this book without difficulty.
Number the Stars
By Lois Lowry
This is a realistic novel. It is based on history. Unlike other historical literature, it’s easy to understand. If you already know a lot of information about World War II, this might be an interesting book for you. It’s not recommended if you don’t know too much about the World Wars. In this case, you will be focusing on trying to understand the facts too much so you will not enjoy the book as much.
Thirteen Reasons Why
By Jay Asher
This story take place in the present, which means the writer writes using simple grammar. ”All sentences are short and the vocabulary is relatively easy. The interesting grammar and short paragraphs make this a quick and easy book for ESI learners. This is an award-winning book and on New York Times best book list, so it is worth a read.
1. Which book had you better avoid reading if you don’t know too much about history?| A．Charlotte’s Web. | B．The Outsiders. | C．Number the Stars. | D．Thirteen Reasons Why. |
| A．Charlotte’s Web and The Outsiders. | B．The Outsiders and Thirteen Reasons Why. |
| C．Thirteen Reasons Why and Number the Stars. | D．Charlotte’s Web and Number the Stars. |
| A．All of them are designed for children. | B．All of them are easy to understand. |
| C．All of them are award-winning books. | D．All of them have modern themes. |
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 . Four Best Books in 2021
Now I will recommend four best books to you.
Eyes That Kiss in the Corners
by Joanna Ho
This wonderful picture book tells a story about learning to love and celebrate your Asianshaped eyes. A young Asian girl notices that her eyes look different from her friends’. They have big, round eyes. They have eyes that are filled with stories of the past and hope for the future. This book will resonate with readers about 5 years old.
Hardcover: $19.8
Second-hand: $10
Amari and the Night Brothers
by B. B. Alston
Amari Peters has never stopped believing her missing brother, Quinton, is alive. When she finds a ticking briefcase in his closet, she’s certain that a secret organization holds the key to locating Quinton. In order to find him, now she must know about magic. This book will attract teens aged about 18 years old.
Hardcover: $21.7
Second-hand: $9
Dog Man
by Dav Pilkey
The world is losing out of control as new villains flood into town. Everything seems dark and full of disappointment. But hope is not lost. Can the incredible power of love save the day? Dog Man series explores love, kindness and the importance of doing good. Readers about 5 years old will like to read it.
Hardcover: $33.1
Second-hand: $13
Starfish
by Lisa Fipps
Ever since Ellie wore a whale swimsuit and made a big splash at her fifth birthday party, she’s been teased for her weight, she tries to live by the Fat Girl Rules — like “no making waves” “avoid eating in public” and “don’t move so fast”. And she’s found her safe space — her swimming pool — where she feels weightless in a fat-obsessed world. It suits readers about 5 years old.
Hardcover: $35.6
Second-hand: $11
1. What is special about Amari and the Night Brothers?| A．It is intended for teenagers. | B．It teaches readers how to love. |
| C．It is the cheapest among the four. | D．It features colorful pictures. |
| A．The way of overcoming difficulty. | B．The necessity of losing weight. |
| C．The ability to train a dog. | D．The importance of doing good. |
| A．Eyes That Kiss in the Corners. | B．Amari and the Night Brothers. |
| C．Dog Man. | D．Starfish. |
5 . Railroads and Literature
Nineteenth-century writers in the United States, whether they wrote novels, short stories, poems or plays, were powerfully drawn to the railroad in its golden years.
| A．These writers who can genuinely be said to have created the “railroad novel” are now mostly forgotten, their names having faded from memory. |
| B．By the 1850’s and 1860’s, there was a great distrust among writers and intellectuals of the rapid industrialization of which the railroad was a leading force. |
| C．The “railroad novels” are good examples of the effects industry and business had on the literature of the United States. |
| D．For the most part, the literature in which the railroad plays an important role belongs to popular culture rather than to serious art. |
| E．In fact, writers responded to the railroads as soon as the first were built in the 1830’s. |
| F．Many writers had the experience of working on railroads. |
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 . 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. |
China is gaining greater attention of Egyptians. Egyptian book lovers treated
More than 600 Arabic (阿拉伯语) books
“Our main goal is
Featured publications included books on China’ s history, literature, culture, geography and economy, and
The
1. Who is Julia Ann?
| A．A gardener. | B．A flower chaser. | C．A program hostess. |
| A．Journeys of discovery. |
| B．Appreciation of beauty. |
| C．Planting flowers in the garden. |
| A．He fell in love with a great book. |
| B．He started his career as a photographer. |
| C．His name appeared in the morning news. |
| A．The illustrations. | B．The exciting stories. | C．The attitude of writer. |
10 . People who argue that William Shakespeare isn’t responsible for the plays attributed to his name are known as anti-Stratfordians (from the name of Shakespeare’s birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon). They think that Shakespeare simply was not educated enough or from a high enough social class to have written plays with such a wide range of subjects like history and international culture. Shakespeare was the son of a glove-maker. He only had a basic grade school education, and he never set foot outside of England — so how could he have written in such detail about historical figures and events, or about different cultures and locations around Europe? But in fact, most anti-Stratfordian arguments can be refuted (反驳) with a little background about Shakespeare’s time and upbringing.
First of all, those who doubt Shakespeare’s authorship often point to his common birth and brief education as blocks to his writerly talents. Although it’s true that Shakespeare did not come from a noble class, his father was a very successful glove-maker and his mother was from a very wealthy land-owning family — so he would have been educated accordingly. Also grade school education in Shakespeare’s time was actually quite strict and exposed students to classic drama through writers like Seneca and Ovid. It’s not unreasonable to believe that Shakespeare received a very solid foundation in poetry and literature from the courses at school.
Next, anti-Stratfordians tend to question how Shakespeare could write so extensively about countries and cultures he had never visited before (for example, Romeo and Juliet was set in Italy). But again, this criticism doesn’t hold up to close scrutiny (推敲). For one thing, Shakespeare was living in London, a business, political and cultural center of Europe. Among the daily crowds of people, Shakespeare would certainly have been able to meet travelers from other countries and hear firsthand accounts of life in their home country. For another, it was also the age of the printing press. Such technology made it possible to print and circulate books much more easily than in the past. This allowed people to read about life and ideas throughout Europe. One needn’t travel the continent to learn and write about its culture.
1. What is the main purpose of this text?| A．To explain two sides of an argument. |
| B．To criticize a theory by presenting evidence. |
| C．To give some historical background about a literary figure. |
| D．To encourage readers to be skeptical about famous writers. |
| A．By referring to Shakespeare’s educated parents. |
| B．By insisting upon Shakespeare’s natural talent. |
| C．By comparing Shakespeare with other writers of his time. |
| D．By explaining grade school education in Shakespeare’s time. |
| A．International travel was extremely rare in Shakespeare’s time. |
| B．Until recently, classical drama was only taught in universities. |
| C．In Shakespeare’s time, glove-makers weren’t part of the upper class. |
| D．Some writers in Shakespeare’s time wanted to harm his reputation. |
| A．It’s Shakespeare’s most famous play. |
| B．It was inspired by Shakespeare’s trip to Italy. |
| C．It’s an example of a play set outside of England. |
| D．It was unpopular when Shakespeare first wrote it. |
