Nothing evoke  Alaska like a whale exploding out of the water or an eagle pulling a silver fish from the river. Combine these images with high mountains, brilliant icebergs and wonderful meals and you really do have the Best of Alaska! Join us for an unforgettable 7-day excursion  to the last frontier! Additional highlights include: a scenic flight over Glacier Bay National Park, a rafting trip through the heart of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, historic Skagaway, a whale watching cruise and the company of knowledgeable local guides. HIGHLIGHTS: JUNEAU: Juneau, the state capital, is rich in culture and scenic beauty. It is here that we start and end our trip. HAINES: Haines is a small community located along the fiords . The natural beauty and expansive wilderness found here have made Haines a premier center for adventure in Alaska. In 2004, Haines was listed by Outside Magazine and National Geographic Adventureas one of the best places for recreation and living. The activities listed below are located in Haines. ALASKA INDIAN ARTS: Alaska Indian Arts is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to the preservation and continuation of traditional native craft and culture of the Northwest Native Tribes. Alaska Indian Arts is also the headquarters for several of Alaska's outstanding craftsmen and artisans. We spend a few hours learning carving, native beading  and culture from these master artists.  SKAGWAY: Skagway is famous for its role in the Klondike Gold Stampede over 100 years ago. Today, it is historic yet lively town, which still reflects its gold rush roots and contains colourful shops. In Skagway, we stop by the Klondike Gold Rush National Park Visitor's Center and ride the White Pass Yukon Route Railway.  GUSTAVUS: Gustavus is the gateway to the Glacier National Park. We'll stay at a comfortable lodge here for two nights. This will be the base for both the whale-watching excursion and a full day cruise in Glacier Bay.  DATES/PRICES:  2011: May 16, June 20, July 18, August 15.  7 days--$3,500, including... You can watch a whale exploding out of the water at   _  . A) the Glacier Bay National Park B) the Klondike Gold Rush National Park C) the White Pass Yukon D) the Northwest Native Tribes
A

Among the four skills in learning English ,which of these is the "Odd-Man-Out"?The answer is speaking. The other three you can do alone on your own. But you can't really speak alone! Speaking to yourself can be "dangerous" because men in white coats may come and take you away! Where can you find people to speak English? And how can you practise speaking when you are alone?At school if you pay to go to a language school ,you should use the chance to speak .If your teacher asks you to speak in pairs or groups with other students ,try to say as much as possible. Don't worry about your mistakes. Just speak! Conversation Clubs Many cities around the world have conversation clubs where people can exchange one language for another .Look in your local newspaper to find a conversation club near you .They are usually free although some may charge a small entrance fee. Shopping Even if you don't want to buy anything ,you can ask questions about products that interest you in a shop."How much does this cost?" "Can I pay by cheque?" Often you can start a real conversation--and it costs you nothing! Cafe and Bars There are often American, Britain, Irish and Australian bars in many large cities .If you can find one, you'll probably meet many people speaking English as a first or second language. Language is all around you Everywhere you go, you find language .Shop names, street names ,advertisements ,notices ,and car numbers....When you walk down the street ,practise reading the words and numbers that you see .Say them to yourself .It's not exactly a conversation ,but it will help you to "think" in English .But don't speak too loud! Songs and Video Repeat the words of an English-language song singing with the music until it becomes automatic. It's good practice for your memory and for the mouth muscles that you need for English. Above all ,speak as much as possible! Make as many mistakes as possible! When you know that you have made a mistake, you know that you have made progress! What might happen if you speak to yourself loudly in public? A) The police will take you away and punish you. B) The doctors will force you to stay in hospital. C) You will have to pay to escape being punished. D) You will be forbidden to be member of the club.
B

Below are reviews for three books and two book series. Each has been read and loved by students across the country.           The Outsiders          This book, first published in 1967. has become a classic for teens across the nation. It focuses on Ponyboy , who has been labeled all his life as a greaser. The greaser's opposing group is the " socs ". kids who have lots of money and can break any rules without getting in trouble. As the novel develops, S. E. Hinton allows the reader to see exactly how these labels affect teens in both the greaser and the soc group.          If you've ever watched the movie The Outsiders, this story may sound familiar, as the movie was based on the book . The Outsiders gives teens a look into life in the 50's and 60's, offering timeless lessons that still apply to today's youth.          Out of the Dust          Any student interested in the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl should read Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse. Hesse is able to capture the mood and spirit of this era through the use of poetry. The main character of the book, Billie Jo, is growing up in Oklahoma, the heart of the Dust Bowl. Through free verse poetry, Billie Jo narrates  her tale of poverty and survival during this difficult time.          Out of the Dust is an excellent lesson in history . Due to the short length and writing style, the book is a quick but worthwhile read. By the end of the book, the reader is eager to start the story over again . Hesse is able to pack a lot of emotions and details into her short book , making the story very real and believable.           The Giver         The Giver depicts a perfect society in which citizens experience no pain, have never felt fear, and life is completely under control. However, as the reader progresses through the story, it's easy to see that this community is far from utopia  . Instead, through the experiences felt by the main character Jonas, the reader learns there is a missing from life in this world..         During the Ceremony of the Twelves,... We can learn from The Giver that  _  . A) people in the community live an imperfect life B) Jonas is satisfied with his life in the community C) everyone in the community can get a good job D) Jonas is loved by all the people in the community

A