Trolls World Tour

    The long-awaited follow-up (续集) to the 2016 hit Trolls has come to your screens! Anna Kendrick and Justin Timberlake continue to play their roles in the movie, which hit theaters on April 10 and was made available online the same day for $19.99.

The Call of the Wild

    Though it hit theaters in February, this big-screen adaptation (改编) of the Jack London novel is now available at home. Whether you're an animal lover, a Harrison Ford fan or both, this is a must-watch, available now on Amazon Prime for $5.99.

Bloodshot

    If action is what you're into, look no further. The super-hero film is about Vin Diesel's Ray Garrison, a fighter who's killed in action but brought back to life by an organization hoping to use him as a weapon. The film became digitally available two weeks after it was on show in the theatre. Buy on Amazon Prime for SI9.99.

Parasite

    What fun it is if you're getting to see this four-time Oscar winner （including one for best picture） for the first time, but trust us, it only gets better with several viewings.

The Lighthouse

    It is true that the film is not for a chicken, the well-received black-and-white horror starring Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe is unlike anything you've seen before.

    Chinese researchers have developed a robot designed to help doctors treat the new coronavirus and other highly contagious (传染的) diseases.

    The machine has a long robotic arm attached to a base with wheels. It can perform some of the same medical examination tasks as doctors. For example, the device can listen to sounds made by patients'hearts and lungs.

    Cameras record the robot's activities, which are controlled at a distance so doctors can avoid coming in close contact with infected patients. Doctors and other medical workers can run the machine from a nearby room, or from much farther away.

    The robot's main designer is Zheng Gangtie, an engineer and professor at China's Tsinghua University in Beijing. He told Reuters news agency that he got the idea for the machine when the number of cases of the COVID-19 virus was rising quickly in the city of Wuhan.

    One of Zheng's friends, head of Bering's Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, told him that one of the biggest problems in dealing with COVID-19 was that healthcare workers treating patients were getting themselves infected. Zheng said he wanted to do something to help this situation.

    So the engineer gathered a team and went to work on the robot. Zheng said the team was able to change two robotic arms. The new robot is almost completely automated (自动化的), Zheng said. It can even disinfect itself after performing actions involving patient contact.

    "Doctors are all very brave," Zheng told Reuters. "But this virus is just too contagious…We can use robots to perform the most dangerous tasks."

    However, Zheng said he had heard from some doctors that it would be better not to build such robots. This is because many patients still desire a personal presence to help calm them during treatment.

    The team now has two robots and both have been tested by doctors at hospitals in Beijing. One machine was once taken to Wuhan's Union Hospital, where doctors there were trained to use it.

    Zheng would like to build more of the robots, but money from the university has run out, each robot costs about$72, 000 to make. He does not plan to commercialize the design, but hopes that a company can begin that process.

    Ishikawa Yumi had to work eight hours every day and her employer insisted that she should be in heels (高跟鞋) at work." Why do we have to hurt our feet at work, when men can wear flat shoes?"she complained on Twitter.The tweet exploded.

    Encouraged, she gathered 18, 800 signatures on a request calling for a ban on employers requiring women to wear high heels, which she handed in to the government last June.Ms Ishikawa became the face of the KuToo campaign.

    More than 60%of Japanese women with jobs have been forced to put their feet into heels at work or have witnessed women partners having to, according to a survey.Female workers at a department store, must walk around the shop in 5cm heels.The former defence minister, Inada Tomomi, had to struggle about in heels even on the deck of a visiting American aircraft carrier.

    Dress codes at many Japanese firms are strict. Some ban glasses for women（but not men）, because they are unattractive. This is especially unreasonable for those who find contact lenses (隐形眼镜)uncomfortable. Women have always been told to follow the dress code, even if it causes pain," says Ms Ishikawa. Japanese bosses, who tend to be older men, often expect their female workers to tolerate it.

    The government made no quick reply. A former labour minister, who received Ms Ishikawa's request last year, insists that wearing high heels at work is "necessary and appropriate". The request itself has received no official reply so far. Japan is the second lowest out of the 29 rich countries in equality for women in the workplace.

    But Japanese companies are slowly taking measures to improve the situation. In late March Japan Airlines announced that its female flight attendants can kick off their heels and replace skirts with trousers if they choose.AU three big mobile-phone operators have relaxed their rules on heels. Ms Ishikawa is working together with a shoe company to produce beautiful heel-less shoes." Society is changing, "says Ms Ishikawa. "We can't be ignored." Pointless rules about footwear may soon be gone.

    Even from the basement, they could hear the bombs.

    The basement was filled with the sound of crying children. It was crowded with people.

    For comfort, to shut out the loud noise of the basement, Liesel opened one of her books and began to read. The book on top of the pile was The Whistler and she spoke it aloud to help her concentrate. She could hardly hear the opening paragraph herself

    "What did you say?" Mama shouted, but Liesel ignored her. She remained focused on the first page. When she turned to page two, it was Rudy who noticed. He paid direct attention to what Liesel was reading, and he tapped his brother and his sisters, telling them to do the same. A quietness started spreading through the crowded basement. By page three, everyone was silent but Liesel.

    She didn't dare to look up, but she could feel their frightened eyes following her as she read the words. Everyone listened. Only the sound of the turning page could be heard. Liesel read on.

    For at least 20 minutes, she handed out the story. The youngest kids were comforted by her voice, and everyone else saw visions of the whistler running from the crime scene. Liesel did not. She was only reading the text word by word.

    Everyone waited for the ground to shake. That was still an unchangeable fact, but at least they were distracted (分心) now, by the girl with the book. One of the younger boys seemed to cry again, but Liesel stopped at that moment and copied her papa to deal with the situation. She smiled at him and continued.

    Only when the sirens（空袭解除警报）came into the basement again did someone interrupt her. "We're safe," said Mr.Jenson. "Shhh!" said Frau Holtzapfel.

    Liesel looked up." There are only two paragraphs till the end of the chapter, "she said, and she continued reading. Just the words. Out of respect, the adults kept everyone quiet, and Liesel finished chapter one of The Whistler.

    On their way up the stairs, the children rushed by her, but many of the older people thanked the girl. They did so as they made their way past and hurried from the house to see if Himmel Street had suffered any damage.

    Himmel Street was untouched.

    Experts say shopping wisely is very important and it helps the world function normally.

    Toilet paper, protective masks and so many other items have suddenly become hot goods as most people stay at home during the coronavirus pandemic (大流行).This has left many people shopping in large amounts as they attempt to be prepared for months — just in case. You've also likely seen the pictures of people's garages filled with supplies, so if you find it, you're going to follow suit. After all, if you don't, someone else will, you'll be left with nothing and then what will happen?

    So, you're panicking, and that's fooling you into "panic buying."

    According to Jud Brewer, a professor at Brown University, "Fear plus uncertainty leads to anxiety because our brains need the information to plan for the future. In the absence of information, that uncertainty drives anxiety." Anxiety is that small fire which suddenly becomes a bonfire and spreads. Then it was worsened by social contagion (传播), turning into panic.

    What you get from them sets you wondering: What will happen to me if there's nothing left? While that is a good question, the larger question is: What will happen to everyone if nothing is left?

    What is the solution?

While it might not seem like a big deal since you're just one person, you're adding to a larger problem and causing serious harm in ways you don't realize. "Panic buying is an act of selfish madness," says Paul Hong. As an old saying goes, "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." We should survive together. So keep calm and carry on —without buying everything in sight.

A. Social media can further add to this panic.

B. What causes panic buying?

C. Anxiety results from panic buying.

D. You've seen the empty shelves at the stores across the country.

E. Well, nothing good, and your individual actions are a contributing factor.

F. In times of crisis, we aim to go for together, not fast alone.

G. You've probably purchased everything you need.

Dear Reader,

    I receive so many letters from children that I can't answer them all. That is why I am sending you this printed reply. I'll try to answer some of the 1 asked questions.

    Where did I get the2for CHARLOTTE'S WEB? Well, one day when I was3my way to feed the pig, I began feeling 4for it because most pigs were doomed (注定)to die. This made me sad, so I started thinking of ways to _5a pig's life. I had been watching a spider at her work and was6by how clever she was at weaving. Gradually I 7the spider into the story that you know. Three years8I started writing it, it was published.

    Sometimes I'm asked how old I was when I started writing, and what made me write. I started 9—as soon as I could spell. In feet, I can't10any time in my life when I wasn't busy writing. I don't know why, but I think children often find pleasure in trying to11their thoughts on paper, either in12or in pictures.

    Are my stories true, you ask? No, they are imaginary tales,13fantastic characters and events. In real life, a spider doesn't spin (吐丝)words in her web.14, 1 think there is some 15 in my stories—truth about the way people and animals feel and think and act.

    Thank you all for your wonderful letters.

Yours sincerely,

E.B. White

What are the best ways to study at home?

Here are some of the best ideas for (health) study habits:

1 Create an area for studying

    Where you study is important. It should be quiet, with good light to read by. You want enough room to spread out your books and notes. A table or desk works (good). Be comfortable but not too comfortable. Do not study on your bed, for example. You might fall asleep!

2 Cut out the noise

    Some people study, better silence. Others like to have a little noise, like soft music playing. Go with helps you focus.

3 Cut out the distractions

    Give yourself a break from social media. Put your phone away. And turn off the television. All these things pull you away from what you (try) to learn. Tell the people you live with you are studying and need time alone to work.

4 Take breaks

    Treat yourself after reading something, (work) through a math problem, or completing some other tasks you set out to do. Get up, step away from your work and move your body. Go outside for a few minutes and get some fresh air.

5 Eat so-called "brain foods" that are good for you

    Foods like nuts, seeds, yogurt, berries and fish help your mind keep strong. Sugar may be (appeal), but too much sugar will give you an energy "crash.” And, don't forget (drink) plenty of water.

    One more thing: When you study, think good thoughts! Avoid bad thoughts like, "I'll never be ready for this test." Instead, tell (you) what you can do: "I can understand and remember this material!"

【写作内容】

1）垃圾分类的原因；

2）垃圾分类的方法；

3）呼吁市民进行垃圾分类。

【写作要求】

1）词数 80-100；

2）可以适当增加细节，以使行文连贯；

3）开头已给出，不计入总数；

4）作文中不能出现真实姓名和学校名称。 参考词汇：垃圾分类waste sorting；厨余垃圾leftovers；废旧电池used batteries

Dear fellow citizens,

    Suzhou Municipal Government has recently established a regulation that all citizens shall sort wastes in a proper way.

【写作要点】

1）如今广告无处不在。主要有两大类广告，商业广告和公益广告。

2）商业广告是为了推销某种产品或服务而花钱做的广告，而公益广告是免费的，目的是服务公众，旨在教育我们并帮助我们过上更好的生活。3.你对广告的态度。

【写作要求】

1）词数100左右;

2）可以适当增加细节，以使行文连贯;3.不必写标题。