高中英语原版阅读精读与训练素材9

Top 10 Chinese cities of opportunityThe China Development Research Foundation recently released their joint Chinese Cities of Opportunity 2019 report.The report provides in-depth and all-round observations on 38 Chinese cities, (review) each city from 10 different dimension s, such as "intellectual capital and innovation", "technology maturity", "health, safety and public security" and "transportation and urban planning".Beijing ranked first in "intellectual capital and innovation" and "economic impact"; Shanghai was at the top in "major regional cities" and Hong Kong (gain) the best results in "ease of doing business" and "health, safety and public security".Let's take a look at the top 10 outperformers among the 38 cities.No 10 NanjingAerial view of the Jiangsu Centre for the Performing Arts at night in Nanjing city, East China's Jiangsu province.A container terminal in Xiamen, Fujian province.Busy streets at nighttime in Wuhan, Central China's Hubei province.A panda statue stands at gifts shop in Kuanzhai ancient street of Chengdu, Sichuan province.The West Lake under the sunset in Hangzhou,the capital of East China's Zhejiang province.Dramatic clouds frame the skyline of Shenzhen, South China's Guangdong province.No 4GuangzhouThe Canton Tower in Guangzhou, Guangdong province.No 3Hong KongTourists take photos with the skyline in the background on a Kowloon promenade(散步场Hong Kong.No 2ShanghaiThe Lujiazui Financial District in Pudong with the Shanghai Tower, the Shanghai WorldPearl TV Tower in Shanghai.No 1BeijingA watchtower at the Palace Museum stands。

高中英语听说读写训练方法有哪些？高中英语学习是学生英语能力修为提升的最重要的阶段，听说读写译四项技能的均衡发展更是重中之重。

本文将从教育专家的角度，对高中英语听说读写训练方法进行探讨，旨在帮助学生和教师更好地掌握高效的学习策略。

一、听说训练1. 听力训练精听：选择难度适中的音频材料，比如英语新闻、纪录片、英语歌曲等。

一边听一边记笔记，记录关键词、关键句，并学习相关生词，反复聆听并理解。

泛听：每天坚持听英语广播、看英文电影或电视剧，即使不能完全理解，也要坚持听，培养语感，熟悉英语语音语调。

模仿练习：选择喜欢的英语演讲、对话或歌曲，模仿其发音、语调和节奏，提高口语表达能力。

默写单词练习：将听过的英语材料中的单词记录下来，锻炼听音能力，并增强对英语语法和词汇的掌握。

2. 口语训练情景对话：将学习内容与生活实际相结合，设计模拟日常场景，与同学进行对话练习，提高口语表达的流利度和准确性。

角色扮演：选择英语剧本或故事，通过角色扮演，锻炼口语表达的自然性和灵活性。

演讲练习：帮助和鼓励学生进行英语演讲，锻炼逻辑思维能力，提高演讲技巧和自信心。

小组讨论：以小组为单位进行英语讨论，注意培养团队协作意识，锻炼口语表达的流畅性和逻辑性。

二、阅读训练1. 精读：选择难度适中的英文文章，逐字逐句地阅读理解，解释文章意思，并分析文章结构、语言特点和写作技巧。

2. 泛读：选择感兴趣的英文书籍、杂志或网站进行阅读，快速浏览网页，了解文章大意，拓宽阅读范围，培养语感。

3. 速读：练习快速阅读，提高泛读速度，提高信息获取效率，并锻炼理解能力。

三、写作训练1. 模仿练习：模仿优秀的英语文章写作风格，学习其语言表达，并练习运用不同的句型和词汇。

2. 写作练习：定期进行英语写作练习，例如写日记、作文、书信等，训练写作逻辑和文笔。

3. 改错练习：相互交换批阅作业作文，找出错误并进行修改，增强写作水平。

4. 词汇积累：学习积累丰富的词汇和语法知识，为写作提供充足的素材和表达工具。

语篇阅读提能Ⅰ阅读理解AGreat Yarmouth is an English seaside town situated at themouth of the River Yare, about 120 miles to the northeast ofLondon. Around 5 million people visit Great Yarmouth every year，making it one of Britain’s most popular seaside resorts.Formerly the home of one of the most profitable fishing industries, Great Yarmouth is a busy and very popular seaside resort. Undoubtedly ，one of the most popular attractions is Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach, a historic free entry pleasure park, which draws annually 1.5 million visitors. The two piers(突堤码头), Britannia Pier and Wellington Pier, both contain family­orientated entertainment. As well as the usual thrills one would expect on a classic British seafront, Great Yarmouth also has a quieter side, with a fascinating heritage quarter to explore. Not many people know that Great Yarmouth has the most complete city walls after York, with heritage walks to help you discover this medieval(中世纪的) attraction along with several museums and houses dating back to many centuries. If ghost walks are more your cup of tea, Eerie Tales and Yarmouth Yarns is the tour for you.Great Yarmouth is also a centre for the North Sea oil and gas industry and increasingly for offshore wind power. The Great Yarmouth Outer Harbour is a huge development currently taking place which can see larger ships coming to the town. The Great Yarmouth Maritime(海上的) Festival in September each year celebrates Great Yarmouth’s maritime heritage.Over the past few years, Great Yarmouth has seen significant construction spending to improve and modernise the popular seafront area and to ensure it is linked to the town centre. Regent Road has a brilliant ceiling of light which is lit up in the evenings and is now a lovely street leading from the town centre to the seafront area.【解题导语】本文为说明文，介绍了英国海滨小镇大雅茅斯。

毛额市鹌鹑阳光实验学校Passage reading:The Gift of Life The bombs landed in the small village. Nobody knows what these bombs were supposed to hit during the terrible Vietnam War, but they landed in a small orphanage run by a missionary group.The missionaries and one or two children were killed, and several children were wounded, including one young girl, about eight years old, who suffered wounds to her legs.A couple of hours later, medical help arrived. The medical help was a young American Navy doctor and an equally young Navy nurse. They quickly found the young girl to be very badly injured, and it was clear that without immediate action, she would die from loss of blood and shock.They saw that she had to have blood, but their limited supplies did not include plasma, so a matching blood type was required. A quick blood typing showed that neither American had the correct blood type; however, several of the uninjured orphans did.The doctor spoke a little Vietnamese, and the nurse spoke alittle high –school French. The children spoke no English but some French. Using what little common language they could find, together with a lot of sign language, they tried to explain to the frightened children that unless they could give some blood to their little friend she would certainly die. Then they asked if anyone would be willing to give blood to help.Their request was met with wide—eyed silence. Their little patient’s life hung in the balance. Yet they could only get the blood if one of the frightened children would agree to give it. After several long moments, a little hand slowly went up, dropped back down, and a moment later went up again.“Oh, thank you,” the nurse said in French. “ What is your name?”“Heng,” came the reply.Heng was quickly laid on a bed, his arm cleaned with alcohol, and the needle inserted into arm. Through all of this Heng lay stiff and silent.After a moment, he let out a long sob, quickly covering his face with his free hand.“Is it hurting, Heng?” the doctor asked.Heng shook his head silently, but after a few moments another sob escaped, and again he tried to cover up his crying. Again the doctor asked him if the needle in his arm was hurting, and again Heng shook his head.But now his occasional sob turned to a steady, silent crying, his eyes held tightly shut, his fist in his mouth trying to stop his sobs.The medical team now was worried because the needle should not have been hurting their tiny patient. Something was obviously very wrong. At this point, a Vietnamese nurse arrived to help, and seeing the little one’s tears, she spoke rapidly in Vietnamese, listened to his reply, and quickly answered him again. Moving over to pat his head as she talked, her voice was gentle and kind.After a moment, the little boy stopped crying, opened his eyes, and looked questioningly at the Vietnamese nurse. When she nodded, a look of great relief spread over his face.Looking up, the Vietnamese nurse said quietly to the Americans, “He thought he was dying. He misunderstood you. He thought you had asked him to give all his blood so the little girl could live.”“But why would he be willing to do that?” asked the Navy nurse. The Vietnamese nurse repeated the question to the little boy, who answered simply, “ She’s is my friend.”Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for a friend.Task one—Reading comprehension:1.Where did the story take place? A. In Vietnam B. In France C.In America D. Not mentioned2.The little girl _____. A. was the daughter of the village B.was a friend of Heng’s C. was dying from pain. D. was rushed to hospital.3.The boy named Heng _____. A. was a Vietnamese orphan B. wasmuch older than the girl C. was badly injured D. was notwilling to help the girl.4.Which of the following is not one of the ways in which thedoctor and nurse tried to communicate with the orphans? A.English B. Vietnamese C. French D. Sign language.5.Why did the orphans all hesitate to give blood to the littlegirl? A. They did not trust the two young Americans. B. They misunderstood the two Americans C. They doubted whether some blood could save the badly injured girl. D. They were afraid giving some blood to others would be harmful to their health. 6.Why did Heng cry after the needle was inserted into his arm? A.Because the needle caused much pain in his arm. B. Because he was worried about the little girl. C. Because he thought hewas dying after giving all his blood to the girl. D. Because he was sad about the death of the missionaries and children . 7.How did Heng feel when the Vietnamese nurse cleared up hismisunderstanding? A. Relieved B. Excited C. Embarrassed D.Surprised.8.Which of the following best expresses the main idea of thestory? A. The cruelty of war B. The bravery of a little boy C.The meaning of friendship D. The importance of successfulcommunication.Task Two – Vocabulary (write the meaning of the underlined words in the text)land ________/ shock _______/ plasma _______/ be met with_________/ hung in the balance _________/ insert _______/ sob______/ occasional ________/ relief ______/ lay down _____Task Three – Fill in the blanks with the information you get form the passage.During the Vietnam war, some bombs hit a small orphanage _____ (ran) by missionaries. The missionaries and one or two children were _____with some other children ______ (injure).Soon an American Navy doctor and a nurse came. On _______ (arrive), they found that one little girl was _______ injured and must have blood, but they had ____ (nothing, none, no one). Neither of them had the correct blood _____, but several ________ (injure) orphans did.The children could speak some ______ but no English. There is no ______ that they had some difficulty _____ (ask) one of thechildren to give blood. One of the children said he _______. As he gave blood he _____. It was when a Vietnamese nurse arrived ______ she found that the boy thought he was ______ as a result of ______ (give) all of his blood. No until the nurse explained that he wouldn’t die _______ feel relaxed. When _____ (ask) why he hadbeen ______ to give all his blood, he answered that the little girl was his ______.Review – Vocabulary: Read the following sentences and try tofind the right definition for the word in each sentence.Definitions of “run”: A. move fast on foot B. flow C. continuein a particular direction or state D. organize of be in charge of E. be a candidate in an election F. publish something in a newspaperor magazine.______ 1). She has a lot of experience of running committee meetings._______2). You’d better run or you’ll miss the train._______3). The play ran for six months on Broadway._______4). There’re rumors going around that I’m running for President, but they are not true. _______5). The newspaper ran an article about cancer research._______6). The tears ran down his face.Definitions of “watch”: A. an organized sports event between two teams or persons. B. a small wooden or paper stick with a special substance at the top C. something that is the samecolor/pattern as something else or looks attractive with it. D. be equal to something in value, size or quality. E. have a pleasing effect when placed or used together . F. make…compete with each other to see which is better. G. look the same because they are a pair.______ 1). These doors don't match the style of your house. ._______2). He dropped in a burning match and started the fire._______3). You can’t go out wearing the socks that don't match_______4). Few cities in Europe can match the cultural richness of Berlin._______5). Helen’s choice of lipstick was a good match for her outfit._______6). Agassi will be matched against Sampras in the men’s final_______7). If we win the next three matches, we could still go through to the semi—final.We All Need FriendsMelinda MarshallHaving good old friends is a good thing, but making new ones can be even better. No matter what age we are, all of us appreciate the support and help which friends give us. The help may be for only a small thing, or it may be for something that could save our life. The size of the help or support is not really the most important things, but the fact of having friends is very important.I’ve just made a new friend, Joan. She’s not just anotherperson I can talk with or wave to as we pass one anther on the street, but a good friend. She is someone who will go out with mefor lunch, or drop by my home for a cup of tea. She is someone who will listen and make me feel understood the next time I may feelsad or worried for no apparent reason.This is no small matter for me. I barely have enough time or energy to keep up with my old friends, let alone make new ones. But, as I grow older – and I am now 35 years old –it is important to me to have a safety net of friends. Holes keep opening up in the net as old friends move away. I’ve got to spend energy now to include new friends.Making friends is a lot like dating after a terrible breakup. You hesitate and drag your feet because you can’t believe you have to start over again. But when you do, it’s not half as hard as you thought it would be, and it’s twice as rewarding as you might have hoped.For example, I almost didn’t meet Joan who is now one of my best friends. We were at the city swimming pool, waiting for our 5—year—old sons to finish their swimming lessons, Joan was reading a book that I had read for my book club, and I wanted to say something, but didn't. It was almost as if I’d lost the ability to say hello.In the locker room we were together again as our sons got dressed and ready to go home. I said, mostly to her back, “What do you think of Amy Tan’s writing?” She turned around, and like a teenager, I blushed. “Oh,” she said, “I’m really enjoying theBonesetter’s Daughter. I read Joy Luck Club, and she’s been my favourite writer since then.We talked after the next two lessons, compared our reading lists, and chased our sons out of the dressing room again. By the fifth swimming lesson, we arranged to spend a day together shopping inthe city. That’s pretty wild, don't you think for a person of my age?I didn't always choose my friends. For years, I let fate choose them for me. A new job, a new city, and expensive apartment made me be friends with people I’d never have said hello to otherwise. But, as I grew older I grew impatient with some of my friends, and I decided that accidental relationships don't always survive changesin life. Those types of friends don't often help you during life’s difficult times when you really need help.We can be ourselves with our friends, and that is a wonderful thing; too precious a gift to deny other friends. It really doesn't take that much time, or that much effort to share the gift of making friends.Task one – Reading comprehension: Directions: Decide whether the following statements are true or false. Write “T” for true and “F” for false in the space provided._____ 1. We value only those friends who can so important things for us._____ 2. The author does not regard Joan as someone she can have a chat with_____ 3. The author comes to realize the importance of making new friends as she grows older._____ 4. Most people think it quite easy to make new friends._____ 5. The author first met Joan when they were both taking swimming lessons at the city swimming pool. _____ 6. The friendship between Joan and the author began with a conversation on Amy Tan’s writing._____ 7. The author thinks it is quite normal for a person of her age to spend a whole day shopping._____ 8. According to the author, friendships between colleagues and neighbours don't always last for life._____ 9. People can act in a way that they feel is right for them when they are with their friends._____ 10. The main idea of the passage is that new friends are always better than old ones.。

高中英语课外阅读材料集锦共集团文件版本号：（M928-T898-M248-WU2669-I2896-DQ586-M1988）2011高考英语课外阅读材料【每两天一篇—阅读+单词学习】Unit One: How to Improve Your Study HabitsTEXTWant to know how to improve your grades without having to spend more time studying Sounds too good to be true Well, read on... How to Improve Your Study HabitsPerhaps you are an average student with average intelligence. You do well enough in school, but you probably think you will never be a top student. This is not necessarily the case, however. You can receive better grades if you want to. Yes,even students of average intelligence can be top studentswithout additional work. Here's how:1. Plan your time carefully. Make a list of your weekly tasks. Then make a schedule or chart of your time. Fill in committed time such as eating, sleeping, meetings, classes, etc. Then decide on good, regular times for studying. Be sure to setaside enough time to complete your normal reading and work assignments. Of course, studying shouldn't occupy all of thefree time on the schedule. It's important to set aside time for relaxation, hobbies, and entertainment as well. This weekly schedule may not solve all of your problems, but it will makeyou more aware of how you spend your time. Furthermore, it will enable you to plan your activities so that you have adequate time for both work and play.2. Find a good place to study. Choose one place for your study area. It may be a desk or a chair at home or in the school library, but it should be comfortable, and it should not have distractions. When you begin to work, you should be able to concentrate on the subject.3. Skim before you read. This means looking over a passage quickly before you begin to read it more carefully. As you preview the material, you get some idea of the content and how it is organized. Later when you begin to read you will recognize less important material and you may skip some of these portions. Skimming helps double your reading speed and improves your comprehension as well.4. Make good use of your time in class. Listening to what the teacher says in class means less work later. Sit where you can see and hear well. Take notes to help you remember what the teacher says.5. Study regularly. Go over your notes as soon as you can after class. Review important points mentioned in class as well as points you remain confused about. Read about these points inyour textbook. If you know what the teacher will discuss the next day, skim and read that material too. This will help you understand the next class. If you review your notes and textbook regularly, the material will become more meaningful and you will remember it longer. Regular review leads to improved performance on test.6. Develop a good attitude about tests. The purpose of a test is to show what you have learned about a subject. The world won't end if you don't pass a test, so don't worry excessively about a single test. Tests provide grades, but they also let you know what you need to spend more time studying, and they help make your knowledge permanent.There are other techniques that might help you with your studying. Only a few have been mentioned here. You will probably discover many others after you have tried these. Talk with your classmates about their study techniques. Share with them some of the techniques you have found to be helpful. Improving your study habits will improve your grades.NEW WORDSaverage n. ordinary 普通的；中等的intelligence n. ability to learn and understand 智力necessarily ad. inevitably 必定case n. what has really happened; actual condition 实情additional a. added 附加的，额外的 n. additionweekly a. done or happening every week 每周的；一周一次的schedule n. timetable 时间表chartn. (sheet of paper with) information written or drawn in the form of a picture 图（表）commit vt. 指定...用于aside ad. to the side 在旁边；到（向）一边etc (Latin, shortened form for et cetera) and other things 等等normal a. usual 正常的reading n. the act or practice of reading 阅读assignment n. sth. given out as a task (布置的)作业occupy n. take up 占用relaxation n. (sth. done for) rest and amusement 休息，娱乐relax v.hobby n. what one likes to do in one's free time 业余爱好entertainment n. show, party, etc. that people enjoy 娱乐entertain vt.solve vt. find an answer to (a problem) 解决（问题）aware a. having knowledge or understanding 知道的；意识到的furthermore ad. moreover; in addition 而且；此外enable vt. make (sb.) able (to do sth.) 使（某人）能（做某事）activity n. sth. (to be) done 活动adequate a. as much as one needs; enough 充分的；足够的distraction n. sth. that draws away the mind or attention 分心（或分散注意力）的事物concentrate (on or upon) vi. pay close attention (to) 全神贯注（于）skim vt. read quickly to get the main ideas (of) 略读preview vt. have a general view of (sth.) beforehand 预习content n. what is written in a book, etc. 内容organize vt. form into a whole 组织later ad. 后来；以后skip vt. pass over 略过portion n. part; share 一部分；一份double v. make or become twice as great or as many （使）增加一倍comprehension n. the act of understanding or ability to understand 理解（力）mention vt. speak or write about (sth.) in a few words 提及confused a. mixed up in one's mind 迷惑的，混淆的 confuse vt.textbook n. a standard book for the study of a subject 教科书；课本performance n. achievement 成绩meaningful a. having important meaning or value 富有意义的attitude n. what one thinks about sth. 态度，看法purpose n. aim 目的，意图excessively ad. too much 过多地，过分地 excessive a. permanent a. lasting for a long time; never changing 持久的；永久的technique n. way of doing sth. 技巧，方法helpful a. useful; providing help or wiling to help 有益的；给予帮助的，肯帮忙的PHRASES & EXPRSSIONSfill in write in 填写，填充decide on make a choice or decision about 选定，决定set aside save for a special purpose 留出as well also; too; in addition 也，还；同样be aware (of) know (sth.); know (what is happening) 知道，意识到concentrate on direct one's attention, efforts, etc. to 全神贯注于look over examine (quickly) 把...看一遍，过目go over review 复习lead to result in 导致Unit Two: Sailing Round the WorldTEXTAt sixty-five Francis Chichester set out to sail single-handed round the world. This is the story of that adventure.Sailing Round the WorldBefore he sailed round the world single-handed, Francis Chichester had already surprised his friends several times. He had tried to fly round the world but failed. That was in 1931. The years passed. He gave up flying and began sailing. He enjoyed it greatly. Chichester was already 58 years old when he won the first solo transatlantic sailing race. His old dream of going round the world came back, but this time he would sail. His friends and doctors did not think he could do it, as he had lung cancer. But Chichester was determined to carry out his plan. In August, 1963, at the age of nearly sixty-five, an age when many men retire, he began the greatest voyage of his life. Soon, he was away in this new 16-metre boat, Gipsy Moth.Chichester followed the route of the great nineteenth century clipper ships. But the clippers had had plenty of crew. Chicheater did it all by himself, even after the main steering device had been damaged by gales. Chichester covered 14, 100 miles before stopping in Sydney, Australia. This was more than twice the distance anyone had previously sailed alone.He arrived in Australia on 12 December, just 107 days out from England. He received a warm welcome from the Australians and from his family who had flown there to meet him. On shore, Chichester could not walk without help. Everybody said the same thing: he had done enough; he must not go any further. But he did not listen.After resting in Sydney for a few weeks, Chichester set off once more in spite of his friends' attempts to dissuade him. The second half of his voyage was by far the more dangerous part, during which he sailed round the treacherous Cape Horn.On 29 January he left Australia. The mext night, the blackest he had ever known, the sea became so rough that the boat almost turned over. Food, clothes, and broken glass were all mixed together. Fortunately, bed and went to sleep. When he woke up, the sea had become calm the nearest person he could contact byradio, unless there was a ship nearby, Wild be on an island 885 miles away.After succeeding in sailing round Cape Horn, Chichester sent the followiing radio message to London:" I feel as if I had wakened from a nightmare. Wild horses could not drag me down to Cape Horn and that sinister Southern Ocean again."Juat before 9 o'clock on Sunday evening 28 May, 1967, he aeeived back in England, where a quarter of a million people were waiting to welcome him. Queeh Elizabeth II knigthed him with the very sword that Queen Elizabeth I had sailed round the world for the first time. The whole voyage from England and back had covered 28, 500 miles. It had taken him nine months , of which the sailing time was 226 days. He had done what he wanted to accomplish.Like many other adventurers, Chichester had experienced fear and conquered it. In doing so, he had undoubtedly learnt something about himself. Moreover, in the modern age when human beings depend so much on machines, he had given men throughout the world new pride.NEW WORDSsingle-handed a & ad. (done) by one person alone 单独的（地）adventure n. 冒险（活动）solo a. single-handed 单独的transatlantic a. crossing the Atlantic Ocean 横度大西洋lung n. part of the body with which one breathes 肺cancer n. 癌determined a. with one's mind firmly made up 下定了决心的determine v. determination n.retire vi. stop working at one's job(because of age) 退休voyage n. sea journey 航海；航行route n. way from one place to another 路线clipper n. 快速帆船crew n. group of people who work together on a ship or aeroplane 全体船员；全体乘务员steer vt. make (esp. a boat or road vehicle) go in a particular direction 为...撑舵device n. a piece of equipment 设备；装置steering device n. 操舵装置damage vt. cause harm or injury to 损坏gale n. very strong wind 大风cover vt. travel (a certain distance) 行过（一段距离）previously ad. before 以前 previous a.attempt n. try 试图，尝试dissuade vt. prevent (sb.) from doing sth. by reasoning 劝阻treacherous a. more dangerous than it seems 暗藏危险的；奸诈的cape n. 海角rough a. (of weather or the sea) stormy; not calm （气候）有暴风雨的；（海）波涛汹涌的fortunately ad. luckily 幸运地；幸亏 fortunate a.contact vt. get in touch with 联系，接触nearby ad. close by 在附近following a. next; to be mentioned immediately 接着的；下列的waken v. (cause to) wake 唤醒；醒来nightmare n. terrible dream 恶梦drag vt. pull along with great effort 拖，拉sinister a. 凶恶的，邪恶的knight n. 爵士 vt. 封... 为爵士sword n. 剑，刀accomplish vt. finish successfully 完成conquer vt. overcome 征服undoubtedly ad. certainly 无疑地moreover ad. in addition 此外，而且human a. of or concerning people 人们being n. a living thing, esp. a person 生物；人PHRASES & EXPRESSIOMSset out begin a course if action 着手，开始give up atop doing 放弃be determined to (do) have a strong will to (do) 决心（做）(all) by oneself (completely) alonein spite of not taking notice of; not caring about 尽管；虽然by far by a large amount or degree...得多turn over (cause to) fall over, upset （使）翻倒，（使）倾覆can not help can not keep oneself from 禁不住NAMESFrancis Chichester 弗朗西斯. 奇切斯特Gipsy Moth 吉普赛. 莫斯Sydney 悉尼（澳大利亚城市）Cape Horn 合恩角（智利）London 伦敦Elizabeth 伊丽莎白（女子名）Drake 德雷克（姓氏）UNIT three: The PresentTEXTThey say that blood is thicker than water, that our relatives are more important to us than others. Everyone was so kind tothe old lady on her birthday. Surely her daughter would make an even bigger effort to please he?The PresentIt was the old lady's birthday.She got up early to be ready for the post. From the secondfloor flat she could see the postman when he came down the street, and the little boy from the ground floor brought up her letters on the rare occasions when anything came.Today she was sure the would be something. Myra wouldn'tforget her mother's birthday, even if she seldom wrote at other times. Of course Myra was busy. Her husband had been made Mayor, and Myra herself had got a medal for her work the aged.The old lady was proud of Myra, but Enid was the daughter she loved. Enid had never married, but had seemed content to live with her mother, and teach in a primary school round the corner. One evening, however, Enid said, "I've arranged for Mrs.Morrison to look after you for a few days, Mother. Tomorrow I have to go into hospital--just a minor operation, I'll soon be home."In the morning she went, but never came back--she died on the operating table. Myra came to the funeral, and in her efficientway arranged for Mrs. Morrison to come in and light the fire and give the old lady her breakfast.Two years ago that was, and since then Myra had been to see her mother three times, but her husband never.The old lady was eight today. She had put on her best dress. Perhaps--perhaps Myra might come. After all, eighty was a special birthday, another decade lined or endured just as you chose to look at it.Even if Myra did not come, she would send a present. The old lady was sure of that. Two spots of colour brightened her cheeks. She was excited--like a child. She would enjoy her day. Yesterday Mrs. Morrison had given the flat an extra clean, and today she had brought a card and a bunch of marigolds when she came to do the breakfast. Mrs. Grant downstairs had made a cake, and in the afternoon she was going down there to tea. The little boy, Johnnie, had been up with a packet of mints, and said he wouldn't go out to play until the post had come."I guess you'll get lots and lots of presents," he said, "I did last were when I was six."What would she like A pair of slippers perhaps. Or a new cardigan. A cardigan would be lovely. Blue's such a pretty colour. Jim had always liked her in blue. Or a table lamp. Or abook, a travel book, with pictures, or a little clock, with clear black numbers. So many lovely things.She stood by the window, watching. The postman turned round the corner on his bicycle. Her heart beat fast. Johnnie had seen him too and ran to the gate.Then clatter, clatter up the stairs. Johnnie knocked at her door."Granny, granny," he shouted, "I've got your post."He gave her four envelopes. Three were unsealed cards fromold friends. The fourth was sealed, in Myra's writing. The old lady felt a pang of disappointment."No parcel, Johnnie""No, granny."Maybe the parcel was too large to come by letter post. That was it. It would come later by parcel post. She must be patient. Almost reluctantly she tore the envelope open. Folded in the card was a piece of paper. Written on the card was a message under the printed Happy Birthday -- Buy yourself something nice with the cheque, Myra and Harold.The cheque fluttered to the floor like a bird with a broken wing. Slowly the old lady stooped to pick it up. Her present,her lovely present. With trembling fingers she tore it into little bits.NEW WORDSrelative n. 亲属，亲戚present n. gift 礼物，赠品postman n. 邮递员rare a. not happening often 罕见的；不常发生的occasion n. special time; time when sth. happens 时刻，时机；场合mayor n. chief official of a city or town 市长medal n. 奖章aged a. oldcontent a. satisfied; pleased 满意的；高兴的primary a. first; earliest 首要的；最初的arrange vi. make preparations; plan 作安排，筹划minor a. not serious or important 较小的；次要的operate vi. cut the body in order to set right or remove a diseased part 开刀，动手术operating table n. a special table in a hospital, where operations are done 手术台funeral n. 葬礼efficient a. able to plan and work well 效率高的decade n. ten yearsendure vt. bear (pain, suffering, etc.) 忍受，忍耐spot n. a round area that is different from the main surface 点，斑点brighten vt. make bright or brighter 使发光；使发亮cheek n. either side of the face below the eye 面颊extra a. additional 额加的，外加的clean n. cleaningbunch n. things of the same kind that are tied together （一）束，（一）串marigold n. 万寿菊（花）packet n. small parcel box 小包（裹）mint n. 薄荷糖slipper n. 拖鞋cardigan n. （羊毛）开衫clatter n. a number of rapid short knocking sounds 咔嗒声granny n. (colloq. for)grandmotherenvelope n. a paper cover for a letter 信封unsealed a. 未密封的 seal vt. sealed a. 密封的writing n. handwriting 书法；笔迹pang n. sudden, sharp pain 剧痛disappointment n. sadness because one does not get what one hopes for 失望 disappoint vt.parcel n. 包裹reluctantly ad. unwillingly 不情愿地，勉强地 reluctant a. fold vt. bend into two or more parts 折叠cheque n. 支票flutter vt. move quickly to and fro in the air 飘动stoop vi. bend the body forwards and downwards 弯腰tremble vi. shake uncontrollably with quick short movements 颤抖PHRASES & EXPRESSIONSat other times on other occasions 在别的时候；平时round / around the corner very near in distance or time 在附近；即将来临after all in spite of everything; it must be remembered 毕竟；终究be sure of 对...有把握，确信pick up take hold of and lift up from a surface 拿起，捡起PROPER NAMESMyra 迈拉（女子名）Enid 伊妮德（女子名）Morrison 莫里森（姓氏）Grant 格兰特（姓氏及男子名）Johnnie 约翰尼（John的昵称）Unit Four: Turning off TV：A Quidt HourTEXTMany people in the United States spend most of their free time watching television. Certainly, there are many worthwhile programs on television, including news, educational programsfor children, programs on current social problems, plays, movies, concerts, and so on. Nevertheless, perhaps peopleshould not be spending so much of their time in front of the TV. Mr Mayer imagines what we might do if we were forced to find other activities.Turning off TV: a Quiet HourI would like to propose that for sixty to ninety minutes each evening, right after the early evening news, all television broadcasting in the United States be prohibited by law.Let us take a serious, reasonable look at what the results be if such a proposal were accepted. Families might use the timefor a real family hour. Without the distraction of TV, theymight sit around together after dinner and actually talk to one another. It is well known that many of our problems -- everything, in fact, from the generation gap to the highdivorce rate to some forms of mental illness -- are caused at least in part by failure to communicate. We do not tell each other what is disturbing us. The result is emotional difficulty of one kind or another. By using the quiet family hour to discuss our problems, we might get to know each other better, and to like each other better.On evenings when such talk is unnecessary, families could rediscover more active pastimes. Freed from TV, forced to find their own activities, they might take a ride together to watch the sunset. Or they might take a walk together (remember feet) and see the neighborhood with fresh, new eyes.With free time and no TV, children and adults might rediscover reading. There is more entertainment in a good book than in a month of typical TV programming. Educators report that the generation growing up with television can barely write an English sentence, even at the college level. Writing is often learned from reading. A more literate new generation could be a product of the quiet hour.A different form of reading might also be done, as it was in the past: reading aloud. Few pastimes bring a family closer together than gathering around and listening to mother orfather read a good story. The quiet hour could become the storyhour. When the quiet hour ends, the TV networks might even be forced to come up with better shows in order to get us backfrom our newly discovered activities.At first glance, the idea of an hour without TV seems radical. What will parents do without the electronic baby-sitter Howwill we spend the time But it is not radical at all. It hasbeen only twenty-five years since television came to control American free time. Those of us thirty-five and older can remember childhoods without television, spent partly with radio -- which at least involved the listener's imagination -- butalso with reading, learning, talking, playing games, inventing new activities. It wasn't that difficult. Honest. The truth is we had a ball.NEW WORDSworthwhile a. good enough for the time or effort needed; valuable 值得花时间（或精力）的；有价值的program (me) n. performance on radio or television 节目educational a. of or for education; providing education or information 教育的；有教育意义的current a. of the present time 当前的social a. of or in society 社会的movie n. film that one sees at a cinema 电影nevertheless conj. but; however 然而，不过propose vt. suggest 建议broadcasting n. the action of sending out sound (or images) by radio (or television) 广播prohibit v & n. forbid by law 禁止proposal vt. suggestion 提议，建议actually n. in actual fact, really 实际上generation n. all the people about the same age （一）代gap n. an empty space between two things or two parts of a thing; a wide difference of opinion, character, or the like 缺口，间隙；分歧，隔阂divorce n. end of a marriage by law 离婚rate n. 率mental a. of the mind 精神的；思想上的communicate vi. share or exchange opinions, ideas, etc. 交流意见，思想等disturb vt. make (sb.) worried 使烦恼emotional a. 感情的pastime n. anything done to pass time pleasantly 消遣，娱乐sunset n. the going down of the sun; the time when the sun goes down 日落（时分）neighborhood n. the area around a point or place 邻近地区；地段adult n. 成年人typical a. 典型的educator n. a person whose profession is education 教育家barely ad. hardly 仅仅，勉强；几乎没有literate a. able to read and write 能读写的；有文化的product n. sth. made or grown 产品network n. 广播（或电视）联播公司；广播（或电视)网glance n. quick look 一瞥；扫视radical a. extreme; very different 激进的electronic a. 电子的electron n.baby-sitter n. someone who looks after a child when the parents are away for a short time （代人临时）照看婴儿childhood n. time when one is a child 童年partly ad. not completely; in some degree 部分地；在一定程度上involvevt. have as a part or result （必须）包括imagination n. the ability to imagine 想像力learning n. the gaining of knowledge or skill through studying; knowledge or skill gained through studying 学习；学问，知识invent vt. produce (sth.) for the first time 发明PHRASES & EXPRESSIONSgeneration gap failure of the younger and older generations to communicate and understand one another 代沟in part in some degree; partly 在一定程度上；部分地grow up change from a child to a man or a woman 成长，长大bring together cause to meet 使相聚come up with think of; produce 想出；提出at first glance when first seen or thought about 乍一看；最初考虑时have a ball (sl.) enjoy oneself, have a very good time 玩得开心PROPER NAMESMayer 迈耶（姓氏）the United States 美国Unit Five: A Miserable，Merry ChristmasTEXTA miserable and merry Christmas How could it beA Miserable, Merry ChristmasChristmas was coming. I wanted a pony. To make sure that my parents understood, I declared that I wanted noting else. "Nothing but a pony" my father asked."Nothing," I said."Not even a pair of high boots"That was hard. I did want boots, but I stuck to the pony. "No, not even boots.""Nor candy There ought to be something to fill your stocking with, and Santa Claus can't put a pony into a stocking,"That was true, and he couldn't lead a pony down the chimney either . But no. "All I want is a pony," I said. "If I can't have a pony, give me nothing, nothing."On Christmas Eve I hung up my stocking along with my sisters. The next morning my sisters and I woke up at six. Then we raced downstairs to the fireplace. And there they were, the gifts,all sorts of wonderful things, mixed-up piles of presents. Only my stocking was empty; it hung limp; not a thing in it; and under and around it -- nothing. My sisters had knelt down, each by her pile of gifts; they were crying with delight, till they looked up and saw me standing there looking so miserable. They came over to me and felt my stocking: nothing.I don't remember whether I cried at that moment, but my sisters did. They ran with me back to my bed, and there we all criedtill I became indignant. That helped some. I got up, dressed, and driving my sisters away, I went out alone into the stable, and there, all by myself, I wept. My mother came out to me and she tried to comfort me. But I wanted no comfort. She left me and went on into the house with sharp words for my father.My sisters came to me, and I was rude. I ran away from them. I went around to the front of the house, sat down on the steps, and, the crying over, I ached. I was wronged, I was hurt. And my father must have been hurt, too, a little. I saw him looking out of the window. He was watching me or something for an hour or two, drawing back the curtain so little lest I catch him, but I saw his face, and I think I can see now the anxiety upon on it, the worried impatience.After an hour or two, I caught sight of a man riding a pony down the street, a pony and a brand-new saddle; the most beautiful saddle I ever saw, and it was a boy's saddle. And the pony! As he drew near, I saw that the pony was really a small horse, with a black mane and tail, and one white foot and a white star on his forehead. For such a horse as that I would have given anything.But the man came along, reading the numbers on the houses, and, as my hopes -- my impossible hopes -- rose, he looked at our door and passed by, he and the pony, and the saddle. Too much, I fell upon the steps and broke into tears. Suddenly I heard a voice."Say, kid," it said, "do you know a boy named Lennie Steffens"I looked up. It was the man on the pony, back again. "Yes," I spluttered through my tears. "That's me.""Well," he said, "then this is your horse. I've been lookingall over for you and your house. Why don't you put your number where it can be seen""Get down," I said, running out to him. I wanted to ride.He went on saying something about "ought to have got here at seven o'clock, but--"I hardly heard, I could scarcely wait. I was so happy, so thrilled. I rode off up the street. Such a beautiful pony. And mine! After a while I turned and trotted back to the stable. There was the family, father, mother, sisters, all working for me, all happy. They had been putting in place the tools of my new business: currycomb, brush, pitchfork -- everything, and there was hay in the loft.But that Christmas, which my father had planned so carefully, was it the best or the worst I ever knew He often asked me that;I never could answer as a boy. I think now that it was both. It covered the whole distance from broken-hearted misery tobursting happiness -- too fast, A grown-up could hardly have stood it.NEW WORDSmiserablea. causing unhappiness; very unhappy 悲惨的merrya. cheerful, full of lively happiness, fun, etc. 欢乐的，愉快的ponyn. a small horse 矮种马；小马bootn. 长统靴candyn. (AmE) sweets 糖果stickingn. 长（统）袜chimneyn. 烟囱even. 前夕fireplacen. 壁炉mixed-upa. (different things) put together 混合的，混杂的limpa. soft; not stiff or firm 软的；松沓的kneelv. go down or remain on the knee(S) 跪下indignanta. angry at sth. unfair 气愤的；愤慨的stablen. building for keeping and feeding animals, esp. horses 马厩weepv. cry 哭泣；流泪rudea. not at all polite 粗鲁的，不礼貌的wrongvt. treat unjustly 委屈curtainn. 窗帘lest。

Festive China: The romantic story behind China's Valentine's DayThe seventh day of the seventh lunar month is Qixi, widely regarded as China's Valentine's Day.Legend has it that the youngest daughter of the Jade Emperor (the ruler of the world as per the legend), the Weaver Girl, became tired of the boring immortal life and decided to descend to the mortal world. She met and fell in love with a cowherd, a union strongly objected by the Jade Emperor who in turn forcibly separated them by the Milky Way, (leave) them torn apart by the galaxy and only (allow) them to meet once a year, on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month.The distance did not weaken their affection toward one another, as they still loved each other and looked forward to meeting once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month.TikTok sues Trump administration over banthe video-sharing social networking company TikTok's Los Angeles Office in Culver City, Los Angeles County, the United States.TikTok filed a legal challenge on Monday against the Trump administration's order to ban the popular video-sharing app in the US, (argue) it violates constitutional rights to due process and free speech."We do not take suing the government lightly; however, we feel we have no choice but (take) action to protect our rights, and the rights of our community and employees," the company said in a blog post on Monday.The lawsuit, (file) in federal court for the Central District of California, argues that President Donald Trump's executive order violates the due process protections of the Fifth Amendment "by banning TikTok with no notice or opportunity to be heard", TikTok's lawyers said in the (complain).The president and some Republican lawmakers have raised national security concerns that TikTok could share American users' data with the Chinese government. On Aug 6, Trump issued the first executive order against TikTok, (ban) US transactions with the company if it's not sold to a new owner within 45 days.The order, taking effect on Sept 20, draws legal authority from the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), allows the president toregulate economic transactions in a national emergency. Past administrations have used it for a range of issues, including terrorism and drug trafficking, but have never used it against a global technology company.A week later, Trump issued a second executive order, giving TikTok's Chinese parent company ByteDance 90 days to divest(剥除；脱去；剥夺) its 2017 acquisition of a Chinese-based app Musical.ly, which later merged(合并；融合；兼并) with TikTok. Monday's lawsuit challenges the Aug 6 executive order, not the second order, which takes effect on Nov 12.The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) also noted that Trump's twin orders on Aug 6 to ban TikTok and Chinese social media app WeChat violate the First Amendment for users while doing little to protect personal data from abuse.With no specific and direct evidence of harm from those two apps, Trump's orders are an abuse of emergency powers under the excuse of national security, "to score political points, serve hisxenophobic(恐惧外国人的) and racist agenda, and spread fear and uncertainty", said the organization in an article on its website.The president's order to ban WeChat, widely used by people of Chinese background in the US, is also facing legal challenges. On Friday, a nonprofit group called "WeChat Users Alliance" and several individuals filed a lawsuit in federal court in San Francisco, (argue) that the executive order violated their First Amendment rights and other constitutional protections.Unlike WeChat, TikTok is primarily used by young adults in the US. By February 2019, the app had more than 26.7 million monthly active users in the US. The number grew 91.9 million by June this year; based on quarterly usage, 100 million Americans use the app, according to TikTok's complaint."Privacy concerns are not the motivating factor behind the bans," said the organization. "In fact, the data TikTok and WeChat collect does not appear substantially(大体上；实质上；非常) different from the kinds ofdata other foreign companies or American companies like Facebook or Google collect. And Trump has made no attempt to address privacy invasions caused by these companies operating in the United States."Joseph Steinberg, a cybersecurity expert, also noted in a blog that "the type of data that Facebook gathers likely gives it far more detailed intelligence about its users than TikTok ever could assemble with its current platform".TikTok's rapid success in the US has made it the biggest threat to Facebook's dominance of social media, which has recently closed a TikTok-like app, Lasso, and launched another clone app, Reels.Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has stoked(给(炉子)添燃料) Washington's fears about TikTok through personal outreach and public statements, according to a Wall Street Journal article citing sources familiar with the matter.His arguments about TikTok show a reversal in his stance(站立姿势) on China. In 2010, he said he was planning to learn Mandarin and he made severalwell-publicized trips to China. Since last year, he has publicly warned that TikTok, (own) by a Chinese company, poses a direct threat to American technology, a theme he reiterated at last month's antitrust hearing on Capitol Hill.Zuckerberg also made the case to Trump in a private dinner late October that the rise Chinese internet companies threatens American business; after Zuckerberg's meetings with several senators in October, the senators wrote a letter to intelligence officials demanding an inquiry into TikTok, and the government began a national security review of the company soon after, according to The Wall Street Journal."In terms of Facebook's lobbying efforts to ban TikTok, I think that's very easily understood," said Gary Rieschel, a Seattle-based venture capitalist. "How much of that is being done, how much money they're spending, I would have no idea. But I think we're all a little naive about what actually goes on in the background of things."While much has been said of what's good for the US, it's "clearly good for Facebook if TikTok is banned in the US", said Rieschel."I don't think Facebook is a huge fan of Microsoft or Twitter buying TikTok, especially if the algorithmic(算法的) capabilities and everything come with it. I think that would create a perhaps even more fierce competitor than they would have just with TikTk alone in the US," he added.。

名著精读《小妇人》第五章:和睦邻居第1节"What in the world are you going to do now, Jo?" asked Meg one snowy afternoon, as her sister came tramping through the hall, in rubber boots, old sack, and hood, with a broom in one hand and a shovel in the other.“你究竟是去干什么，乔？”梅格问道。

时值午后，雪花起飞，她看到妹妹脚踏胶靴，头戴雪帽，披着旧布袋，一手拿着把扫帚，一手提着个铁锹，正大步走过大厅。

"Going out for exercise," answered Jo with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.“出去锻炼，”乔答，眼睛调皮地一闪一闪。

"I should think two long walks this morning would have been enough! It's cold and dull out, and I advise you to stay warm and dry by the fire, as I do," said Meg with a shiver.“今天早上散了两次步，还不够么？外面又冷又闷，我劝你还是呆在火边暖和暖和，就像我一样，”梅格说着打了个冷颤。

"Never take advice! Can't keep still all day, and not being a pussycat, I don't like to doze by the fire. I like adventures, and I'm going to find some."“不接受意见！我不能一整天都安静地呆着，我又不是小猫咪，不喜欢在火炉边打盹儿，我喜欢探险，我这就打算去。

Phase-one Sino-US trade deal reachedChina and the United States have reached agreement on the text of their phase-one trade deal on the basis of equality and mutual respect, according to Chinese officials on Friday.China agreed to increase imports of US agricultural products and the latter will gradually eliminate its tariffs on Chinesegoods, said Wang Shouwen, vice-minister of commerce and a deputy international trade representative.The US will implement its promise to eliminate tariffs on Chinese goods "phase by phase", Wang said at a news conference in Beijing. "The US tariffs will undergo a change from going up to going down."The deal will cover intellectual property right s, technology transfer s, food and agricultural products, financial services, exchange rate s and transparency, he said.The two nations agreed to complete their respective legal approval processes as soon as possible and hold talks to make concrete arrangements regarding the formal signing of the deal, Wang said."The two countries should abide by the agreements and make efforts to implement the phase-one deal well," he urged.The two nations （reach）the agreement will serve the fundamental interest s of both countries and the world as a whole, Wang said, (add) that it will have a "positive effect" on global trade and the world economy as well as financial markets.Major stock markets around the world reacted positively on Thursday and Friday in anticipation to such a deal being reached."The deal will be conducive to the two countries' strengthen ing cooperation in trade and effectively controlling and managing their dispute s in that field," Wang said.China's increasing imports from the US will better satisfy Beijing's domestic market demand and serve China's pursuit ofhigh-quality development, said Ning Jizhe, vice-minister of the National Development and Reform Commission.The elimination of tariffs on Chinese products is the "core concern" of China and Beijing hopes the US can keep its word, said Liao Min, vice-minister of finance and deputy director of the General Office of the Central Financial and Economic Affairs Commission.Analysts said it is in the interest of the US to sign such a deal."The next round of tariffs would have been an unmistakable 'own goal', hurting American companies and consumers more than China," said Douglas H. Paal, distinguished fellow of the Asia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, who used a term that refers to a soccer team kicking the ball into its own net."Even Trump saw its downside s, so it makes every sense to avoid the new round," Paal told China Daily.Gary Hufbauer, a senior fellow and trade expert at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, another think tank in Washington, said it will be a "big relief" not to have a new round of tariffs.A deal "will be good news for Christmas shopping and for business confidence", he said in an email before the Chinese conference. "The stock market is very happy," he said, adding that the phase-one agreement will "tamp down the trade wars for a while".Speaking at a news conference on Friday, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said China insisted resolving existing differences with the US through constructive consultations, should be based on the principle of equality and mutual respect. The agreement must be mutually beneficial, she said.Bian Quanshui, a macro economic researcher with Sinolink Securities, said Sino-US frictionis a deeply rooted and long-term issue. "There is still a long way to go in the future," Bian said."But we feel hopeful that China and US will eventually be able to resolve their trade disputes, because they share common interests, so that the cost of their conflicts is enormous," Bian added.。

Greta Thunberg named Time's Person of the YearSwedish climate change activist Greta Thunberg has been named Time's magazine's Person of the Year for 2019.This year the 16-year-old has become famous as one of the world's most brilliant voices on the topic of climate change, and has drawn attention for her initiative urging young people around the world to strike in support of the issue.The announcement came as Thunberg was speaking at the COP25（联合国气候变化框架公约缔约方会议第二十五届会议）Climate Conference in Madrid, where she urge d world leaders to stop using "clever accounting and creative PR" and instead to take the real action on climate change.The Person of the Year title was first awarded in 1927, and this year United States President Donald Trump and the Speaker of the US House of Representative Nancy Pelosi were also among the 10 candidate s.China-Kenya inter-cultural exchanges boost young talentsDr. Kiprop Lagat, the director of Culture in the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage, address es the exhibition on the 5th anniversary of Beijing Top TV Dramas and Movies Broadcasting Season on November 26, 2019.China and Kenya's deepening intercultural exchanges have not only given young Kenyansa platform to showcase their talents but they are also helping the country to grow the subsector, a Kenyan official said.Dr. Kiprop Lagat, the director of Culture in the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage at the Chinese embassy has implemented several cultural exchanges and facilitated artists and public officials to travel to China for capacity building.Additionally, top Chinese artists mostly from Chinese universities have visited Kenya on several occasions and participated in painting and impacting artistic knowledge on their Kenyan counterpart s."It is clear that cultural exchange opportunities build capacity for cultural entrepreneurs and enhances market for Kenyan and Chinese cultural goods. Our International Arts and Cultural Centre has established a center of excellence that continues to enable us bring out our rich cultural heritage," Dr. Lagat said.Dr. Lagat made his the remarks on Tuesday during the exhibition on the 5th anniversary of Beijing's Top TV Dramas and Movies Broadcasting Season which also marked the official unveiling of the Next Superstar Show.Invited guests cut a ribbon to mark the 5th anniversary of Beijing Top TV Dramas and Movies Broadcasting Season on November 26, 2019.At the event, StarTimes Kenya and the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Radio and Television unveiled joint broadcast content developmentefforts between Kenyan actors with their Chinese counterparts.The development will see the first everSino-Africa reality television show highlighting deep cross cultural exchange whilst building local capacity for both local creatives and content developers. The show is designed to specifically search for the next outstanding movie superstar.Funded by the Chinese government and produced by StarTimes in collaboration with local content partners, the show will see Raymond Ofula, Neomi Ngang'a, Peter Kamau and Nick Mutuma as judges and mentors for the hundreds of aspiring and established thespians and actors with the grand prize being an opportunity to be in a local movie to be launched on international platforms across the globe.Faiz Francis Ouma (1st from right), James Webbo (2nd from left), and Ellah Maina (3rd from left), who are the main cast of the Next Superstar Show receive awards for their winnings, presented to them by the staff from StarTimes Kenya and Beijing Municipal Bureau of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television.Dr. Lagat said such a programme will give Kenyan actors a platform to be featured in major international TV stations showcasing their talents which they can use to derive a livelihood."We are impressed to see the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Radio and Television introduce the dramas aimed at entertaining Kenyans and equally sharing experiences that is geared towards enlightening and enriching our cultures," he said.Dr. Lagat said Kenya has immense talents in drama which is an important subsector of the cultural and creative industry which contributes approximately 7 percent to GDP."Through the partnership with China, Kenya is committed to developing the subsector to increase its GDP contribution," he said.Dr. Lagat added: "I see China collaborating with Kenya in providing markets for Kenyan cultural products not just TV and film but the entire cultural and creative sectors which can also contribute to the country's economic growth."Andy Wang, StarTimes Kenya Chief Executive Officer, said the broadcasting season has not only enriched the cultural life of African people but has also greatly enhanced mutual exchanges and understanding between the two sides.Wang said this year's broadcasting season will feature six TV series and four cartoons and that the programs will be broadcast on StarTimes self-operated channel ST Sinoi Drama."StarTimes is willing to work with partners here in Kenya to produce local films and television dramas as well as to promote local culture to China with developing the local film and television industry," he said.Actors James Webbo, Ellah Maina and Faiz Francis Ouma, shortlisted from a pool of over 100 participants who auditioned for the show who will now form the main cast.Xu Liquo, the deputy director of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television congratulated the shortlisted actors who will feature in the television show."As we mark the 5th anniversary of our TV series Africa Exhibition, we are impressed with the warm reception and adaptability and look forward to growing our audience in Kenya," he said.。