Dressed in a dark blue waterproof jacket, outdoor shoes and a small backpack, 25-year-old Ye Tian tries to get in an abandoned coking plant (焦化厂) in Beijing.
An intern (实习生) for a German company in Beijing, Ye is among thousands of youth interested in city adventures, what they call “ urban exploration ” — “urbex” for short.
The aim of this trending hobby is to explore structures — usually abandoned ruins or hidden areas of the manmade environment.
Urban explorers are interested in these sites because they can understand cities from a different angle. Ye, for example, said he enjoyed the contrast between Beijing’s two sides.
“ Widely known scenic spots and historical sites can only reflect the bright side of the city, or what the city wants you to see,” Ye said. “ But abandoned places show you the past [that is] hidden deep in people’s memories.”
In the eyes of Pan Ran, who is in her early 30s and works in Canada, an abandoned building can also evoke the spirits of those who lived and worked there.
“ There are diaries and letters recording the owners ’ lives, ” she said. “And one time, I found a whole box of 8-millimeter videotapes of a family.”
Pan couldn’t watch the tapes at the site, as the power supply had been cut. She didn’t take them away with her either, as there is “a very important rule of urbex that you can't remove any souvenirs’ from a site”, Pan said.
While urban exploration can get people to extraordinary places that few have visited, it ’ s sometimes dangerous. Climbing up tall buildings and tip-toeing through abandoned structures can sometimes be a life-threatening affair.
Injuries and even death are not unheard of within the urbex community.
“In the beginning, I was pretty audacious and believed the riskier the places you go, the better photos you get, ” said Du Tianyu, 22. “ But that is not necessarily the case. After doing my calculations, I learned to stop when I reach the limit.”
1. According to the passage, what is Ye Tian’s hobby? (no more than 5 words)2. Why are some young people interested in places like the coking plant in Beijing?(no more than 15 words)
3. What is the important rule of urbex according to Pan Ran? (no more than 10 words)
4. What does the underlined word “audacious” probably mean in the last paragraph? (1word)
5. Would you like to take part in urbex of a city? Give your reason. (no more than 20 words)
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阅读下列短文，从每题所给的四个选项（A、B、C和D）中，选出最佳选项。
Opened in 1847, the London Zoo is the world’s oldest scientific zoo. Today it houses over 760 different species of animal and is the only zoo in London where you can experience big animals.Explore the “Into Africa” exhibit (展览) where you can come face to face with some of Africa’s most unusual animals including hunting dogs, or try “Meet The Monkeys” an exciting walk-through experience. Other top exhibits include the Butterfly Paradise, where you can enjoy many species of butterfly as they fly around you.
Make sure you don’t miss feeding time at the Penguin Beach and find out more about these popular creatures from the zoo’s experienced keepers. Penguin Beach, with a very large pool and underwater viewing areas, allows visitors to be close to the penguins like never before.
Built in 2013, Tiger Territory is a great experience taking visitors deep into the world of these wonderful creatures.
Rainforest Life is London’s only living rainforest, where visitors can meet a variety of beautiful rainforest species including. In the all-new “Night Life” area you will discover the bats, and rats.
With over 12,000 animals to see and incredible animal displays taking place throughout the day (including feeds and keeper talks), no visitor leaves disappointed. Learn more about London Zoo in our Interview with a Zoo Keeper on our London Pass Blog.
You can visit the London Zoo for free with a London Pass — a fantastic saving of £23 for adults and over £16 for children. Children aged 3-4 will be charged on entrance fee for London Zoo.
1. How is London Zoo different from other zoos in London?| A．It is the largest zoo in the world. |
| B．It has the most animals. |
| C．It opens all year around. |
| D．It has large animals. |
| A．In the “Into Africa” exhibit. |
| B．In the Butterfly Paradise. |
| C．At the Penguin Beach. |
| D．In the Tiger Territory. |
| A．a guide |
| B．a film |
| C．an advertisement |
| D．the zoo’s keepers |
| A．have a London Pass |
| B．interview a zoo keeper |
| C．visit with children aged 3-4 |
| D．learn more about London Zoo |
【推荐2】Saturday, March 24th
We have arrived in the hot, wet city of Bangkok. This is our first trip to Thailand(泰国). All the different smells make us want to try the food. We are going to eat something special for dinner tonight. The hotel we are staying in is cheap, and very clean. We plan to stay here for a few days, visit some places in the city, and then travel to Chiang Mai in the North.
Tuesday, March 27th
Bangkok is wonderful and surprising! The places are interesting. We visited the famous market which was on water, and saw a lot of fruits and vegetables. Everything is so colorful, and we have taken hundreds of photos already! Later today we will leave for Chiang Mai. We will take the train north, stay in Chiang Mai for two days, and then catch a bus to Chiang Rai.
Friday, March 30th
Our trip to Chiang Rai was long and boring. We visited a small village in the mountains. The village people here love the quiet life--no computers or phones. They are the kindest people I have ever met. They always smile and say “hello”. Kathy and I can only speak a few words of Thai, so smiling is the best way to show our kindness. I feel good here and hope to be able to come back next year.
1. The diaries above show the writer stayed for _____ days in Thailand.| A．3 | B．7 | C．15 | D．30 |
| A．Chiang Mai is a beautiful city in the south of Thailand. |
| B．The writer is traveling alone in Thailand. |
| C．Chiang Rai is a boring city in the mountains. |
| D．The writer left Chiang Mai for Chiang Rai by bus. |
| A．My First Travel | B．The Outside World |
| C．Traveling in Thailand | D．A Country on the Train |
【推荐3】A Dream Realized
Zhao Yang, 33, an employee of a French company in Beijing, who has traveled extensively in the United States by motorbike.
I have been addicted to Harley-Davidson motorcycles since I was young, and knowing that motorcycle-related culture is very popular in the US, I decided to take a trip. Along with my wife and a group of fellow enthusiasts, I participated in a 15-day tour in October last year. We had one free day, so I headed to Las Vegas.
Before arriving in the US, I researched a range of materials about riding a motorbike there. I also found some classic recommended routes on Chinese websites related to Harley Davidson clubs.
With the help of their suggestions, I designed my own route.
In accordance with the rules, before I left China I visited a notary office (公证机关), where my driving license was confirmed as acceptable in the US and my documents were translated into English. Only then did I buy my basic motorcycle equipment.
When we arrived at Las Vegas, we rented a Harley Davidson and rode around the city. It was an exciting, unforgettable experience, because it was not only the achievement of a dream, but I also experienced the regional motorcycle culture in the US
. As we parked the bike at the roadside, some drivers rolled down their car windows and gave us the thumbs-up, and when we drove on the road, car drivers pulled over to let us pass. We also visited a motorcycle-themed restaurant for lunch and enjoyed the fantastic decoration and delicious food.
I believe that traveling by motorcycle in the US will become popular because of the recent joint efforts to promote Sino-US tourism, especially after the two countries decided to name 2016 as US-China Tourism Year. This new style of traveling will attract more young Chinese tourists, and people like me, who have a passion for freedom and adventure, will visit the US more frequently. For example, I am planning to travel along the famous highway called Route 66 with friends during next year's Spring Festival.
If travel agencies and governments can promote the need for motorcyclists to obtain accurate information before they head to the US - such as the required documents, how to rent a motorbike and local traffic laws - "riding the range" will become a safe and great way to spend a vacation.
1. Zhao Yang’s childhood dream was to ______.| A．become a professional motorcyclist |
| B．travel in Harley-Davidson motorcycles |
| C．take a trip in the USA along with his wife |
| D．travel to work on a fashionable motorcycle |
| A．made various research and checked his driving license |
| B．took the suggestions given and chose the classic route |
| C．joined one of the Harley Davidson clubs and got suggestions |
| D．took lots of health examinations and bought some equipment |
| A．disturbed | B．disappointed |
| C．depressed | D．excited |
A．enjoy much popularity with Sino- US tourism |
| B．obtain less American fans in motorcycle travel |
| C．get less support from the modern motorcyclists |
| D．meet more challenge with the information gap |
【推荐1】Does the lemon, the famous fruit of Limone, contain a secret ingredient that fights heart disease? Limone a small lemon-growing town on the shores of Lake Garda in nor hem Italy, holds a mystery which has made it popular with tourists in search of heath. About 30 years ago scientists discovered that many people from the town had a unique protein (蛋白质) in their blood. Thanks to it, the town’s people remained unaffected by heart disease even if they smoked, drank alcohol or ate large quantities of animal fat.
The discovery was wonderful for the people who lived in Limon; nowadays a million tourists visit their town between March and November each year. That makes 4,000 tourists per day—four times the actual population of the town. It is popularly believed that the protein must come from the lemons, which the town has grown for centuries. Until the discovery of the protein, the fruit was the only real source of income for the townspeople.
Lemons, which were brought to Europe from the Middle East in the 12th century, have many well-documented power. Over the years they have been used to treat all sorts of illnesses. At its peak in the 19th century , the lemon industry in Limone produced as many as 15 million of the fruit annually. The crop was so successful because of the situation of Lake Garda: although it is relatively far north, it is protected from the winner cold by the mountains which surround it.
Nowadays, sadly, competition from southern lemon producers has meant that Limone concentrates more on its tourist industry than on lemon growing. The few remaining growers still produce the best quality lemon, however. Signor Ezio Ceruti, a lemon producer, says, “To grow these lemons you need to love the trees and learn from the old people who still remember how it was once done. The trees respond by being healthy and producing beautiful fruit.” Although scientists do not yet know for certain whether this fruit contains the magic ingredient that protect the people of Limone against heart disease, a local lemon producer’s recommendation for health is simple: each day slice a whole lemon into a cup, fill with boiling water, cover, leave overnight, then strain and drink.
1. What do scientists believe about the unique protein?| A．It comes from the lemon. | B．It can treat all sorts of illness. |
| C．It protects people against heart disease. | D．It keeps people away from smoking and drinking. |
| A．people in Limone a tea whole lemon each day. |
| B．more people in Limone started to grow lemons. |
| C．the tourist industry developed rapidly in Limone |
| D．Lemon became the main source of income for Limone. |
| A．It has a population of about 1,000. |
| B．It is located at the top of a high mountain. |
| C．It produced more than 15 million lemons every year. |
| D．Its lemon-growing history dates back to the 19th century |
| A．we’re within easy reach of health | B．a lemon a day keeps the doctor away. |
| C．Lemon trees in Limone bear beautiful fruit. | D．one must work heart and soul to plant superior |
| A．Tourist industry in Limone | B．History of lemon growing |
| C．Lemon producers in Italy | D．Magic fruit of Limone |
【推荐2】Living and dealing with kids can be a tough job these days, but living and dealing with parents can be even tougher.
If I have learned anything in my 16 years, it is that communication is very important, both when you disagree and when you get along. With any relationship, you need to let the other person know how you are feeling. If you are not able to communicate, you drift apart. When you are mad at your parents, or anyone else, not talking to them doesn’t solve anything.
Communication begins with the concerns of another. It means that you can’t just come home from school, go up to your room and ignore everyone. Even if you just say “Hi”, and see how their day was for five minutes, it is better than nothing.
If you looked up the word “communication” in a dictionary, it would say “the exchange of ideas, the conveyance (表达) of information, means of communication such as a letter or a message”. To keep a good relationship, you must keep communication strong. Let people know how you feel, even if it’s just by writing a note.
When dealing with parents, you always have to make them feel good about how they are doing as a parent. If you are trying to make them see something as you see it, tell them that you’ll listen to what they have to say, but ask them politely to listen to you. Yelling or walking away only makes the situation worse.
This is an example: one night, Sophie went to a street party with her friends. She knew she had to be home by midnight after the fireworks, but she didn’t feel she could just ask to go home. That would be rude. After all, they had been nice enough to take her along with them. Needless to say, she was late getting home. Her parents were mad at first, but when Sophie explained why she was late, they weren’t as mad and let the incident go. Communication is the key factor here. If Sophie’s parents had not been willing to listen, Sophie would have been in a lot of trouble.
Communication isn’t a one-way deal: it goes both ways. Just remember: if you get into a situation like Sophie’s, tell the other person how you feel—listening is the key factor to communication.
1. In the writer’s view, dealing with parents is ________than with children.| A．more difficult | B．easier | C．more uninteresting | D．more interesting |
| A．the importance of friendship |
| B．the disadvantage of being angry with others |
| C．the importance of communication |
| D．the disagreement between generations |
| A．Sophie is very polite to her parents |
| B．Sophie’s parents are willing to listen to her |
| C．explanation is the best way to solve a problem |
| D．communication is the solution to misunderstanding |
| A．If you don’t agree with others, you’d better let them know |
| B．It is better to say “Hi”to others than say nothing |
| C．If you are not able to communicate, walk away |
| D．Communication is a two-way deal |
【推荐3】Most of time black and white appears as opposites. White means light and purity(纯洁),while black is darkness and evil. But it is not always true. Sometimes the words are used differently.
White hats and black hats represent the traditional meaning of the words. The hats are used to tell the “good guys” and the “bad guys” in American western movies. Now the tradition of white hats and black hats is no longer a part of movie making,but you still hear the expression when people talk about good guys and bad guys. “A black sheep” is a person who does things that are not accepted,who breaks tradition. “A black sheep” is rejected(被排斥)because he brings shame to his group. A family may have a member who is thought of as “a black sheep”,a person who is not welcome at family gatherings.
Black is also used in some expressions that describe good things. Being “in the black” for example,is a good thing for anyone. It is a business expression that means a company is making money. When someone says his business is “in the red”,he means it is losing money.
White usually means something good. A “white collar” job,for example,is the kind of job many people want. It is a job where you work at a desk,using your brain instead of your muscles. Sometimes white is used in an expression that is not good. “Whitewash” is such an expression. At first “whitewash” meant to paint over something with a white paint to make it look better. But now “whitewash” has a different meaning: to hide or cover up mistakes or failures.
1. When a person is called “a black sheep”,it shows that______.| A．he is as black as a sheep |
| B．he always feels on top of the world |
| C．he will create wonders |
| D．he is not welcomed by people around him |
| A．People usually think of black and white as opposites. |
| B．White hats and black hats are only used in movies. |
| C．White hats and black hats represent the “good guys” and the bad guys. |
| D．Black usually means something bad while white often means something good. |
| A．a black sheep | B．black hats | C．in the black | D．whitewash |
